Kyle McKearney’s Album “To The River” Is a Soul-Stirring Triumph of Americana Grit

Americana country artist Kyle McKearney

Multi-award-winning artist Kyle McKearney has officially dropped his most powerful work yet — To The River.

This new album is a bold and cinematic 13-track album that cements his place as one of Canada’s most captivating voices in Americana and alternative country.

An Album That Blends Soul, Storytelling, and Identity

With To The River, McKearney delivers a deeply personal collection of songs that explore themes of surrender, redemption, family, and identity. The album doesn’t just mark a new chapter for the Alberta-based artist — it defines it.

Produced by McKearney and longtime collaborator Russell Broom, and mixed by GRAMMY Award winner Vance Powell, the album leans into McKearney’s Métis heritage and roots-rock sound while pushing emotional and sonic boundaries.

“This record sings of family, hardship, my home in Alberta and of the things that connect us all,” shares McKearney. “I’ve discovered that there is a theme of surrender and redemption… the value of the time that we get on this earth and how important it is to live our truth.”

Listen To To The River

Standout Singles From Kyle’s New Album

To The River was introduced earlier this summer with the anthemic “Broken Hearts Hide” and followed by a string of standout singles that helped build momentum for the full release:

  • “Tomorrow” – Landed McKearney his biggest sync to date with a live performance on the Season 18 finale of Heartland.
  • “Wedding Day” – A gut-wrenching ballad that resonated with fans worldwide.
  • “Alberta, Save My Soul” – A powerful fundraising track that raised over $11,000 for Alberta wildfire relief efforts.

Each track highlights McKearney’s ability to blend raw storytelling with gripping musicality — a rare combination that’s earned him both critical acclaim and grassroots fan support.

RELATED: Have a listen to our podcast episode with Kyle where he shares the creation of this album …

“Skeletons”: A Music Video That Cuts to the Core

With the release of the album also came a new music video for the standout song “Skeletons”. It’s a haunting new music video that underscores McKearney’s gift for emotional depth.

A slow-burning, stripped-back ballad, “Skeletons” explores what it means to be truly seen — flaws and all. It’s about the kind of love that doesn’t ask you to hide the dark parts of yourself, but embraces them.

Anchored by McKearney’s vocals and a sparse, moody arrangement, the video brings this vulnerability to life, portraying the quiet power of being accepted exactly as you are. It’s a moment of stillness in an otherwise wide-ranging record — and one that will stay with listeners long after it ends.

A Defining Moment in a Trailblazing Career

McKearney’s star has only risen since his sophomore album A Traveler’s Lament, which earned 11 awards (including the 2023 CCMA for Alternative Country Album of the Year) and even saw him shortlisted for a 2024 GRAMMY nod.

He’s shared the stage with the likes of The Black Crowes, Lainey Wilson, and Darius Rucker, playing everything from intimate theatres to massive festivals across North America and Europe.

With To The River, he takes another major leap forward — both artistically and personally — delivering a collection that’s as introspective as it is anthemic.

Kyle Joined Us On Our Podcast And Talked The Creation Of This Album

Hitting the Road: Western Canadian Tour

To celebrate the release of To The River, McKearney has hit the road for a Western Canadian tour — kicking things off with two sold-out shows at Calgary’s iconic King Eddy. The tour continues across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan throughout May.

TO THE RIVER TOUR DATES:

  • April 25–26: Calgary, AB – The King Eddy [SOLD OUT]
  • May 2: Vancouver, BC – The Fox Cabaret
  • May 3: Victoria, BC – The Duke Saloon
  • May 4: Duncan, BC – Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
  • May 9: Lethbridge, AB – The Slice [SOLD OUT]
  • May 10: Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room
  • May 16: Red Deer, AB – Bo’s Bar & Stage
  • May 17: Saskatoon, SK – The Capitol Club

🎟️ For ticket info and tour updates, visit www.imkylemckearney.com

To The River is more than just an album — it’s a statement. And if the past few years have been about Kyle McKearney finding his voice, this release proves he’s using it to say something that truly matters.

Andrew

A die-hard country music fan with an impressive collection of Spotify playlists. Happiest when I'm listening to music and constantly on the lookout for the next artist to fall in love with. A bit of a tech nerd too.

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