We had the pleasure of chatting to the amazing Kyle McKearney the other week about his new music and plans for 2025. Check it out below!

Firstly, how would you describe your sound? It’s certainly rooted in country but there’s rock, blues, Americana and all sorts I heard in there! 

Yeah, I think you are hearing most of what’s in there. I would chalk it up to calling it alt country, but who knows really. I have loved so many different kinds of music through the years that I guess pieces of each come through in what I do.

You’ve had a busy year releasing singles. Are you sticking to the single model, or are they building up to a third album? 

Yeah, we will be putting singles out until April. My third album To The River is set to drop on April 25. I’m really looking forward to it. We also just announced a tour, in support of the new album, through Western Canada.

Is there any particular theme through the singles this year, be it via the sound or writing? 

There is actually. It wasn’t intentional but after listening through the album several times, I see this thread of redemption. Also, as I get older, I really notice the value of time and how it’s very important to be selective with how we spend it. I think that comes across on the record as well. 

What’s the writing process like for you? Spoke to a lot of people in country who do big writers retreats, while others still write primarily solo!

I have a few different approaches. Some songs I will take to my cowriting friends to finish. Others I write on my own. It just depends on the song and how easily and quick it comes.

So we still very much associate country music with the South of the US, what’s it like being a country musician in Canada? 

It’s cool. Canada has its own form of country and its own country culture. Lots of farms, lots of fields, lots of beef and western culture here. I don’t try and emulate what the US is doing, but love so many of the American artists. I’ve spent time in Nashville and really enjoyed it.

Have you got much planned for next year? I imagine you have some shows lined up! 

Yeah, I plan to play a ton in 2025. There are lots of things on the books and lots in the works. Live is going to be my main focus after releasing the album.

Any plans/hopes to come over to the UK? 

There’s nothing in stone yet, but I will jump at the chance. I loved being there and cannot wait to come back.

Do you have a dream tour lineup you’d want to be a part of? Anyone you’d want to support or bring on the road with you?

I’d love to tour with Aerosmith lol. Chris Stapleton, Sierra Farrell or Jason Isbell.  Any of those would be incredible!