WITH HER NEWEST COUNTRY SINGLE “WATERING CAN”, EMMA KADE FINDS THE COURAGE TO PERSEVERE AMIDST CHAOS AND UNCERTAINTY
Canadian country artist Emma Kade is kicking off 2025 with her heartfelt new single “Watering Can.” Written by Kade and produced by Garrett Ward and Dan Botch of The Renaissance (Zach McPhee, Annika Catharina), the track blends contemporary country production with her trademark storytelling and emotive vocals.
Based in Invermere, BC and proud of her Métis heritage, Emma has built a reputation as a versatile singer-songwriter whose journey has taken her from pop beginnings to a confident new chapter in country music. With past highlights including nearly a million streams for 2022’s “Let Me Go”, opening for Dean Brody, and being selected for Music BC’s ARC Artist Accelerator Program, Emma broke through in 2024 with her country single “End Game”, earning Spotify editorial placements, CBC Radio support, and airplay on SiriusXM Top of the Country.
Now with “Watering Can”, she continues to cement her place in the Canadian country landscape, delivering an anthem of perseverance and individuality inspired by her own experiences navigating life, artistry, and self-discovery.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Emma Kade, and I’m a country-pop singer-songwriter originally from the small town of Creston, British Columbia.
“Watering Can” is such a beautifully personal track. Can you walk us through the moment or experience that first inspired it?
I wrote Watering Can about pursuing music and all the highs and lows that come with chasing a dream. I was going through a period of burnout and self-doubt and feeling overwhelmed with the choices I had made in life to keep this dream alive. I think of this dream like a watering can, where growth takes persistence and time.
The song blends heartfelt storytelling with modern country production. How did you work with Garrett Ward and Dan Botch to bring that vision to life?
I wanted the song to sound very organic and upbeat, and I knew I wanted lots of string elements involved, especially fiddle and mandolin, which are my favourite instruments. I almost wanted to emulate a hillbilly jam session, like the kind I grew up on, and I wanted the song to encourage people to dance, tap, or play along with.
I hummed out the melodic hook of the song I wanted the strings to follow and clapped my hands how I wanted the drums to sound. Working with Garrett and Dan was a really great experience; they are very encouraging and talented producers. They really helped bring my vision to life.
Your earlier single “End Game” had strong success with Spotify playlists and radio. Did that momentum shape how you approached “Watering Can”?
“End Game” was such a special release for me because it was my first song to hit country radio and gain me some recognition as a country artist. The success I had gave me the momentum to keep leaning into my roots and explore an authentic sound true to me.
You’ve spoken about the pressures of social media and comparison—how do you keep your individuality and authenticity in such a competitive industry?
I’m still trying to figure that one out. Social media is a powerful tool, but it can also be depleting. I think comparison can be a dangerous game and I try to focus on connection rather than perfection and showing up as I am.
With “Watering Can” marking your first single of 2025, what’s next for you this year?
I have two more singles on the way this fall and winter, and I just finished an acoustic Alberta tour. I also received grant funding from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance for a Kootenay music tour, so you’ll catch me playing a lot more show dates in the Kootenays in the coming months as well to promote the new music.