In this episode of Klick’s Korner, KelownaNow’s local music podcast, host Ben Klick talks with and jams out with Melissa Livingstone! Livingstone is a local artist who has been nominated for BCCMA Female Artist of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and multiple other BCCMA awards. 

Melissa’s sound, true to her vibrant personality, is quirky and relatable. Initially inspired by Miranda Lambert, you’ll feel that early 2000’s country nostalgia as Livingstone sings of growing up in a small town and the relationships that come with it. (Hint: listen to the episode to hear Ben and Melissa cover ‘Famous in a Small Town’ by Miranda Lambert!)

Livingstone grew up in Ucluelet, a small fishing town on Vancouver Island about a half-hour drive from Tofino. She has since lived in Kelowna, Calgary, Niagara and spends a lot of her time in Nashville. As an artist, Livingstone is drawn to creative, passionate people which is why she hopes to divide her time between B.C. and Nashville as her career evolves.

“It’s about songwriting. You just meet the best of the best songwriters and you go to songwriting rounds and you’re just blown out of the water by these people because they’re so good,” says Livingstone.

Her single ‘Gypsy Heart’ released in April of this year has over 80-thousand streams and landed Livingstone a BCCMA ‘Artist of the Month’ feature. With the goal of having the single added to a Spotify editorial playlist, Melissa was overjoyed when she met that goal… twice!

“I was not expecting it at all! I ran around my house screaming and yelling and I was like, ‘This is the best day ever!” says Livingstone.

Since she was a child in Ucluelet, Melissa has always been independent and filled with wanderlust. ‘Gypsy Heart’ embodies the difficulties of being in a relationship as a free spirit.

“That’s kind of the idea of the song like even though you love somebody and they care for you and you care for them, your life looks different from what people expect it to be,” Livingstone says.

Ben and Melissa also discuss anxiety and where Melissa’s own anxiety stems from. “I couldn’t eat, I’d have nightmares at night and I didn’t tell anybody,” recalls Livingstone. You can read Melissa’s first-hand account, 'My Mental Health Story’ on her website.

Keep your eyes out for Melissa Livingstone’s next two singles which have already been recorded in Nashville! She is also currently booking shows for 2022. You can find Melissa on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and her website. “I feel like if you just type ‘Melissa Livingstone’ you’ll find me somewhere,” says Livingstone.

Listen to the full podcast episode or watch the second episode of Klick’s Korner above! And check out the first episode of Klick's Korner featuring Teigen Gayse!