Krissy Feniak~ Q&A!!!

Hello Krissy, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician and what made you want to have a career in country music? When I was 7 years old I started training in classical music, I even took theory and piano! Classical music gave me such a strong foundation and a really solid understanding of how music works, but I really wanted to sing the songs I loved like “House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert, and “Black Horse in a Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall. So my mom put me into a singing competition and I got to go onstage and sing my favourite songs! I didn’t even come close to winning but I had so much fun and I absolutely fell in love with performing Country music! Songwriting didn’t come as easily to me, I was so nervous to put myself out there and really get vulnerable. Once I got into it I absolutely loved it, and it’s probably one of my favourite things about being an artist!
Who are some of your musical icons? I love listening to Dolly Parton, Kacy Musgraves, Maren Morris, and Lucie Silvas! I love that they are not only incredibly talented songwriters but trailblazers in the industry! These ladies do their own thing and it has inspired me to focus less on what other people are doing and make music that makes me happy. I think it’s important to feel authentic to an audience, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today if I didn’t love the songs I’m singing.

What is the background story behind your brand-new single “Bad Day?”“BAD DAY” is (of course) about a boy! I found myself feeling just a little petty, nothing crazy like I didn’t want to pull a Carrie Underwood on his car or anything, but to see him stub a toe or spill coffee on a white shirt would have made my day! So I brought this idea to my co-writers Mike Nash and Mat Cardinal and we had so much fun with it the song basically wrote itself.

How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?If I had to describe my music in 3-5 words I would probably say… sassy, honest, fun ,and vibey.
What is your recording process like when creating and making new music?I love the recording process! I have so much fun taking a song from an Iphone worktape to a final product. My producer Matty Mckay is incredible, he helps me to listen through my songs and choose the one we think is the strongest. The next step is what we call “beating up the lyrics” we run the song over and over to make sure everything makes sense and the song is the best it can be. The best part is hearing Matty’s production ideas. Matty comes up with the coolest things that make the song so much more special, I don’t know what I’d do without him!

What are a few of your favorite venues to play at? I love performing so much that I will play anywhere for anyone, but I have a special place in my heart for writers rounds. Especially the Bluejay Sessions, and the Bluebird Cafe, the audience is so quiet and everyone is listening to your songs that come from such a vulnerable place in your soul. Songwriters rounds are so special to me!

What do you like to do in your free time when not working on your music? Well I try not to have too much free time, but when I do, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I love camping, hiking and Kayaking in the summer. I am so lucky to live in Alberta close to the Rocky Mountains so I try to go there as often as I can.

What is one of your favorite quotes?
My all time favourite quote is “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”– Eleanor Roosevelt

Hello Krissy, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician and what made you want to have a career in country music?When I was 7 years old I started training in classical music, I even took theory and piano! Classical music gave me such a strong foundation and a really solid understanding of how music works, but I really wanted to sing the songs I loved like “House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert, and “Black Horse in a Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall. So my mom put me into a singing competition and I got to go onstage and sing my favourite songs! I didn’t even come close to winning but I had so much fun and I absolutely fell in love with performing Country music! Songwriting didn’t come as easily to me, I was so nervous to put myself out there and really get vulnerable. Once I got into it I absolutely loved it, and it’s probably one of my favourite things about being an artist!
Who are some of your musical icons? I love listening to Dolly Parton, Kacy Musgraves, Maren Morris, and Lucie Silvas! I love that they are not only incredibly talented songwriters but trailblazers in the industry! These ladies do their own thing and it has inspired me to focus less on what other people are doing and make music that makes me happy. I think it’s important to feel authentic to an audience, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today if I didn’t love the songs I’m singing.

What is the background story behind your brand-new single “Bad Day?”“BAD DAY” is (of course) about a boy! I found myself feeling just a little petty, nothing crazy like I didn’t want to pull a Carrie Underwood on his car or anything, but to see him stub a toe or spill coffee on a white shirt would have made my day! So I brought this idea to my co-writers Mike Nash and Mat Cardinal and we had so much fun with it the song basically wrote itself.

