Kat Harlton
Lead Photo: provided via artist / PR team
Breakout Indigenous country artist Chevy Beaulieu, recently released the official music video for his single “If We Want To.” His debut release on 604 Records, the track is already making incredible waves across country radio and DSPs, being named Stingray’s New Country Trending Track, and racking up over 180K streams across platforms since its release.
Chevy Beaulieu is just a small-town boy from Steen River, Alberta singing songs about living, loving, and heartbreak. Now based in Airdrie, he’s a singer/songwriter who works as a plant operator while cutting his teeth in country music. As the son of a 3-time Canadian Fiddle Champion, Chevy never had shortage of music growing up. Unlike his grandfather to his father, Chevy was never forced to play – his father wanted him to come to love music on his own but helped when asked.
While he has been playing and writing music since he was 15 years old, it wasn’t until the summer of 2012 that he decided to take music more seriously when his family band had the chance to open for fellow Canadian Country artist Shane Yellowbird. Now, at 30 years old, Chevy has 6 radio singles which were recorded with the very talented Bart McKay, 3 IMC #1s, and a 2022 CMAB Fans Choice Nomination.
I had the opportunity to chat with Chevy about his single, musical inspirations, life as an artist and more.
Kat: “If We Want To” is such a high-energy, feel-good track—what inspired this anthem about living life on your own terms?
Chevy: When I got my hands on this song I just thought it had some real “small town vibes”. I really related to the “you could always try” attitude of the song. My favourite part about cutting a song that was written by someone else is the opportunity to sing it in my own way. Everyone’s voice has a different texture which gives the listener a different perspective.
Kat: This was your first official music video—what was it like stepping in front of the camera for the first time, and how was it working with Codi McIvor?
Chevy: I’ve always wanted to shoot a music video but I didn’t realize how different it was from performing. I’ve always felt comfortable behind a microphone and being in front of a camera definitely took me out of my comfort zone. I’ve known Codi for a few years now and we’ve always talked about working together. I’m happy that we finally got the opportunity to do so.
Kat: How does it feel to see your debut single with 604 Records already making waves across country radio and streaming platforms?
Chevy: I feel grateful that all my hard work is finally showing. This music thing, my expression, my art has been the only thing I was ever really good at. I’m happy to see that other people believe in this song as much as I do.
Kat: You grew up surrounded by music—how did your family’s musical legacy shape your journey, and when did you know this was the path you wanted to take seriously?
Chevy: I grew up playing in my family band with my father. My father is a 3 Time Canadian Fiddle Campion and he’d never let you forget it, so it was a lot to live up to. He didn’t want to force music on me. The family band was originally put together for means to make money in hard times. Playing shows with him are some of the best memories of my musical career.
My turning point, the day I realized I wanted to take music more seriously was when I got to open for the late Shane Yellowbird, back in the summer of 2012. Seeing him, another First Nations boy up on stage and what he was able to achieve gave me the inspiration to hold on to my dreams.
Kat: You describe Merle Haggard as the “best babysitter” you ever had—how has his music influenced your sound and songwriting style?
Chevy: You can blame my Momma for that one, she always listened to ‘The Hag’. In my opinion he was the greatest all around artist of all time. A triple threat of equal parts guitar picker, songwriter and singer. There will never be another Merle Haggard. Whether it was the sound of a telecaster or his story telling, his music showed me you could write about everything and anything.
Kat: As an Indigenous artist in the country scene, how do your roots influence the stories you tell through your music?
Chevy: My family is one of the most traditional and Non-traditional families I’ve ever known. Outcasts but still somehow in the history books. I’m just a bush baby from Steen River, Alberta that loves his family and is proud of his family name. We joke and call ourselves Heinz 57 cause we’re so mixed up.
Kat: From working as a plant operator to recording hit singles—how do you balance the grind of everyday life with your passion for music?
Chevy: Very difficulty, if I’m not tired from the mine, I’m tired from being busy with music when I’m out. There is no work life balance, just fun times and not so fun times. My family keeps me grounded and constantly reminds me that I can’t do it. I’m doing what I love.
Kat: You’ve already earned several radio hits and a CMAB Fans Choice Nomination—what’s been the most surreal moment for you so far?
Chevy: That I got my first top #50 at Canadian Country Radio with “If We Want To”, a milestone that I never would’ve thought was attainable of you were ask me 10 years ago. Goes to show that you have to trust the process. There will be lots of ups and downs but hard work does pay off, don’t give up.
Kat: With more music on the horizon in 2025, what can fans expect from your upcoming releases—more anthems, deeper storytelling, or a new direction altogether?
Chevy: I got a new song I wrote coming out in June, it’s barn burner of a tune. A very 80/90s rockin’ country type of song.
Kat: For listeners just discovering you through “If We Want To,” what message or feeling do you hope they take away from your music?
Chevy: It’s ok to be a little bit of everything, don’t let anyone put you in a box. “We Could Do Whatever We Want, If We Want To” – Chevy Beaulieu
Connect With Chevy Beaulieu
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