Love at First Listen, Music, Music Monday

Love at First Listen: 24 Artists to Watch in 2024

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Artists to Watch in 2024 - Alexander Stewart, Chappell Roan, New West, Bailee Madison, Olivia Lunny, Drake Milligan, Dayna Reid, Kalsey Kulyk

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules, and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

A new year = new music = new artists to obsess over, one song at a time. As you start making your first playlists of the new year, we’re confident you will fall in love at first listen with these 24 artists to watch in 2024—from Canadian groups to breakout solo acts, country rockers, and several familiar faces with a lot to say (and sing about).

  1. New West

If you weren’t one of Toronto-based artist collective New West’s 56.6 million listeners in 2023, this is your sign to start streaming them in 2024. There’s plenty of material to work with—the group released their debut album ‘Based On A True Story…‘ in October and kicked off the year with a new version of album closer “Those Eyes” featuring Zeph. Catch New West opening for fellow Canuck Charlotte Cardin in Ottawa (Feb. 6) and Laval, QC (Feb. 8-10) on her 99 Nights Tour, and stay tuned for the big plans they have in the works for the year ahead.

  1. Zeina

@zeinamates

#duet with @Shawn Desman thank you shawn 🫶🏽 #2000smusic #sample #rnb

♬ Hooked – Zeina

Brooklyn-born, Montreal-raised artist Zeina officially has the co-sign from Canadian hitmaker Shawn Desman thanks to her catchy new song “Hooked,” which calls back to his 2002 smash single “Shook.” And the praise isn’t just coming from one famous face—the song also skyrocketed to No. 1 on the iTunes R&B/Soul chart upon its release. Zeina is set to expand her audience through live shows to be announced in the coming months. If you’re not “hooked” yet, you will be this year!

  1. Drake Milligan

When Love at First Listen chatted with Drake Milligan in December, we didn’t know the new music he teased was coming out so soon. You can now stream the first single off his new EP ‘Jukebox Songs,’ “Don’t Leave Me Loving You.” If that has you craving more, you won’t have to wait long to hear the full EP on Feb. 16—and there’s bound to be a new song or two on the setlist when Drake opens for Cody Johnson on tour across the U.S. this spring, so start memorizing those lyrics!

  1. Bailee Madison

@baileemadison

Out at midnight ✨ #kindafun #newmusic

♬ Kinda Fun – Bailee Madison

You know and love Bailee Madison from her on-screen roles in shows like Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and Good Witch. Starting the year freshly signed to Jonas Group Entertainment’s Red Van Records (yes, that Jonas family), get ready to have some “fun” as you jam out to her debut single, “Kinda Fun,” co-written with her musical boyfriend Blake Richardson. Take it from Bailee that this is only the beginning because, as she writes, “The only solution is self evolution.”

  1. Kalsey Kulyk

Poetic country songstress Kalsey Kulyk has a lot to celebrate. Since Love at First Listen first spoke with her, her single “Love Me Like an Outlaw” has risen to the Top 20 on Canadian country radio, making her the only solo, independent female artist at the top of the charts. As Kalsey told us in December, she’s still set to release an album next month, with more radio singles and music videos to follow. “It’s going to have more of my sound and more of the songs that I’ve wanted to record for a long time,” she shared. We’re so ready!

  1. Alexander Stewart

After a breakout year in 2023 with his single “i wish you cheated” and a TV performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Canadian singer Alexander Stewart is riding his next wave of success following the release of his ‘if you only knew’ EP. Having just been named as one of Spotify’s Pop Rising Artists to Watch in 2024, expect more music, more live shows, and more opportunities to say, “I knew him when…!” (If you followed him during his teenage Press Play days, you’re a definite OG.)

  1. Meg Smith

Also tapped as a Spotify Pop Rising Artist to Watch, Meg Smith is the self-proclaimed “Hannah Montana of Bushwick.” She may write songs about not knowing what you’re doing, but she knows exactly what she’s doing when it comes to releasing infectious pop hits. Meg ended 2023 with billboards for her single “guitar center” in Los Angeles and New York’s Times Square and is starting 2024 with an attention-grabbing new single, “jesus christ in a mini skirt,” that’s just begging to be screamed along to in a GA pit.

  1. MacKenzie Porter

Canadian country queen MacKenzie Porter recently thanked her fans for rocking her world in 2023. In 2024, she’s guaranteed to be rocking all of our playlists with the 19 songs featured on her upcoming new album. And having a new record lined up for release, you know what’s next—tour time! Start preparing for the experience by streaming her latest single, “Bet You Break My Heart.” Fingers crossed that fans stateside will be able to check out a headlining show after MacKenzie’s highly successful Canadian run last fall!

