Canadian LGBTQIA+ pop singer-songwriter Kyle Richardson unveils the brand new single “Can You Hear Me”, which marks the first new release since 2019.
Written by Richardson & fellow Canadians Andrew Allen & Grammy-nominated Jeff Dawson (who also produced), “Can You Hear Me” is the first of three planned singles to land from the artist’s debut album, Louder Than Words, which arrives later this year.
This latest release is a re-introduction of sorts for the artist & dedicated songwriter & helps build anticipation regarding the upcoming album.
Kyle has kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding the new single & what’s in store for the musical journey behind the upcoming album. You can find the full album below.
Hey Kyle, thank you so much for this interview. Can you start by introducing yourself to readers who might be unfamiliar with your music?
Kyle: Thank you for having me! I’m Kyle Richardson, I’m a pop singer and songwriter based out of Vancouver, Canada, and I’m so excited that my new single “Can You Hear Me” is out!
When did you first discover your passion for music?
Kyle: I first discovered my passion for music in elementary school. My music teacher was a family friend, and she sensed that I had a better grasp on singing than even I knew about, and forced me to sing some solos at all the school functions like assemblies and Christmas pageants. When I got to high school, I realized I enjoyed it. From there, I started taking singing lessons and developing my sound.
How would you currently describe your musical style?
Kyle: My musical style is very much based in pop. I have a love for so many different genres and eras of music, so I try to bring different elements into what I’m doing. The music I’m releasing now with “Can You Hear Me” and the rest of the album to come is pop, with elements of rock, and soulfulness. Some songs are a very modern pop vibe while a few lean a little more retro, but they all come together through the vocals and production. Artistically I would compare myself to a bit of a mix between OneRepublic, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, and Adam Lambert.
You just released the brand new single “Can You Hear Me”. How did the idea for this song come together?
Kyle: “Can You Hear Me” came out of a place of wanting to encourage others to live their truth. To be the best version of themselves, and to live in the moment with zero regrets. “Can You Hear Me” really emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment and what better of an idea to lead an album with than that? We wanted to create a sense of urgency with a really driving beat and passionate vocal, and I think it’s a really relatable call-to-action!
This marks your first release since “Christmas Time This Year” in 2019. What does it feel like to release “Can You Hear Me” after this period of time?
Kyle: It has been a while, for sure! Too long! But I’m so excited to release this song after such a long wait. I really took the time to focus and make sure the album I’m releasing is something I’m proud of. I wanted to get all the visuals for the album done and make sure that I’m happy with the project as a whole, and make sure every aspect is polished and representative of the artist I want to present to the world. The last few years have been crazy for everyone, so now I’m glad to have been able to take the time to come back completely ready to show what I’ve been working on!
This song was co-written alongside fellow Canadian songwriters Andrew Allen & Jeff Dawson. How did you find the process of working alongside Andrew & Jeff on this track?
Kyle: Working with Jeff and Andrew was amazing! They had worked together on a bunch of music before the three of us collaborated, and Jeff and I had worked on stuff before this album as well, so bringing all three of us together was awesome! There was an ease of comfort that lent itself to a really productive writing session. We were able to toss ideas around pretty freely and then Jeff raised the stakes with an incredible production!
What does this song personally mean to you?
Kyle: To me, “Can You Hear Me” is a reminder to stay present, and to be myself. In my past, I wasn’t always 100% comfortable in my own skin and it took a while for me to fully embrace who I am, so “Can You Hear Me” is a great message of staying true to your individuality.
If listeners could take something from this song, what would you like it to be?
Kyle: I hope listeners take this song as a positive reinforcement of staying true to who they are. The song is a really fun vibe, so I hope the listeners can relate to the verses about living in the moment and being loud and expressing yourself and that this song can inspire some good times!
This release is the first of three planned singles to land from your upcoming debut album, “Louder Than Words”. What are some of the things that listeners can anticipate regarding the album?
Kyle: The album Louder Than Words is going to be really exciting for me to release! As my first album, I wanted to be able to show everything I can do vocally, and for there to be some variety as far as genres included in the album. There are some modern-sounding pop songs, some with a slight brick edge, some soulful ballads, and some throwback-sounding songs with a bit of a Motown feel. I wanted the album to focus on positivity, romance, good times, and hopefulness, and I think the songs on the album really do emphasize the brighter side of life.
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Kyle: I’d love to tell the readers to be as boldly themselves as possible! Live with no regrets, and to live life loudly being true to who they are. Tomorrow is never promised so make the most of the present!
You can check out “Can You Hear Me” on Spotify below or on more platforms here.
Fierce & Fabulous Revolution 