Dixie Chick Goes Solo: Natalie Maines To Release 'Mother,' Leaving Controversial Past Behind

Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines goes solo, seen in a new haircut at the South By Southwest Festival as she attempts to make a name for herself outside of her controversial past.

Appearing alone at the Austin City Limits Live hall maybe should be seen as a training sort for the longtime respected singer attempting a new approach.

Maines, 38, will release a new album Mother due out May 7, the first material from any of the band's members since 2007. The new release is co-produced by herself and friend Ben Harper. Some of the songs are written by Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder as well as singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley.

"I was a little apprehensive to do something by myself; I've never done anything without the other Chicks," Maines said, according to MSN. "It was weird at first."

"I wanted this music to be very different from the Dixie Chicks," she added.

"Lots of albums by lead singers might just as well have been made by the band, but I think this is very different from anything the Chicks could make. That separation and distinction was important," Maines continued.

The album does have more influence of rock than her usual country style, which critics have said it does take some getting used to.

"I think I thought time would heal and that I would come around. But just like the song says, I'm still waiting," Maines told the Associated Press.