  1. Chappell Roan

@chappellroan

oh my god this was so fun ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

♬ Red Wine Supernova – Chappell Roan

When Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour rolls into a city near you later this year, arrive early to have your ears blessed by Chappell Roan, who will be opening the show in select cities. Selling out clubs and small theatres last year, expect the self-proclaimed Midwest princess to follow in the footsteps of Olivia’s previous tour opener Holly Humberstone and move up the ranks faster than you can get through her already-expansive discography. Chappell’s set to be a festival favourite this summer, with scheduled performances at Hangout, Hinterland, Bonnaroo, and Governors Ball, and we’ll be at every set possible.

  1. Reneé Rapp

After celebrating the box office success of the Mean Girls musical adaptation, in which she steals the show as Regina George, Reneé Rapp will take her debut album ‘Snow Angel’ on the road to Europe and several North American festivals, including Boston Calling, Governors Ball, and Hangout. Reneé’s not just winning audiences over with her powerhouse pop vocals—she is also as real as it gets when it comes to being her bubbly self on social media and IRL. Whether it’s a media interview or paparazzi spotting, her viral moments simply leave us no choice but to stan.

  1. Rêve

After releasing her debut album ‘Saturn Return’—a slice of pop perfection—in 2023, Canada’s very own Rêve is ready to embark on her Saturn ReTOUR this March with cross-country tour dates supported by fellow Canadian pop icon Ralph. We need Rêve to have her moment stateside and have a good feeling 2024 may be her time to shine. Be sure to watch the just-released short film set to album track “Release Me,” which tells the story of “somehow finding glimmers that remind you of who you are between the speakers.”

  1. Presley Regier

@presleyregier

my microwave told me he alr pre-saved 😍 #singer #singersongwriter #newmusic #originalsound #fyp #viral

♬ original sound – presley regier

One of this summer’s hottest tickets is set to be Tate McRae’s Think Later tour, and while little was known about its announced opener Presley Regier, we’re now fully hyped. Following the October 2023 release of his debut EP ‘RUN,’ his first single of the year, “Typical,” is on its way to take over all of our On Repeat playlists. Grab a ticket to the tour now and be sure to keep Presley on this year’s release radar!

  1. Owen Riegling

Love at First Listen first met rising country star Owen Riegling when he supported former FGL singer Tyler Hubbard on a string of Canadian tour dates last year. Expect to see this up-and-comer rise to new heights—and hopefully much-deserved headliner status—this year following the release of “a lot” of new music, which Owen teased when he celebrated being named a Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch. First, he’ll drop his first single of 2024, “Home Less,” on Jan. 19 and join country heavyweight Chase Rise on the road across Canada, starting Feb. 13 in Vancouver before travelling east towards closing night in Montreal on Feb. 29. Don’t miss out!

  1. Lydia Sutherland

Emerging country-pop artist Lydia Sutherland has been on our radar for quite some time, but 2024 is looking like a bucket list year for this Nashville-based artist. Since signing with Universal Music Canada in 2022, singles like “best friend” and “look like your exes” have showcased her beautiful lyrics and melodies. To kick off another year of music, she’s joining forces with fellow country talent Alli Walker for every country girl’s next anthem, “Girls at the Bar,” out this Friday (Jan. 19). Don’t just look out for her behind the microphone—she’s also the mastermind behind some of our favourite songs by artists like Ben Chase and fellow 2024 Artist to Watch Owen Riegling.

  1. Olivia Lunny

If you’re craving a new pop “it” girl to stan who has an endless selection of repeat-worthy tracks, look no further than Canadian pop songstress Olivia Lunny. Since we interviewed Olivia in 2022, her latest single, “Fix This” featuring Bryce Vine, has been climbing the charts, thanks in part to overseas exposure from opening for Ellie Goulding and Loreen. She’ll be growing her international fanbase once again this year with exciting festival appearances, including The Great Escape in Brighton, UK, and other projects in the works. We can’t wait to see what’s next for this homegrown talent!

  1. Jayde

Like fellow 2024 artist to watch Olivia Lunny, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Jayde launched into stardom after appearing on season two of CTV’s talent competition show The Launch. Following a string of singles in 2023, Jayde is showing no signs of slowing down in 2024, having just been added as support for Preston Pablo’s Toronto show at the Axis Club on Feb. 8. Plus, we have to assume all of the studio selfies on her Instagram feed are leading up to something big.

