Canadian country artist Arlene Quinn has been having a fantastic year so far. With the release of her single “Jackpot” we had the chance to chat with her about her latest single and life in general.
Arlene Quinn is one of the most joyful artists we’ve ever had the privilege to speak with. Her zest for life really comes through when you speak to her, and you can totally hear it in her music. We spoke about everything from her latest single, women in country music, her family, and even her Instagram game.
We were able to catch up with Arlene while she was on a radio tour throughout the United States.
Interview With Arlene Quinn
Front Porch: Thanks so much for chatting with us! We’re so excited to get the chance to connect. Let’s talk a bit about your single “Jackpot”. First off, it’s a great song – we see that it has cracked the top 10 on the UK International radio charts, congrats! It was written by some really great songwriters, tell us a bit about the song and what attracted you to it.
Arlene Quinn: Thank you for chatting with me! “Jackpot” is now sitting at #3 on the UK International charts and has entered the Nashville Music Row chart at #99 out of 250 songs! It has been a very exciting time in my career! This is the first time I have recorded a song that I did not pen myself. When I was in pre production for my upcoming EP I was pitched many songs from songwriters around the world. This song caught my attention very quickly! It made me want to dance! It was written by superstar Kelsey Ballerini, Jennifer Denmark, and Keesy Timmer. It was almost like the song was written for me and the lyrics told my story as my husband was my first love at 16 and he is definitely my JACKPOT!
Front Porch: Throughout 2018 you’ve spent a lot of time in Nashville working on your new EP, set to be released this Spring. Tell us about the process for writing and recording – what can we expect to hear from this new project?
Arlene Quinn: I love writing in Nashville! There is something to be said about getting into a room with hit songwriters and absorbing the atmosphere, their experience, their skills, and their passion for the music and the lyric. I continue to learn from some of the best writers in the music business. One of the songs on my new EP is entitled “Saints and Sinners”. I sat in a room on music row at Curb Records and wrote this song. Sometimes it all seems so surreal to me that a girl from a very small village in Canada could be in music city writing songs at Curb Records where pictures of the biggest stars in the world cover the walls. My new EP is a real mixture of fun and upbeat songs coupled with songs that reveal heartache and indecision when it comes to the complex emotion we call love. Choosing the songs was a difficult process but I am so proud of how it all came together and so excited about its upcoming release!
Front Porch: Well we can’t wait to hear the full EP! We also love following you on Instagram. Your posts are always really inspiring and it’s hard not to find a post that doesn’t make us smile from ear to ear. It’s pretty clear from your social media content that you really have a zest for life. What inspires you in your day-to-day?
Arlene Quinn: Thank you so much! I love to inspire others and lift them up! I believe in having a positive attitude always! There is always something to be thankful for. I have so many people in my day to day life who inspire me but those who inspire me the most are the differently abled. I love playing music for them. They appreciate the little things in life. They just need to hear one strum on the guitar and they are happy and smiling! I learn so much from them in so many ways. They have taught me that our only limitation is our own mind. You can achieve anything if you believe in your mind that it is possible!
Front Porch: What a great attitude! This past year, artists have been calling on the industry to include more female artists on the radio. Just this month at the ACM Awards, Reba took a swipe at the show for failing to nominate a single female artist for Entertainer of the Year. On the surface, it feels like we are moving forward in this movement, but there’s clearly more to be done to support female artists. What’s the solution, what would you like to see happen?
Arlene Quinn: Wow! I thank you so much for asking this question! I don’t know how or why this has happened! It is very difficult for women to get heard on radio. With that being said, I have had great success with “Jackpot” in the US and in Europe at radio. I believe we are turning a corner and good things are on the horizon for female artists. I believe artists like Ashley McBride and Kasey Musgraves are proving that women can grow a huge fan base without a lot of commercial air play with help from social media platforms etc. I find this very encouraging. I do believe in what Reba says about bro country. It took over the air waves for a long time and was very popular but I feel a change is coming very soon. People want to hear a variety of music on the radio, not the same ten songs over and over! I believe that the fans of country music will voice what they want to hear and make the difference for female artists at radio.
Front Porch: We think you’re right, there’s totally space for everyone on the radio. The country music genre has really evolved in the past few years, and has become much more approachable to the average listener – blending the lines of pop and country, or country and rock. What do you think about that, and what do you say to the people who are critical about this trend?
Arlene Quinn: I love that country has country pop and country rock! I believe music is music. I know there are many who feel that country isn’t country anymore. I totally understand how they feel as I do miss the sound of the steel guitar. I also know that the new country sound has brought many new listeners to the country music format. I believe change is good and variety is good. I wish there was room for a classic country sound as well as a more contemporary country sound at radio but I have been told by radio programmers that the classic country sound won’t get played because its not what their listeners want to hear. I believe change is good and music changes all the time. As an artist I must learn to roll with it but be true to my own artistry and make music that I love without compromise.
Front Porch: Finally, what are some songs and artists that you are really into right now?
Arlene Quinn: I absolutely love Chris Stapleton, Ashley McBride, and of course my all time favourite Reba McEntire! I listen to Chris Stapletons song “Millionaire” on repeat. It tells my story. My Jackpot is my family and friends and I am so very blessed and that makes me a millionaire.
Front Porch: All such great artists! We’re going to have to add them to our playlists for sure. We’re so happy to have had the chance to chat with you Arlene. It was an absolute joy, and we can’t wait to hear the full EP set to be released this year. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us.
Listen to Arlene Quinn’s latest single “Jackpot” and give her a follow on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Listen to “Jackpot” by Arlene Quinn
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
