We had a chance to catch up with CCMA Female Artist of the Year Kira Isabella earlier this week before her expected gig at Adelaide Hall. Unfortunately, that concert got cancelled due to a fire in the building. Thankfully nobody was injured.
Kira Isabella – Caffeine & Big Dreams
First off we want to thank Kira Isabella for taking the time to talk with Sound Check. It was an absolute pleasure chatting. Enjoy!
Sound Check: What experiences did you take from your first album “Love Me Like That” into the new album “Caffeine & Big Dreams”
Kira: The bigger picture is mainly what I am happy that I am seeing now. How many people it takes working very hard to put an album out. This time around I had a better understanding of everything and got to be a bigger part in the decision making. For example the order the tracks went on the album, the pictures and color, I just feel very close to this one.
Sound Check: I guess the first time around you had some people maybe guiding you in other ways.
Kira: Ya and this time around it was a bit more on my own.
Sound Check: Quarterback was your first single off the new album, you had a chance to work with Rivers Rutherford on this song how did this come about?
Kira: Well Rivers Rutherford, Bobby Hamrick, and Marti Dodson are the writers on this record, and I have been pretty good friends now with Marti Dodson for awhile now. We have written together previously and she sang a bunch of backup on my first record. Basically this song was originally pitched to Carrie Underwood, but she had a previous history of dating a football player so they decided it wouldn’t be appropriate for her. So thankfully they decided that my voice and what I stand for basically would be good for this song. I am very grateful to her for that and I am so glad this song came to me when it did and I think it happened for a reason.
Sound Check: So having success with Quarterback in the US and being signed to Hit Shop Records (Natalie Stovall & The Drive & Weston Burt are also signed to this label) south of the board and getting airplay on Sirius XM Radio “The Highway” how do you move forward with the US market?
Kira: Well, I am really focusing on the Canadian market at the moment. Being on my Cross-Canada tour “The Shake It Tour” the focus is Canada. Being on the Highway was absolutely incredible and so exciting. We re did “A Little More Work” we remastered it and I cut the vocals again, and they put that on “The Horizon” which is amazing. But my main focus is on Canada.
Sound Check: So tell us about the “Shake It Tour” 21 dates across Canada, in 37 days. That’s quite ambitions.
Kira: Yes, its actually been going very very well, I have surrounded myself with really awesome people. I have the luxury of friends being in the band so its not like its real work.
Sound Check: Playing in so many different venues how do you prepare for each of the shows?
Kira: I really always regardless of the venue a Stadium, Bar or Corporate Event I prepare exactly the same way and get myself into exactly the same state of mind. I really make it a point to give every audience the same amount of energy and 100% every time. As a music lover and someone who enjoys going to concerts and enjoys going to see my favorite artists. I just want to see them in their element giving it their all.
Sound Check: When you have opportunities to play for new people and have Meet & Greets after your shows. What do you take away from the fans?
Kira: I have been on stage since i was 7 years old performing and trying to do this, and really giving it my all. I feel in the past year at 21 I truly have come in to my own as a performer and I am really starting to feel comfortable. My main thing these days and my main thing I am hoping always is personal connection with each and every audience. Because I always say I will never forget you guys and I want to make this an unforgettable experience for the fans.
Sound Check: With only 5 more dates on the “Shake It Tour” I am assuming you have some down time in December?
Kira: Definitely no down time. I am actually hopping on the CP Holiday Train very shortly after my Shake It Tour ends. I will be on that for 2-3 weeks. What we are doing is going through Canada and a bit of the States and encouraging people to donate to the Food Bank in their area. I am very excited to be part of it. I love Christmas, everybody does and I love spreading that Christmas cheer. Then hoping to get back out on the road in Canada in January and share my music with everyone.
Sound Check: Boots and Hearts we have to ask is it on the map this summer?
Kira: Well its getting to that time of the year where the summer months start to take shape. Boots and Hearts is a fantastic event and being part of twice already it would be a thrill to do it again but we will have to wait and see. But I will let you know as soon as I do.
Sound Check: Thanks for taking the time Kira we really appreciate it, and best of luck tonight in Toronto.
Kira: Thanks so much for your time, I really appreciate it.
Corey Kelly / @CoreyKelly76
