If it were possible to meld the heart of Mazzy Star, the soul of PJ Harvey, and pure poetic prowess of Throwing Muses’ Tanya Donelly into a solitary star she’d go by the name Chantel Van T.
In 2013 Van T played Oppikoppi’s acoustic Ray-Ban Stage. Twenty-four months later she’s signed, sealed, and delivered a five track EP, Tides.
Van T saw the release of her highly anticipated, full-length debut album, We’re Still Running in 2015. Recorded by Matthew Fink (Matthew Mole, Tailor, The Black Hotels, Shadowclub) and Chris Tucker at Dark Pop, strings captured at Jazz Worx, with production concluded by Fink, "We’re Still Running" kept good company in attracting some of South Africa’s finest talent to the Van T pool. 11 unfaltering, beautiful tracks, each with a tale, a purpose, and armed with ability to turn lovers of detailed and delightfully engaging stories, sung in song, into loyalists.
A couple of weeks ago we came across a single release from a new artist from Ontario, Canada, Chelsey Danfield.
‘All We Ever Do’ was intriguing because it sounded like something that Taylor Swift would have recorded about 3 years ago. A good pop country song with fiddles and a slight ‘attitude’ about the vocals.
She has now released her debut album ‘Cowboy’ which doesn’t include her single or the B side ‘Headlights’, but does include hugely enjoyable traditional country dancehall tunes that deserve our attention.
It seems that the Taylor connection barely extends beyond the single. Chelsey imposes her own style and personality on the album and it’s as good a debut as we have heard for some time. Crank up the speakers and cue ‘Die Alone’ which opens the album.
I defy you to sit perfectly still throughout this one! A mix of classic country and rockabilly that combines to produce an authentic dancehall favorite. ‘Drank The Town Dry’ takes the pace down a notch, to begin with but soon explodes into another swinger that retains the infectious toe tapper that won’t disappoint.
She seems to be rubbing shoulders with the Nashville players having shared a stage with Little Big Town, Kenny Chesney, and Dwight Yoakum, so let’s hope that this album is the start of something special.
There is certainly room at a higher table for Chelsey and I certainly recommend checking this one out on the usual streaming platforms.
Artist Biography
From the fields of her family’s soybean and miniature pony farm, this 24-‐year-‐old singer/performer/songwriter has just released her 1st album entitled “Cowboy” featuring 12 original songs. It is currently available on streaming and retail outlets worldwide. “Growing up outside of a one stoplight farming town called Maidstone Ontario, I realized quickly that country music told my family's story. It was who we were and what we did. Whether it be bailing hay, riding a skittish pony, attending a funeral, anniversary, or birthday party, country music was how we communicated, celebrated, mourned, worked
and lived.” “The songs that I write are inspired by the lives of my grandparents and sometimes slightly exaggerated recollections of events that have occurred in my personal life. Regardless if it be about an honorary ex or a valiant escape from the hospital, my songs come from a really genuine place. I'm passionate about country music that tells a story and either transports you to another place and time or makes you fall in love with where you are at that very moment.“
Chelsey has shared stages with the likes of Little Big Town, Dwight Yoakum, Mark Chesnutt, Kenny Chesney, Lone Star and most recently at Ft. Irwin Army Training Base at Ft. Irwin Nevada for four thousand U.S. Army troops opening for Blue Oyster Cult. Chelsey hooked up with Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit producer and former Iggy Pop/David Bowie lead guitarist Stacy Heydon. This collaboration led to her 1st album release “Cowboy” on AMG Records.
Her “Cowboy” album was recorded in one of Nashville’s treasured location Ronnie’s Place. Ronnie Milsap’s studio has been a mainstay in the Nashville recording community for over 50 years and continues to inspire modern day artists with the same walls of resonance that recorded and shaped the familiar sounds of the legends of country music’s past and present. Chelsey and the band laid down every track “live off the floor” capturing a live feel ensuring an honest and true musical rendition targeting the very heart and soul of each song
With the release of her “Chronicles of A Fervent Heart EP”, singer songwriter Reanne Kyla brings a new feel to a classic genre. Lush with addicting progressions, an honest lyrical approach, and an almost dream like vocal style, the record boasts the aesthetic of folk pop anthems. Though the songs are diverse from one another, there is a glue that holds them all together. Most importantly, the EP never loses sight of the emotional platform great songs are built from.
The first single, “The Crave” is instant indie classic. Complete with beautiful vocal hooks, a swelling of ambient guitars and a pop undertone throughout, the song seems to breathe and build as it continues on.
“The single is about the longing to leave the past behind and move forward to create a new adventure. The album title “Chronicles of a Fervent Heart” means the story of a passionate heart aka the story of my life. The songs on my album reflect parts of my story. The Crave specifically reflects the awe that I experience when in nature. It also displays my adventurous spirit and reflects my love for creation” explains the songwriter of her single.
Although the single does speak volumes for the EP, to get a real understanding of where Kyla is coming from, it should be heard in its entirety.
“Being at Prairie College I was able to further develop my craft and form my “mother-tongue” sound. The ambience carried throughout the album using complimentary instruments gives a unique texture and sound; the harmonies, pedal steel, and haunting electric guitar” says Kyla of the musical approach for the release.
Having a love for music since she was a child, Reanne Kyla started taking piano lessons in elementary school, and later picked up guitar at the age of 11. Quickly realizing there was something special about the guitar, Kyla simply couldn’t put it down. Throughout high school, she spent time playing in rock bands and performing in annual Battle Of The Bands where she went on to win both individual and band awards. Though the experience was great for the songwriter, it wasn’t until attending Prairie College that things changed for her. While attending, she was under guidance of Juno Award winning songwriter Brian Doerksen who helped her grow musically during the next two years. While at Prairie College, Kyla had the opportunity to record her first album. Although this was an exciting opportunity for her, she feared her material wasn’t good enough yet to record. Using her fear as a motivator, she focused on her songwriting even more and eventually began to learn about the recording process. As a result of passionate heart and hard work, “Chronicles of a Fervent Heart” was completed.
The EP is now available for streaming and downloads on most major digital outlets and Kyla is performing around Calgary as she plans to move towards Western Canada over the summer.
To learn and hear more of Reanne Kyla, please visit: https://www.reannekyla.com/
Passionate Canadian singer songwriter Reanne Kyla leaves a lasting impression while creating a relaxed atmosphere with her unique sound that serves the acoustic chill / soothing ambiance genre. Her distinct songwriting and evoking lyrics encompass her love for creation in her latest EP Chronicles of a Fervent Heart.
Reanne began developing her musical craft at a young age. Growing up in rural Alberta, Reanne had the opportunity to take leadership in various rock and contemporary bands as an electric guitarist. In pursuit of a musical career, Reanne attended Prairie College's Music & Worship Arts program, under the knowledge and guidance of Juno Award winning songwriter Brian Doerksen. Her time at Prairie has molded and shaped Reanne’s style into an art of its own, immersed in both passion and deep meaning.
"ocean blues..."
