Isabella’s debut effort opens with “Blame It On Your Truck”. This catchy number describes the classic excuse for getting home late after a date. At first her breathy voice seems almost too innocent for the lyrics, but you get used to her vocal style before long.

“Love Me Like That”, for which the album is named, was the first single released to radio, and cracked the Canadian Hot 100 back in 2011. It’s a soft, sweet melody, with a simple guitar backing. It sounds at points in this song like Isabella has to force her voice, as though she doesn’t quite have the range she needs. I also find the song a bit too precious, but I’m largely alone in that sentiment. Most people seem to like it.

This brings up another point I notice off and on throughout the album. Isabella lacks the raw vocal power of country music’s current superstars like Underwood or Miranda Lambert, but inviting those comparisons is unfair. Her voice is softer, at times to a fault, but it serves to portray the singer as something of a wide-eyed young girl, a bit like another up-and-comer, Tara Oram.

As soon as I draw this conclusion, however, Isabella flips a switch and comes out with “A Little More Work”. Her latest single turns out to be the best song on the album, and it’s only partly because of the sassy guitar work. Her voice has a slightly harder, flirty edge, and it works like magic. The come-hither tone will have any red-blooded male ready to do whatever it takes to win her over – and has this one singing along in falsetto every time it comes on.

“A Real Good Radio” was the second single, and the one that seemed to launch Isabella’s career, though it never charted. The ode to an old Ford Mustang with “super glue holding up the rearview mirror” is a bit generic in sound, but the lyrics paint a picture that will have anyone reminiscing about their first car.

“Songs About You” is the only song on the album that wasn’t penned by Isabella herself. It does have a certain complexity and range that her other songs don’t quite match, but it complements the rest of the album terrifically. The fact that it’s not even the best song on the album is a real testament to her songwriting ability.

The singer channels a little Taylor Swift with the next number, “I Can Love You Better Than That”. This is one of the better uses of Isabella’s soft voice, and her range seems more easily achieved, as though she’s finally warmed up into it.

The trend of Swift-like sentiments continues with “Little White Church”, which is where the singer wants the new boy in town to meet her – first after church to show him around, but dreaming of another eventual reason.

“Gonna Be A Hot One” is another example of where the teen could use a bit more edge in her voice.  It’s melodically interesting, especially through the link and chorus, but the titular line seems to fade off in an unexpected way.

“Dangerously Obvious” starts strong, too, before succumbing to my biggest complaint again – the singer seems uneasy about adding  bit of power to the key lyrics. That said, it’s still a solid effort, and you won’t skip past it.

Isabella’s instinct for softening her voice is, however, put to good use in “Her Heart”, a song requiring a touch so gentle that someone like Carrie Underwood or Reba McEntire could never do it justice. In fact, it’s tough to think of another artist capable of singing this number with such delicacy.

The first-time artist closes her album with the instructions found in “My Diary”. Starting on page one, she laments to her crush, “if only you could read/what’s in my diary”. The melody is familiar, as it’s similar to several used on the CD, but if you like one, you’ll like them all.

For a first-time effort, “Love Me Like That” is a great record. “A Little More Work” deserves a ton of airtime, and “Songs About You” ought to do well, too. If Kira Isabella can learn to add a bit of punch to her vocals, it will only improve her performances. As a songwriter, I’m very impressed with Isabella, though several of her tracks are too similar melodically. Touring with Carrie Underwood this year and with veteran Terri Clark in 2013 ought to do her some good. Besides raising her profile even further, Isabella should pay attention to how they add a bit of swagger to some songs. I look forward to seeing what else the young artist can do with a bit more experience and maturity. In the meantime, I’ll keep putting “A Little More Work” on repeat.

“Love Me Like That” is available now.

Kira Isabella’s Love Me Like That is now available in Canada.

RATING: 7/10

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3. EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Kira Isabella

Dean Brody opened the show with his hit “Canadian Girls,” kicking off a show that would see him win two awards: Best Male Artist and Album of the Year.

Other country faves taking home hardware at this year’s show included Carolyn Dawn Johnson, who won Female Artist of the Year and Hey Romeo, this year’s Group or Duo of the Year. Ottawa’s sweetest and brightest new talent, Kira Isabella, took home the Rising Star award. The Stellas, who have been out on the road with Johnny Reid, took home the award for CMT Video of the Year for their song “In This House.” Johnny, who had a whopping eight nominations tonight, was the recipient of the Fans’ Choice award.

