Q: Welcome back, Karli June! It’s fantastic to have you with us again. Since our last conversation, a lot has happened in your musical journey. To kick things off, could you share some highlights or pivotal moments that have shaped your artistic path since our last interview?
A) It’s great to chat again! Thanks for having me back. Last year I had my first Top 30 on Canadian Country Radio – which was a big milestone for me with “Feel Like Home” – it also charted at #11 in Australia! I’ve been writing lots and recording new music and “Still Make Cowgirls” is the first off this new collection and I am so excited about it.
Q: Can you describe the musical style of Karli June in three words?
A) Anthemic, Hometown, Empowering
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A) I love to connect over social media – more recently I have been really connecting with people through Tik Tok which is an amazing place for an artist to really find people who connect with the story of the songs. That’s what it’s all about! I love connecting with people. I will always be more of an “in person” kind of girl (I am a little old fashioned at heart) but it’s great to be able to make the introduction this way.
Q: You have just released your new single, “Still Make Cowgirls”. Is there a story behind it?
A) Yes! There’s always a story! I am super proud to be a girl who was raised on a dairy farm with strong values with things like learning to work hard and live beyond just a surface level. This song is a public service announcement that if you’re a guy looking for a girl that lives like this – even in a modern world – we’re still around!!!
Q: What is your favorite verse from the single and why?
A) Verse two is so fun to sing. It’s really rhythmic and I love how the lyrics flow. It has almost a rap kind of rhythm the way the words flow together.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the song, “Still Make Cowgirls”?
A) I had the idea recorded in my phone as a voice memo that I had started to piece together, but still needed a lot of finessing. I brought it to my co writer Deric Ruttan and we changed a lot of things and wrote it together. A month later we were in the studio in Nashville with an amazing band recording it!
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for you so far?
A) I got to play last year at the Canadian Country Music Associations “Songwriter Unplugged” Series as part of the Awards Weekend. I have attended this songwriters series for many years so to be up there getting to talk about the songs and play them for such an attentive audience full of industry peers and friends was super special.
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey?
A) My song “The List” is very personal to me and I feel like no matter the season of life I am in it is a reminder that things may not always happen in the timing you want them to – but I believe God has a plan that is unfolding in it’s own beautiful storyline.
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into your unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring its musical concepts to life?
A) For me as I am establishing the “who is Karli June” statement to the world I think a lot about just sharing who I am through the songs. For me I am always trying to keep the sound commercial and so it’s a balance of the songs having meaning and being personal – but also having that radio sound. But ultimately I want to write music that I would want to listen to!
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have for yourself, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A) I dream of playing the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville one day. That’s been on my bucket list forever. I want to write and release music that will lift people up and bring joy to the world. To the fans – thanks SO much for listening and sharing the music with your friends. You are everything to us as artists and I hope the music makes you feel proud!!
