Kylie Fox’s Sequoia: A Love Letter to Growth, Gratitude, and Self-Discovery

Kylie Fox, a talented singer-songwriter from New Brunswick, released her highly anticipated sophomore album Sequoia this past September. The album is a remarkable collection of 11 tracks that blend vintage elements of folk storytelling, jazz, and alternative rock, all while exploring themes of gratitude. Through her lyrics, Fox reflects on the influence of the women in her life, her relationships, her environment, and her own personal journey. With the guidance of renowned producer Daniel Ledwell, known for his work with artists such as Jenn Grant, Fortunate Ones, and The Good Lovelies, Fox has crafted a body of work that not only showcases her extraordinary vocal abilities and songwriting talents but also delves deep into the powerful themes of self-discovery, love, and empowerment.

One of the standout tracks on Sequoia is “Flush,” the album’s third track, which Fox began writing during the first summer of her relationship with her now-fiancé, drummer Ryan Barrie. As they got to know each other, Fox couldn’t help but notice the way Barrie’s cheeks would flush when he had a drink. This little detail inspired the catchy first verse, which eventually grew into a love song that celebrates the quirks of a partner. “Flush” is a tribute to appreciating both the best and the not-so-perfect aspects of someone you love, with lyrics that detail Barrie’s sleepy habits and his tough-guy-teddy bear persona. The song captures the essence of those early romantic moments, with Fox singing about the things that make Barrie unique in a playful and affectionate way.

During the recording process, Ledwell noted that “Flush” evoked the spirit of 70s Sesame Street music, and Fox embraced the comparison. The team decided to lean into this fun, nostalgic reference when creating the music video for the song. Collaborating with filmmaker Jillian Acreman, they brought the song’s whimsical nature to life with a colorful, playful world that included a puppet version of Barrie, along with subtle nods to beloved Sesame Street characters like Cookie Monster and Ernie. The resulting video captures the song’s lighthearted, joyous vibe while adding an extra layer of creativity.

Reflecting on the track, Fox shares, “There’s so much love in this song. It’s fun to perform because there’s such a great bop to it, and Kelly (Waterhouse)’s flute playing is showstopping. The song makes me feel grateful for how much Ryan and I have both grown together since I wrote it. I wrote it during our first summer together, and now, five years later, we own a house and are planning our wedding. The song is a timestamp of a whirlwind era when we were going to a lot of parties and experiencing a new romance.”

The lyrics of “Flush” beautifully capture that sense of carefree, early love:

He makes me blush,

Probably ‘cause he knows what song he should send me,

Probably ‘cause he always hands me one first,

Probably ‘cause the look in his eyes makes me feel like a prize,

He’s perfectly unrehearsed.

Fox’s career has been steadily rising, leading her to share stages with some of Canada’s most well-known acts, including Bahamas, The Strumbellas, and Joel Plaskett. She has performed at notable events such as the East Coast Music Awards (2021), Folk Alliance International (2021), and the Canadian Song Conference (2021). In 2020, Fox took part in the Banff Centre for the Arts International Songwriting Residency, an experience that no doubt helped refine her craft. She’s also played at prominent festivals, including the Cavendish Beach Music Festival (2024) and Area506 (2021). Fox’s growing reputation in the Canadian music scene earned her the title of “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” at the 2020 PrixNB Awards, and in 2023, she was named “Innovator of the Year” at the same event, further solidifying her place as one of the region’s most exciting musical talents.

With Sequoia, Kylie Fox continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, blending genres and exploring personal and universal themes in her music. Her ability to connect with listeners on such a deep level, paired with her dynamic sound, makes her an artist to watch in the years to come.