After recently returning to deliver his much-loved outings 'How Did We Get Here' and 'This Time' last year, Canadian artist Kris Anders is back for 2023 to deliver his soaring new single 'Ever Enough'.
Bringing back more of that warm and triumphant pop-rock direction he has built for himself, 'Ever Enough' makes for a wonderfully rousing listen. With its raw and driven hooks, powerful atmosphere, and his own vibrant voice at the helm, he is continuing to prove himself as one of the more captivating names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The guitar. When I was a kid, my Mom wanted me to learn an instrument and I had the choice between guitar and piano. I chose the guitar and thought I'd be a lead guitar player. Turns out I'd be a vocalist and a rhythm guitar player instead!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I discovered my Mom's record collection when I was around 8 or 9 years old, which consisted of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors. She also had other genres like Kris Kristofferson and Kenny Rogers, amongst others so I remember playing all those records in my room. That was my introduction to pop music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I was able to buy was Bon Jovi's “Slippery When Wet”. It was a huge album when it came out and we didn't have a local radio station that played any rock music so we played it non stop in our room.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. It's such a classic and timeless song. I can't even list all the amazing vocalists who have performed this song over the years although KD Lang's version stands out to me as the best version I've heard when she performed in the opening ceremonies at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I keep a journal and write lyrics in it quite often. All my songs are written on an acoustic guitar so my writing process is typically to get relaxed in my practice space and work out chords to fit some of the lyrics I've been writing. Other times, the song may come to me when I'm just waking up or when I'm really relaxed and my mind is allowed to roam free.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Kings of Leon, Chris Stapleton, and Jason Isbell are probably at the top of my playlist selections currently. Good singer/songwriters like Damien Rice and Ray Lamontagne are huge influences.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Oh man... U2, I would think, since they're one of the biggest acts in the world and still sell out arenas. If it was a smaller show I'd say Steve Earle, simply because his writing was a major influence on me growing up.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is when I'm able to make that emotional connection to the listener, either through my recorded works or at a live performance. When you can see the audience singing along to a song you wrote, it's a pretty amazing feeling!
And what is the most frustrating part?
As an independent artist, I have to grind it out everyday to have my music seen and heard. It's frustrating when you hear a “No” or get a “No Reply” to opportunities. However, I've learned to appreciate the wins and the opportunities that I have received so far. I think one has to be an optimist to be successful in any industry, especially in music.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
By far it has been to always be professional. There have been and will be so many hurdles to deal with in the music industry. I've always strived to have a reputation as a solid and professional musician. I think it goes a long way to have more opportunities come your way and makes me easy to work with.
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Kris Anders' new single 'Ever Enough' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.