Canadian country artist Kalsey Kulyk has always been a firm believer in the idea that timing is everything. This couldn’t be more true as she reflects on the release of her latest single, “You Fight Dirty,” and her recent signing with Universal Music Canada—both of which she says were the result of careful timing and a bit of fate. I sat down with her in Nashville to discuss her journey.
It’s a dream come true for Kulyk, who, as a teenager, wrote in her journal about her goal of signing with Universal. “It’s kind of funny because my mom had found that journal once I had signed on to Universal Music Canada and said ‘Kalsey, look at this!’” she shares with a laugh. “That is so wild,” she says, reflecting on the coincidence. “It’s been an absolute dream come true.”
After being courted by Universal for about a year, Kulyk finally signed with the label. She recalls the collaborative process that followed, where she was asked to send over a list of goals and songs she wanted to record. The process of bringing her vision to life was just as much about collaboration as it was about the right timing.
Kulyk’s first single with the label, “You Fight Dirty,” has been well received by fans, particularly during her live shows. The song, which Kulyk initially wrote in 2016, is playful and sassy, yet packs an emotional punch. She shares that she decided to soften the tone of the song, aiming for a playful vibe rather than a mean-spirited one. “It’s a dig at the guy, but still fun and cheeky. That’s kind of how we approached the song.”
But what made Kulyk hesitant to release the track sooner? “If I don’t know how I want it to sound, how am I going to articulate that to musicians and a producer?” she says, recalling the uncertainty she felt about the track’s live version. However, once the song was introduced in the studio, the magic happened. “When we brought it into the studio, I was holding my breath and crossing my fingers and toes,” she admits. “And then the musicians just started doing their thing. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so much better than I even could have dreamed.’”
For Kulyk, the timing for the release of the song feels perfect, with everything falling into place as if by design. “I’m so glad that I waited,” she says with a sense of relief.
Beyond “You Fight Dirty,” Kulyk has a number of new songs ready for release, with plans for a larger project possibly next year. Each new release will be accompanied by a cover song, which she hopes will bring something fresh to her fans.
A quick glance at Kulyk’s journey shows that she has always believed in perseverance and resilience. The singer-songwriter, who first picked up a guitar at thirteen and won a songwriting competition, faced a life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with cancer. “What is life unless you’re doing what you love?” Kulyk reflects, noting that her experience with cancer solidified her decision to pursue music full time.
“I had a lot of great support from my family. My mom was a very positive person and always encouraged me to see the bright side,” Kulyk shares. But it was music that truly helped her heal. “That’s something I really believed saved my life,” she says, speaking of the emotional release she found through songwriting and music during her treatments.
As she prepares for a tour with Niko Moon starting April 1, Kulyk’s excitement is palpable. The tour will take her across Canada and the U.S., featuring an acoustic set of old and new songs. She’s also looking forward to connecting with fans through her music, and of course, continuing to share the journey with them every step of the way.
Watch the “You Fight Dirty” Lyric Video
For more information, visit https://www.kalseykulyk.com/.
