Kerrington Gillespie Turns Three Missed Calls Into a Pop-Country Heartbreak Anthem

There’s nothing quite like finally getting over someone, only for their name to light up your phone and suddenly make you question every bit of progress you've made. Vancouver Island's rising country-pop artist Kerrington Gillespie knows that feeling all too well, and her latest single, “Three Missed Calls,” turns the emotional whiplash into an infectious, personality-filled release.

At just 17 years old, Kerrington Gillespie is already developing a recognizable musical identity, blending the storytelling traditions of country music with the playful confidence of contemporary pop. “Three Missed Calls” leans into that crossover, pairing glossy production and an upbeat attitude with the frustrating reality of unresolved feelings.

Co-written alongside Tavish Crowe and producer Jared Manierka, the single draws inspiration from the relatable experience of an ex resurfacing at precisely the wrong moment. Rather than treating heartbreak as an entirely devastating experience, Kerrington Gillespie finds the humor in emotional setbacks, embracing the contradiction of knowing better while still feeling tempted to answer.

The result is a refreshing take on modern relationships, where a few missed calls can carry more emotional baggage than an entire conversation. “This song came from that moment when you’re finally over someone and genuinely doing great, and then they reach out, and it sends you right back into the spiral you thought you’d left behind,” Kerrington Gillespie shares.

The release also marks another impressive milestone in Kerrington Gillespie's rapidly growing career. With ten singles released in under a year, more than 300,000 Spotify streams, and editorial playlist recognition from Spotify's New Music Friday Canada, North Country, and Fresh Finds Canada, the young artist is building momentum well beyond her British Columbia roots.

“Three Missed Calls” captures what makes Kerrington Gillespie's approach appealing: relatable storytelling, youthful personality, and an understanding that moving on isn't always a straight line.

Three Missed Calls” explores that frustrating moment when someone from your past resurfaces just as you've finally moved on. What inspired you to approach that emotional setback with humor and confidence rather than traditional heartbreak?

I didn't want to write another breakup track where the person from your past has all the power. From the beginning, I wanted “Three Missed Calls” to feel more like a sing-along anthem than a heartbreak song. The idea naturally lent itself to something playful, and I wanted to lean into that energy.

It's upbeat, relatable, and meant to be the kind of song people blast with their friends and have fun singing along to.

You co-wrote this single with Tavish Crowe and Jared Manierka. How did that collaboration shape the song's personality, and was there a particular lyric or moment that completely changed during the creative process?

The song came together over two days. Jared and I had written most of it on day one, and we knew we were onto something, but it wasn't quite hitting the way we wanted it to.

Then Tavish came in the next day with this guitar riff that completely changed the feel of the track. The second he played it, it felt like “that's the song, and it brought out all the attitude and fun that ended up defining “Three Missed Calls.”

Country music has always been rooted in storytelling, while pop thrives on infectious melodies and attitude. How do you balance those two influences without losing your own artistic identity?

That balance has been something I've been chasing. Over the last year, with every release, I've learned more about what feels most authentic to me. I love telling a story, but I also want people to have fun listening to my music.

With “Three Missed Calls”, it felt like those worlds finally came together. It has the narrative side of country music, but the energy and attitude of a pop song, and that felt like a real turning point for me creatively.

You've released ten singles in under a year, which is an impressive pace for any artist, especially at 17. How has your perspective on songwriting evolved throughout those releases, and what have you discovered about yourself along the way?

Putting out that much music in such a short time definitely pushed me to grow fast. Every song taught me something new, and I feel a lot more confident in my writing now than I did a year ago.

It has challenged me in the best way and helped me discover new parts of my sound. I think I've learned to trust my instincts more and not overthink everything.

With growing streaming numbers and recognition from Spotify's editorial playlists, your music is reaching listeners far beyond Vancouver Island. What's one creative risk you haven't taken yet that you're excited to explore in your next chapter?

Honestly, I'd say making an EP.

Releasing singles has been amazing, but I'm really excited by the idea of creating a project that's more intentional from start to finish. I feel like I'm getting closer to the sound I want to be known for, and an EP would give me the space to explore that on a deeper level.