How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?If I had to describe my music in 3-5 words I would probably say… sassy, honest, fun ,and vibey.
What is your recording process like when creating and making new music?I love the recording process! I have so much fun taking a song from an Iphone worktape to a final product. My producer Matty Mckay is incredible, he helps me to listen through my songs and choose the one we think is the strongest. The next step is what we call “beating up the lyrics” we run the song over and over to make sure everything makes sense and the song is the best it can be. The best part is hearing Matty’s production ideas. Matty comes up with the coolest things that make the song so much more special, I don’t know what I’d do without him!

What are a few of your favorite venues to play at? I love performing so much that I will play anywhere for anyone, but I have a special place in my heart for writers rounds. Especially the Bluejay Sessions, and the Bluebird Cafe, the audience is so quiet and everyone is listening to your songs that come from such a vulnerable place in your soul. Songwriters rounds are so special to me!

What do you like to do in your free time when not working on your music? Well I try not to have too much free time, but when I do, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I love camping, hiking and Kayaking in the summer. I am so lucky to live in Alberta close to the Rocky Mountains so I try to go there as often as I can.

What is one of your favorite quotes?
My all time favourite quote is “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”– Eleanor Roosevelt

Krissy Feniak~ Artist Spotlight!!!

With a retro country sound and a memorable look, Krissy Feniak has a style all her own. This wonderful individual from Alberta, Canada keeps crowds assumed with her bold lyrics, brilliant chaff and her stories about her songs.

Feniak was the winner of the Country Music Alberta 2020 Rising Star Award, the 2018 North American Country Music Associations International Artist, Entertainer and Songwriter of the Year in Pigeon, TN, the Country Music Alberta 2018 Horizon Award as well as a nominee for the Female Artist of the Year in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Her single “Wrong Side of Midnight,” has over 185k streams and is currently playing on Canadian Country Radio. Feniak has been working closely with her team Juno Award Winning Producer Matt McKay (Brett Kissel Band) and Vocal Coach Tamara Beatty (The Voice & The Masked Singer) has helped her to make a well-defined sound and brand all by herself.

Feniak has played at events such as The Bluebird Cafe (Nashville, The Commodore Grill (Nashville), Big Valley Jamboree, Alberta Country Music Awards Show, ACMA Fan Fest, The Country Tonite Theatre (Pigeon Forge, TN) and many others. She has played on the stage as s supporting act for artists like Doc Walker, Gord Bamford, Aaron Goodvin and many more.

Any key point of Feniak’s career has been helping others. Contributing her talents to many charities and organizations as a volunteer. She plays frequently at the Renfrew Educational Center (Calgary based on Special Needs School) and the University of Alberta Hospital Charities, Children’s Wish Foundation and many other charities.

She has also worked with famous writers like Liz Rose, Bonnie Baker, Ralph Murphy and Tebey have help frame Feniak into a loving and inspired songwriter. Playing at the well-known Bluebird Cafe, Nashville, the Commodore Room, Nashville and the Bluejay Sessions has given her a connection to showcase her writing skills.

On April 2, 2021, Feniak’s brand-new single “Bad Day,” came out. Feniak’s new single is available both on Spotify and iTunes. If you would like to find out more about Krissy Feniak then check out her website at (https://krissyfeniak.com).

Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialKrissyfeniak

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krissyfeniak/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwKX4GCmLPU0GD_XnNkpNg

Mae Estes’ (Snickerdoodles Recipe):

Mae Estes~ Q&A!!!