This was the fourth year Reid has taken home the acclaimed Fans’ Choice Award:

“This has been a wonderful year. I have had an opportunity to cross this beautiful country and sing for so many people,” the Scottish-born Nova Scotia-based singer said . “Too many people to thank, but Saskatoon you have always had a special place in my heart. Thank you very much for this honour.”

The stage welcomed countless great performances, including Paul Brandt and a collaboration between Emerson Drive and Doc Walker. American faves, including Pistol Annies, Eric Church, and Jason Aldean made their way up north to rock the stage in addition to a solo performance by Miranda Lambert.

Also of note, the very lovely Taylor Swift made an appearance to both present an award and accept one herself. Taylor was the recipient of the New Generation award, which was introduced by Deric Rutan and Bryan Adams:

“I’m so happy to be in Saskatoon right now I can’t even tell you,” she said. “To country radio in Canada and the country music fans in Canada, you guys are the ones who choose to play my songs, you guys are the ones who choose to buy the albums and sell out the concerts and you’re the ones who make me so at home, I can’t wait to come back and see you every single time.”

Check out our recap of tonight’s winners:

Fans’ Choice Award
Johnny Reid

Single of the Year
They Don’t Make Em’ Like That Anymore – Jason Blaine

Album of the Year
DIRT – Dean Brody

Songwriter(s) of the Year
Is It Friday Yet? (written by Gord Bamford/Roger Brown/Byron Hill; performed by Gord Bamford)

CMT Video of the Year
In This House – The Stellas

Female Artist of the Year
Carolyn Dawn Johnson

Male Artist of the Year 
Dean Brody

Group or Duo of the Year 
Hey Romeo

Roots Artist or Group of the Year
Jimmy Rankin

Rising Star
Kira Isabella

Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year
Fire It Up – Johnny Reid

Top Selling International Album of the Year
Own The Night – Lady Antebellum

Image credit (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards)

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Kira shares:

 “To be on a tour with one of my ultimate idols, and on an arena tour, is simply incredible. Carrie is someone I really look up to as an artist. I can barely contain my excitement!”

Just in time for the tour, Kira announced today her debut album will be in stores October 2, 2012. Titled for her first 2011 single, “Love Me Like That” also features Kira’s previously released track, “A Real Good Radio” and current single that’s racing up the country charts, “A Little More Work.”

Racking up accomplishments before even releasing her debut album, Kira is nominated for the 2012 CCMA Rising Star Award. Catch her perform live on the awards broadcast on September 9. Kira Isabella is Canada’s brightest young country music star.  At just 18 years old she took home the “Country” award at the 2012 Canadian Radio Music Awards and has appeared at major Canadian country music festivals this past summer, including Boots and Hearts and Big Valley Jamboree.

See the full list of tour dates that Kira will join Carrie for below:

Tour Dates

October 1                    Saskatoon, SK                    Credit Union Centre

October 2                    Calgary, AB                         Scotiabank Saddledome

October 4                    Vancouver, BC                   Rogers Arena

December 6                London, ON                        John Labatt Centre

December 8                Ottawa, ON                          Scotiabank Place

December 9                Toronto, ON                        Air Canada Centre

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“All of today’s nominees deserve ample recognition for their excellence as well as their tremendous contribution to Canadian country music,” said Don Green, Executive Director, CCMA. “This year’s nominees reflect the depth of musical talent in Canada, and we’re so proud to be able to recognize those artists – both established and emerging – who have impacted Canadians with their music.”

A personal fave, Johnny Reid, leads the nominations with a total of eight. Country cutie Dean Brody follows close behind with seven of his own.

Performers expected to light up the stage at the Awards include Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Pistol Annies, Eric Church, Paul Brandt, Dean Brody, George Canyon, Johnny Reid, Deric Ruttan, Gord Bamford, Terri Clark, Chad Brownlee and High Valley.

Check out the list of nominees below!

