Courtney Keil I Just Wanna Hold You Interview

Courtney Keil couldn't have picked a more unique time in history to release her debut single. That said, the Melbourne-based artist was born on a South Australian working deer farm, so it's fair to say she learnt how to adapt to unique situations relatively early on in life. This release has been a long time coming, with Keil winning Song of the Year in the Pop and Country categories at the 2016 Australian Songwriters Conference and being mentored by Gina Jeffreys along the way, and now that 'I Just Wanna Hold You' has come to fruition, the industry will no doubt be excited to see what's in store for Keil's future.

'The process [behind the record] was quite a journey,' says Keil, who was supposed to travel to Nashville in March to write and record a number of tracks. The trip was cancelled two days prior to departure because of Covid-19, meaning Keil and her team had to harness modern technology to keep the project moving forward. 'I'm grateful to have written it with some dear friends from Nashville and the Central Coast via Zoom in the early stages of lockdown,' says Keil, while the session musicians in Nashville jumped in the studio as Rod McCormack, the producer, virtually coordinated the project. Keil watched on via video and once it was safe for her to travel to Rod's studio – the Music Cellar – she added her vocals and the project was finally, thankfully, completed.

'The theme and inspiration behind 'I Just Wanna Hold You' fits in quite well with these strange time', says Keil, who wrote it 'for any situation in our life where we feel apart from loved ones. The song is a reminder that no matter the distance, love connects you no matter where you are.'

As mentioned, Keil entrusted Rod McCormack – a Gold and Platinum award-winning producer – with production duties, and together they found a sound that's a throwback to the great country ladies of the 90s with hints of Lady A and Kacey Musgraves. Some of Nashville's finest musicians were also enlisted including Shannon Forrest, Brent Mason, Dan Dugmore, Dave Pomeroy and Tim Lauer, who have won too many awards between them to count. Even from the other side of the world, these guys were the utmost professionals.

The accompanying video was produced by Duncan Toombs of The Filmery and shot by Sean McDonald of 3am Productions at Kinloch House in Melbourne. 'It was exciting having Duncan produce and head up the project,' says Keil. 'His creative eye and wealth of experience made the whole process seem effortless and because of the travel restrictions, Duncan and Sean had to coordinate to shoot the footage. It ended up being a really fun, collaborative way to shoot my debut video with two powerhouse creatives.'

Though many are calling these uncertain times, you can be sure of one thing: Courtney Keil has arrived, and she plans on being around for a long time. And if this country-pop gem of a debut is anything to go by, listeners are going to be mighty glad that she's here.

Interview with Courtney Keil

Question: How would you describe your music?

Courtney Keil: My music is a throwback to the great country ladies of the 90s with hints of some of my favourite modern artists such as Lady A and Kacey Musgraves. As a young girl I remember listening to artists like Shania Twain, Faith Hill & Jewel who have had an influence on my musical development.


Question: Can you tell us about I Just Wanna Hold You?

Courtney Keil: The journey of this song is quite a unique one. After my trip to Nashville in March was cancelled two days prior because of Covid-19, my team and I had to harness modern technology to keep the project moving forward. I'm grateful to have written it with some dear friends Templeton Thompson and Sam Gay from Nashville and my producer Rod McCormack from the Central Coast via Zoom in the early stages of lockdown. Once the song was ready for recording the session musicians in Nashville jumped in the studio as Rod virtually coordinated the project. The cool part was that I was able to watch on via a video link. Once it was safe to travel to Rod's studio – the Music Cellar – I visited to add my vocals and the project was finally and thankfully, completed!


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Courtney Keil: This song was written for any situation in our life where we feel apart from loved ones, it is a reminder that no matter the distance, love connects you no matter where you are. I always try to keep my music positive and uplifting.


Question: How has COVID-19 influenced your music?

Courtney Keil: It has had a big influence and despite a couple of delays, personally it has been quite positive. The whole time I have tried to keep my head up and focus on the good things. Covid-19 has taught me to be more grateful for what I have, have flexibility and problem solve on the fly. The beauty of everyone being at home means that people are a lot more accessible, I had some great opportunities to write with people around Australia and Nashville that would usually not happen unless you're in the same room.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Courtney Keil: That's a tough one - I absolutely love both. Right at this moment though, I am really missing being out on a stage connecting with an audience. I can't wait for live shows to be back!


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Courtney Keil: I want to say 'I Just Wanna Hold You', but I am yet to get to perform it live! Historically though, I've always loved singing iconic, classic songs that the audience love, for example 'Can't Help Falling In Love' or I have to say 'The Horses' always goes down well too!

Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Courtney Keil: Usually it all starts from a small idea that pops into mind and I build from there, most times using my guitar or piano. I love collaborating with other writers as it opens up a whole new world of ideas that I might not have thought of myself.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Courtney Keil: I've been drawn to music ever since I was a little girl but upon realising in school that maths and science weren't really my forte I then actively started pursuing music. There was never really a question in my mind that there was another industry I wanted to follow. As I dove in more, artists like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry really inspired me to go after my dreams.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Courtney Keil: My absolute dream collaboration would be with Dolly Parton. She is such a pillar of the Country Music Industry and a trailblazer. Trisha Yearwood is also an artist that comes to mind straight away along with fellow Aussie Keith Urban.


Question: How did it feel to win 'Song of the Year' 2016 Australian Songwriters Conference?

Courtney Keil: It was such a surprise for me as it was the first time really entering my songs in any form of contest. To gain some recognition was such an encouragement to keep going and that I was on the right track!


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?
Courtney Keil: I've always thought that it is an industry of hard work, sweat and tears. What stuck out to me though is that you need to have the right people around you and build your circle. Also, overnight success really means years of hard work to get to that point.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Courtney Keil: Right now, as I'm Melbourne based, I spend a lot of time at home on Zoom and on my laptop, with music playing constantly throughout the day! Now that my debut single is out, I am in promotion mode, chatting with radio and doing my best to share my music with new listeners. I try to get out every day for some fresh air for a walk or a jog, which helps clear my head too. I can't not mention that I usually end the day with a bit of guilty pleasure TV like The Bachelor or Masked Singer!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Courtney Keil: Getting to express myself is the biggest thing but also finding a community where I fit in with like-minded people. I'm grateful to have formed some wonderful friendships where we can all support and encourage each other along the way.


Question: What's next, for you?

Courtney Keil: I am looking forward to releasing more music over the coming months, I've got some up my sleeve that I can't wait to share. I'm also hopeful that in the not too distant future I will be back up on stage performing. In the meantime, I will keep writing and working on my craft as I sure am enjoying the ride!


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Courtney Keil: Instagram  
Facebook  
Twitter  
YouTube  
And please check out I Just Wanna Hold You  


Interview by Gwen van Montfort