Award-nominated Canadian country singer-songwriter Karli June, is emerging as one of Canada's standout country music artists. With an authentic sound and relatable lyrics she’s amassed over 2.2 million streams and video views to date. She’s thrilled to release her smoldering new single “Still Make Cowgirls” - the second track from her forthcoming sophomore EP.
Written by Karli June and award-winning hit songwriter and producer Deric Ruttan (who also produced the song), “Still Make Cowgirls” portrays a woman embracing her authentic self, proud of her rustic country roots and announcing to potential suitors that she's got depth and passion. The lyrics paint a picture of country life, but they’re all about substance and heart - the characteristics of a true cowgirl, regardless of where they’re from. The mid tempo track starts with a slow burn and builds with Karli’s confident twang soaring over classic country elements like pedal steel guitar and B3 organ, but with modern pop-infused flair.
Karli spent her formative years on a farm in rural Listowel, Ontario where she honed her vocal skills singing in her church choir and performing at fairs and competitions. As a teenager, she taught herself to play guitar and began experimenting with songwriting. Often drawing inspiration from her own experiences, Karli infuses her songs with authenticity and zeal, and with “Still Make Cowgirls” she aims to empower women with a cowgirl attitude.
“The track is about unapologetically being a woman who is proud of her country roots. Even if you're not from the country, this song is for you too - it's about being a woman who has heart, substance, and passion - which is really what a cowgirl is,” says Karli June.
This new single follows a breakout year for Karli in 2023 with her duet “Feel Like Home” featuring Ryan Langdon reaching #12 on the Australian country radio charts, and top 30 at Canadian country radio. The song earned accolades including iHeartRadio's "Future Star”, Rogers Media's "One to Watch", and Stingray's "Trending Track”. “Feel Like Home” also clinched the #1 Most Added position on the Canadian country radio charts upon its release.
This success came on the heels of four 2023 CMA Ontario Award nominations for Karli June’s debut EP Where You Come From, plus an award show performance that brought the house down. Karli also had several performances during the Canadian Country Music Association Award week (CCMA’s) in Hamilton in September 2023 including the CCMA Songwriters Unplugged show.
Karli has shared the stage with artists including Terri Clark, The Washboard Union, Gord Bamford, Tebey, Brett Kissel, and Dierks Bentley, and has performed at festivals such as the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Boots & Hearts, and Canadian Music Week. Previously, she was chosen to participate in the esteemed 2021 TD Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship program and was one of three finalists representing Ontario in the nationwide 2021 Jim Beam Talent Search. Karli’s song "The List" won an Honorable Mention in the International Songwriting Competition 2022 out of over 15K submissions.
Karli’s debut EP Where You Come From released via The Orchard in 2022, was produced by Canadian powerhouse Karen Kosowski, known for her work with artists like Meghan Patrick, The Washboard Union, Tim Hicks, and Mickey Guyton. The EP delivers a collection of uplifting tracks that serve as a guide for navigating life's journey. Each song acts as a roadmap, helping listeners discover their path in the world and embrace unexpected destinations, even those they never anticipated. Kosowski nabbed a 2023 CMA Ontario Producer of the Year Award for her work on the EP.
In 2024 Karli June is embracing the cowgirl spirit, gearing up to release more fresh new music, and excited to perform in front of country music fans across Canada.