Brett Kissel rocking it big in Kindersley
By Jordan Parker
Brett Kissel is set to enjoy everything Kindersley has to offer, and he sees small-town shows as a wholly different experience.
But his Kindersley show also serves as a very special occasion overall.
“It’s going to be almost like an album release party. My latest Compass Project album – East – is releasing the same day as the Kindersley show, on April 28,” he said.
The Compass Project is am ambitious four-part release for Kissel that marks the biggest project of his career.
“Each album points in a different direction. They’re all distinct in genre but under the umbrella of country. The South album from January was hit-driven new country. East will be all singer-songwriter stuff that bridges lyrics and melody,” he said.
“West releases in summer, and it’s true country and western, honkytonk style. Then when we announce our fall tour, we’ll hit the great and release North, our greatest hits album. But it’s going to be all live versions recorded from across Canada.”
He said to play on that night of his album release in Kindersley is an incredible feeling, and he can’t wait to go.
“We’ve been so many places over the last decade, and I’d never been there. My agent looked at the map, and I said I wanted to go to Kindersley. It’s going to be great,” he said.
He always feels an extra bit of love and appreciation when he plays smaller towns or centres, which allows him to perform even better.
“I deliver that extra excitement. Sometimes when you do big shows in a smaller market, it’s just a big deal,” he said. “I grew up in St. Paul, and once every few years, there was a big show. We’re excited to bring our biggest and best to a town that deserves it.”
Kissel has been doing music and performing since he was a kid, and he says music found him, not the other way around.
“I got my first guitar when I was seven. All I’ve ever wanted to do was play country music, and the bigger the crowd, the better,” he said.
“It soon became an actual thing and I was getting hired to play different spots. I really fell into it, and I’m the luckiest guy in the business. How amazing this all turned out to be.”
Kissel remembers the influence music had on his grandparents when he was a kid, and cherishes memories of country with them.
“My grandpa was a farmer, and I used to sit on his knee on the combine or tractor and he’d sing country music. He’d tell me about Johnny Cash or Merle Haggard,” he said.
“Then I’d go inside and my Meemaw would be listening to records at lunchtime. She loved Charley Pride. People might think in the 1990s I’d listen to George Strait or Garth Brooks – and while I like them too – I always loved the older stuff.”
Kissel feels connected to Western Canada and small towns there because that’s where he’s from. “I’m a small-town guy, and I’m grateful for the passion of people in those markets. They love each other, and they really love to have a good time. There’s something different about small towns. I have so many great memories,” he said.
He opened for Brad John in Saskatchewan “10-15 times as a kid”, and has also opened for George Fox and George Canyon.
“Now I get to induct people like that into the Hall Of Fame, like I did for George Fox. There have been some amazing full-circle moments,” he said.
He’s seen Juno recognition and both critical and fan acclaim for his albums and hits, including “Started With A Song”, “Airwaves”, “We Were That Song”, “Drink About Me”, and more. To see the way people react to his music has been inspiring for him.
“To get toe chance to go to the Junos, and to walk the red carpet with Nickelback and Bryan Adams is amazing. To perform during a TV break before Michael Buble comes on-stage is amazing. I can’t believe it, and sometimes my kids can’t believe it,” he said.
“I have so much gratitude for what I’ve received in every stage of my career, and I’m so lucky I get to do this.”
He can’t wait to come to Kindersley and show the town what he has to offer.
“Tickets are selling fast, and people shouldn’t wait until the last minute. This is going to be a big show, and I would love people to follow my socials and listen to my music on Spotify,” he said.
“Get acquainted with the songs so you can sing along. We’re going to party hard on a Friday night, and nothing is better than doing that in a small town.”
Brett Kissel comes to Kindersley on April 28, 2023. Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/brett-kissel-kindersley-saskatchewan-04-28-2023/event/11005E758CE01A84