SiriusXM Top of the Country finalist and Canadian rock & soul-infused country artist Kelsi Mayne is kicking off the new year with the release of her brand-new single, “All or Nothing.”
Recently, I spoke with Mayne about how she got her start in country music, her latest single, her upcoming collaboration with producer Chip Matthews (Luke Combs, Riley Green, Brooks & Dunn) and more.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with you and your music, can you tell us a bit more about how you got your start in music? Why did you decide to pursue country music specifically?
I taught myself how to sing by imitating other artists. Miranda Lambert was my favourite artist to imitate, so I think that’s one of the main reasons I went into country music! My dad played a lot of Dwight Yoakam, Randy Travis and Garth Brooks around the house, and my very first favourite song was “No One Else on Earth” by Wynonna Judd— so I think I always naturally gravitated towards the style.
Kyla Pearson: Your music falls under the banner of “rock & soul-infused country” – how did you develop your sound?
Kelsi Mayne: Being from Windsor, ON, I credit the soul from growing up with Detroit radio and my parents playing a lot of Motown around the house. About two years ago, I got pretty sick and lost my voice completely. What came back is the new rasp you hear now, so I’m just going with it and using it to my full advantage… just living my best rock life, lol.

Kyla Pearson: What is the primary message you want to share via your music/artistry, and why is this message important to you?
Kelsi Mayne: Oof… Well, I have songs from heartbroken ballads to fast honky tonk dancing tunes, so my messages are vastly different! But like my music, I think just doing what makes you happy is the most important thing. Every song of mine reflects how I felt the day I wrote it. It was what I needed to say and express at the time, and that brings me joy. Also, I hope my artistry sets an example to always challenge yourself by trying new things. Otherwise, things just get boring, lol.
Kyla Pearson: On Jan 3rd, you’re set to release your latest single, “All or Nothing." Can you tell us a bit more about the song, as well as the songwriting and recording process behind it? What made you choose this song specifically to kick off the new year?
Kelsi Mayne: Juicy question! This song is serving as my 2025 mantra. With wailing guitars, huge drums, keys, horns, and choir vocals… this song is a “give me all you got” kinda anthem I felt was perfect for New Year’s resolutions. Brett Sheroky (cuts with Blake Shelton, Tucker Wetmore, Jake Owen, etc.) and I wrote it after having a chat about how we’ve both been doing this for roughly 10 years now. It’s kind of our love letter to the industry saying, “There’s room for you if you want to jump on board… but we’re going regardless.”
Recording was a lot of stars aligning, from winning free recording time back in 2018 and them honouring it 5 years later to the rather last-minute date somehow working for everyone. It was the last song ever recorded at OmniSound Studios in Nashville before it changed ownership and was then demolished! But the room itself was electric. Between knowing the artists that once recorded there (Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lionel Richie, Miranda Lambert, etc.) to the players who have credits with everyone from Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll and Kacey Musgraves to Shania Twain, k.d. Lang, Melissa Etheridge and the Temptations… It was a day that just felt “right” and like pure magic.
Kyla Pearson: According to you, what’s the ideal setting for fans to listen to the song in order to fully experience it?
Kelsi Mayne: Ooo, it totally depends on the song. If it’s “All or Nothing,” then a big stage at a festival, concert, or awards show with my full 6-piece band plus an added horn section is the perfect setting. If it’s one of my heartbreaking ballads with really purposeful lyrics, then a small, intimate “Blue Bird Cafe” kind of setting is best. I always cater my set to my audience/venue… some songs just don’t work in certain settings.
Kyla Pearson: You’re also set to release a music/live performance video for “All or Nothing.” Can you tell us a bit more about the creative direction behind it and what it was like on set? How does it feel to see it all come together?
Kelsi Mayne: I just knew I wanted it to look kinda “motorcycle-club-grungy,” so band t-shirts, leather, fringe, sunglasses, etc., with lots of energy to suit the song. I found this sick space in Toronto that had multiple options for backgrounds so my female artist friend (also in the video), Jessie T, and I split the rental, and she ended up filming her completely different video with the same bandmates just on the other side of the room! It turned out exactly how I pictured it. I wanted to prove that girls can rock out just as hard, and I think it does just that. Plus, I love any opportunity I get to feature my bandmates because they’re the true rockstars— and it always makes for a great hang!

Kyla Pearson: In 2025, you’re heading to Nashville to work with producer Chip Matthews (Luke Combs, Riley Green, Brooks & Dunn). Are you excited about this new chapter in your music career? Are you looking forward to working with Matthews? Can you share with us a bit more of what's to come?
Kelsi Mayne: He reached out to me on Instagram with some kind words of encouragement, saying he was impressed by my work ethic and thought I had all of the makings of a successful artist and that I would stand out on Music Row. Naturally, I was floored but skeptical lol. We’ve had several meetings since and found out we know a lot of the same trusted circles. After the hardest year of my life personally, hearing this from someone like him means more than words can express. We’re going to start with a super fun, 90s country, two-steppin’ song that I wrote last April and then go from there. His faith in me has certainly helped to give that extra confidence every artist needs to get to the next level so I’m excited for what’s to come next!
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, do you have any upcoming live shows where fans can hear you play “All or Nothing” live?
Kelsi Mayne: I’ll be playing it live on air Feb 9th at the Heartstrings and Honkey Tonks presented by 840 CFCW AM which can be heard anywhere online as well. You’ll have to wait until I can announce my other shows in 2025… there’s some BIG ones in there so you’ll have to follow along and jump on board the #MayneTrain to stay tuned!
Listen to "All or Nothing" Now:
Stay up to Date with Kelsi Mayne:
Cairns, Alicia. Featured: Official cover art for Kelsi Mayne’s latest single, “All or Nothing”. Design credit: Alicia Cairns. Accessed Dec 20 2024.
Kelsi Mayne. “All or Nothing.” Spotify, Kelsi Mayne. Jan 3 2025.<https://open.spotify.com/track/2RNwrYuJIC8X4lhpfy5Xkx?si=c7912fab52f14291>.
Mayne, Kelsi. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Dec 16 2024.
Mayne, Corey. “Featured: Kelsi Mayne. PC: Corey Mayne.” Courtesy of Kelsi Mayne. Accessed Dec 20 2024.
Mayne, Corey. “Featured: Kelsi Mayne. PC: Corey Mayne.” Courtesy of Kelsi Mayne. Accessed Dec 20 2024.
Mayne, Kelsi. “All or Nothing-Kelsi Mayne (Official Music Video). Youtube. Kelsi Mayne, Jan 3 2025.<https://youtu.be/K6cre8pY9p8?si=Y7gJg_JpYCiUUku_>. Accessed Jan 3 2025.
Cairns, Alicia. “Featured: Official cover art for Kelsi Mayne’s latest single, “All or Nothing”.” Courtesy of Kelsi Mayne. Accessed Dec 20 2024.