Category Archives: Interviews

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Krystal Keith

Krystal Keith.

It’s been a pretty big last few weeks for Krystal Keith. The Show Dog Universal artist released her self-titled EP, and debut music video “Daddy Dance With Me.” We had the chance to speak to Krystal earlier this month about the release of her EP, music video, and the best advice she’s ever gotten for the industry, her upcoming full-length album “Whiskey & Lace,” surprising her dad, Toby Keith, at her wedding, crashing the stage as a child at her dad’s show, why she thinks Miranda Lambert is so bad-ass, and much more.

Make sure to pick up your copy of her self-titled EP, which is available now on iTunes or other digital music retailers, and get to know Krystal in our exclusive interview below:

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Trinity Bradshaw

Untitled 2
Trinity Bradshaw is a budding artist you ought to pay attention to. This country singer-songwriter is making a name for herself here in Canada with several notable accomplishments under her belt. The 21-year-old native of Summerside, Prince Edward Island was named 90.3 Amp Radio’s Amp Radio Rock Star earlier this year, a competition that saw her and others being judged by top music execs. She was also declared the winner of Sugar Crisp’s The First 15, a Canadian national songwriting competition, in 2011.

 

2013 is proving to be an exciting year for the young artist. Trinity is set to play at some major festivals, including Musexpo in California, the Calgary Stampede and Big Valley Jamboree. Moreover, her self-titled debut EP will be released tomorrow (May 7th) and we’re certain that it will be just the beginning of what is to come from this Canadian talent.

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Craig Campbell

Craig Campbell.

We had the chance to speak to country singer-songwriter Craig Campbell about his brand new record “Never Regret” out on May 7th. The “Family Man” Georgia native called us to talk all about his brand new sophomore record, if there was a difference between this record and his last, his brand new single, why respect is so important to him, and how Luke Bryan crashed his set shirtless.

Check out our exclusive interview with Craig below and let us know what you think of his new album. Did you pre-order your copy yet? What’s your favorite Craig Campbell tune?

Exclusive Interview: Introducing Brandon Chase

Brandon+Chase

If you’ve visited the Rising Stars of Country section on iTunes, there’s a chance you’ve seen Brandon Chase. His new EP, Country Enough, is featured there alongside the likes of country’s hottest new names, Charlie Worsham, Joel Crouse, Parmalee and more. However, if you haven’t heard his music yet, it’s time we introduce you to this  mega-talented Texan singer- songwriter.

KIC: For those readers who may be ‘meeting’ you for the first time in this blog, can you give us a little bit of a back story as to how you began performing?

BC: I started out my musical journey by singing in my church’s youth band when I was about 13/14. They had an audition to join the band, and for some reason, I just knew I had to try out. I went into it having absolutely no music experience other than beating on some drums. After making the band, I started teaching myself piano, which eventually led to guitar as well. I started writing worship songs for our youth band and found that I had a passion it. So I decided to major in songwriting in college which eventually evolved my writing into secular country songs. Now I’m performing all over town and loving every minute of it!

KIC: We read that you graduated high school at 15 and completed a master certificate for songwriting through Berklee at 18. What’s next?

BC: I actually graduated from Berklee at 17 believe it or not! But hopefully the next step in my life/career will be to tour the US and get the opportunity to meet all the amazing fans that I have had the pleasure to connect with through Facebook and Twitter.

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Donny Parenteau

Untitled

Donny Parenteau is a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. In the past ten years, he has racked up over 100 nominations at various award shows across Canada. He has also made several appearances on stage as an instrumentalist with country icons Neal McCoy, Merle Haggard, Faith Hill, Shania Twain and more. In his spare time, Donny is involved in an ample amount of charity and humanitarian work.

With a nomination for Sunday’s 2013 JUNO Awards in the Aboriginal Artist of the Year category, Donny is definitely an artist Canadian fans ought to pay attention to. We had the chance to speak with Donny and gain a better understanding of the man behind the music. He offers insight into his lyrical inspiration and his passion for public speaking in this EXCLUSIVE interview.

