Country newcomer Kaylee Rutland recently released her latest single, “Pick Me Up.” The upbeat new track has been received significant airplay on Radio Disney Country and is consistently gaining momentum on Spotify as well as. In addition, the singer/songwriter teamed up with award winning director Kirsten Barlow and released a captivating music video for “Pick Me Up.”
In an exclusive interview with the rising star, Kaylee Rutland shared details with us about her new single, influences & role models, favorite places to shop and much more! Rutland has an exciting year ahead with her new music, as well as a huge milestone coming up in May (continue reading to find out her exciting news)!
CountryMusicRocks (CMR): You have released your new single “Pick Me Up.” For folks that are not familiar with the song yet, tell us a little about it.
Kaylee Rutland: “Pick Me Up” is about breaking through the everyday routine and enjoying the day that the week ends. It’s fun and upbeat and almost a weekend anthem! It serves as a reminder that whatever your week might have been, it’s never a bad day to plan a good time!
CMR: You also released the music video for the new single and worked with the famed director Kristen Barlow. Tell us about that experience.
Kaylee Rutland: It was an amazing experience! Kristen was full of energy and she really helped bring that out in all of us while the cameras were rolling. I remember her yelling goofy things to keep the excitement up and the smiles coming. This was such a blessing because we were filming in mid-December and it was cold! After 8+ hours outside in under 30 degree temperatures, her extra spunk was inspiring and certainly much appreciated!
CMR: What was one of your favorite parts filming the Pick Me Up Video?
Kaylee Rutland: The location and the people! We filmed at the iconic Tinsley Farm in Lebanon, TN. It’s a car farm with hundreds of vintage vehicles and a quant, little gas station (which is the scene where I’m putting oil in the car). Along with the setting, I met some incredible people and had a supportive team that came with too! Oh and a little secret, the guy in the blue flannel shirt is actually my brother! Needless to say, we had fun on set together.
CMR: Women in country have taken a strong role once again in the genre. Who are some of your female influences and role models in the industry?
Kaylee Rutland: Reba McEntire is a huge role model for me. She’s accomplished so much, has a big heart, is so funny and genuinely cares about the people who’ve helped her get where she is today.
Carrie Underwood fascinates me with her amazing vocals, and I love that she has stayed true to herself and her values.
CMR: You always look so great and trendy. Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Kaylee Rutland: Thank you for the compliment! I like Nordstrom and Free People. For shoes, I love Freebird. But honestly, I have some pretty great fashion-forward friends in my life that help pick out some of my clothes for me!
CMR: As fans continue to get to know you, what is one thing you would like to convey to fans about you and your music?
Kaylee Rutland: I’m beyond grateful for all my fans and their support in me! I hope to be an artist that you can turn to for an uplifting message.
CMR: With 2017 well underway, what are some things you have going on that you are really looking forward to this year?
Kaylee Rutland: Graduating college! I’m in the home stretch of my education and am set to graduate the end of this year. My degree will be in Music Business from Belmont University. As far as my career goes, I’m really using this time to do a lot of writing. I’ve been working with some amazing individuals at Momentum and we have some exciting things on the horizon too, which I hope to be able to announce in the coming months.
CMR: Country Music is a genre that significantly stands out on its own. What is one thing about country music that really resonates with you?
Kaylee Rutland: I have loved country music my whole life. It stands on its own through its sense of storytelling. Not only is there a story in the lyrics of every song, but the genre as a whole is made up of artists who are very supportive of one another. It feels like one big family, full of collaboration.
“Pick Me Up” is available now and will make for a great addition to your playlist. Grab your copy on iTunes here.
Stay connected with Kayle Rutland by visiting her Official Website, and follow her Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