  1. Sinéad Harnett

@sineadharnett

‘BOUNDARIES’ the new album 🔜🧡 there’s a younger version of us yearning to feel we’re enough, aching to be loved and needing to be understood. I truly believe that the only way out of your trauma is to go all the way through it. hope you love the trailer – I missed you x #indie #rnb #trauma #healing #therapy #fyp #album #comingsoon ✨

♬ original sound – Sinéad Harnett

“Thai-rish” singer Sinéad Harnett is no stranger to this blog, but 2024 may finally be her year to breakthrough to the mainstream and get the flowers she deserves. She already has something to “say,” which she’ll reveal on her forthcoming single “Say Something,” out Jan. 26. The new release also serves as our first taste of her upcoming album ‘Boundaries.’ As Sinéad wrote on Instagram, “This next chapter of my music feels like the most significant [and] I am overwhelmed with the deepest gratitude that I get to share it with you so soon.” We have so much gratitude for you, Sinéad!

  1. Teddy Swims

American artist Teddy Swims had nothing short of a wild ride to fame last year, largely catapulted by his incredible single “Lose Control” and Maren Morris collaboration, “Some Things I’ll Never Know.” Despite the immense success, we somehow don’t think he’s even close to reaching his peak. Teddy’s BBC Radio 1 cover of Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” is his latest viral moment and a respectful nod to how he got his start—posting covers on YouTube before signing with Warner Records and releasing his debut album in September 2023. With scheduled tour dates in the U.S. and Europe fast approaching, don’t miss out on some of his last smaller venue shows before he fills the big rooms.

  1. Riley Green

Country artist Riley Green is far from a newcomer, but we’re ready for him to hit the big stages that he deserves in 2024. Brush up on his 2023 album ‘Ain’t My Last Rodeo’ and fan favourites like the unreleased “I Couldn’t Fit That On A Sign” now because Riley gets back on the road in February and already has dates scheduled in amphitheatres and arenas all the way through to October. There’s no valid excuse to skip a show near you!

  1. Tyla

Music fans and critics alike have been watering the seed Tyla planted with her mega-viral 2023 single, “Water,” for months. Now, entering 2024, she has a debut self-titled album dropping March 1, international tour dates kicking off March 21, and that’s just what she’s revealed to us so far. We’re tuned all the way in for everything else she has in store!

  1. Megan Moroney

@megmoroney

new one called “no caller ID” #songwriter

♬ No Caller ID – Megan Moroney

Take it from Megan Moroney: It’s about to be a huge year for the emo cowgirls. If you’re a fan of artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson, you’ll be all over Megan’s nostalgic and all-too-relatable songwriting. (The girls that get it, get it!) Hear her magic in action on her 2023 debut album ‘Lucky,’ and again on her next single “No Caller ID,” out this Friday (Jan. 19).

  1. Nate Smith

Amid his ongoing World on Fire Tour, rapidly rising country rocker Nate Smith made his morning show debut with the TODAY Show and is now on track to have the No. 1 song on Billboard Country Airplay for a sixth straight week. That would put the angsty heartbreak song in the record books as just the seventh single to spend six or more weeks on top of the chart in the last decade—no big deal. Building on that momentum, Nate features on Canadian DJ Frank Walker’s latest single, “Missing You,” and we can’t wait to see what festival gets the live debut! He’s also teasing a new solo single, “Bulletproof,” proving there’s a ton for fans to be excited about in 2024.

  1. Dayna Reid

@daynareidmusic

“You can call me a fool, say I’m selfish But these four damn walls are leaving me helpless It’s killing me (killing me) The ghost in the closet, is gonna be lonely Written in the stars girl you gotta be happy Happy So don’t think that I don’t care It’s a great big world out there” ‘This House’ is out tonight at midnight 💜🎶🪞 #ThisHouse #DaynaReid #newmusic #comingsoon #CountryMusic #unreleasedmusic #unreleased #itsjustasong #fyp

♬ original sound – Dayna Reid

While some artists throw release parties, Canadian singer-songwriter Dayna Reid celebrated release day for her emotional new single “This House” with a billboard in Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square courtesy of her new friends at Amazon Music Canada. We’re obsessed with the song and can’t wait to further introduce you to this rising country star in our next Love at First Listen feature coming next Friday (Jan. 26)—the same day the song’s stunning music video will further welcome fans into Dayna’s world.

  1. Hailey Benedict

When we say you don’t know what SiriusXM Top of the Country 2023 winner Hailey Benedict has in store for 2024, we mean it literally, but also in the sense that you should buckle up and get ready now. Consider this a formal PSA—and, in the meantime, keep streaming her single “Damn You July” because it’s too good not to!