FANS’ CHOICE AWARD
Gord Bamford
Dean Brody
Terri Clark
Hey Romeo
Johnny Reid

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Canadian Girls – Dean Brody
Fire It Up – Johnny Reid
Is It Friday Yet? – Gord Bamford
Somebody Somewhere – Dallas Smith
They Don’t Make Em’ Like That Anymore – Jason Blaine

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
16 & 1 – Doc Walker
DIRT – Dean Brody
Fire It Up – Johnny Reid
Give It Away – Paul Brandt
Roots And Wings – Terri Clark

SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
Canadian Girls (written by Dean Brody; performed by Dean Brody)
Fire It Up (written by Marty Dodson/Alan Frew/Johnny Reid; performed by Johnny Reid)
Is It Friday Yet? (written by Gord Bamford/Roger Brown/Byron Hill; performed by Gord Bamford)
Mainstreet, 1979 (written by Deric Ruttan; performed by Deric Ruttan)
They Don’t Make Em’ Like That Anymore (written by Jason Blaine/Deric Ruttan; performed by Jason Blaine

CMT VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Canadian Girls – Dean Brody
Fire It Up – Johnny Reid
Give It Away – Paul Brandt
I’m Your Man – Ryan Laird
In This House – The Stellas

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Victoria Banks
Terri Clark
Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Tara Oram
Michelle Wright

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gord Bamford
Jason Blaine
Dean Brody
Chad Brownlee
Johnny Reid

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
Doc Walker
Emerson Drive
Hey Romeo
High Valley
The Stellas

ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Ridley Bent
Shane Chisholm
Sean Hogan
Corb Lund
Jimmy Rankin

RISING STAR
Kira Isabella
Ryan Laird
Codie Prevost
Dallas Smith
The Stellas

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The country music category nominees are:

Marlee Scott – Beautiful Maybe
The Stellas – Perfect
Kira Isabella – Love Me Like That
Gomie – Everything Will Be Alright
Ryan Laird – I’m Your Man

The presentation of the award will take place on Friday, March 23 in Toronto during a gala luncheon.

Be sure to check out our EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS with Marlee Scott and Kira Isabella.

Good luck to the nominees!

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Her first single “Love Me Like That” has already found airplay on Canadian country radio stations across the country. She’s in love with country music for the story telling and for the true-to-life stories. She’s a bright young girl with an even brighter future.

Read our exclusive interview with my fellow Ottawa native Kira Isabella below:

You’re part of CMT’s “Gift Of Giving.” How important was it to you to be a part of it?

It was a pretty amazing experience. First of all, because of the contribution that Gift of Giving is giving to the food banks of Canada – actually, all the proceeds from the Gift Of Giving compilations CD are going towards the Food Bank. Knowing that I was a part of that, especially during this time of the year, was a really, really good feeling. I’m pretty grateful to be a part of that. Also, the company that I’m in on that CD is amazing. I grew up with all those people I think. It’s a pretty big dream come true to stand up there with all of them.

Talking about the other artists on the CD with you, who would you consider to be your inspiration?

They’re all pretty inspirational. I have to say I really, really love Carolyn Dawn Johnson. I look up to a lot as a person and as a songwriter. She’s a young artist just like me and she’s pretty much been in my shoes. I just look up to her a lot. She’s a pretty amazing woman, she was very, very kind and she was willing to give me advice and she was very comforting. It was great.

I know you’re a big Britney fan. If you could work with any artist who isn’t country, who would it be?

Oh my goodness, I’m totally going to be a 13 year-old girl right now and say Justin Bieber, for sure. He’s young like me and that would be pretty cool (laughs).

You just put out your new music video for “Real Good Radio.” Who came up with the idea for the video?

That was actually the Eady Brothers who directed it. They came up for the whole concept for the video. I loved it, I thought they did a great job, and I loved the way it turned out.

What would you consider to be your favorite moment of 2011 so far, and what’s one thing you’re hoping for in 2012?

I’ve kind of had a little moment, actually, when I was at the taping of the Gift Of Giving special. They had this nice little balcony area, and they had us all sitting up there. I kind of just sat on the balcony for a minute and looked out at everyone setting up the stage that I was going to perform on and they started playing my song. The band started playing my song really quietly, and obviously I recognized it. It kind of just hit me in that moment, that I was getting to be a part of this, that they were playing a song that I wrote in my living room last year. That was a pretty special moment for me.

The only thing I can hope for in the New Year is to perform as much as I possibly can because that’s what I love doing. Possibly meeting people, that’s what I’m most excited about.

Do you have plans for the holidays? I know you’re still here in Ottawa.

