Country music star Brett Kissel has forcefully rejected claims that he supports separatism, after facing criticism for singing the national anthem at a Canadian men's national soccer team match. In a fiery social media post, Kissel told his detractors to stop questioning his loyalty to Canada.
Anthem Performance Sparks Controversy
On Monday, before the Canadian men's national soccer team faced Uzbekistan at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Kissel performed "O Canada" in the pouring rain. The performance drew criticism from some fans and media observers, who noted that the anthem was sung entirely in English, which is unusual for national team events. Additionally, some questioned why an artist associated with the Alberta separatist movement was chosen to sing the anthem.
The chatter quickly spread to social media, prompting Kissel to respond with a lengthy statement defending his patriotism.
Kissel's Response: 'I Can Be Both'
"I am fed up with the bulls–t online that is coming after me, my character, and my national pride," Kissel wrote. "So, if you don't read anything further, here's the quote that you can put in your blogs, papers, or media: 'F— off. I'm a Canadian and Albertan. I can be both.'"
Kissel emphasized his deep roots in Alberta, noting that he grew up on a cattle ranch that has been in his family for 116 years in Flat Lake, Alberta. "This makes me a proud Canadian, and a proud Albertan. I now own that ranch, and my kids will be the sixth generation on that same piece of land. My great grandparents are buried there," he said.
Politics and Music
Kissel also addressed the perception that his music is political. He stated that he does not want to be seen in the same tradition as artists like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, or Marvin Gaye, who are known for political commentary. "Here's the reality in Alberta: Albertans want change," he said. "But who the f–k knows if, or how, or when it's gonna happen? It ain't up to me. I'm just a country singer. I'm a conservative too. And somehow that lands me in hot water too. Most of my artist friends are liberal. But we're still buddies. So, why is this so goddamn controversial?"
However, Kissel has written songs that have been interpreted as politically charged, including "Line in the Sand," which many associated with the convoy protests. The song includes lyrics about standing up for freedom and family, and has been embraced by conservative audiences. Kissel has also voiced support for family members who opposed COVID-19 restrictions and has appeared at Conservative Party events, including a rally for Pierre Poilievre during the 2025 election campaign.
Separating Fact from Assumption
Despite these associations, Kissel insists that being a proud Albertan does not make him a separatist. He argues that critics are conflating his conservative views and Alberta pride with a desire to leave Canada. "I'm just a country singer," he reiterated, urging people not to make assumptions about his political beliefs based on his music or public appearances.
