Our spotlight today is on Karli June. We caught up with the rising country artist to talk about her new single “Say Too Much” which drops today! This new tune certainly has some lyrics that everyone at some point in their life can probably relate to.
This one was co-written and produced by Scott Chesak (Best known as part of the All American Rejects). Scott was also on hand to answer a few questions as well.
Karli June
What do you enjoy most about being a musician? What do you hate most?
I truly enjoy the opportunity that it gives me to connect with people. Songs are an incredible way to share experiences with others – and bring people together! I love that. Beyond the songs, I also love that it allows me to meet people I would never get to meet otherwise. I love getting to share my journey with these people – and I hope that it encourages them to step into their dreams as well. That is my favourite part! Having the opportunity to be a musician is an honour and such a blessing!
If you could only pick one person, who would you say has influenced you the most?
My Dad. Although not a musician, he always played music around the house and out in the barn while he was milking the cows. When I first discovered that I had a dream of being a country artist at a young age he encouraged me relentlessly, and always believed that I could do it. He has always had a positive attitude, great faith, and a heart for others that has inspired me greatly.
Who would your dream collaboration be? And why?
Oh, great question! I would love to collaborate with Taylor Swift. She pushes the envelope with her creativity. She has inspired me with her honesty in her lyrics that connect with people so greatly. A true artist and songwriter through and through. I would love to write with her one day! I’d also love just to grab coffee with her and learn from her. Maybe one day!
Best music advice you’ve been given that you would pass on to someone else starting out?
Stay true to yourself. You have something that no one else does, and if you stay true to this I think you will have the opportunity to reach many people with your music. Write about things that truly mean something to you!
What’s been your favorite place to play so far?
Playing Boots & Hearts in the Emerging Artist Showcase was a dream come true! I was incredibly humbled by this opportunity to share the stage with so many artists I look up to. This was an amazing day and milestone in my career.
What’s the story you want to tell with your music?
I love to share things I have learned through life so far. I know I have so much still to experience which is exciting because that means there are many songs still to be written! Honestly sharing about life, hard times, good times, family, love, heartbreak — these things all are a part of who I am and I hope that that comes through authentically in my music.
What was your creative process for Say Too Much?
When this song got pitched to me, the first thing I did was record the chorus into my voice recorder on my phone – I then sent it to Fraser Hill (who has been working on my creative process alongside of me – he’s incredible!) and we both were really connecting with the song — from the beginning I think we both could hear what its instrumental makeup would be.
We worked together with Fraser, Scott (writer/ producer) and I to mutually create the right vibe of the song, which took a few different tries to get it right. In the end I think it paid off to try several different ways of doing the song! We all are people who will fight to get the song right where it needs to be! I also worked with Lorraine Lawson, vocal coach, who helped vocally produce the song. I loved getting to work on bringing out little unique nuances in my voice through this song! It was a blast.
What was it like working with Scott on the production of this track?
Scott was amazing to work with. He is such a humble, kind person and not to mention incredibly talented. I learned a lot from watching him produce. He is a creative genius! I think seeing someone who has had incredible success and still works hard on each and every project is amazing. He also brought an entirely different element to this song having a background in pop production with Panic! at the Disco, and others. I think learning from someone who is going to hear things differently, and bring a whole other element to the table is when we grow the most as creatives!
What do you want to tell your fans?
I am so thankful for their support. They are why I do this! I hope that they feel inspired listening to the music I have coming out in the next few months. I can’t wait to meet more of them in the days to come!
Scott Chesak
You have worked with many different people, how was it working with Karli June?
Karli is an extremely sweet and genuine person, which makes it easy to work with her. Her authenticity comes across in her music. She doesn’t have to fake it or act a part. She just gets on the mic and goes for it.
How was your trip down the (musical) country road with Karli when you visited Toronto?
It was really fun! I’m actually from Austin, TX but never really got into the country music scene down there, so it’s kind of funny that I ended up producing my first country record in Toronto.
With country music not being your typical genre, would you do it again?
I would definitely work in country again. It’s a great genre that puts the story first. There is a certain feeling and perspective with country music that you can’t get anywhere else. It’s also exciting for me to get out of my comfort zone.
What is the best advice you could give musicians coming up in this day and age?
If you’re a singer, sing everyday. If you play an instrument, play it every day. If you’re a writer, write everyday. Be a fan and be inspired. Go to shows, constantly discover new music, and get out of your comfort zone every once in a while. Don’t be afraid to share your talents with the world.
Do you have any fun stories from the road you could share with us?
Usually people want to hear about all the crazy after parties or whatnot, but honestly the best moments on the road for me all happen on stage. My favourite memories are when the whole band is so connected, we can almost communicate through telepathy. Or when fifty thousand people are screaming the lyrics at a show.
What do you have coming up next?
There’s a new single that I co-wrote with The Mowgli’s called “Wasting Time” that just came out a week ago. There’s also a new single with an artist named Cobi on 300 records coming out soon. And there’s a few more in the pipeline that I don’t want to jinx 🙂
Check out Karli’s new tune “Say Too Much” now available on major platforms today!
To check out more from Karli June visit her website here for links to all her social media and music.
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