Award-nominated rising country artist opening up about a defining new era, songwriting, and her debut EP journey.
TorontoPages Magazine is proud to spotlight one of Canada’s most exciting emerging voices in country music, Brettyn Rose. Hailing from Okotoks, the rising Alberta artist has been steadily building momentum with her distinctive blend of traditional country storytelling, modern production, and powerful, emotionally driven vocals. With an authentic sound rooted in honesty and heart, Brettyn is quickly establishing herself as an artist to watch on the national stage.
Fresh off multiple 2026 Country Music Alberta Awards nominations, including Horizon Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter(s) of the Year, Brettyn continues to earn industry recognition for both her artistry and songwriting. She was also named one of Front Porch Music’s Artists to Watch in 2026 and has captured attention through standout performances at Country Thunder, CCMA House, and other notable stages across the country.
As anticipation builds for her debut EP, The Wild West, Brettyn has already given listeners a taste of what’s to come with her latest single, “Leavin’ On My Lips,” a bright and heartfelt track that showcases her signature charm and relatable storytelling.
In this exclusive interview with TorontoPages Magazine, Brettyn Rose opens up about her musical journey, her roots, the inspiration behind her new music, and the exciting road ahead as she enters a defining new chapter in her career.
For readers discovering your music for the first time, how would you introduce yourself and your journey into country music?
My journey in music started when I was five years old, taking piano lessons. My piano teacher also taught vocal lessons, and I tried that when I was eight! I did a lot of musical theatre and choir growing up. I picked up a guitar when I was thirteen, and as soon as I could play a few basic chords, I tried my hand at songwriting, and here we are today! I didn’t grow up listening to a lot of country music, but I eventually fell in love with the genre because of the storytelling element. I want to tell stories through my music, and country music is exactly that. Music is truly all I’ve ever done and all I ever want to do. I have an intrinsic feeling that this is what I’m meant to do in life!
You grew up in Okotoks. What was your upbringing like, and how did it influence the artist you’ve become today?
I am very lucky to have had an amazing childhood. I grew up with two younger siblings in a loving household. My family has always been a pillar in my life, and I would not be the artist I am today without them. They have always been supportive of whatever my siblings and I were passionate about. They instilled in us that we can pursue our dreams and passions with hard work and dedication. My mum would always drive me to music lessons or to gigs before I could drive. She is still one of the first people I share new music with and bounce ideas off to this day!
When did you first realize that music was something you wanted to pursue seriously as a career?
It sounds a bit cliché, but for me, pursuing music has never been in doubt or a question. It feels like this is what I am meant to do in life, and I want to try to make it possible no matter what. I really started to believe this even more when I began writing songs and performing them at around fifteen. When I saw my songs connecting with people, I knew I had to make this dream possible!
You’ve been named one of Front Porch Music’s Artists to Watch in 2026. How has that recognition shaped this year for you so far?
I’m very honoured to be named an Artist to Watch in 2026 by Front Porch Music alongside some other amazing artists. It feels like I’ve caught a few glimpses in the last year of my hard work and passion paying off. I’m excited to continue this journey and see where it takes me this year!
Your new single “Leavin’ On My Lips” has already given fans a preview of your upcoming debut EP. What inspired the story behind the song?
“Leavin’ On My Lips” was written about that feeling of missing your person as soon as they’re not around and simply loving being in their presence. It’s all about that butterfly feeling of wanting to spend all your time with another person, which I think is a really special feeling to have.
The track captures the simple joy of being close to someone you love. Why did that feeling resonate with you creatively right now?
There’s always at least a little bit of truth from my life in my songs, writing songs is how I process and navigate life. For me, the message of “Leavin’ On My Lips” was a true feeling I had when I started dating my partner. I thought to myself, I feel so lucky to want to spend my time with this other person, it’s a cool feeling! I wanted to capture that light-heartedness in this track, which I think we accomplished.
Your debut EP “The Wild West” arrives on May 8. What does the title represent for you personally and artistically?
Historically, the Wild West was a period of great uncertainty and adversity. But with bravery, people overcame challenges, and it became a time of immense growth and discovery. This EP was written as I was entering my early twenties and encapsulates all the experiences I had during that time, both good and bad. I fell in love for the first time, experienced loss and significant change, I walked through a lot of the unknown during that chapter of my life. But as a result of these experiences, I started growing into the person and artist I am meant to become. Everyone has their own Wild West in life, and this EP is a glimpse into mine.
Many artists describe their first EP as a milestone. What emotions come up for you as you prepare to release your debut project?
I feel very proud and excited for this EP to finally be out. It summarizes the last few years of my life, and being on the other side of those experiences now, I am very proud of myself for how I’ve grown. It’s always a little nerve-racking to share new music with the world, especially because there are some very honest and vulnerable songs on this EP, but I know they’re stories I want to share. My only hope is that someone can connect their own life to these songs and relate to my stories, connection is always my goal with music.
Your music blends traditional country storytelling with modern vocals. Who were some of the artists or influences that helped shape that sound?
