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By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief
In the pantheon of great songs that namecheck fellow artists, Kylie Fox's "Brandi Baby" stands out as a heartfelt tribute to none other than Brandi Carlile. The title itself hints at the deep connection Fox feels towards Carlile, whose music has accompanied her through significant stages of life. "I used to straighten my hair to Brandi Carlile every day in high school, and she became a big influence for me becoming a musician," Fox shares. "Brandi has seen me through a few big stages. I planted a lot of trees to her music and wrote a lot of university papers. I’ve seen her live twice. I’m in the Bramily. She’s probably my dream collaboration."
However, "Brandi Baby" isn't a song about Carlile directly. It's more of a memoir that highlights Fox's journey, with her admiration for Carlile serving as a consistent motif. The lyrics reflect Fox's personal growth and experiences, woven together with memories and dreams.
The "you" in the song is Fox's drummer and fiancé, Ryan Barrie. "The first song Ryan and I danced to was Brandi’s song 'The Story,'" Fox reveals, "and now we are planning to use it as our first dance at our wedding next year."
Barrie's contribution to "Brandi Baby" is significant, but it's the ensemble of musicians that truly brings the song to life. Guitarist Sean Hutchins, bassist Camilo Villamizar, and keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist Kelly Waterhouse provide a solid instrumental foundation, complementing Fox's velvety vocals. The song transitions from a catchy rhythm to a danceable tune, perfect for twirling around a dance floor.
The music video for "Brandi Baby" was shot at a wrestling match in Fox's hometown of Fredericton, NB, adding an unexpected yet delightful twist to the song's narrative. "My director, Jillian Acreman, and cinematographer, Jesse Anthony, asked if we could attend early and get some coverage of me singing the song before chaos ensued," Fox recalls. "Walking onto the scene in a sequin fringe jacket ready to dance and sing in front of a camera while a bunch of wrestlers rehearsed was a very intimidating thing to do. They were all super nice and welcoming and happy to be a part of it, and it was so funny to see them beat each other up and throw cake at each other after getting to know a few of them."
Ahead of her Harvest Festival performance, Fox is set to release her second album, "Sequoia." The album, produced by six-time ECMA-winning producer Daniel Ledwell, is a follow-up to her 2020 release, "Green." With support from ArtsNB, Music New Brunswick, and the Canada Council for the Arts, "Sequoia" delves into folk-Canadiana while exploring folk-rock and jazz-pop fusion. Fox describes the album as "'70s Sesame Street meets Sharon Van Etten," with its eleven tracks reflecting on gratitude, relationships, and self-awareness.
"The eleven songs that make up Sequoia' are reflections on gratitude in relation to the women in my life, my environment, my relationships, and myself," Fox says. The album's title was inspired by a news story about firefighters saving a Sequoia tree from a forest fire, resonating with Fox's deep appreciation for nature and the passage of time. The songs acknowledge the often-overlooked moments in life while celebrating love and life's blessings.
Fox's career trajectory is impressive. Since her debut EP "Balcony" in 2017, she has shared stages with Bahamas, The Strumbellas, and Joel Plaskett. She showcased at the East Coast Music Awards, Folk Alliance International, and the Canadian Song Conference in 2021. Her accolades include being named "Breakthrough Artist of the Year" at the 2020 PrixNB Awards and "Innovator of the Year" at the 2023 PrixNB Awards.
Fox's early years were steeped in music, influenced by her family's love for artists like Joni Mitchell. "My dad was a Joni Mitchell fan, and he would play her music for me often," Fox recalls. "Learning about Joni and other artists with a storytelling style attached me to that form of writing. I value the storyteller in my music." Her theater background, which began at age six, further enriched her artistic journey, leading her to pursue acting and vocal training in Montreal.
Fox's songwriting draws heavily from her environment and personal experiences. "I write about my life and things that I have done in my world," she explains. Her fiancé, Ryan Barrie, often inspires her music, as seen in songs like "Flush," which humorously lists his "flaws."
Describing her music as "Sharon Van Etten meets Sesame Street," Fox blends alternative folk with rock and jazz elements. Her latest project, "Brandi Baby," explores the intimate connections within her relationship, showcasing her unique blend of quirky and heartfelt lyrics.
As Fox gears up for a busy 2024, represented by manager Joe Bamford, she continues to make waves in the music industry. With concert dates lined up and an East Coast Songwriter Circle tour, Kylie Fox is a rising star, and her dream duet with Brandi Carlile might be closer than ever.