Kylie Price took to the stage of the Empress Ballroom at The British Country Music Festival as part of the Songwriters Carousel hosted by Laura Oakes. The New Zealand native has recently moved to the UK and is doing well for herself on the live circuit here as her songs resonate with the crowd and her powerful voice commands whatever room she walks into. After going down so well with the audience this year, she will return to the festival next year to perform a set of her own.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a musician?
I first knew I wanted to be a musician from a young age, although I had other passions in life as well. However, music was always a primary focus of mine.
Who were your first influences in country music?
My dad brought me up listening to Charlie Pride, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers – all the original legends. They were my first introduction to Country Music as well as songwriting.
When it comes to your own songwriting, where do you draw influence from in your lyrics?
I seek inspiration from life in general, the everyday events and experiences we go through. I also look at what is happening in my friend’s lives and what they are going through. There is so much happening in the world around us that influence is everywhere.
We saw you perform at the British Country Music Festival, how much did you enjoy being a part of that festival?
I enjoyed it very much. It was a wonderful experience and really wholesome. The audience was so receptive and kind towards all the artists performing and the backstage was also very warm and welcoming.
You grew up in New Zealand, can you tell me about the country scene there?
The country scene in New Zealand is strong within listeners and artists however isn’t always greatly appreciated or supported by the music industry itself. There are very limited opportunities to get onto NZ radio if you are a Country Artist as Country Music isn’t played on mainstream radio. However, we have incredibly talented artists and a phenomenally high standard of songwriting amongst them. Artists like Kaylee Bell, Tami Neilson and Jenny Mitchell are paving the way in NZ Country Music and it is really exciting to watch.
You’ve moved to the UK now, how welcoming has the UK scene been to you?
The UK has been very kind to me and has allowed me to further push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. I especially enjoy how lovely the UK listeners are at shows. They are also so enthusiastic at finding new music which is a really exciting environment to be part of.
A fun question: when it comes to performing, are you completely focused or do you let your mind wander, we call it your mid-gig thoughts?
I often find I’m really focused on what I’m doing, however my mind can wander if I allow it to. There are so many factors when on stage that it can be easy to get distracted however I often find that the desire to do a good job brings me back quickly to stay in the moment.
What’s next for you?
More shows, more new music and more new places to play!
