Canadian singer-songwriter Kylie Fox clearly skates along the lines between musical genres, borrowing from many to create a sound that is entrancing. She paints her songs with Americana twang, jazz swing and rhythms, pop shine and bounce, and a lovely folk earnestness in the storytelling. Her charisma is invigorating, and her words and vocals stir up emotions, creating a warm, safe listening place, even when the topics at hand have heft and weight. Fox’s new album, “Sequoia,” which was just released, is striking and gorgeous, with much to recommend it. We can’t get enough of it. Fox sat down with us recently to dive deeply into the creation of the album and her inspiration behind some of the songs.
Hi, Kylie! You have a terrific new album out in September called “Sequoia.” How did these songs come together and what broad strokes can you tell us about the collection?
“Sequoia” is an album about gratitude. I was inspired to write the title track, “Sequoia,” when I heard a story on the radio about firefighters working through the night to save a sequoia tree from a forest fire. The song is a reminder to appreciate my community, my relationships, and the nature that surrounds me. The rest of the album expands on this gratitude, with songs about old friendships, growing up, and my sense of self. I wrote it with the support of a creation grant, and it was a dreamy winter of shuffling into my music room in my pjs and flushing these songs out.
One of the songs you mentioned, the title track, “Sequoia,” is really great and stood out to me. What else can you tell us about this song? Is there more to the story about your inspiration behind it?
When I heard that story on the radio, I was struck by how we go way out of our way to protect the beautiful things we cherish, like Notre Dame, or beached whales. There was some comforting humanity in the effort, but I also thought about how we neglect to solve the little problems that are now equating to natural disasters and the decline of our climate as we know it. In the song, I draw a comparison to how I often don’t care for my relationships as I should.
What was it like recording this album overall? What was the vibe in the studio overall, and how did this song, in particular, come together?
We recorded “Sequoia” at Daniel Ledwell’s studio on Lake Echo, Nova Scotia during Thanksgiving weekend. I made a turkey, and chili, and the leaves changed. We watched a horror movie that we still reference. It was very collaborative, creative, and cozy, and Dan made us feel at home. “Sequoia” was a fun one to work through because I wanted it to build to a chaotic circus climax, so Kelly and Dan went wild with their horns, and we recorded gong sounds. It was energetic.
What do you hope this album conveys to those who listen to it?
I hope the songs can act as a companion to those that connect with it. I hope they convey to listeners to care for the things they love. I hope someone can relate to my perspective and feel like they have a friend.
Since you started out, how has your songwriting changed – both musically and lyrically? Do different things inspire you now? Where do you tend to get your biggest inspiration from these days?
I used to write exclusively about my own experiences. I have a song for every job I’ve ever worked. Through co-writing, and through writing a musical with a theatre company, I’ve learned to be lighter with my lyrics, and let melodies and emphasis and cool imagery drive my choices. It’s a mix. I still write a lot of songs when I’m going through something new.
Songwriting can be a really personal endeavor. Is it tough to share that stuff that usually might be private if you weren’t writing a song about it? Does unveiling the songs publicly, when you release a single or an EP or album, make you anxious or is it cathartic to have the songs out there?
I think audiences create their own images in their mind’s eye when listening to lyrics and apply it to their own lives. I hope so, anyway. Artists are vessels to get people to experience their own emotions. I suppose my experience of it is very cathartic, and that’s probably the reason I continue to put myself on stage.
It’s not uncommon for an artist or band to be working on something new while promoting an album. Do you have anything in the pipeline to follow this album? What’s next from Kylie Fox?
I have a very moody single to come out in January 2025. I’ve been writing a lot, but until this project is out, I likely won’t get a grasp on any big picture for the new tunes in my head. There’s a song with a bike bell.
Got any tour plans? Where can fans see you on the road?
Yes, I do! Here are the dates:
September 25 – Early Bird Coffee, Woodstock, Ontario (with Lori Yates & Paige Warner)
September 26 – Parkwood, Owen Sound, Ontario (with Lori Yates & Paige Warner)
September 27 – Midnight Run Cafe, Waterloo, Ontario (with Lori Yates & Paige Warner)
September 30 – The Rainbow, Ottawa, Ontario (with Lori Yates & Paige Warner)
October 2 – Moonshine Cafe, Oakville, Ontario (with Lori Yates & Paige Warner)
October 3 – Cameron House, Toronto, Ontario (with Lori Yates & Paige Warner)
October 5 – Casbah, Hamilton, Ontario (with Lori Yates & Paige Warner)
Oct. 17 – Norwood, Washademoik, New Brunswick
October 24 – Imperial Theatre, Saint John, New Brunswick (Opening for Matt Minglewood)
Nov. 15 – AX Arts Centre, Sussex, New Brunswick
Nov. 25-26 – Come Together Arts Festival, Toronto, Ontario
Website & Social Media Links:
Linktree : https://linktr.ee/_KylieFox_
Bandcamp : https://kyliefox.bandcamp.com/album/green-2
Website : https://kyliefox.ca/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/_kyliefox_/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/KylieFoxMusic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/_kyliefox_
Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@_kyliefox_
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2qfCgkmwJpO4zGqZuYTt3A
