Canadian singer/songwriter Karli June is a name that should be known to country music fans all over the world. An artist who writes from the heart and draws in from real life experience, Karli has an edge to her that is incredibly inspiring and authentic!

Award-nominated Karli June, is becoming one of Canada’s brightest emerging stars in country music. With over 2.2 million streams and video views to date, Karli was nominated for four 2023 CMA Ontario Awards for her debut EP Where You Come From, plus she had an award show performance that brought the house down. Karli also had several performances during the Canadian Country Music Association Award week (CCMA’s) in Hamilton in September 2023 including the CCMA Songwriters Unplugged show.

Karli’s duet “Feel Like Home” which features Ryan Langdon, reached number 12 on the Australian country radio charts, and top 30 at Canadian country radio. iHeartRadio named her a “Future Star”and Rogers Media called her “One to Watch”. “Feel Like Home” was also the #1 Most Added position on the Canadian country radio charts upon its release.

More recently Karli June released her superb, empowering new single Still Make Cowgirls – the second track from her forthcoming sophomore EP.

Written by Karli June and award-winning hit songwriter and producer Deric Ruttan (who also produced the song), Still Make Cowgirls portrays a woman embracing her authentic self, proud of her rustic country roots and announcing to potential suitors that she’s got depth and passion. The lyrics paint a picture of country life, but they’re all about substance and heart – the characteristics of a true cowgirl, regardless of where they’re from. The mid tempo track starts with a slow burn and builds with Karli’s confident twang soaring over classic country elements like pedal steel guitar and B3 organ, but with modern pop-infused flair.

Karli grew up on a farm in rural Listowel, Ontario which helped her shape you she is as a person and as an singer/songwriter. Those rural roots are weaved throughout her music and brings a strong genuine side to her craft. She spent time polishing her vocals at a church choir and performing at fairs and competitions. As a teenager, she taught herself to play guitar and began experimenting with songwriting. Still drawing from personal experiences and ensuring her authenticity bleeds through her words, Karli’s single Still Make Cowgirls aims to empower women with a cowgirl attitude.

We caught up with Karli to discuss the new single and more!

Enjoy!

Hi Karli – how are you?

I’m doing really well! Just getting into gear for the CMA Ontario Awards weekend so I am quite excited about that.

That’s exciting- How has your week been?

It’s been great! Lots of getting all my outfits ready for the awards weekend and practicing with my band for a few events we have surrounding the awards.

Yes!!! You are nominated for a fair few CMA Ontario awards, congratulations – how does that feel?

Thanks so much! It’s SO exciting. I’ve been attending the awards for many years so to see my name up there feels like hard work paying off!

Also Congratulations on the release of “Still Make Cowgirls” – how has life been since its release?

Thanks so much! It’s always fun releasing new music. Every song has it’s own personality and brings a bit of a different experience. This song has really helped me reach more of my fanbase and continue to grow that.

Can you please tell us about the creation behind this song? How did the idea come to be in the writers room? Did it take long to write?

I really wanted to write a song about being proud of who I am and my country rural roots. There aren’t as many female country songs about that. I brought the title to my co writer Deric Ruttan and he liked the idea and it came together in one writing session!

What was the original demo like before full production? Was there much difference?

We actually didn’t do a demo for this song! We went straight from the acoustic version right into the full studio version. Deric and I both had a pretty clear idea of what we wanted it to sound like and were really confident about the song.

It’s such a great empowering song for women – what women influenced you growing up whether they are people you knew or famous people?

Definitely the strong women I have in my life. My mom, my grandmothers, my aunts. Living in the country produces a lot of very strong women and I am so grateful for their example. I always loved the women of country music in the 90s as well. Martina Mcbride, Shania, Faith Hill to name a few.

Is country radio kind to female country singers on Canada as I know in the US they don’t play them a whole lot?

It’s absolutely tough as a female! Certainly more males are being played which makes the odds stacked against us. But I’ve never backed down from a challenge..

Which female artists are on your playlist right now?

Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson – two of my faves!

You are working on an EP – can we know much about it at all? What goals do you have for the EP and any theme?

It’s already recorded and ready to go! Now we wait.. Aha. It will continue to touch on my roots, and all the things in life that are important to me – especially the inspiration of my family, faith, and growing up in the agricultural community.

You have a big following in Australia – have you been out there yet and if so what was it like?

Thanks so much! I love the Aussies and am grateful for their support. I haven’t been there yet but we are hoping to get there next year. I can’t wait.

Any plans to come to the UK at all? We have a huge country music fan base here.

I would LOVE to!! I know it’s definitely something we have our sights on.

Well we would LOVE to have you – Can you tell us a little bit about where you are from please?

I am from a small town in Ontario of about 6,000 people called Listowel. I grew up on a Dairy Farm there and my dad still farms there today. It was the best way to grow up.

What is it like growing up on a farm? And did you have much involvement in the farm work?

My brothers and I had to help out, certainly. It was a family effort. We would work hard but play hard too! We would help out with the barn chores but my parents also let us just be kids and have fun too which I really respected. They weren’t too hard on us. We grew up with so much love. Bailing hay was always a summer activity we had to help with and I remember helping my dad pick stones out of the field too.

What or who got you into country music?

Definitely growing up on a farm it was all we listened to and I was really inspired watching Shania Twain on TV. I just wanted to be HER.

Did you have any other careers that you wanted to pursue?

I always thought about pursuing natural health – or television broadcasting. I still could see myself branching into more TV opportunities if they arise!

Thank you so much for your time today, we really hope to see you in the UK soon!

Instagram: @itskarlijune
Twitter: @karlijunemusic
Facebook: /karlijunemusic
Website: https://www.karlijune.com/