2024: Through The Rearview Mirror
Well friends, another year has come to an end, and looking back, it’s been one of for the books! Oftentimes as an independent artist, you can wonder “did I even do anything this year?” Well…turns out when I looked back on the year, I did!
Before looking ahead to new opportunities and adventures in 2025, here are a few highlights from 2024:
I released my single, “Love You for Life,” a song inspired by my parent’s love story along with a beautiful music video shot by the one and only, Oliver Banyard. This is my favourite music video to date because Spencer and I went out to the mountains and had a “vow reminder” (I don’t believe that vows need to be renewed!). I got to feel like a bride for a few hours and Spencer was a dashing groom. Check out the video HERE.
Shortly thereafter, I was a feature performer on Chad Brownlee’s single, “They Don’t Know About Us.” This was a career highlight for me as I have always loved Chad as a fellow artist in the country music industry and was honoured he chose me to be on the song.
We shot a music video in Kelowna, recorded an acoustic version of the song in Calgary, and I even got to perform the song live with him at the Calgary Stampede! It was so fun being part of a “duo” again!
In July, I had the opportunity to perform as a piano bar entertainer on a small expedition ship travelling to Greenland for a few days. I immediately said “YES” and brought Spencer along with me! (Don’t worry, the kids were well taken care of by my family and in-laws at home). Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, we were unable to get to the ship. So, Spencer and I made the best of our pre-planned vacation time and stayed in Iceland exploring for the week (with a full, 88 key electric piano in our tiny rental car!). Although I was sad I wasn’t able to perform, we had a blast!
A huge career milestone in 2024 was reaching 1 million global streams as a solo artist. I honestly did not even think this was possible as an independent artist with such a small team. However, it turns out we are a small but mighty team and I’m so grateful to my manager, Mel and my husband, Spencer for being such a huge part of my success in the streaming world. We celebrated with cake, champagne, and of course…MASSIVE balloons that were almost as big as me!
Other live shows for the year included a set at Brett Wilson’s Garden Party (alongside Brett Kissel and his amazing band!) and a fun, local event in Saskatchewan with Ty Hunter of “The Hunter Brothers.” I also performed in Toronto at NXNE (and had my Toronto friends come out to support me which was so fun!).
The B Side of my album, Stand Still was released in the fall and it feels so good that after 3 years, the whole record is finally out!
In addition to streaming the album, you can also check out the second round of the Stand Still Sessions that are available on YouTube.
My annual trip to the CCMAs looked a little different this year as I was 7 months pregnant and spent more time as my husband’s “plus one” than as a performer myself! But I was able to have some great meetings with people that are now part of my team (namely, my now booking agent, Carla Hackman!) - I am excited for what the future holds now that I have a dedicated team member to live performances.
SPEAKING OF LIVE PERFORMANCES…WE ARE PREPARING FOR SOMETHING BIG ON APRIL 11, 2025 IN CALGARY…SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!!
My latest single, “Never on Fire” and the music video to accompany it came out in November. I am thrilled that Sirius XM’s Top of the Country added the song last month and it is getting played around the world! YAY!
In my personal life, I have had highs and lows. Spencer and I were expecting our third baby in August, 2024 but sadly, I miscarried our baby, Will Jasper Cheyne at 15 weeks. After a physical and emotional recovery that felt more like a roller coaster, I found out I was pregnant again in April, 2024. Fortunately, everything has gone well in this pregnancy so far and I am 37 weeks pregnant now (and feeling it!). We hope that Baby C will arrive around January 24, 2025. We are looking forward to becoming a family of 5! ♥♥♥♥♥
As the new year approaches, I am so grateful for the year I’ve had - not only because I’ve been able to continue to pursue music while also being a mom and wife, but because I have the greatest team and the best supporters around! I love that I get to do what I do and I am thankful you readers are along for the ride!
I hope you are blessed richly in 2025 and that I see you (or you hear me!) sometime soon!
