Artist Glimpse - Kelsi Mayne
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In conversation with one of Canada’s fastest rising independent artists. She’s been a nationally ranked sprint-hurdler, the Chief Medical Director at Pulsar UV Inc. helping the film industry navigate pandemic stresses, a 3x CMAOntario nominee, a FACTOR Canada recipient, and a SiriusXM "Top of the Country" finalist. She’s a relentless hard worker and the ultimate “do-it-yourself-er”. She’s got the boots back on now with new music, videos, and collaborations on the horizon, Kelsi Mayne and the #MayneTrain is back on the tracks and moving full steam ahead.
Rob Aguiar - Kelsi, thank you so much for taking some time to share a little glimpse into your heart as a singer songwriter. I’m excited to get to pick your brain about lyrics, songwriting, and your journey as a whole.
Kelsi Mayne - Thanks for having me, Rob. I'm so happy to be here.
RA- Let’s dive right in! What typically inspires your songwriting, and how do you channel those inspirations into your music? Do you have a specific routine or does it vary from song to song?
KM - I get ideas from literally everything around me. “About Time” was from a news article, “Surrender” was a word mentioned by my friend Danielle Bourjeaurd in passing on my way to a write. I just wrote a song called “Head to Texas” that I wrote after dancing with someone from Texas the night before. But drawing from personal experience is always best. Unfortunately for me personally, but fortunate for my music, I’ve experienced a year of heartbreak so this has been a large source of inspiration lately.
No specific routine but a lot of my ideas come when I’m driving or in the shower. I also like to listen to different styles of music to suit the mood I’m in that day.
“ I only want to write things with substance that serves a purpose and makes you feel something. Songs that you’ll want to remember in 10 years.”
RA- You recently said that your music has never been more honest, real and raw. What role does this vulnerability play in the creation of your lyrics and how do you balance personal authenticity with creating content that resonates universally with listeners?
KM - The role of vulnerability is huge! It’s extremely important for songwriting, which makes it very awkward when you’re writing with someone for the first time. But opening up to a complete stranger often creates a bond with that person that is incredibly strong and makes that song magical.
I’ve learned that if I write from a genuine, honest place, my audience will relate to it in some way. My favourite thing is hearing how a listener relates to a song in a different way than I had intended.
RA - Okay let’s shift gears a bit. How has your personal journey influenced the evolution of your music, and are there specific moments of growth that have reshaped the way you approach songwriting?
KM - This year has been a JOURNEY. I feel like I’ve lived an entire lifetime in this one year alone. I went from being engaged and planning my wedding to (over a span of 3 weeks I might add) calling it off, moving out, dealing with the sudden death of my best friend’s brother and then my own grandmother and having to perform the biggest show of my life, opening for Russell Dickerson at Caesars Windsor Colosseum the very next day. This forced me to grow a lot personally in a short amount of time and my songwriting has definitely reflected that as well.
Now that I can truly say that I’ve lived through all of life’s experiences, I approach songwriting with a new realness. I only want to write things with substance that serves a purpose and makes you feel something. Songs that you’ll want to remember in 10 years.
RA - No matter the type of art, creative fog is a real thing. How do you handle moments of self-doubt or uncertainty in your songwriting process, and what helps you push through those challenges?
KM - Self-doubt is real. But I try to remind myself of everything I’ve done in my life (ie. playing the Calgary Stampede, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Boots and Hearts, etc.) and also that I’m only human, and so is everyone else. No one is immune to creative fog so it doesn’t make me any less of a writer. It’ll pass. Sometimes you just need a walk around the block, a drive, or a shower (where I get most of my ideas!). And sometimes you just need to sit with something. Some of my favourite lyrics I’ve come up with a week or two later.
RA - Can you describe a specific song that holds a deep personal meaning for you and the story behind it?
KM - I feel compelled as a songwriter/artist to share messages that are important to us. I had this song idea that was circling in my head for weeks until I finally got it out of me on a plane ride to Edmonton for the CCMAs this year. I wanted it to be like a “Humble and Kind” type of song that has a bunch of words of advice but instead, advice from a broken heart… more of what not to do. My hope is that this song serves as a reminder and if it prevents one heart from breaking, then it’s served its purpose! It’s unreleased at the moment but there’s a few clips on my socials. It’s called, “Someone Who Knows.”
RA - Kelsi, thanks for letting me on board the #MayneTrain for a Glimpse into your journey! I wish you continued success! Having the opportunity to connect with you and add your heart to this series has been a true honor for me. Thank you so much!
KM - Glimpse Productions, thank you so much for having me and letting me share some of my thoughts and my heart with you. Hope to see you soon!
kelsimayne.com
Season 2 Published Artist Interviews:
Jenna
JSAL
