With four years of experience performing at the Calgary Stampede Talent Search, you could say Kaleigh Jo Kirk has an edge over the competition.
But for Kirk, her involvement with the contest gives her the tools she needs to grow as a vocalist and musician.
“I can see how far I’ve come,” said the 15-year-old. “Especially my stage presence. Five years ago I was this little 10-year-old standing there terrified. Now, I’m really comfortable in front of a crowd. Also, my voice has really matured and changed in five years.”
Kirk performed during the first wave of preliminary rounds July 5, entertaining the judges and the crowds at Boyce Theatre with her self-penned song ‘Everyday.’ She’s been writing her own songs for a number of years now, along with dabbling in theatre.
Considering her young age, the Grade 11 student from Cochrane High School has a wealth of experience — enough to give her confidence in her lyrics, her music and her performance style. She said she’s “feeling really good” about her preliminary performance.
“It went really well,” she said. “This is a contest you can train and prepare for, you have to treat your vocals well.”
She describes her music as a unique blend of country music and pop music, although she said she’s influenced by all genres. Kirk said her sound is more contemporary, while her lyrics are straight-up country.
“Country lyrics tell a story and really draws you in,” she said. “It makes my music more relatable for people. And when I’m writing, it helps me vent.
“The styling of my music and my vocals — it’s so personal.”
Kirk is patiently waiting for July 9, when she finds out if she’ll be moving on to the next round of competition. If she’s selected, she’ll be performing on either July 11 or 12 at the Boyce Theatre. She’ll be performing ‘Everyday’ again.
To listen to ‘Everyday’ or to check out the just-released music video for the song, visit Kirk’s website at kaleighjokirk.com.