I’m here until the 26th, I’m leaving the day before my Mom’s birthday which kind of makes me sad. I’m going to Nashville! I’m pretty excited about that.

Right on! Have you been to Nashville before?

Yeah! I got to go once before but I was really, really sick. I’m hoping I can see more and maybe do some shopping this time.

Are you going to be working on your album while there? How is it going so far?

Yeah, I’m going on a little writing trip. It’s going really, really, really well. I’m learning a lot about the radio pretty much everyday. It’s a pretty new thing to me and I’m pretty excited to be going to Nashville and writing with people. I’m just working on the album right now, and hopefully we’ll get it out for the Spring – that’s what I’m aiming for.

What can fans expect from the album? Any idea yet?

When I know I’ll let everybody know (laughs). I just want it to be relateable – I want young girls my age to relate to it. I want to be able to get all the sides of me down – a little slower one like “Love Me Like That,” or a faster one like “A Real Good Radio.” Maybe we’ll get a little bit rocky with it. We’ll see. Hopefully it turns out!

You have a Christmas single out right now which is pretty cute, “A Country Boy For Christmas.”

Thank you!

Now how many of those things would you actually want in a boy?

Oh, all of them! (laughs). One of them on a guy is great, but if I could get one with all of them that would be amazing.

I read somewhere that you play guitar. When did you start playing guitar?

Well, my Mom’s side is pretty much all singers. My Dad’s is all musicians, so. I think I first started playing guitar when I was about seven. I think I was ten when my parents bought me my first electric guitar and I really started to show an interest in music. My Dad actually taught me!

Can you play any other instruments?

Just guitar. I’ve always wanted to learn to play piano. I have really tiny hands though.

What is it about country music that you love so much?

I get asked this one all the time. What don’t I love about it? You know, it’s always been my favourite genre of music. How it tells the story, I love how a country song can tell a story better than anyone else. A lot of the best singers are in country music. Ever since I was young, every time I tried to write a song it always came out country. I’ve always had a deep love for it.

You’re so young but you’ve already achieved so much. Do you feel like your age makes it hard to compete in the industry?

I think that people definitely underestimate me until I show them what I can do. I think that makes it a little bit more fun, do you know what I mean? I think that once they realize what I have to offer, that normally goes out the door. I definitely think that people underestimated me a lot in the past. That’s the only thing that I think hinders me because of my age.

When did you first figure out that music is what you wanted to do?

I think I’ve always known that music is what I wanted to do. It’s always been something that’s not only been a huge part of my life – it is my life! I can’t see me doing anything else. I’ve always loved performing and writing.

If you could put together your dream tour, who would you have?

Oh my goodness, okay, where do I begin? Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert.. I think it would be pretty incredible to have Willie Nelson. Yeah, that’d be pretty great! Maybe… everybody! Scotty McCreery. I really, really love him. I want to do a duet with him. I think he’s really cute.

Do you have a Christmas wish this year? Is there one thing you really want?

Honestly, I was thinking about and talking about this with my friends the other day. I can’t think of what I want for Christmas. I really can’t. I mean, I’ve had the most incredible year this year and I feel like asking for more would be bad for me. I don’t know, I just love my family and really wish I could see my brother. That would probably be my biggest Christmas wish this year. He’s out in Whistler and won’t make it home this year.

Is he your only brother?

Yeah. He’s 31, thirteen years older than me. I miss him a lot.

What would your family consider to be the best and worst part of your career?

My parents probably would say that I forced them to drive me everywhere in Ontario for singing competitions growing up. Gas, and my Dad threw out his back moving all my gear from show to show (laughs). Yeah, and I think the best part is that they’re always really proud of me and they love to watch me sing, hear me sing. They know that I’m happy up there, so them seeing that I’m happy doing what I love.

Is there a charity that you really want your fans to support this holiday season?

The Food Bank. The Toy Drive – I know we have Toy Mountain here in Ottawa. I got the chance to be part of Santas Anonymous when I was in Edmonton. They get about 25,000 toys to give for children in the Edmonton area. Just to think that that many children will have a Christmas is amazing. I think people should really, really think about that especially at this time of year.

Check out Kira’s music video for “A Real Good Radio” below:

Connect with Kira by:

kiraisabella.ca/
Facebook.com/kiraisabellamusic
@kira_isabella

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