Quebec-based Country Artist Brittany Kennell Shares Deluxe Album and New Holiday Song
Montreal-based country singer-songwriter Brittany Kennell is set to release Pink Collar – Deluxe Edition on October 25 via Symphonic Distribution. This expanded album features two new tracks: “All Hat,” a warm reflection on unexpected endings, and “Good Man,” a song about finding true love over pretense. A vinyl edition is now available for pre-sale.
Just in time for the holidays, Brittany will also drop “Cowboy Santa” on November 8, a festive tune with a cowboy twist. Brittany brings a fresh blend of classic and modern country sounds to the genre.
First off, what have you been up to since we last chatted?
I believe we last spoke around my album launch – It was a busy summer with lots of festivals, including one on my bucket list; The Ottawa Bluesfest opening for Talk and Tyler Childers. ( A dream come true!) I had a really great summer getting to perform! I also found out I was pregnant mid-summer and was performing secretly pregnant until I announced it at my last show. I couldn’t hide it anymore!
What inspired you to release a deluxe edition of Pink Collar, and what can fans expect from the new tracks “All Hat” and “Good Man”?
Between recording and releasing Pink Collar, I ended up writing a couple of more tunes that I thought fit the record. So I went back into the studio and decided I would add two, and remove two. I kept the removed songs in my back pocket and thought it would be a fun and special way to release the vinyl.
“All Hat” reflects on the end of a relationship that turned out to be a blessing. How did this personal experience shape the song, and what message do you hope listeners take from it?
I actually wrote this song before a real relationship even began – the whole idea was recognizing patterns and red flags so I could protect myself from getting too far into a situation that didn’t serve me. I had been ghosted time and again and this song was the result of those experiences – not letting your walls down too quickly and having low expectations is a great way to not get your heart broken. Which is essentially the message I wanted to give to listeners.
In “Good Man,” you touch on the search for genuine love in a world full of pretense. What inspired this song, and how do you balance classic country elements with modern production in your music?
Good Man was inspired by wanting to manifest the love I was looking for. I wasn’t looking for dishonesty or one-night stands, I wanted real love with somebody who has a good heart. I’m lucky this manifest came true and I finally found my ‘Good Man’! Balancing out modern production with classic country elements can be difficult but I always try to create something fresh with also respecting the genre and those who came before me.
You’re also gearing up to release a festive track, “Cowboy Santa.” How did the idea for a holiday song with a cowboy twist come about, and what was the creative process behind it?
I’m so excited for this track as it’s my first ever solo-produced song. The idea came mid-summer (not the most festive time!) to explore what I could come up with if I were to write a Christmas song. My manager said, “You need a Country Christmas song!” So I thought well what’s more Christmas than a Cowboy and Santa Clause? Also realizing that they have a lot more in common than we think! It was a super fun song to write and it was really simple to get creative with this one.
With Pink Collar – Deluxe Edition available on vinyl, what excites you about sharing your music in this format, and how do you think it enhances the listening experience?
I’ve never released a vinyl and as a big music lover and record collector, it’s been on my list. I love getting music in a tangible format, especially since everything is digital these days – Vinyls just make it more personal and real. To hold this record in my hand was really special and gave me a real sense of accomplishment.
What’s next for you in 2024, and how are you looking to grow and evolve as an artist in the coming year?
I’m not entirely sure what’s to come in 2024 as I’ll be having my first baby – a chapter of life I am beyond excited to experience. Most of my time will be spent with my family, but I do plan to focus on writing for myself and other artists, with some potential new music to come later in the year.