I grew up listening to a wide variety of music. One of the first artists I remember connecting with when I was very young was Sheryl Crow. Even though she’s not a country artist, I feel like that was where I first experienced the art of storytelling in music. I listened to a lot of Taylor Swift and Shania Twain when I was younger, two hugely influential artists for any young woman in music, especially country. As I grew up, I developed a love for traditional country music as well. I love George Strait, Waylon Jennings, and Loretta Lynn. I fell in love with the way these artists tell stories, the musicality of their songs, and how they helped shape country music today. For modern country, I am obsessed with artists like Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, and Carly Pearce. It’s so inspiring to see female artists dominating the genre right now. As I have a love for both old and new, I want to continue exploring how the two can balance in my music.
As an Indigenous country artist, how does your identity influence your storytelling or perspective as a songwriter?
Not only is storytelling such a key element of country music, but it is also very important in Indigenous cultures. I’ve loved stories and telling stories since I was young, it almost feels like something I’ve always had within me. I believe this feeling may have originated from my Indigenous heritage. My heritage was not something I was really exposed to growing up, so now as an adult, I’m trying to learn more about this part of myself. I think it will only continue to take shape as part of my identity.
Growing up in Okotoks, how did your hometown shape your musical roots?
Alberta is a very agricultural and western province, and there is so much rich history here. I think growing up here definitely helped shape my love of country music and the western lifestyle. Okotoks, in particular, is a town that has always been very supportive of the arts. I played one of my very first gigs at a local venue when the town asked me to open for a folk artist coming through on tour. To this day, they are still so supportive of my career and many others in the arts as well. I’m very grateful to have grown up here.
You’ve been nominated for Horizon Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter(s) of the Year at the Country Music Alberta Awards this year. What did it mean to receive those nominations?
I’m very honoured to be recognized with these nominations. I’m in categories alongside artists and songwriters whom I call my friends and whom I admire and respect. Country music is strong in Alberta, so I’m very grateful for these nominations.
You were also a semi-finalist in Top of the Country. How did that experience help you grow as an artist?
It was a dream come true to be in Top of the Country last year. I’ve watched and been a fan of the program for years, and it was surreal to be a semi-finalist. My recording day in Toronto was a highlight of my career and only left me feeling more motivated to continue on this path. The whole team and crew were absolutely amazing. I can still barely believe that happened!
Fans have seen you perform at major events like Country Thunder and CCMA House. Which live performance has been the most memorable for you so far?
That’s such a tough question! CCMA House was definitely a highlight performance for me. It was in Kelowna last year, the weather was beautiful, and so many people came to celebrate country music right by the water, it was so memorable. I also got to perform at this year’s Country Music Alberta Awards in a special tribute to Terri Clark for her induction into the Country Music Alberta Hall of Fame. It was such an honour to be part of this and alongside some of my friends too!
When you’re writing a song, do you usually begin with a lyric, a melody, or a story you want to tell?
Most of my songs usually start with a story I want to tell or a feeling I want to convey. Usually, I’ll have a title or a few lyrics already, but I generally gravitate toward a melody first that fits the vibe of the story. From there, I work on the lyrics and melody together and see how the song takes shape.
Country music is evolving quickly. Where do you see your sound fitting within the current Canadian country landscape?
I’m proud of the sound and artistry that I’m developing, and I think I just want to continue exploring that while hopefully connecting with people through my music. I want to continue blending traditional country with modern country elements and finding my audience through my music.
For readers who are discovering your music for the first time, which song from the EP do you feel best represents who you are as an artist?
One of my favourite songs that I’ve ever written, and one that I am beyond proud of on the EP, is “Wild West.” I wrote this song with my friend Tareya Green, and it was one of those songs that felt like it just dropped from the sky. My producer, Matty McKay, absolutely crushed the production too. I think this song is a great example of traditional and modern country elements blending musically, and I’m really proud of the songwriting. This is the song that feels like the truest example of my artistry.
What do you hope listeners take away emotionally after hearing “Leavin’ On My Lips”?
This song is meant to be a light-hearted love song, so I hope they can feel just that after listening. Hopefully it makes them think of the person they love and want to be around, or if not, I hope they can simply feel happy and jam out to this song.
Outside of music, what are some interests, hobbies, or passions that people might be surprised to learn about you?
Outside of music, I have some grandma-leaning passions and hobbies! I’m a huge reader, which is a passion I did get from my grandmother. My favourite genre is mysteries and thrillers, especially psychological thrillers. I read about three to five books a month, it’s definitely my favourite activity when I have some spare time. I also love baking, especially birthday cakes for my loved ones, and I recently took up embroidery in the last year. Told you they were grandma hobbies, hahaha!
Finally, what message would you like to share with young Indigenous artists who may be dreaming of following a similar path?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned in my career so far is to simply be yourself. There is only one you, nobody else can be that. Being yourself is the biggest asset you can bring to the table. Be kind to yourself and others, continue trying to learn and get better, and anyone can follow their dream.
Your message for us at TorontoPages Magazine.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to showcase myself and my music! I truly appreciate the support!
