About Make a Life, Not a Living

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

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. 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.