Following a move to Nashville a few months ago, a record deal with Warner Music Canada announced this spring, and now the overwhelming success of his newest single, local country music singer Brett Kissel can officially say he's made it.
The single, aptly called 'Started With A Song' set a Canadian radio record in late June, becoming the most added track at Canadian Country radio in its first week, according to a release from Warner Music Canada.
More then 93 per cent of Canadian Country stations added the single, surpassing the previous record set by Taylor Swift for the song 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' which had picked up 73 per cent of potential adds in its first week.
“Seeing how well the single has done at radio is a big thrill to say the least," says Kissel, via email with the Journal, adding, “It really is amazing to break a radio record with the most adds out of the box. I can't believe it really."
Kissel, who is now 23 and was born and raised in the Flat Lake area, credits much of his success on the support he's received over the years from family, friends, teacher, and the community.
“My Grandpa Bear (Ron Wengzynowski) famously told me after I grumbled about waking up early to chase cattle that 'You're no country star on the farm' . . . so I've taken that to heart and tried my best to stay humble with all of this going on," said Kissel. He adds that he is getting many Facebook messages, tweets, and emails from family and friends congratulating him on his recent success.
“In all reality, it was a team effort. I know that's a 'Miss America fluffy answer' but my friends, family, teachers, and community as a whole played a big part in my upbringing. They deserve the credit. I'm just a singer."
'Started With A Song' also debuted at No. 40 on the Broadcast Data Systems Canadian Country radio charts.
“The No. 40 entry on the County chard is an impressive accomplishment for a first time charted Canadian artist, particularly because it occurred in its first week of airplay, making this a very rare feat," said Paul Tuch, the director of Canadian Operations with Nielsen Entertainment, in the release.
Kissel, who co-produced the single, had spent two months promoting the single on an “extensive 25,000km, eight-province" promotional tour, according to the release.
Although Kissel has had local radio play in the past, having national exposure “from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island" is “just so cool."
The music video for the single also premiered on CMT on June 27. The video was shot in east Tennessee the day after Kissel's record deal was made public. The video is available to view on the CMT website.
Next up for the 23-year-old is the release of his album.
“I'm very excited about the new album and I know my fans have been eager to hear it too. As a team, we put in countless house in the studio to make this record rock, and I can't wait to share it with everyone this fall."