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Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music

Love at First Listen with Kalsey Kulyk

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Kalsey Kulyk Interview Love at First Listen 2023

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules, and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

With her refreshing brand of poetic country, Canadian songstress Kalsey Kulyk is making her mark on country music and showing no signs of stopping. With past experience working with industry heavyweights including Lainey Wilson and opening for country jammers like the Hunter Brothers, Kalsey’s latest release, “Love Me Like an Outlaw,” is enjoying great success in the top 30 at Canadian country radio and continues to rise. Having also trended on Shazam and Stingray and being selected as One to Watch by Rogers, the song’s success is setting the stage for an exciting next year for the emerging star. But first, she’s joining America’s Got Talent fan favourite Drake Milligan on the road for three Western Canadian dates, blessing Saskatoon Dec. 6, Edmonton Dec. 7, and Calgary Dec. 8 with a can’t-miss night of music.

In this edition of Love at First Listen, Kalsey shares the story behind the single that was five years in the making, the surprise cameo in her latest music video, and how to win free merch if you’re seeing her open for Drake later this week.

You had “Love Me Like an Outlaw” in the vault for nearly five years before you released it this summer. What made you decide this was the right time to share it with the world?

When I wrote that song back in Nashville in 2018, I just loved it so much. It made my heart so happy when I walked out of the writing room. I love a lot of the songs that I’ve written, but that one just felt special. The team that I was working with at the time didn’t really respond to that song, but I held on to it.

When we decided that we were going to release a record, we recorded two songs and then had more songs to pick for the next batch and I was like, man, I hadn’t even put this song in the first batch and I’ve loved this song forever. So, I just put it in the list and didn’t really say anything. My producer and my radio tracker came back and they were like, ‘Oh my gosh, we love this song. We have to record this one.’ And I was like, yes! We put it out and it got a really good response from listeners, so my radio tracker was like, ‘Let’s just put it out to radio.’ It’s honestly doing way better than I thought it was going to and I’m just so grateful. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut.

How does it feel to have a song this meaningful be your first top 30 at Canadian country radio?

It makes me a little emotional thinking about it because I’ve wanted to record this song for such a long time. And I’m an independent artist, which makes it really hard to do well on radio. Also, I’m a mom, and for some reason, in the music industry, there’s this stigma around moms that they can’t be successful and their music career’s over after they’ve had a baby. But actually, mine is doing way better than it ever did after having my son. They say that babies bring blessings. So, I guess my son brought a really big blessing to my life, but also to my career as well.

How was your experience making the “Love Me Like an Outlaw” music video? Are there any interesting behind-the-scenes secrets you can share?

My whole outfit is a random collection of outrageous things I’ve got along the way, and some are stolen from my mom’s closet. (Sorry, mom!) But filming it was amazing. My cousins had a neighbour that had this gorgeous ranch and 30 some horses. The horses were coming up around me and it was just so cool. It was also like, ‘Oh, weird that this girl’s singing to us!’ It’s funny to see the horses react. And my husband is the cowboy in the cabin. We always try, whenever we’re in each other’s music videos, to hide our face so people don’t think our partner is in it with us. So, it was a labour of love, but we had a lot of fun doing it and we’re really happy with how the video turned out.

You’re about to join Drake Milligan, our new friend at Love at First Listen, for a string of Canadian shows. Can you preview your set for concertgoers?

We’re going to be doing a 30-minute set playing some songs that we’ve already released — obviously “Love Me Like an Outlaw” and “Ain’t Enough Whiskey” — and then some [familiar] covers. I’m bringing my banjo and dobro player with me and then my guitar player. So, it’s going to be acoustic but it’s still going to be fun and high energy. We’re really excited. We’re also going to give out some free merch. So, anybody who’s reading this, make sure to get out in front so you get a free T-shirt or something.

You recently posted a video on TikTok of you hearing your song on the radio in Saskatchewan, your home province. I feel like as an artist, every time that happens, it must be a ‘pinch me’ moment!

It really is. Sometimes I am extremely excited. Other times, I get super emotional, get a frog in my throat, and can’t talk because we work our whole lives. I’ve been singing since I was three years old too, and to hear that people are liking the song enough to play it on radio stations and that a lot of other people are going to hear that song is really part of the dream come true.

@kalseykulyk

Im not crying, you are! 🥹😭❤️🙏🏼 #countrymusic #country #music #countrygirl #countryboy @CISN Country 103.9

♬ original sound – Kalsey Kulyk

Like the name of this interview series suggests, we’re all about new music that we can love at first listen. Can you share some of the artists you’ve loved at first listen recently?

