Q&A: Singer Brettyn Rose on songwriting, movie soundtracks, and Shania Twain

Country singer Brettyn Rose performing at Ranchmans Calgary.

If she's not there already, allow us to put Brettyn Rose on your musical radars.

The charming Alberta-based country artist has a gorgeous sound rooted in an acoustic aesthetic that's all her own. Whether she’s recording in the studio or performing live for a crowd, the singer-songwriter boasts a trifecta of honest lyrics, stunning vocals, and that can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it touch that commands the attention of any room.

Slowly, but surely gaining momentum in the Canadian country music scene, Rose has demonstrated she is here to stay with a Rising Star nomination at the 2021 Country Music Alberta Awards and a long list of notable live performances including the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the Horizon Stage at Big Valley Jamboree.

Her latest single “Boys’ Night” was released on January 13, 2023, and features two versions of the catchy tune where Rose sings of not wanting to be simply another conversation topic among guys.

We recently had a chance to catch up with Brettyn Rose. Here, we chat with the singer about everything from her approach to songwriting, fellow musicians she'd pick to create a Canadian country supergroup, learning to accept criticism, and more.

Writing a song is one thing, but can you explain how the production can bring a song like "Boys' Night" to life?

Watching the production breathe life into a song is one of my favourite experiences. The production takes a song from its acoustic-style form when its first written to a song that you can crank in your car or that gets people dancing at a live performance!

On that note, why did you decide to release two versions of your single?

The alternate version of "Boys’ Night" was actually recorded first. My producer Matty McKay and I loved the moody, classic country sound of it. Months later, I had the idea to try a sassier version of it too, and we ended up loving both versions.

After agreeing that both styles of production served the song, it just made sense to release both together. I’ve loved hearing which version people like out of the two!

Sometimes rhyming, timing et al. gets tricky when writing a tune. Did you ever get stuck on a certain lyric or line in this song?

Honestly, no. This song was written quite quickly between my other three co-writers, Lydia Sutherland, Jessie Bower, and Taylor Adams.

I think as young women in the dating world, the theme of this song was something we could all relate to or had personally experienced at some point in our lives. This made the song really easy to write!

Do you think accepting and processing criticism is an essential aspect of artist growth?

It can sometimes be difficult to accept criticism when you’re putting your heart and soul into your music, but I really do value feedback. I always want to continue to improve as an artist, and it can be hard to do that if you’re not aware of [career or musical aspects] that may need more focus than others. 

You've been tasked with forming a supergroup with some of your independent artist peers, who would be in it and why?

It would be a dream to form a group with Dani Strong, Mallory Johnson, and Megan Dawson! These are three strong female artists that are absolutely killing it in the Canadian country music scene and I also admire them so much.

They’re all so kind and talented, and I know we would have a blast!

Your behind-the-scenes team is just as integral as your band, so who helps to get your music out there in the world?

There are so many wonderful people I’m very thankful to work with on my music.

I’ve been working with my producer, Matty McKay, for about a year and half now and he has brought all my songs to life! Matty has also been a mentor for me in other aspects of my career as well. With his many years of experience in the industry, he’s always open to any questions I have or guidance I may need.

I also work with Taylor Entertainment for my radio tracking, and Dani Strong and her team are incredible. Dani believes so strongly in her artists and always works her hardest to get our music heard.

What's a really oversung song that you still love to sing anyway?

I would probably have to say that “Man! I Feel like a Woman!” is both very oversung and overplayed…but I never get sick of singing it.

Everyone seems to always love it when it’s played live. It makes me feel empowered as a young female when I sing it too, so I let my inner Shania shine!

Most overused statement or phrase in country music?

Probably any lyric about a truck…which I am definitely guilty of myself. Ha, ha, ha! It’s a classic concept for country music, though, so it’s not going anywhere.

With the Oscars coming up, let’s talk movies…

Most iconic musical performance from a film?

I watched Hairspray so many times as a kid, so I love all of the songs from that movie, but “I Can Hear the Bells” has always been one of my favourites!

What movie franchise would you love to sing a theme song for?

I’ve always really liked the songs that are written for James Bond movies over the years, so I think singing a song for that movie franchise would be so much fun! 

The 2023 Oscar for Best Original Song should go to...

Definitely “Hold My Hand” by Lady Gaga from Top Gun: Maverick! One of my current favourite movies and songs!