Canadian artist Jess Moskaluke’s newest single “I Ain’t Country” boldly reclaims the genre with frankness and a contemporary flair.
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Stream: “I Ain’t Country” – Jess Moskaluke
In her newest track, “I Ain’t Country,” Jess Moskaluke addresses the persistent critiques claiming she doesn’t conform to traditional country standards. The lyrics pay homage to the late Merle Haggard and serve as a defiant anthem, asserting her place in country music—not by conforming, but by embracing her authentic self.
“I never want to release the same album twice,” she shares. “This is a more truthful representation of where I am at this moment. For me, it's about challenging the genre and pushing the expectations of country music.”
Trap beats in the truck bed
Way too rebel for a redneck
Too up north to be down south
Too Nashville to be small town
My boots are too bright
Tapping away to these 808s
I won’t walk the line
But let me shoot you straight
I Ain’t Country – Jess Moskaluke
“People used to say I needed a banjo or a fiddle to be considered country; they didn’t think I was country enough,” she recalls while gazing out at her rural Saskatchewan home, flanked by a green tractor and a red barn. “I believe we are pushing the genre's boundaries. Shania Twain did it, and I think it's our responsibility to create music that resonates.”
The resemblance to Twain is natural: two Canadian women from small towns reshaping the landscape of country music. Moskaluke has already made her mark, becoming the first female Canadian country artist since Twain to achieve platinum status with her debut album single, “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes.”
“It’s an amazing comparison because she was one of my all-time favorite artists as I grew up, so being compared to her feels like a full-circle moment,” she explains. “It’s the greatest compliment. I’m just doing what feels right for me. You must be yourself. If you feel you’re country, then you are.”
This grounded assurance only enhances Moskaluke’s charm. She balances being dynamic and relatable—delivering her songs with passion while dressed in her signature cutoffs, cowboy boots, and T-shirts representing her favorite artists, some of whom have become collaborators and fans.
At her concerts, clusters of young fans crowd near the stage, gazing at her with admiration and fascination, envisioning their potential to become who they aspire to be—just as she once did.
“I’m not perfect, and I’m being genuine and real,” she mentions. “Sometimes I worry that something I say or do might not reflect the ideal ‘role model’ standard—it’s a lot of pressure. But it’s wonderful to see young girls looking at me the same way I looked at my own role models.”
Not too long ago, Moskaluke was among those kids. Growing up in Langenburg, Saskatchewan—a town with barely over 1,200 residents—she began singing at 14, never thinking it could lead to a full-time career. Yet her dream transformed into reality, and she welcomed every opportunity that came her way.
Now in her early 30s, Moskaluke has been a prominent figure in Canadian country music for over ten years, producing multiple albums and EPs, alongside an impressive collection of awards. Her accolades include JUNOs (Canada's equivalent to the Grammys), Canadian Country Music Association, and Saskatchewan Country Music Association honors, all while paving the way for budding artists with the Jess Moskaluke Youth Award from the SCMA.
Recently, she participated in the renowned Whiskey Jam showcase in Nashville—a cherished milestone for both up-and-coming and established country musicians.
Next, she is gearing up for her fall tour, The Life For Me Tour—her first significant coast-to-coast Canadian tour. Known for her powerful vocals and lively performances, Moskaluke promises this tour will be her most engaging yet. “We’re creating something that feels entirely new,” she states.
For now, she’s where she wants to be—carving her own path in country music on her own terms.
“There are always significant challenges,” she admits. “Being a woman in this industry hasn't always been easy. It's still an area we need to improve, but things are getting better.”
Yet, she expresses no regrets. “Regardless of whether it was a success or a failure, each experience has brought me to where I am now,” she says. “If I could say anything to my 14-year-old self, it would be to enjoy the journey—maybe take it a little slower.”
Stream/purchase I Ain’t Country here
Connect with Jess Moskaluke here
Stream: “I Ain’t Country” – Jess Moskaluke
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Canadian artist Jess Moskaluke's newest single "I Ain't Country" boldly reinterprets the genre with unapologetic honesty and a contemporary perspective.