One artist that I really like that everybody’s really liking right now is Bailey Zimmerman. I think he’s got such a cool thing. His voice is just so different. And, obviously, I’m going to give a shout out to my husband, Eric Ethridge. He’s got new music on the way. I’m a big fan of him. I’m also a fan of Lainey Wilson because we used to write together in Nashville, and she released a song that we wrote together called “Dreamcatcher.” So, I would say those artists are super inspiring and paving their own path.

You have been open in sharing your journey with cancer and recently celebrated 15 years cancer free. You’ve also said that ringing the bell at the hospital is the moment you decided to commit 100 percent to music. Having been able to chase your dream and see the success you’ve had to date is an incredible gift, so what advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps and start chasing their dream?

I think the first step is just believing in yourself because that’s really the biggest part that you have to do. This music industry is full of highs and lows and people telling you a million no’s. The biggest piece of advice that somebody gave me was that you’ve got to work, work more, and then work some more because you’re the only one that’s going to be working for yourself. I write two or three songs a day. Really know who you are as an artist, figure that out, find your sound, and just be who you are because nobody else can be that.

When you look back on 2023, what were your career highs and how do you hope to replicate or even challenge yourself to top those in 2024?

The top 30 is definitely one of the top, if not the top, and then playing Cavendish Beach Music Festival and getting to open up for Chris Stapleton was a really cool moment. Playing a festival in Spain with my husband was another one. That was cool because I got to do what I love with the person that I love.

Next year is going to be an even busier and more exciting year because we’re releasing a record in February and it’s going to have more of my sound and more of the songs that I’ve wanted to record for a long time. Obviously, we’re going to take some songs to radio, do some more video shoots, and it’d be good to top the success that we’ve had this year, but I’m honestly just trying to soak in all of the good news. It’s still pretty new, and I’m not sure that it’s hit me yet.

Is there any message you want to send to your fans who helped bring “Love Me Like an Outlaw” to the top 30 at country radio, or people who may be attending an upcoming show and seeing you for the first time?

The biggest thing is just a huge thank you to the people that have been supporting me and have called radio stations over the years when I haven’t even asked them to do that. It really means the world, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the shares on social media, for the likes and comments… You really don’t know how much it means to an artist, and the love is sent right back.

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Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music, Music Monday

Love at First Listen with Drake Milligan

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Drake Milligan Interview Love at First Listen 2023

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules, and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

Giddy up, country music fans — there’s a fresh face on the scene ready to take over your playlist and your heart. Drake Milligan first caught the attention of the A-list judges on America’s Got Talent last year as the ever tough-to-crack Simon Cowell praised his “real charisma.” Quickly becoming an AGT fan favourite, his debut, critically acclaimed album ‘Dallas/Fort Worth’ grew his audience to more than 3.4 million Spotify listeners locally and internationally, including here in Canada. Did we mention he also scored his first Canadian country radio #1 with The Reklaws on their joint hit single, “Honky Tonkin’ About”?

Drake is days away from kicking off his first Canadian headlining tour with stops in Regina (Dec. 5), Saskatoon (Dec. 6), Edmonton (Dec. 7), and Calgary (Dec. 8) supported by Canadian country songstress Kalsey Kulyk (our next Love at First Listen feature!). He’s set to wrap up his whirlwind year at home with a performance at one of the world’s largest New Year’s Honky Tonks in Fort Worth, TX, before he opens for Cody Johnson on tour across the U.S. next spring.

Ahead of his final shows of the year, Love at First Listen caught up with Drake Milligan to chat all things AGT, #1 songs, and why, even if you’ve seen him live before, his next shows will be a whole new experience.

Welcome to Love at First Listen! You’ve had an absolutely stacked year and you continue to add to a seemingly never-ending string of milestones, having just landed your first-ever Canadian country radio #1 and kicking off a new tour. Is it even possible to take a moment and absorb all that action?

Not at all. It’s all happening so fast. I got a week off back home before gearing up for tour, so that was my one opportunity to sit back and kind of take it all in. With these Canadian shows coming up, this is my first time visiting some of these cities, so it’ll be a lot of fun.

Fans watched your America’s Got Talent journey play out on TV, but how was it for you? What was the biggest lesson you took from your time on the show and how did it help accelerate your career?

As a new artist that had been on the road, I had material recorded but not released yet, so that show was a perfect opportunity for me to showcase it to the world. After the show, I really learned that I can perform on a high level. Those live shows are no joke — it’s truly live. And you’re in front of not only a big theater of a few thousand fans, but you’re in front of millions of people who are watching live at home. So, it’s pretty daunting, but if you can get on the other side of it and pull it off, you feel like, okay, there’s really nothing I could be fazed by.

You were raised in Texas and moved to Nashville at the age of 19. What was going through your mind as you made that big leap and invested in yourself and your career at a young age? Take us through your first couple of months in Music City.

