Make a Life, Not a Living

"Make a Life, Not a Living" is a song by Canadian country artist Brett Kissel.[1] The track was co-written by Cary Barlowe, Brandon Day, and Steven Lee Olsen.[2] It is the lead single from Kissel's album What Is Life?[3]

"Make a Life, Not a Living"
Single by Brett Kissel
from the album What Is Life?
ReleasedMarch 5, 2021 (2021-03-05)
GenreCountry
Length2:46
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Brett Kissel singles chronology
"A Few Good Stories"
(2020)		 "Make a Life, Not a Living"
(2021)		 "Night in the Life"
(2021)
Music video
"Make a Life, Not a Living" on YouTube

Background

Fellow Canadian country singer-songwriter Steven Lee Olsen co-wrote "Make a Life, Not a Living" and sent it to Kissel on his thirtieth birthday, telling him "if anybody is able to live, and eat, sleep and breathe these lyrics, it’s going to be you". Kissel remarked that he "immediately knew" he had to base his "entire record" and "whole new life" around the song.[4] One month prior to the release of the song, Kissel revealed the lyrics "I'm trying to make a life... not a livin'". He announced he was taking a month off social media to 'live the lyrics', and returned to announce the new single.[5]

Critical reception

"Make a Life, Not a Living" received generally positive reviews. Caleigh DeCaprio of NY Country Swag called the song a "reminder to be happy with all that you do have and to not worry about what you don’t".[6] Isabella Mitchell of Raised Rowdy referred to the track as a "catchy, upbeat and positive song that you can’t help but dance to".[7] Complete Country described the song as a 'gift', saying it is a "great reminder to seek out moments that make us genuinely happy".[8] Front Porch Music labelled the track a "down home song" and a "great message to live for life as opposed to living for work".[9]

Accolades
YearAwardCategoryResultRef
2021 CCMA Video of the Year Won [10]
2022 Juno Awards Single of the Year Nominated [11]
CCMA Single Of The Year Nominated [12][13]

Commercial performance

"Make a Life, Not a Living" debuted as the most downloaded song on all-formats on Canadian radio for the week ending on March 5, 2021, ahead of Maroon 5's "Beautiful Mistakes" and Justin Bieber's "Hold On".[14] It subsequently debuted at number 36 on the Billboard Canada Country chart,[15] and made history as the most-added song in a single week at Canadian country radio ever.[16] One week later, it debuted at number 95 on the Canadian Hot 100.[17] It later peaked at number 49, making it his highest charting entry there.[18] In July 2021, "Make a Life, Not a Living" became Kissel's fourth Number One on the Canada Country chart.[19] The song has been certified Platinum by Music Canada.[20]

Music video

The official music video for "Make a Life, Not a Living" was directed by Megan Jackson and premiered on March 19, 2021.[21] It features Kissel, his wife Cecilia, and their three children.[22] The video portrays Kissel ditching an office job for life on a farm.[23] The video was named "Video of the Year" at the 2021 Canadian Country Music Awards.[10]

Charts
Chart performance for "Make a Life, Not a Living"
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[18] 49
Canada Country (Billboard)[19] 1

Certifications
Certifications for "Make a Life, Not a Living"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[20] Platinum 80,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References
  1. Kennedy, John R (March 5, 2021). "LISTEN: Brett Kissel Debuts 'Make A Life, Not A Living'". iHeartRadio.ca. Bell Media. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
  2. "Make a Life, Not a Living - Brett Kissel". AllMusic. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  3. Murray, Joshua (March 5, 2021). "Brett Kissel Releases New Single, Announces What Is Life? Album". The Reviews Are In.
  4. Ellwood-Hughes, Pip (April 8, 2021). "Interview: Brett Kissel Opens Up About How The Pandemic Inspired His New Album 'What Is Life?'". Entertainment Focus.
  5. Weaver, Matthew (March 5, 2021). "Brett Kissel makes triumphant return to social media with new song & big album news". Country 104. Corus Radio.
  6. DeCaprio, Caleigh (March 9, 2021). "Brett Kissel New Song "Make A Life, Not A Living"". NY Country Swag.
  7. Mitchell, Isabella (March 9, 2021). "Brett Kissel Gives Some Country Music Advice in 'Make a Life, Not a Living'". Raised Rowdy.
  8. "REVIEW: Brett Kissel's Single "Make a Life, Not a Living"". Complete Country. March 10, 2021.
  9. "Brett Kissel's New Single "Make A Life, Not A Living"". Front Porch Music. March 13, 2021.
  10. "CCMA 2021 Award Nominees". Canadian Country Music Association. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  11. Jackson Weaver, "Charlotte Cardin, The Weeknd, Justin Bieber lead 2022 Juno Award nominees". CBC News, March 1, 2022.
  12. "2022 CCMA AWARD NOMINEES". Canadian Country Music Association. Archived from the original on September 13, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  13. "TENILLE TOWNES TAKES HOME FOUR WINS AT THE 2022 CCMA AWARDS PRESENTED BY TD". Canadian Country Music Association. Global News Wire. September 11, 2022. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022.
  14. "Brett Kissel Is Hot with Make A Life, Not A Living". FYI Music News. March 7, 2021.
  15. "Canada Country chart for March 20, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2021.(subscription required)
  16. Dagg, Nanci (March 22, 2021). "Brett Kissel releases video for 'Make a Life Not a Living'". Canadian Beats Media.
  17. "Canadian Hot 100: March 27, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved March 23, 2021.(subscription required)
  18. "Brett Kissel Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  19. "Brett Kissel Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  20. "Canadian single certifications – Brett Kissel – Make a Life, Not a Living". Music Canada. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  21. "Brett Kissel - Make A Life, Not A Living (Official Music Video)" (video). YouTube. March 20, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  22. Darmon, Aynslee (March 19, 2021). "Brett Kissel Drops Music Video For Latest Single 'Make A Life, Not A Living'". ET Canada. Archived from the original on March 19, 2021.
  23. "Brett Kissel Releases Music Video For "Make A Life, Not A Living"". Complete Country. March 23, 2021.
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