It is always a special treat to be able to catch up with country artist on the rise, Brett Kissel! He is set to release his latest album, What Is Life?, this week on April 9th. The new collection of music will include his newest single, “Make A Life, Not A Living,” as well as 13 additional tracks that will no doubt satisfy country music fans.
As part of Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2021, we virtually caught up with Brett Kissel to chat about new music, his year ahead and much more! Check out our exclusive interview with Bret Kissel and be sure to pick up What Is Life?.
Country Music Rocks (CMR): Tell us a little about your new collection of music in 2021, what can fans expect?
Brett Kissel: My new album ‘What Is Life?’ is a really honest and complete record. I set out to create a record that was representative of where I am as an artist, but as importantly where I am as a husband, a father, and a person trying to get life right, ya know? It’s diverse and I think there’s something for everyone on the record, but at the same time it’s thematic – I hope that when people hear it they can relate the tracks to certain points in their own lives…and I hope that it’s equal parts enjoyable and inspiring – I can’t wait to put it out into the universe!
CMR: Even though 2021 is not completely certain quite yet, what are some of your career goals throughout the year?
Brett Kissel: Touring – however we can, whenever we can…I just want to connect with fans again – that energy and feeling is untouchable, and I can’t wait to get up on stage and perform my ass off…there’s a whole lotta’ energy cooped up inside me – can’t wait to let it fly!
CMR: In addition to performing, what else did you miss most not being able to be out on the road last year during 2020?
Brett Kissel: My band and our crew is an extension of my family…it was hard not to spend time out on the road with them – I missed it, like all artists missed it – it’s going to feel so damn good to get back together again and do what we love most – performing amazing shows together!
CMR: If everything goes as planned, and performing/touring resumes for this year, how would you best describe your shows for 2021?
Brett Kissel: Well, I’ll tell you – there’ll be a lot of tears…I’m really emotional now that I’m a dad to three little kids and you end up crying sometimes over the little things. So when something big like this is going to happen….if I’m going to step on stage and hear people cheer and lose their minds for me, I’m going to end up losing my mind for them – and I’ll probably spend the first fifteen minutes of the set wiping away my tears.
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?
Brett Kissel: That the songs that I sing, and the show we put on is truly just me singing about my life and bringing it every night. I want my fans – and hopefully some new ones – to feel connected and energized when they listen to my music or are livin’ it up at one of my shows.
CMR: Even though CRS is quite a bit different this year, we are still celebrating country radio which is such a staple to everyone in the country music community. What is one of your all time favorite country songs that you just can’t get enough of country radio?
Brett Kissel: Galveston, Wichita Lineman, Rhinestone Cowboy – Glen Campbell
Ring of Fire, Sunday Morning Coming Down, Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail, Act Naturally, Love’s Gonna Live Here – Buck Owens
Ocean Front Property, I Cross My Heart, God and Country Music – George Strait
Callin’ Baton Rouge, Much Too Young, If Tomorrow Never Comes – Garth Brooks
“In My Own Words” | Fast, Fun Facts with Brett Kissel:
Favorite Food To Indulge On While On The Road: Great sushi spot…I’m in!
Go-To Drink of Choice: Deuce Vodka, of course!
Favorite TV Series: Currently, we’re into Yellowstone…Being a kid from a cattle ranch, it’s kinda a natural fit.
Dream Collaboration: I’ve been lucky to have already fulfilled one dream collab with the legendary Charley Pride – we did a version of ‘Burgers and Fries’ – what an experience. Top of the wish list now – The King, George Strait.
Never Have I Ever: Gone skinny-dipping…those lake are COLD up in Canada!
Favorite Career Moment (So Far): There’s been so many incredible moments…as I think about it now, it would have to be performing live with my idol, Garth Brooks at his stadium show in Regina, Saskatchewan…he invited me up for ‘Friends in Low Places.’ It was amazing…I have chills right now just thinking about it!
Stay connected with Brett Kissel by visiting his Official Website, and following him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
