“Still Make Cowgirls”, the smouldering, unapologetic new single from award-nominated artist Karli June.
Penned by Karli and award winning songwriter Deric Ruttan (Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley) and produced by Ruttan, “Still Make Cowgirls” portrays a woman embracing her authentic self, proud of her rustic country roots and announcing to potential suitors that she’s got depth and passion. The lyrics depict a rustic scene with a sawdust floor, swingin’ doors, and a porch swing beneath the twinkling country stars, painting a picture of genuine rural life influenced by Karli’s rural upbringing. The mid-tempo track starts with a slow burn and builds with Karli’s confident twang soaring over classic country elements like pedal steel guitar and B3 organ, but with modern pop-infused flair.
“Still Make Cowgirls” is about unapologetically being a woman who is proud of her country roots. Even if you’re not from the country, this song is for you too – it’s about being a woman who has heart, substance, and passion – which is really what a cowgirl is. Saddle up!!!” says Karli.
Karli June has also been nominated for four 2024 CMA Ontario Award’s including nods for Songwriter(s) of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her single “Feel Like Home” as well as being nominated for Female Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Gavin Slate, the producer and co-writer of the single, also received a nomination for Record Producer of the Year.
“I am so grateful to be recognized amongst my talented peers in Ontario,” says Karli. “I love Ontario – and am extremely proud of my roots here – so this will be such a special weekend celebrating with everyone!”
These nominations are in response to Karli’s breakthrough single “Feel Like Home” featuring Ryan Langdon, which came out in 2023. The song achieved international success, reaching #12 on Australia’s CountryTown National Airplay charts, marking Karli’s highest-charting track yet. Domestically, “Feel Like Home” secured the #1 Most Added position at Canadian Country radio, peaked at #30 on the Mediabase National Country radio charts, and garnered recognition as iHeartRadio’s “Future Star”, Rogers Media’s “One to Watch”, and Stingray’s “Trending Track”. With the success of the track and her authentic sound and relatable lyrics, Karli has now surpassed over 2.2 million streams and video views of her songs.
Previously, Karli secured three 2023 CMA Ontario Award nominations for her debut EP Where You Come From, resulting in a win for the EP’s producer Karen Kosowski for Producer of the Year, plus gave an award show performance that brought the house down. Karli also had several performances during the Canadian Country Music Association Award week (CCMA’s) in Hamilton in September 2023 including the CCMA Songwriters Unplugged show.
Karli has shared the stage with artists including Terri Clark, The Washboard Union, Gord Bamford, Tebey, Brett Kissel, and Dierks Bentley, and has performed at festivals such as the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Boots & Hearts, Oktoberfest, and Canadian Music Week. Previously, she was chosen to participate in the esteemed 2021 TD Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship program and was one of three finalists representing Ontario in the nationwide 2021 Jim Beam Talent Search. Karli’s song “The List” won an Honorable Mention in the International Songwriting Competition 2022 out of over 15K submissions.
Looking ahead this year, Karli is set to unveil more new music ahead of her sophomore EP, slated for early 2025. She remains committed to expanding her presence in the Australian market while embarking on live performances across Canada. “Still Make Cowgirls” is sure to resonate with fans of authentic country music and anyone who embraces the cowgirl spirit.