Country music artist Jason Kirkness has stepped into the world of pop country with his third album, What Got Me Here, marking a significant shift from his previous work. Released in November, the album has already garnered positive attention from fans who have embraced his new direction in the genre.
Kirkness, who hails from Kleefeld, Manitoba, is known for his roots in traditional country music. However, he says that this album represents his first venture into pop country. “People seem to really enjoy this particular brand of country music at the moment,” Kirkness reflected. “It’s always fun to connect with the crowd and hear them sing the words—it’s a special feeling.”
Celebrated nationally, Kirkness was named Male Artist of the Year at the 2023 Manitoba Country Music Awards. His hit single “Anywhere the Night Goes” made waves, spending 18 weeks on the Canadian Billboard Top 50.
However, the creation of this album almost didn’t happen. Initially, Kirkness had planned a folk-roots Americana record. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, he had to cancel studio time in Nashville. Instead, he connected with a label that suggested a pop-country style, which he was initially hesitant to pursue.
“I didn’t necessarily agree with it at the time,” he admitted, “but when I saw the reaction to my single ‘A Little Party,’ my perspective began to shift.”
Kirkness’s rebellious streak showed when he released his second track, “Anywhere the Night Goes,” just days after his label had requested it. “I released it on March 1, because you’ve got to be a little bit rebellious,” he joked.
Reflecting on his journey, Kirkness sees What Got Me Here as an introspective yet relatable album. “I spent a lot of time thinking about the elements, the people, and the life events that got me to this place,” he shared.
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