https://in-tune.blog/2025/10/08/kris-anders-open-road-is-more-than-a-song-its-a-journey/
Vernon-based country rocker Kris Anders is turning heads with his latest single and music video, “Open Road”—a vibrant, feel-good track that captures the rush of freedom, the sting of heartbreak, and the thrill of what comes next.
Blending Country Soul and Rock & Roll Grit
An award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, Kris Anders fuses the storytelling heart of country with the edge and energy of rock. His music hits like a shot of whiskey—bold, emotional, and lasting. With songs like “Shattered” and “Ever Enough”, Kris has reached over 1 million combined streams, earning nominations from both the BC Country Music Awards and the Western Canadian Music Awards.
Whether performing solo or backed by his band, The Flatlanders, Kris brings unforgettable energy to every stage he steps on. He’s played to packed crowds at major Western Canadian festivals including Jasper’s Canada Day Festival, Kelowna’s Rock the Ridge, and the Athabasca River Rats Festival.
His recent recognition includes a second-ballot nomination for Roots Act of the Year at the 2025 BC Country Music Awards, a 2023 nomination for Rock Act of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards, and two 2025 Josie Music Award nominations—for both Vocalist and Artist of the Year.
Behind the Single: “Open Road”
“Open Road” is a high-octane country rock anthem, built on crisp Telecaster riffs, warm acoustic drums, and a gritty, steel-wound bassline. Kris’s smoky vocal delivery cuts through the mix with confidence and emotion, making the hook land instantly. The track explores that raw, post-breakup energy—the kind that pushes you to hit the gas and chase something new, fast.
Kris worked with local producer Jeff Johnson of Bailey Way Entertainment to bring the single to life. “Working with Jeff was incredible. He really helped bring out the emotion in the song,” Kris shares. He also credits his vocal coach, Melina Schein, for helping him unpack each lyric line by line. “By the time we recorded, I was so into it we had to adjust the mic levels—I was singing that hard.”
The Visual Escape: “Open Road” Music Video
To bring the story of the song to the screen, Kris partnered with James Alton of Kelowna Film Studios. Together, they crafted a video that follows a woman—played by real-life cowgirl Giuliana from Love Reins Ranch—hitting the road in a vintage Mustang to escape a broken heart. Filmed across the Okanagan Valley, the video transitions between stunning drone shots over Kal Lake and a raucous saloon performance by Kris and his band, with dancers and locals grooving to the beat.
Early reviews of the video are glowing:
“This music video is a total vibe! From the very first shot, you feel that sense of freedom—windows down, music up, cruising down the highway with no real destination. The visuals are stunning without trying too hard—wide open roads, golden hour skies, and just the right touch of small-town charm.”
“It’s chill, heartfelt, and totally replay-worthy. A perfect visual match for a song that feels like an escape.”
Kris credits the success of the video to great teamwork, flexibility, and some much-needed cooperation from the weather. “Making a music video on a tight budget always requires creativity, but we pulled it off. I’m really proud of how it all came together.”
What’s Next
After his busiest season yet, Kris Anders is gearing up to perform at the 2025 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) — right in his hometown of Kelowna, BC. And this is just the beginning.
“It’s surreal,” Kris says. “Years ago, I was just a fan attending the CCMAs. I never imagined I’d be up on one of those stages myself.”
Known for his powerful songwriting and raw authenticity, Kris is steadily building momentum and paving his own path — one open road at a time.