LeAnn Rimes opens up about her weight

leann rimes

After questions and controversy have followed LeAnn Rimes for years, she finally opened up about her weight to a British magazine. In her interview with Fabulous, she speaks about her weight, why fans don’t need to be concerned, her self confidence, becoming a step-mother, and her treatments for anxiety and stress.

On if she has purposely tried to gain weight since fans and media became concerned, she said:

“I never tried to lose weight and I never tried to gain it. It depends on how stressed I am. I was eating a ton and couldn’t put on weight!”

But the important question: is she happy with how she looks?

“I’m secure with my body. Trust me, there are moments when I’ve stood in the mirror and gone: “Oh my God, I’m getting cellulite!” but then I stand in a different light and I’m like: “Oh, it’s not so bad now.” I have my moments, like every woman.”

Read the full interview on Fabulous’ website here and let us know what you think about her opening up.

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Emerson Drive

Untitled

Emerson Drive is undoubtedly one of Canada’s most prized possessions. This five-piece band, hailing from Prairies, has made its mark on both Canadian and American country music over the span of almost two decades with several hits, nominations, and awards to be proud of. They are well known for songs including “I Should Be Sleeping,” “Fall Into Me,” “A Good Man,” and their chart topper, “Moments.” The band has picked up the award for Group or Duo of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards multiple times and are currently nominated for Country Album of the Year at the 2013 Juno Awards.

Roll, the band’s latest album, was released late last year and yet the first single, “She’s My Kind of Crazy,” has already been certified gold in Canada. The album features songs written almost entirely by the boys, all of which represent the lyrical, vocal, and instrumental talent that is Emerson Drive.

The band is currently in the middle of the CMT Hitlist Tour, which has seen stops in cities all across the country with fellow Canadians Doc Walker and Aaron Pritchett. We were lucky enough to sit down with lead singer Brad Mates after a terribly long bus ride from Winnipeg to Ottawa. That didn’t seem to matter, however, when we began to chat and Brad’s charming and caring personality shone through.

Join Jessica Northey for #Cmchat LIVE at The Ryman Wednesday 2/27

Ryman

Our friend Jessica Northey will be hosting a special edition of her famous #CMchat LIVE from the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, February 27th from 4-7 PM CST. If that’s not exciting enough, “#CMchat LIVE at the Ryman” will feature a TON of guests, including Tracy Lawrence, Jerrod Niemann, JT Hodges, KIC “One to Watch,” Rose Falcon, Sunny Sweeney and recent KIC Presents performer Logan Mize! Many more are expected to join in, so this is an internet event not to miss! The artists and panel will be interviewing the artists and interacting with fans/ viewers through Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus as a kick off to “CRS” week!

 Fans can RSVP HERE to get reminders on Google and we’ll be posting the event right here on our site! Make sure to join us! :)

Exclusive Interview: Introducing Josh Charles

josh charles

It’s the eve of the release of “Wasted on Love,” the first single from country piano-man Josh Charles. The song will be released via Downhome Records/ THC: Music/Ingrooves/Fontana, and is Charles’s first single since 2011′s critically-acclaimed “Life Ain’t Fair.” In addition to releasing his single this month, Josh recently went to Nashville, where he recorded with Grammy Award winner, Toby Wright and he’ll be backed by Blake Shelton‘s touring band, Rob Byus, Tracy Broussard, Kevin Post and Beau Tackett.

We discussed his background, who he’d LOVE to duet with, country music in NYC, his oddest job (hint: I’ve fallen and I can’t get up) and more! Plus, what’s it like to open for Blake Shelton? Read on to find out!

Exclusive Interview: Introducing Tiffany Houghton

Tiffany Houghton.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with country up and comer, Tiffany Houghton, while she was visiting New York. Upon meeting the Texan talent, she apologized profusely for her “messy” hotel room and excitedly told me about her adventures in the big apple.

Although she may be only nineteen, and technically, a Nashville newbie, Tiffany Houghton has always been driven by her love for music. When I asked Tiffany how she got into performing, without skipping a beat, she responded “Oh, I was born. I’ve always loved music. They say that I could sing before I could talk. I’ve always loved to perform,” She tells us. “I’d get on our kitchen counter and sing to the family. But I really got professionally into music when I was 10 and moved to NY, and did some Broadway and musicals and some acting.”