I think I was too naive to really know what I was doing. I really jumped in and started writing songs. My sole focus was finding great songwriters. People that had written some of my favorite songs and some of these ‘90s country songs that I love are still around Nashville writing great music. So, that was my first objective — finding them, seeking them out, and trying to learn from them. I was lucky enough to do that and learn a lot about songwriting and still am learning a lot.

What advice would you give someone who has watched your journey and wants to follow in your footsteps?

Go for it and stay true to yourself, and make sure you go in there knowing what you want to say and how you want to say it.

Coming back to that impressive and exciting Canadian country radio #1 for “Honky Tonkin’ About,” how did you initially connect with The Reklaws (our favourite Canadian country duo!) and how was it playing the song live for the first time to open the 2023 CCMA Awards?

It’s been incredible! My label first reached out and said there was a great Canadian group that wanted to do a song with me. I had heard a little bit about them before then, but as soon as I met them, we became fast friends. They’re amazing and I was really honoured that they wanted me to be a part of the song.

Who is on your bucket list of collaborators for 2024? How can we help you manifest them?!

There’s a few I’d love to work with. On my first record, ‘Dallas/Fort Worth,’ I got Vince Gill to come sing a song with me. He’s one of my heroes and we’re gearing up to hopefully cut another record. I would love to get another country music legend in there. Obviously for a Texan, George Strait is at the top of the list, but you know, any legend will do!

The end of the year always seems to inspire a lot of self-reflection and thanksgiving. When you think back on 2023, what was your career high—if it’s possible to pinpoint one—and what are you most looking forward to in 2024?

I feel like this whole summer has been on a high. We played so many shows this year; I know it’s over 100 shows all over the States. We played in London, across the UK, and we played in Glasgow, Scotland, which was definitely a highlight. But I just feel like being on the road was all one big highlight for me — playing so many shows, watching the shows get bigger, and watching as our show got better. The more we play, the better we are, so it’s been a really great year for just keeping the train rolling.

Are you working on anything else that fans can look forward to as you wrap up this jam-packed year and prep for the next one?

With all of the shows we played this year, I feel like mostly everybody’s got to see a little bit of it. So, we’re going to change things up and totally revamp the live show. We have some new songs recorded and I’m hopefully going back in again and cutting some more songs soon. So, there’ll be new music coming out and lots to look forward to in the new year. I want to be doing this for a long time, and this year felt like the first one of a long career.

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Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music, Music Monday

Love at First Listen with MacKenzie Porter

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MacKenzie Porter Interview Love at First Listen 2023

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules, and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

Canadian country queen MacKenzie Porter is the definition of booked and busy. If it feels like she’s been racking up a new set of career milestones every few months, it’s because she has—she was named to the CMT Women of Country Class of 2021, earned Academy of Country Music Award and American Music Award nominations for her duet with Dustin Lynch, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which also marked her first U.S. Country #1, and landed a sixth #1 at Canadian country radio with her latest single “Chasing Tornadoes.”

Shockingly, despite years of homegrown and international success, MacKenzie has yet to have a moment to celebrate with Canadian audiences. That will all change when she embarks on her first nationwide headlining tour this week, starting Friday (November 3) in Toronto. Soon after, fans will gain a whole new set of songs to memorize and play on repeat when MacKenzie releases her long-awaited debut album in the first quarter of 2024. So, it’s safe to say the MacKenzie Porter country reign is just getting started.

In this edition of Love at First Listen, MacKenzie reflects on her whirlwind journey and shares a first look at her new tour setlist (read to the end to find out how you can meet her at the shows!).

“Chasing Tornadoes” is the lead single off your upcoming debut album. Amongst all the material you had written to date, how did you decide this song was the one to officially kick off a new era?

The new record is way more country than some of the other stuff I’ve been putting out before. We still have my pop influenced parts of it, but I think the overall sound is more like wooden instrumental—like there’s fiddle on almost every song. So, “Chasing Tornadoes” is a good bridge between “Pickup,” which is a lot more poppy, to this record.

For anyone who hasn’t heard “Chasing Tornadoes,” can you describe the story behind the song?

It’s about being in a relationship or a situation that you know is probably not good for you. It’s chaotic and messy and might not end amazingly, but there’s something that’s fun about that. I think we’ve all been in situations where you’re like, oh well, I’ll deal with the consequences later. So, that’s what the song is about and it’s actually kind of cool because I did not write this song. There’s going to be 20 songs on the record, and I’ve written probably 12, but this is one Lainey Wilson wrote. I love Lainey and her record was finished, so this song of hers worked perfectly on mine.

