Burgeoning New Brunswick-based singer-songwriter Kylie Fox is happy to be sharing her second studio full-length, Sequoia, that was made with the support of ArtsNB, Music New Brunswick and Canada Council for the Arts. Sequoia has come to life as an 11-track album, developed with her band and six-time ECMA-winning producer, Daniel Ledwell (Jenn Grant, Fortunate Ones, The Good Lovelies).
Sequoia is deeply rooted in folk-Canadiana elements that have characterized Fox‘s career, while also exploring folk-rock and jazz-pop fusion. The album could be described as 70s-Sesame Street-meets-Sharon-Van Etten. “The 11 songs that make up Sequoia are reflections on gratitude in relation to the women in my life, my environment, my relationships, and myself,” says Fox. The title Sequoia refers to the source of inspiration for the project which struck upon a news story that told of firefighters working throughout the night to prevent a Sequoia tree from burning in a forest fire. “It resonated with me how severely nature and time have been taken for granted,” concludes Fox. Like Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” the collection of songs on Sequoia acknowledge moments when something was taken for granted, while also functioning as pieces of gratitude in and of themselves in how they uplift and celebrate love and life.
The record’s title track features an epic, circus chaos climax at the end, that feels like a life montage. In the song, Fox draws comparisons to how nature is neglected to how she sometimes takes the most important people in her life for granted – something that is pretty honest and can be scary to say out loud.
What can you share with readers about your new project?
Sequoia is an album about being grateful for what we have. I was inspired by a radio news story that told of fire fighters working through the night to save a California Redwood that was caught in a forest fire. Sequoia trees are some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, and they are so beautiful and stoic. They are the heart of the album, with every song branching off in ways celebrating things to be grateful for, or calling to action where more gratitude is needed.
How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?
This was the first release where I used a band, instead of session players. We were able to be really creative and take our time with the arrangements, so that when we got to the studio we were able to lay our parts with certainty. It was fun to feel community and collaboration in the project. We recorded the record over Thanksgiving and I made a turkey. It was cozy.
What about this album makes you most proud?
I’m most proud of how Sequoia feels like a work of true artistic expression. It feels very authentically me, has a breadth of styles and subject matter, and is tremendously creative. I think there are aspects, both musically and lyrically, that inspire curiosity, or are quirky enough for listeners to get a kick out if it. I aim to create a new perspective.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
I wanted to make a record that was good for cooking. I wanted it to be musical enough that it could be background noise to brunch-making, or wine sipping, but also thoughtful and creative enough to have something important to say if listeners really tune in.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
Oh everything. I write a lot about my own surroundings. I have melodies in my head constantly. Singing is my favorite thing to do. Connecting with people around the world makes me feel more alive. I’m in it for the chase. I don’t think I could handle knowing what the future holds. I’d much rather live in a blissful unknown, imagining what the next song, or opportunity, or stage will be.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Brandi Carlile is my dream collab. I’m obsessed with her. Her music has carried me through since high school, she has one of the best voices in Americana music, and she exists in the spirit of collaboration. I think she’s a wonderful person, as well as an artist.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
The last song I listened to was the last song on Joel Plaskett’s new record. I really like the album – it reminds me being an undergrad in a dimly lit East Coast house. My favourite all time artist is Joni Mitchell, but I also love Julia Jacklin, Angel Olseon, Big Thief and Chappell.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
I’m on Instagram the most! Follow me there at @_kyliefox_ , or youtube. I also have a newsletter I put out on the last Friday of every month that’s more of a diary entry, with shows and merch etc. at the bottom. Sign up here : https://kyliefox.ca/