Q&A:

1. Hello Mae, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician? Hi! I’m an independent country artist, originally from southwest Arkansas. I’ve lived in Nashville TN for almost six years now, pursuing a career in singing/songwriting. I’ve spent most of my time here waiting tables/working retail/a million other side jobs, but I recently signed my first publishing deal in Nov. of 2020 so that’s an exciting dream of mine that’s recently come true!
2. What made you want a career in country music? I started singing when I was 7 years old. I grew up rodeoing and decided one day that I could sing the national anthem better than the Leeann Rimes version they played before each rodeo, so my Mom who was in charge of the books for the event, gave me a microphone and the rest is history.
3. Who are some of your musical icons? My biggest influences are Keith Whitley and Lee Ann Womack. Keith died before I was even born, but I’ve never felt more at home than when I listen to his recordings. I’ve learned a lot about conveying emotion by listening to how he interpreted songs. Lee Ann definitely taught me to sing. We share a lot of similar influences and I don’t think the woman has ever recorded a song I wasn’t obsessed with. I also love the career she’s built as an artist. I think she’s respected throughout the industry and is just an all-around legend.
4. What is the background story behind your new single “Hell You Raised?” I’ve always been a bit of a dare-devil (riding bucking bulls, breaking my eye socket, etc.) and one day while we were talking about all of the trouble I’ve caused, my Mama said “I guess I’ll take the credit or I’ll take the blame when it comes to your raising.” I paired that with another idea I had written down a long time ago and we got the hook to that song. It includes snips of southern advice that I think so many people can relate to and overall stands as an anthem dedicated to my Mama, thanking her for being the incredible influence she’s been and raising me to be so fearless, but also giving a sassy-jab by saying I’m only this way because she was too.
5. What is your recording process when creating and making new music? My recording process has honestly looked different for every song! I’m financially hindered when recording so most of my recording happens months or even years before the release. I’ve even taken a few “demos” and turned them release-ready, which is an unconventional but more cost-friendly method. My number one constant when recording has been surrounding myself with people I respect and who respect me back. I’ve been very lucky to work with some of Nashville’s best and also call most of them my friends outside of the recording process. I look forward to hopefully releasing a full project of songs very soon!
6. How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words? Real, Honest, Country
7. What are a few of your favorite venues to play at? Though not a specific venue per say, my favorite places to play so far in my career have been U.S. Air Force Bases overseas with Armed Forces Entertainment. We performed in Guam, Diego Garcia, and Singapore, and it was the most incredible experience of my life. During the pandemic, I spent most of my time playing close to home in Nashville. The Bluebird Cafe will always hold a special place in my heart and was at the top of my Bucket List when moving to town. I’ve been lucky enough to not only book my own rounds there, but also play their Sunday Spotlight show, which is an hour of just me. I look forward to expanding across the U.S. soon, as I try to book my first independent tour.
9. What is one of your favorite quotes? Dreams don’t work unless you do.
10. Is there anything else you would like to share? I go LIVE from my Facebook and Tik Tok every Monday at 7:00CST for an event I call Maeday Monday! I invite anyone who wants to hear unreleased music, requests, or ask me any questions to come hang out there.

Mae Estes~ Artist Spotlight!!!

In 1999, a seven years old went to an Arkansas rodeo arena with a cordless mic and sang the national anthem a cappella for the first time, claiming she could do it better than LeAnn Rimes. She went on to play at every rodeo she contended in, and also in other sporting events, ceremonies and opries. Not similar to most middle schoolers, Estes played every Tuesday night on an AM radio show, where she first found her love for traditional country music. A while after she moved to Nashville in 2015, she has been playing her dues for the time she came to Music City, working three jobs at a time to financially stay above and playing for anyone who would listen to her music.

Estes takes motivation from artists such as Lee Ann Womack and Keith Whitley, Mae Merges the Timelessness of Traditional Country Music with a new music sound and production to create her unique artistic background.