Given all you’ve accomplished in a few short years, is it even possible to take a moment and let everything sink in, or is life just a constant string of pinch-me moments?

It sounds sad because obviously I should be enjoying those moments, but by the time something like a #1 is announced, I’d put the song out months ago, so we are already working ahead on the next project. But of course, we’ll always have a glass of wine or do something to celebrate.

Let’s talk tour! Aside from the fan favourites, how much new music can concertgoers expect to be amongst the first to hear?

I’m definitely going to play new songs. I want to make sure I play all the ones that people want to hear and that they know because when I go to a concert, I want to hear the hits. But I also really want to bring people into this new record, and that’s what you’ll get when you come to the show. I’m going to do some old, old songs that I first put out, and then this era of the last three years, and then the new era, including my favourites off the record. So, it’ll take us through the whole thing.

On Instagram, you’ve been asking what songs fans want on the setlist. Was there anything they were requesting early on that made you stop and go, ooh, maybe I actually should add that?

A lot of people were saying early, OG songs like “I Wish I’d Known,” which was the first song I put out in like 2013. I was not planning to play that song, but now I’ve got to go back and listen to it and relearn it. I also want to have moments where if somebody’s yelling from the crowd, you’ve got to play this song, I want to make sure that I can play it as well.

Performance outfits are half the fun of touring, and you’ve shared some try-on videos online. Talk to us about your on-stage style! How does it differ from your day-to-day fashion?

It differs quite a bit. I wouldn’t wear a sparkly dress—I’d actually probably be in sweatpants most of the time. But I always think that my stage style has the exaggerated outfits of my life. I love unique pieces. That process of shopping is so fun for me.

Opening these shows is our friend at Love at First Listen, Griffen Palmer. How did you connect, and how excited are you to have a fellow Canadian and labelmate on the road with you?

I actually cut a song that Griffen wrote called “Drinkin’ Songs,” so hopefully we’ll get to write some songs on the road too. But I’m really excited. His music’s incredible, and Canada has been the place that I have really been able to build a career. So, I always want to bring other Canadian acts out and support that industry because it does mean a lot to me and it is really the reason I get to do this for a living.

You’re also hosting your inaugural Country vs. Cancer benefit on November 20, where you’ll be joined in Nashville by Dustin Lynch, Walker Hayes, Lily Rose, and Nate Smith in support of the American Cancer Society. Why is it important for you to use your voice to amplify causes close to your heart?

What’s the point of having an audience if you can’t try to do some good with it too? I mean, making music and having people relate to your songs and being able to help get them through a hard time is incredible. But I do feel the responsibility to try to do more, and that cause is really close to my heart because my mom had breast cancer. So, this is raising money for all different types of cancers, but October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We had help in those times from family and friends and I want to be able to pay that forward as well.

Event poster announcing MacKenzie Porter's inaugural Country vs. Cancer benefit concert in Nashville on November 20, 2023.
After wrapping her debut Canadian headlining tour, MacKenzie Porter will head to Nashville to host her inaugural Country vs. Cancer benefit concert with former collaborators, labelmates, and other peers.

Spending so much time on the road, have you picked up any self-care secrets that help keep your mind, body, and voice healthy and ready for the next gig?

I definitely warm up for every show. I actually used to do a shot of vodka or something, but I’ve stopped doing that because I do feel like rest and keeping your body healthy when you’re going that much is so important. We do grueling days where it’s a 5 a.m. start, you travel all day and you play the show, and then you do it again the next day. So, I’m really trying to be healthy and clean to keep up with the schedule and not get rundown.

Do you have a message to send to your fans who will be seeing you at an upcoming show or to anyone who needs a final push to buy a ticket?

This Canadian tour is a first for me, so it’s a really special moment for me to get out and really thank people for the last five years or more of my career. They’ve shown up for me, and I hope we really show up for them on this tour. And after the show, I’m just going to be hanging out and meeting people and thanking people and taking pictures and all that until literally the last person leaves the venue. So, it will be a more intimate experience than just a regular show.

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Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music

Love at First Listen with Hailey Benedict

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Hailey Benedict Interview Love at First Listen 2023

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules, and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

When country superstar Keith Urban pulled a then 14-year-old Hailey Benedict out of the crowd and up on stage at a 2016 concert, neither of them could’ve predicted the series of life-changing events that would follow. His question to Hailey: “What’s the dream job in life?” Her answer, without hesitation: “Be a singer-songwriter.” An enthusiastic “Yes!” in response led to Keith shining the spotlight on Hailey, passing her a guitar, and letting her sing an original song for a packed arena. Since then, Hailey has grown into a full-fledged performer making that dream—and so many others—come true.

