Award winning Canadian Country artist, Jason Kirkness, has just announced his third studio album “What Got Me Here”, set for release on November 22, 2024. Anchored in relatable storytelling, thoughtful musical craftsmanship, and dynamic live performances, award-winning Canadian Country artist Jason Kirkness continues to leave his mark on the international music scene with his third studio album, “What Got Me Here”. Exploring themes of love, freedom, and self-discovery, Kirkness offers a reflective journey through life’s pivotal moments, drawing listeners into a mix of carefree escapism and the grounding realities of meaningful connection. A collection of songs that blend Kirkness’ signature sincerity with universal themes, the album recognizes the people and experiences that led the artist to where he is today. Across 11 songs, “What Got Me Here” offers listeners an empathetic hand as they embrace their own journey, reflecting that while all of the answers may not be clear at first, everyone is exactly where they need to be.
Nationally celebrated for his modern Country sound, Kirkness has established himself as a standout figure in Canadian Country music, capturing audiences with two acclaimed albums. Awarded Male Artist of the Year title at the 2023 Manitoba Country Music Awards, Kirkness gained impressive traction on the Canadian Billboard Top 50, where his single “Anywhere the Night Goes” spent 18 weeks. The track spent four weeks on the Billboard New and Active Indicator chart in the U.S. and earned a spot on the Music Row Breakout Artist chart. Renowned for his dynamic stage presence, Kirkness has shared stages with international Country icons like Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood. His music enjoys widespread airplay on Canadian networks including Rogers, Pattison, and SiriusXM, alongside notable appearances on CTV News and features in major publications across Canada.
Capturing moments of joy, heartache, and gratitude, Jason Kirkness’ latest album “What Got Me Here” offers an 11 track journey that reflects upon the experiences that have shaped him, and the people who’ve stood by his side. Co-created with longtime collaborator, producer Sean Power, the album is a collection of songs that reflect the significant moments in Kirkness’ life that led him to where he is today.. “I didn’t know exactly what I was trying to say when I started creating these songs in 2021,” Kirkness shares. “But I knew I needed to make sense of the past few years.” The resulting collection balances the exhilarating lightness of new love and freedom with the grounding complexities of self-doubt and acceptance. Blending lyrical honesty with a new vulnerability, “What Got Me Here” offers songs that feel like snapshots of connections – the instances in which everything feels right, even if just for a fleeting moment. With his third studio album, Kirkness reminds listeners that finding peace in the present is sometimes the only certainty needed, inviting them to embrace their own journeys no matter where they may lead.
Bright and encouraging, the album’s title track, “What Got Me Here”, is an upbeat ode to the universal journeys everyone embarks upon. Both metaphorical and direct, the relatable track covers the experiences, feelings, and moments that shape who we become. Opening with a driving, bouncy guitar rhythm, the song expands into a booming chorus that inspiringly covers hardships and their positive outcomes. The unforgettable, easy to sing melody is enhanced by carefully crafted instrumentation that ebbs and flows throughout the song, intentionally sparse during the verses and soaringly grand at the chorus. An invigorating reminder that no matter how challenging, all experiences lead to something positive.
The album features Kirkness’ first Top 40 hit, “Anywhere The Night Goes”. The Country love song was the first single released from the album which spent 18 weeks on the Billboard Canadian charts. An exhilarating and romantic song about the joy of spending time together, the uptempo, danceable song shares that regardless of where the night takes them, all that matters is spending time together. One of the most romantic songs on the album, “Right Where I Want You”, is a gently delivered, emotional love song. A song Kirkness heard and immediately knew he would be happy to sing for the rest of his career, “Right Where I Want You” is an exhilarating song that captures the essence of being in love. Lighthearted and playful, “She Loves My ATV”, draws inspiration from 80’s era TV commercials. The slowed down, mischievous, outlaw style track was written by Kirkness, Chris Byrne from the Roadhammers, and Mike Little. Featuring a deliberate microphone echo and a sparse yet driving drum beat, the track is a fun and notable departure from Kirkness’ signature style, showcasing another important piece of his musical journey.
Jason Kirkness’ “What Got Me Here” stands as a testament to his ability to craft deeply personal yet universally resonant music, showcasing his growth as both a storyteller and an artist. Each track weaves a tapestry of emotions, from the euphoria of newfound love to the quiet moments of self-reflection, capturing the highs and lows that shape our journeys. With this album, Kirkness embraces a new level of vulnerability, pairing his signature sincerity with a refreshed sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Seamlessly blending heartfelt lyrics with dynamic arrangements, the collection bridges the gap between personal catharsis and shared experience, inviting listeners to find pieces of their own stories within his. As an artist who continues to evolve while staying true to his authentic voice, Kirkness delivers a body of work that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of finding oneself in the present moment. Not just an album, “What Got Me Here” is a celebration of life’s transformative power and a reminder that every step of the journey matters.
