Kat Harlton
Saskatchewan native, CCMA Discovery Award winner and Anthem Entertainment country artist Kalsey Kulyk just released her self-titled album via all digital retailers.
Produced by Oran Thornto (Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and Eric Church) the EP mixes effortlessly rich and bright vocals with impeccable songwriting. Filled with classic upbeat country and heartfelt ballads – the sound draws comparisons with the likes of Dolly Parton and Emilou Harris.
Kalsey spent the first portion of her life chasing her dreams, playing the guitar and taking part in talent shows and competitions. Then one day, everything changed. Kalsey was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and underwent 6 months of chemotherapy, putting her music dream on hold. Now 10 years in remission, Kalsey has made up for lost time. She was invited to participate in both the Canadian Country Music Association’s Discovery Artist program, as well as ole’s “On the Spot” competition, winning both. Now in Nashville, Kalsey has already started writing for her next record and continues to share the stage with some of country’s biggest acts.
We had the opportunity to catch up with the rising star to talk about her debut album, career highlights and what’s next.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your self-titled album?
Kalsey: When I first moved to Nashville over 3 years ago I really wanted to figure out what I wanted to say, how I wanted to say it and who I wanted to say it for. I wanted to be emotionally honest and relatable. SING AND BE HEARD is a phrase I’ve used since I was 17 years old and it means that I want to give people a voice who don’t necessarily have one. Who have a story that hasn’t been told but has been felt by many. This album is really for anyone. If you’ve ever loved someone, lost someone, lost your way, or just wanted to have fun. It’s an album for all really. :)
Kat: You’ve been writing and performing songs for years, can you share your songwriting process with us?
Kalsey: As a writer, I tend to pull from experiences I’ve had, or others have had. I’m a pretty empathetic person so I feel like I can pretty much go off any feeling and use it towards a song. I run to my guitar as soon as a feeling comes up that needs to get out. It’s a little weird, I admit. But it’s cool too. To think that an idea just comes out of mid-air and turns into a song is really interesting. :)
Kat: You’ve worked with big names likes Liz Rose (Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood) and Phil Barton (Lee Brice, Eli Young Band), and have shared the stage with Washboard Union and Aaron Goodvin. Is there a moment that stands out as a career highlight for you so far?
Kalsey: Well I still think my best day was September 9 th , 2017. That’s when I won my record and
publishing deal in the afternoon at the CCMA’s and then won my CCMA award that evening. After years of hard work, tears and sacrifice I felt like it was all starting to pay off and that I was right in following my heart and going for my dreams. It was a very rewarding day!
Kat: Is there an artist you’d like to perform with, that you haven’t had the chance to yet. Or a song you’d love to do a cover of?
Kalsey: An dream artist I’d love to work with is Dolly Parton. Hands down. I’d love to share a stage and sing her with. She’s an incredibly gifted human and it would be an honor!
Kat: What’s next?
Kalsey: Everything! I’ve already started writing for the next record. Gearing up for more shows in the new year with the Sakamoto agency which I’m excited about. And more shows down here in the US. It’s gonna be a very busy and exciting next little while :)
For more on Kalsey Kulyk visit: https://kalseykulyk.com