Introducing Brett Kissel
An unexpected hit on the The Country Music Cruise 2014, up-and-coming Canadian country star Brett Kissel will be joining us again in 2015. His debut single release in June 2013, “Started with a Song,” made an explosive debut, becoming the most added track at Canadian country radio, eclipsing the record previously held by Taylor Swift. In March 2014, he took home a Juno Award (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy) for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. And “home” right now is Nashville. Brett recently moved from the family ranch in Flat Lake, Alberta, Canada, to Nashville, and has just wrapped up a new album. He’s hoping that it will be out in time for CMC ’15.
CMC: Even the Canadians on board might not have heard of your hometown, Flat Lake, Alberta.
B.K.: It’s a crossroads, north of Edmonton, so that’s pretty far north. A long drive from Nashville! And I know because I’ve done it a few times! I’ve got to say, though, I’m loving it here in Nashville. We live here now. My management is here, and Nashville is home. But I’ll never forget how good the Canadian fans have been to me, giving me my early breaks. If I know there are some Canadians on board the cruise, I’ll do some Canadian songs for them. I’m proud of where I come from.
There will be some Guests on our 2015 cruise who didn’t hear you last year. How would you introduce yourself to them?
I come from a cattle ranch, and I’ve always been a BIG fan of country music. It’s all I ever wanted to play. I’d say, maybe you haven’t heard of me, but country music brings us all together. We all love it, and I’m just so appreciative of the opportunity to get out and play my music any chance I get. I’ve played in Europe, coast-to-coast in Canada, and I had a blast on the cruise last year. It was a chance to take my music before a new audience, and win them over. And in case you hadn’t guessed, sailing around the Caribbean in January beats farmwork in Alberta in January.
Growing up, was there one moment when you decided you wanted to risk it all on becoming a singer?
Not really. It’s just all I’ve ever wanted to do. Even as a kid, I had a little guitar from the age of six, and I’d perform on the couch. When I was 12, 13, 15, I was out performing every weekend. I never had another hobby, no deep-seated passion other than music. Every moment of my life has been dedicated to this.
Who were the artists who greatly influenced you?
Vince Gill, for one. And what a great opportunity it was to see him on the last cruise. Dwight Yoakam. I just got to do some shows with him. A great honor. Above all, though, I’d have to say Garth Brooks and George Strait. I’m working with Garth’s management company, so you can imagine that’s a big deal for me. But George Strait is the king. I was fortunate to see the Nashville show on his farewell tour. It was life-changing. All those hits! No light shows or pyro, just a man with a guitar singing great songs. Isn’t that what country music is all about?
Tell us about your new album.
I’m with Warner Bros., and this is the first album I’ve recorded in Nashville. The change in quality is incredible. I wrote or co-wrote all the songs, but the musicians helped me to define and emphasize the hooks and the strong points of the melodies. Things really came together. This album felt like this is where the magic happens.
What’s your next goal?
I take it a few months at a time, so I’m really excited about the festivals and tours we have lined up for this summer. But my one big goal is to play the Grand Ole Opry. I’d just LOVE to do that!
Get to know Brett Kissel during The Country Music Cruise 2015. Book your cabin.