Brett Kissel: 'Songs are like snowflakes, no two the same'

It has been said that men are sometimes drawn to women by their hair.

So for country music star Brett Kissel, when it came to writing a song about his mother, who fell ill with cancer, he highlighted that fact that looks and things like hair are not important to the strength of the relationship. Kissel's latest single I Didn’t Fall in Love with Your Hair struck such a chord with country fans everywhere.

“As my mom battled cancer, and I watched my dad at her side, I felt that this relationship and this experience was something that many Canadian families had been through too,” says Kissel. “Cancer is a disease that has touched everyone — no matter who you are — and I felt it was important to sing this song, and shed light on such a tough topic.”

Moreover, Brett put his money from the tune where his mouth was.

“I decided to donate every penny from the download of this song straight to the Canadian Cancer Society, and thanks to my fans around the world, we were able to raise over $50,000 so far — which I know will do a lot of good for families across Canada battling this terrible disease."

Kissel, 26, has had his share of awards in his time – Junos, Canadian Country Music Association – and has even played the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

He’s done his share to promote unity in our country, pitching in with with singer Don Amero on Rebuild This Town, a song about cultural reconciliation between First Nations people and other Canadians. Amero and Kissel have also since toured together, performing as a duo in first nations communities.

Heck, he even tried – through one of his songs – to bring the two sides in the NHL dispute together over the winter of 2013.

"Hockey Please Come Back was released one month prior to the NHL and the NHLPA shaking hands and forming an agreement. Did my song make a difference? If I have a few glasses of whisky I sure believe it did."

Many of these melodies Brett created himself, and he reckons songs are like snowflakes, no two the same.

“(My song) Cool With That would be one of the easiest songs I've ever written. After attending a number-one party for George Strait (one of my all-time heroes), I was so inspired to write. So I called my buddies at about 10:30 at night and said: 'I have an idea. A melody. And a great title. Who wants to write it with me?' And before midnight, and before we even got through our first drink, we had the song written!"

But there has also been 3-2-1, Started with a Song, Raise Your Glass, and Tough People Do, about how tough times never last. It’s something folks caring for cancer patients – or undergoing any adversity – can take comfort from.

Kissel is set to perform in Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with music starting at 7:30 p.m.

For ticket information, please click here.