Langley’s Watershed Arts Cafe will play host to a singer/songwriter from Chilliwack on Jan. 18.
Kellen Saip has been playing music professionally for about two years.
“It’s finally got to the point where I can feed my family. I played 152 shows last year,” added Saip.
After winning the country music artist of the year award from the Fraser Valley Music Awards in December, Saip wrote a new single called “Don’t Be Scared” that he plans on releasing prior to the Watershed Arts Cafe performance.
“I’ve always played folk singer/songerwriter music, and when I got nominted in the country music category I really dove into country music like the old time stuff. It’s a fun, fast paced country song just to say thank you for that award.”
Saip said he refers to himself simply as a “singer/songwriter” because he can “get away with changing it up,” by not restricting himself to one genre of music, although much of his music is described as a fusion of “folk and blues with subtle undertones of faith and soul that derived from his family gospel roots.”
Music has been a huge part of Saip’s life since he was young, as his mother was a Christian gospel singer in the 80s.
“Her name is Connie Scott and I was raised on a tour bus for the first two years of my life, so it’s in my veins.”
Saip is the only member in his band and he plays guitar and sings.
“It’s a position that I had to work for. It’s still hit or miss in months, you don’t know exactly when your income is coming in,” added Saip.
Originally from Ladner, Saip spent two years living in Langley, before moving to Chilliwack in 2017.
He said he enjoys playing at Watershed Arts Cafe because it’s a “very warm,” venue.
“People are very passionate about the music that come and listen there. It’s one of the venues where you can hear a pin drop when someone’s performing and those are far and few from in between these days. It’s a very tight community of listeners and artists that play there.”
Saip added his listeners can expect “a light at the end of the tunnel” during each of his songs.
“There’s always an uplifting piece to that song [but] I wouldn’t say I write happy music. I can make people laugh and cry at the same time.”
Saip is performing at the Watershed Arts Cafe at 20349 88 Ave., at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased for $15 at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kellen-saip-live-at-the-shed-tickets-54229533996?aff=efbeventtix
To hear Saip’s music visit: https://kellensaipmusic.bandcamp.com/