My music is country storytelling with a very pop forward sound.

Sykamore is a country singer-songwriter from Carseland, Alberta, Canada. She released her first EP, Self + Medicine, in January 2018. In 2015 she was nominated for the Canadian Country Music Association Discovery Award.

What started out in 2018 as a passion project for Canadian country-pop singer-songwriter Sykamore has finally come to fruition with the release of her album Pinto via all streaming platforms on August 12.

It represents both a beginning and an end, the culmination of a remarkable journey and the start of an even more promising one.

This month we sit with Sykamore for this exclusive interview for our readers.

Please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Sykamore, I’m a singer/songwriter from Alberta, Canada. I’ve lived in Nashville for the last five years writing and recording songs, but the thing that got me into music was growing up on the rodeo circuit and hearing a lot of country music.

Tell us about your education.
I don’t really have much formal music education. I took a few piano lessons when I was younger, but a lot of what I do now is just through messing around and self teaching. As far as other education, I actually have a Bachelor’s Degree from Ambrose University in Canada.

Share some of your childhood memories.
I grew up in the country with my two older siblings. So, a lot of my memories are of being outside climbing trees, swimming in the creek, riding horses and going to rodeos with my family.

How and when did you get interested in singing? What or who influenced you?
I got into singing pretty young. I think I was just four years, the first time I sang in public. I was always very interested in music and so I was given a lot of opportunities to sing growing up, whether it was at school, in church or in choir. I was mostly just influenced by the music I heard, which was a lot of country radio as well as Elton John, Celine Dion and Phil Collins.

How would you best describe the type of your music?
My music is country storytelling with a very pop forward sound. I try my best to mix those two aspects together because I feel they are the things I am inspired by the most.

What inspires your music?
I’ve always been a big fan of story. Whether it’s in music or literature. My favourite kinds of songs are the ones with vivid imagery and definitive characters. I like to think I add that sentiment to the songs I write as well.

What’s the inspiration behind your latest song?
My latest song, “Just 4 July” is about two people who are trying to deny the fact that they are not just a summer fling – when it’s very obvious they have chemistry that will keep them together forever. It’s something I think a lot of people go through as they grow into the love of their life. It starts as something casual but the stakes get higher and you realize you can’t live without them.

Who writes your music?
I write all my music, sometimes by myself and sometimes with a co-writer or two. Just depends on the day.

Tell us about your new album.
This album was inspired by the song “Pinto” (which became the album title) and the illustration of the flammable, combustible love we all experience at some time or another in our lives. The Ford Pinto was a car from the 70’s that gained a reputation for being very prone to catching on fire or exploding, which I thought was very symbolic of a lot of peoples’ first loves – very exhilarating and exciting but also sometimes hazardous and explosive with emotion. All of the songs are modelled after that kind of relationship.

What’s a typical creative and writing process like for you?
It usually starts with a song title or a word that I am inspired by, and then I find a vibe sonically that I want to chase – either a chord progression or a tempo that I think fits the title. Then it’s just filling in those spots that need lyrics and making sure they are all in sync contextually.

What’s next on the horizon for you?
I have a few shows in Canada I am looking forward to this summer, then I’m basically going right back into the studio to start the next album!

What are some of your other hobbies?
I really enjoy photography and playing sports. I’ve been on a beach volleyball team in Nashville all spring and summer and I’ve been having a blast with that. But for the most part I like any kind of visual art such as photo, video, graphic design, etc.

What is your dream?
My dream I guess would be to be an international artist and be able to play all over the world. The more widespread I can make my music, the better!

Where have you all performed so far? Which was your favourite?
I’ve played all over Canada and the US so far, it’s hard to pick a favourite, but one of my very fond memories is getting to sing in the arena in Calgary, which is where I am from and where I saw my first concert as a young kid.

Where would be you dream to perform?
Red Rocks would be amazing to play. Although, I hear the altitude can be hard on your singing voice so I’d have to remember to be in really good shape before I do that! I also think The Hollywood Bowl would be amazing to play a show at.

What message do you want to convey through your music?
I really just want people to be able to see their lives in my songs. I always try to write a song as much for other people as I do for myself. That is the bridge between my life experience and theirs, it’s in the music. We can each apply something to a song that is uniquely our own but still share in the experience.

What are your favourite hangout spots in Toronto?
I haven’t spent a ton of time in Toronto, but when I have been it’s mostly been in the Leslieville area, which is lovely. La Cubana was a really awesome spot to eat!

How do you unwind?
I try to walk about an hour every day. I find it does a lot of great things for me mentally and physically. I also like to re-watch my favourite shows, I am a big fan of M*A*S*H.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t be afraid of what makes you different – lean into that. Trying to copy what someone has already done is a waste of time! Work on discovering what makes you unique, and cultivate that.

Your message for our readers and your fans.
I love and appreciate every one of you! Pinto will be out August 12 so be sure and save it to your library and tell me your favourite track!

Your message for us at TorontoPages (TOPS)
Thank you for the interview and for reaching out! I really appreciate it!