Alberta-based country artists KJ Miller and Eden Taylor are proving that small-town roots can lead to big-time opportunities with their new song, Big City Dreams.
"We both came together to write a really cool song," says Taylor. "We put our hearts and souls into it, and we’re really proud."
The collaboration began as a songwriting challenge in an eight-month program. "It was an assignment," says Miller. "Write a song in 24 hours. I was at home with a piece of loose leaf and a pen. That’s how it started."
Taylor recalls their initial brainstorming session. "I think I still have our 10-minute FaceTime call recorded," she says. "We just started jamming, and opportunities have been coming ever since."
The song’s success led them to Nashville, the heart of country music. "It was a dream come true," says Miller. "Broadway was overwhelming at first, but by the end, I didn’t want to leave."
Taylor agrees. "Post-trip depression is still hitting," she says. "Being surrounded by that level of talent made it all feel even more possible."
In Nashville, they also competed at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, alongside other Canadian artists. "We weren’t expecting to come home with a duffel bag full of trophies," says Taylor. "It just proves that you never know who’s watching or listening."
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Their musical chemistry is undeniable. "People say we have sibling harmonies," says Miller. "And we always have to clarify that we’re not husband and wife!"
The duo plans to perform together this summer while maintaining their independent careers. "We’ll be playing a really cool show in Airdrie in May," says Taylor.
The song itself is deeply personal. "It’s about leaving a small town to chase big city dreams," says Miller. "I moved from Nova Scotia to Alberta for music. Calgary made me realize I could really follow this."