In 2019, Estes individually released her debut single, “Naked,” and toured internationally with Armed Forces Entertainment, playing for the U.S. Air Force Bases in Guam, Diego Garcia, and Singapore. During quarantine, she put out a nostalgic demo titled “Recycled,” followed by a spirited anthem named “Best Side.” In November 2020, Estes signed her first publishing deal with Plaid Flag Music joining a roll call including her “Best Side,” co-writer Autumn McEntire.

On March 31, 2021, Estes put out her brand-new single “Hell You Raised,” and this song is available to listen on both Spotify and iTunes. If you like to find out more about Mae Estes then check out her website at (https://www.maeestes.com).

Social Media Accounts:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maeestes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaeEstesMusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0R2q1cpl-5_FbH83W7mX8Q

Kacy Moon~ Q&A!!!

Hello Kacy, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?Hi!! My life before singing and songwriting was all about martial arts. I was actually homeschooled my whole life so I could travel and compete.
Who are some of your musical icons?Shania Twain was definitely my #1 growing up! I love Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Patrick Droney, Christina Aguilera, Kevin Garrett… I could go on and on!
What is the background story behind your newest single “I Don’t Miss You?”It’s about a guy who would only text me to hangout late at night – he never made plans in advance or wanted to take me on a date. I know most girls have been there! I fell for it for awhile but when I moved on I realized what a player he was.
What is your recording process like when creating and making new music?As a songwriter I always like to come into the room with a concept or lyric ideas. Melody is super important of course but storytelling is really what I love the most. After a writing session i’ll sing the song into the voice memos app on my phone and send it to my producer who will start building the track! It varies from song to song – sometimes I’ll record my vocals after the track is almost finished, or sometimes I’ll record my vocals and there’s only drums and piano (which is literally what happened a couple of days ago.) and the rest of the track gets finished after. It’s always a super fun process! When you’re working with other creative minds you never know what’s gonna happen.
How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?Honest, flirty, fresh, relatable
What are a few of your favorite venues to play at?Before the world shut down I was actually lucky enough to play at the W Hotel in Hollywood and that was absolutely amazing! Some iconic artists have played there. My next goal is to play Whiskey Jam at Winner’s in Nashville!
What made you want a career in country music?I was always drawn to music and performing. I can’t pinpoint it to a specific moment because from my earliest memory I was running around singing. It was just always in me! I grew up in the south, and country music reminds me where I came from. I also love the storytelling aspect of it. I think Shania Twain really combined a cool pop/rock element with country and kind of paved the way for artists like myself. I love country, but I like to put my own twist on it and incorporate other genres I love like pop, r&b and hip hop.
What is one of your favorite quotes?“To be a master is to forever be a student”
Is there anything else you would like to share?First off thank you so much for this interview! It was so fun. I have a new single coming out very soon, and an exciting announcement following that release. If you want to keep up with me, I’m @kacymoonmusic on all socials!

Kacy Moon~ Artist Spotlight!!!

Kacy Moon has been putting on concerts for her family and writing funny, rubbish songs with her grandfather since she was 4 years old. Moon has always had a love for performing.

At 5 years old, she waddled into martial arts, and by 11 years old she became one of the top competitors in the world- gaining 7 world titles and competing on stage in front of 1,000. Moon shares “the adrenaline that she got from performing was unmatched. The butterflies in her stomach, the drive to go out on stage and make everyone in the audience stop and watch me and that was a feeling that she craved and chase.”

At 15 years old, Moon set her eyes and new set goals for her music career. Even during her competition days she played piano and wrote songs down in her journal. Most people did not see the connection between her career in martial arts and her music career She would tell them that it is where she got her drive, motivation and strong work ethic.

A stage is always just a stage, which means Moon has over a 10 years span of performing under her belt. She has had her fair share of good and bad times in the music business, but it has not slowed her down one bit.

On March 12, 2021, Moon put out two brand-new songs “I Don’t Miss You,” and “The Issue.” Her music is available to listen on both Spotify and iTunes. If you would like to find out more about the great Kacy Moon then please go take a look at website (https://www.kacymoon.com).