Country Pop Singer KATELYN LEHNER Releases New “10 Bucks” Single and Video
Katelyn Lehner leads us into a new country-pop single by slapping us in the face with clicky hooks, memorable lyrics, and a catchy chorus. The new single “10 Bucks” doesn’t hold any punches when it comes to not taking itself too seriously and, at the same time, manages to touch on a classic subject matter we’ve all experienced: The Breakup.
Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the country artist is taking us on a new music career journey that has had her as North Sask Music Zine’s 2022 Artist of the Year alongside opening for acts like Dean Brody, George Canyon, Blue Rodeo, and Tenille Arts. Her ability to meld that classic country and western sound with contemporary pop is effortless, having enough of each genre to please both sides of the fence, like early Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, and Shania Twain.
Lehner’s new country-infused pop single, “10 Bucks,” is for those of us that need to express our dislike for our ex at 3 am in a Karaoke Bar after a few beers. And boy, the whole bar will be singing along. It’s infectious in a good way. Even if it’s not your bag, you’ll be foot-tapping along, humming the chorus, and beaming from ear to ear.
Although pop in its roots, it doesn’t shy away from the classic country vibe featuring plenty of lap steel, slide electric guitar, and plucky banjo for country lovers. It rolls along with an upbeat tempo allowing Lehner’s sweet vocals to perfectly match the pace of “10 Bucks,” especially during the catchy-as-heck chorus.
Imma bet ya 10 bucks
He gon call me in a week
Saying that he couldn’t sleep without me there
Imma bet ya 10 bucks
He’ll be down on his knees
Saying pretty baby please come back to me
But I’ve been doing okay
And I think we’re both better off this way
Imma bet ya 10 bucks
That he won’t agree
That’s just more money in my pocket.
The “10 Bucks” video doesn’t stop at subtle. It walks right past and into your face with a classically hold-no-bars pop performance. With an entertaining story from a cheating boyfriend to pure pop success. Ending up with the debut of a dress made from actual 10-dollar bills. Not photocopied, not printed fabric, but actual 10-dollar bills. Lehner goes on to explain:
“Originally, we had planned to order in prop money. Turns out it’s not as easy to find Canadian prop money as it is to find American prop money. So, I went out to the ATM and started withdrawing.”
The video took three days to film at locations around Saskatoon, and in only a few short days, the video had over 40,000 views and had been shared over 800 times.
“Creating this music video was one of the most challenging but most fun projects I’ve ever been a part of,” says Lehner. “From the treatment, to locations, to wardrobe, I had a hand in every aspect of this video. I wanted to bring this song to life in a way that was entertaining to the viewer.”
Watch the video for “10 Bucks” below and learn more about Katelyn Lehner via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself?
Hey! My name is Katelyn Lehner, and I’m an independent country-pop singer-songwriter from Saskatchewan. A few fun facts about me are that my first time onstage was at three years old, I have a Kinesiology degree, and I competed as a Track & Field athlete for Team Canada in the event of the Heptathlon. Music takes up most of my time now. My favourite part of music is the live shows. I love meeting people in the crowd after being done on stage.
Tell us about the process of writing “10 Bucks.”
I got the idea for “10 Bucks” while driving in my car (as I do most songs!). If it’s catchy enough for me to remember by the time I get home, that’s usually how I know I at least have something there. I wrote this song on my own and loved how sassy and playful it was. I started playing this song at my live shows, and it soon became a crowd favourite! Bart McKay helped bring this song to life in the studio, and MilaMedia and myself, with support from Creative Saskatchewan, brought even more life to the song through the music video, which is now available on YouTube. (Keep your eye open for the custom-made outfit in the final scene!).
What’s it like being a musician in Saskatoon?
Saskatoon has a great community of musicians and creatives. My producer, bandmates, and video team are all local. I like to say we’re small but mighty! We host some great festivals like the Saskatoon Jazz Fest and have a lot of great music fans in the city! If you’ve never been, come visit, just maybe not in the middle of winter.
Who was the first Canadian artist to blow you away?
Shania Twain or Celine Dion. Two of my favourite songs as a kid were “Man, I Feel Like a Woman” and “My Heart Will Go On.” I loved watching Shania’s live concert shows on TV and watching the music video for “My Heart Will Go On.”
You’ve been making music for a while now. What’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Surround yourself with a good support system, trust your gut, and remember to take a moment and look at the things you’ve accomplished and the great memories you’ve made along the way!