The new single from Kyle Fortch titled “Dance All Night” might have many listeners having sudden flashbacks to the year 2000. Why? Because it features the performer of one of that years’ most ‘iconic’ songs – “Because I Got High.” Yes; Afroman. PopWrapped caught up with Kyle to find out how the collaboration came about, how he’s been keeping busy over the last year and details about the new project he’s set to launch.
Who exactly is Kyle Fortch in a few words?
I’m a very motivated, persistent, energetic person. I’m always trying to think of different things to do or ways to create opportunities.
Have you always wanted to be an artist or did you have other ambitions prior to embarking on this journey?
Yeah – ever since I was a little kid I knew I wanted to do music. I wrote my first song when I was 9. I’ve dabbled in lots of different things but music has always been my priority.
Which bands or artists, past and present, would you say most influence your music? Where do you tend to find most of your ideas for songs?
It’s tough to say because there’s so many great artists I’ve looked up to growing up and there’s bits and pieces I’ve learned from all of them. But I always love the way Eminem writes and delivers his lyrics. It’s so scientific and I’ve always tried to incorporate elements of that writing style in my music.
Is there a particular story behind your new track “Dance All Night?” Where’d the idea for it come from?
It’s funny because I haven’t actually said this yet in other interviews because I totally forgot. But before I heard the beat, I was watching the G-Eazy, “Still Be Friends” video and just how it started off with the cool throwback vibe I got the idea like “oh, a 50s style record would be really cool”. Then I found the beat and everything else kind of unfolded.
How did you get Afroman involved on the track?
I commented on one of his posts on Instagram and he DM’d me. I told him the concept of the song and how it was definitely going to be more on the Poppy side. He said it would be a challenge for him because it’s so different but he’d love to give it a shot, and I think he killed it.
Is there any particular idea or message you want those who hear the track to take from it?
It’s interesting because we released this dance/party song when people can’t exactly go out and party right now depending on where you’re from. So, I really just want people to know they’re still allowed to have fun and live. You don’t have to sit around and wait for it to be over.
It’s a really tough time right now especially for those who struggle with mental health, like myself. And being cooped up can really intensify that. So finding something that you can still enjoy doing or use as a release is super important.
Is there an EP or album in the works?
I’ve been working on an album for probably 6 years now but I feel like every song I’ve been writing is better than the last so it’s been tough to keep other songs when I feel like it doesn’t live up to the new standard I just hit, haha.
What, in your mind, makes a song iconic and could you choose your favourite of all those released throughout history? What is it about that song that appeals or connects with you?
This can vary depending on the type of song and the mood you’re in. For example, Afroman’s got two of the most legendary songs that it seems like everyone from every generation goes through a phase where they’ve got “Because I Got High” and “Crazy Rap” on repeat.
Then of course you’ve got MJ’s “Thriller,” which funnily enough the same studio he recorded that record in, was where I was supposed to record “Dance All Night.” Then of course Covid happened so unfortunately, I didn’t get to go do that.
How have you found the last year to be? Has the Covid pandemic and much of the world being shut down affected you negatively in any way or have you found ways to keep motivated and looking to the future?
It’s been super tough a lot of the time but I’ve tried to stay busy with music and stuff. There’s been a lot of time to reflect and find yourself.
How do you feel about social media, personally and professionally and do you think it has perhaps too much power and control over society and an artists’ ability to reach an audience? Do you think it’s possible to be a successful artist today without it?
I think personally social media is great to connect with new people or reconnect with old friends. Professionally, it was a game changer when it took off. I don’t think you can reach the elite level without it. Now, you can hire people to run your accounts and such so you don’t get caught up in the drama but you need to get your music out there and social media is the way to do it. Especially when you can’t be out doing shows right now.
Where I think it gets tricky is, social media is so over saturated with people who call themselves or want to be “influencers” or “models”. Nowadays everyone calls them-self an influencer, but 95% of them don’t know how to monetize themselves or create real opportunity, or adapt when things change. I can throw a rock off my balcony in downtown Calgary and hit 10 “influencer models” or whatever all at once. Look at YouTube, where’d all the YouTubers go? That’s the thing that makes guys like Logan Paul great. As much as people hate him, he’s super smart and has made the transitions to stay relevant and keep doing what he does.
There’s hope on the horizon now that vaccines are being given, so as and when some semblance of normality resumes for us all, what one thing are you most looking forward to doing, as an individual and as an artist?
I can’t wait to get out of this city haha! I love Calgary but I need to travel and tour and meet people. I can’t wait to be able to go to a bar and walk up to someone without getting yelled at…
The music industry has taken a huge hit over the last 12 months or so, with many venues having to close etc. Do you think the music industry can recover from the hit it’s taken over the last year or so, and what would you say needs to be done in order to help it do so?
It’ll definitely recover. The music industry I find has been one of the most adaptive in the world throughout history. I think this actually has helped a lot of artists because they had to learn new stuff and figure out different ways to stand out and continue doing their thing.
The majority of people are dying to go to live shows again. There’s going to be people for a while that are nervous to go to crowded places but the majority of people are going to flock to the first concert they can. And performers can’t wait to get back up on stage either.
Finally then, with this single out there in the world, are there any other plans or projects you can tease?
I’m actually starting a new podcast with my friend and former NHLer Zach Boychuk called ‘The Athlete & Artist Show.’ I’m just working on booking some guests for the debut couple of episodes so we can get off to a hot start.
Right now, we’ll have to start it via video calls because Chucky is over in Germany playing right now and a lot of the guests I’ve been working on are over in the States. But hopefully we’ll get the opportunity to do some cool live shows once we grow.
Give “Dance All Night” a listen below and for more information on and to keep up to date with Kyle Fortch, follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
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