Written by: Tammy-ann Chapman
Canadian country singer/songwriter Karli June drops her new single “Say Too Much” today! The song is co-written by Francesca “Francci” Richard, Hailey Collier (Betty Who, David Ghetta), and Scott Chesak (Panic! At The Disco, Weezer), who also produced the track.
Chesak is best known for his work with The All-American Rejects.
“Say Too Much” is a powerful single that was first intended as a Pop track but transformed into a foot-stomping Country anthem that delivers a powerful message for anyone out there struggling to remain true to themselves while being open to finding love.
We had a chance to talk with both Karli and Scott on their new release, Karli’s upcoming tour and more.
Karli, you must be so excited to release your new single “Say Too Much”. The collaboration alone is incredible – Francesca Richard, Hailey Collier and of course Scott Chesak.
What was it about the song that made you fall in love?
I fell in love with “Say Too Much” right away because of the anthemic chorus and perfect pop-country balance – however, the lyrics were what really sold me. Wearing your heart on your sleeve, and just going for what your soul pushes you towards. I think that’s something a lot of people can connect with! I definitely did. It was a fresh idea, I’d never heard something like this before. I loved it!
Scott, where do I begin? Your background includes some heavyweights in the music industry – Weezer, Panic! At the Disco and then, of course, your band The All-American Rejects.
What was the inspiration behind Say Too Much?
I brought the guitar riff to a writing session with Hailey Collier and Francci Richard, who co-wrote it. When they heard my riff they had the idea to write a song about how vulnerable you feel when you’re in love. Hailey came up with the title “Say Too Much” and we built the story from there.
What was it like working with Karli?
It was a really great experience. Karli knows who she is and what she wants her music to sound like. It’s always a pleasure working with someone that has a clear vision while also being a great performer.
Karli, what was it like working with Scott?
Working with Scott was incredible. I think we had a great collaboration with me coming from the country world and Scott of course from the pop and rock world. I feel like I learned so much from this collaboration. Scott was so kind and patient to work with – incredibly humble and also such a hard worker. It was such a blessing for someone with such an incredible wealth of experience to take me on as a new artist. I could never dream or imagine that one day I would be working with someone from The All-American Rejects. I always loved them!
How did you both get into the music scene?
Karli:
I got into country very naturally from growing up on a dairy farm in a small town. My dad would pitchfork air guitar to Shania Twain out in the barn, and I saw how music could make the work a little easier — and definitely more fun! From there I started singing in the church junior choir, then to school performances. I would take any opportunity to perform, whether it was a competition, or my grandma’s women’s institute events through her church. I just loved to sing, and somehow through all of that, I ended up here! I’m extremely thankful for every opportunity.
Scott:
Back in 2011, my piano teacher at the time told me about an audition for a touring gig as Christina Perri’s keyboard player. I was primarily a drummer and had never played keys on stage before. But I went to the audition anyway and somehow got it. That was my first industry job.
Scott, what made you decide to transition from rock to country?
“Say Too Much” was actually written as a pop song. I sent it to Karli’s A&R, Fraser Hill, and he immediately called me with the idea of turning it into a country song. I had never thought of it before, but it made total sense.
You wear many hats from singing to songwriting, keyboardist, and producing. Which do you enjoy the most?
Producing and songwriting are what I’m enjoying the most right now. I’m obsessed with the art form of record making. It’s also good to get out of the studio every once in a while and play a live show. In the end, it’s all about the connection with the listener. At a show, you are able to witness that connection firsthand and feed off that energy.
Growing up, who were your musical influences?
Led Zeppelin, James Brown, David Bowie, Miles Davis, Hella, Bob Dylan, The Mars Volta, and John Prine. I’m definitely missing some but that’s what I can think of off the top of my head.
If you could collaborate on a song with anyone who would it be and why?
Not sure if it’s technically a collaboration but a “Weird Al” Yankovic parody of one of my songs would be the ultimate career milestone.
Karli, you’ve come so far and have achieved so much in such a short time. Where would you like to be in the next 5 years?
Right now I am just open to wherever God leads me. It has always been a dream of mine to play the Grand Ol’ Opry. I plan to continue using music to help make an impact in the world — I think that is the ultimate success!
The summer is going to be super busy for you. Tell us about your across Ontario tour?
We will be promoting the single across Canada this spring which I am super excited about — followed by an EP later this year. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the rest of the songs!
If you could take any artist on this tour with you who would it be and why?
Well, I think right now they would be bringing me on tour, haha! But I would love to tour with some of my influences and have the chance to learn from them. I have always looked up to Carrie Underwood for who she is both on stage and off stage. That would be a dream come true.
Scott, on top of releasing “Say Too Much”, what can your fans expect from you this year? There’s a new single that I co-wrote with The Mowgli’s called “Wasting Time” that just came out a couple of weeks ago. There’s also a new single with an artist named Cobi on 300 records coming out soon. And there’s a few more in the pipeline that I don’t want to jinx ☺ You can check out more of Scott’s work at https://scottchesak.com/.
Karli, your EP is set for release later this year. What can fans expect to hear from this album?
Real stories and more of what makes me who I am. My main goal through this EP is to share more of what makes me. I am hoping that as I share more stories people will truly connect with the songs in a new way, and take them on as their own. You can expect stories about my small town, chasing a dream, love, heartbreak, faith and lots in between. It’s going to be something totally new and exciting for me!
Where can your fans go to download your new song and keep up with your tour dates? All digital streaming platforms will have the song on January 24th! Stay tuned by following me on Instagram @itskarlijune.
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