Fans of fellow country pop songstresses Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, and Lainey Wilson will gravitate towards Hailey’s smooth vocals and autobiographical lyrics, which shine on songs like “Wanted You To” and her recent summer single “Damn You July.” As testament to her rising star status, Hailey is vying for victory at this week’s Canadian Country Music Awards (Sept. 16) and in the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition (Sept. 14), both part of Country Music Week. Her industry buzz and growing fan love (264K TikTok followers and counting!) are further proof she’s destined for big things, and you can be sure the now 21-year-old is just getting started.

In this edition of Love at First Listen, we’re celebrating Hailey’s biggest Country Music Week yet as she prepares for a jam-packed weekend, reflects on her American Idol journey, and reveals which ‘Era’ of her life she’s embracing this fall.

“Damn You July” was your first single after almost two years and has been the catalyst to multiple career milestones (not to mention that it’s currently Top 50 on Canadian country radio!). How did you know it was the right song at the right time?

I’d written with my friends, Rich Cloke and Elias James, and the moment we finished it, it was one of those feelings of like, we’ve got a special song here. I started playing it while on tour with Aaron Goodvin and found people really resonated with it. It also felt like something completely different than I had written or recorded before. All of that led to me bringing it into the studio and making it part of the Top of the Country competition, and I’m really proud of how it all turned out.

Building on that success, you’re nominated for the CCMA Innovative Campaign of the Year Award and are a Top 3 finalist in the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. What does it mean to you to be part of this special week for Canadian country music while enjoying these major accomplishments?

It’s absolutely insane and I feel very grateful that I get to just be part of it. I’ve been attending the CCMAs since I was 14. Even with the Top of the Country competition, I’ve gone every year and thought it’d be really cool to be part of. I’m excited to soak it all in.

The Top of the Country concert features a headlining performance by The Reklaws. Considering the country scene is always described as a family, have you met them before?

I’ve met Jenna, and I’m a big Reklaws fan. They don’t put out a bad song. Jenna and I were supposed to write in Nashville back in May and then schedules got moved, so I think that’s still in the cards for one day when I’m back down there. I can’t wait to watch their performance.

You were invited to audition for American Idol in 2020, so you’re no stranger to rocking a singing competition. What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

What’s so awesome about music is there are so many different paths you can take and so many things you can explore. I say experiment and do the things that feel right and make you happy, whether it is a local competition, performing for your friends and family, or trying to get on every show you can — whatever is going to make your heart the most excited and ready for your career.

Your CCMA nomination is for a TikTok challenge you created to test your own guitar playing skills and “empower others to take [a] leap.” Having amassed a following online, is it still a shock to come out from behind the screen and see everything come to life?

I remember during the first show back after COVID I was like, this is weird. I felt at home, but because I’d been so used to doing Zoom performances, I almost forgot I had a whole body and real people were watching. As I’ve gone to more shows, even down in Nashville, I’ve had a couple fans who’ve followed me from my very first videos say hi. You see numbers on a screen, but you don’t totally know what that means until you start going out and playing and people recognize your music. It’s been really fulfilling and exciting.

Country fans in Alberta will get to catch you opening for Tim Hicks on a six-show run across the province this October. What experience do you hope to bring to those audiences?

One thing that I love about music and especially country music is the storytelling aspect, and I think with Tim’s upcoming tour, that campfire troubadour feeling is going to probably be a big focus. I hope to just add to that experience and give people something to make them feel a little more celebrated or a little more loved and seen. It’s going to be a fun time.

You’ve shared the stage with several amazing country legends and friends. Has there been one concert that’s stuck with you and inspired your own stage presence?

I saw Taylor Swift on the Speak Now tour when I was eight or nine. That definitely inspired me because she was doing everything that a young country artist could dream of, and she was paving the way for so many artists.

Speaking of Taylor, have you scored tickets to The Eras Tour?

I did, in Nashville! My sister and I ended up getting floor tickets through the Ticketmaster lottery for my birthday. It was everything and more. Taylor is incredible. I’m going to watch the Eras movie when it’s out because I’m sad that the show went so fast.

What Taylor Swift ‘Era’ would you say that you’re in?

My gosh, that’s a good question. I would probably say my ‘Red’ era. Maybe it’s the fall vibes right now, but I also feel like her ‘Red’ era was her exploring different types of genres and that’s where I’m at right now — just experimenting with lots of different sounds and finding my sound.

Do you have a message to send to your fans heading into CCMAs weekend?

I’m very grateful for everyone’s support, and hopefully I’ll get to see you at a show near you soon.

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