In The Country with Dave Woods

Beverley Mahood: The Story Of Her Life

Great news for BEVERLEY MAHOOD fans - she's back with brand new music. The first song is called Hope and Gasoline which is now at Country radio and the video for the song is being played on CMT. A full album is set for release soon. Exciting times are just ahead as Beverley has an exclusive management deal with Nashville-based All Entertainment which promises a new journey for her into the competitive U.S. Country market. "Each album I’ve done is reflective of the time of my life in which I recorded it," says Beverley. "My music is the story of my life. It’s honest and real. I don’t ever hide behind misleading lyrics. As a performer and individual, I have my own style and would like to be considered a strong woman with something intelligent to say through a heartfelt sound." The new single and upcoming album are sure to add to the long list of hits from this talented artist. Tune in for my chat with Beverley about her music career and new music.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Beverley
(Originally aired live: May 2013)

Michelle Wright: Still Going Strong

It's time for another visit from Country artist MICHELLE WRIGHT! She is about to release a brand new album featuring the lead single Strong - now at radio - written by Michelle, Melissa Peirce & Deric Ruttan. Michelle was nominated for Female Artist of The Year at last year's CCMAs and is up for 2 awards in May at the Country Music Association of Ontario's first-ever award show. In September 2011, she was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame. Last fall, she toured across Canada with her Songs From The Halls show in which she paid tribute to singers from various Halls of Fame who had an influence on her. Michelle's hits so far - the ones you know and love - include Take It Like A Man, He Would Be Sixteen, Nobody's Girl and Your Love.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Michelle.
(Originally aired live: April 2013)

Donny Parenteau: Bring It On

Saskatchewan Country artist DONNY PARENTEAU's latest album is called Bring It On. He's nominated for a bunch of awards at this year's Saskatchewan Country Music Association Awards. The nominations include ones for Male Vocalist, Fan's Choice Entertainer, Best Album & Best Single. He also has a 2013 Juno nomination for Aboriginal Album of the Year. Donny spent over ten years touring with Country artist Neal McCoy as his fiddle player. He's a talented multi-instrumentalist who performs with energy and enthusiasm on the fiddle, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitars, and the unique mandocaster.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Donny.
(Originally aired live: April 2013)

Sarah Beth Keeley: Reaching New Heights

Calgary, Alberta Country artist SARAH BETH KEELEY is proud & excited about her current CD called REACH. She showcases her strong songwriting skills on seven of the songs. The new project is produced by Kevin Lato & mixed by Brian Malouf. This is the follow-up release to SBK's Reinventing Myself which featured How Much & With Your Goodbye. Sarah - a dynamic performer - has shared the stage with the likes of Sawyer Brown, Dean Brody, Shane Yellowbird, Doc Walker, and Johnny Reid. She likes to mix equal parts of Country & Rock in her songs to deliver a sound that is all her own. Tune in to get up close & personal with SBK and hear songs from her new CD.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Sarah.
(Originally aired live: May 2013)

Samara Yung: Singing In The (July) Rain

Yorkton, Saskatchewan Country artists SAMARA YUNG's debut album Show Me The World produced by Steve Fox was released in 2008 and led to 2 SCMA award wins: Rising Star and Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2010 ceremony. Samara’s second album July Rain was released in December of 2011. On this project, she co-wrote all but one song. She also got the chance to realize her dream of filming a music video with CCMA award winner Stephano Barberis for the single Mardi Gras (which she co-wrote with Steve Fox). In 2012, Samara won 2 more SCMA Awards: Female Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year for Everyday Matters. In 2013, she won another 2 SCMAs for the song Mardi Gras: Video of The Year & Song of The Year.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Samara.
(Originally aired live: May 2013)

Chad Brownlee: The Power of Music

British Columbia Country artist CHAD BROWNLEE's current hit-filled album Love Me Or Leave Me has been nominated for Best Country Album at the Juno awards taking place in April 2013. He has already won the Rising Star award at the 2011 CCMAs and was nominated for Male Artist of the Year at the 2012 CCMAs. In addition, he won 6 awards at December 2012's British Columbia Country Music Association's Awards. Since the release of the album, Chad has climbed the Country radio charts & CMT with Love Me Or Leave Me, Smoke In The Rain, Listen and now the latest single Crash. Tune in and get to know Chad and his music.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Chad.
(Originally aired live: April 2013)

Lisa Brokop: The Big Picture

Vancouver, British Columbia Country artist LISA BROKOP - now living in Nashville - has delivered hits to Country radio & CMT for years including Give Me A Ring Sometime, Take That, She Can't Save Him, I'd Like To See You Try & How Do I Let Go. Lisa's success as a songwriter is not only evidenced by the songs she's written for herself but by the songs she's had recorded by Reba McEntire, Pam Tillis & Terri Clark. Lisa now performs as part of the duo The Jeffersons with her husband singer/songwriter Paul Jefferson (who co-wrote Aaron Tippin's hit song That's As Close As I'll Get To Loving You & co-wrote You're Not My God with Keith Urban recorded by Keith on the album Golden Roads). Paul & Lisa's debut album as a duo is called The Jeffersons, Vol. 1. Tune in to catch up with Lisa as she talks about her career highlights, stories behind her songs & much more!

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Lisa.
(Originally aired live: March 2013)

High Valley: Family Harmony

Alberta Country trio HIGH VALLEY is made up of brothers Brad, Bryan and Curtis Rempel. Their current album features the popular singles Let It Be Me, Have I Told You I Love You Lately & Love You For A Long Time. "It's not as pop as some contemporary country," says Brad of the High Valley sound. "Our music is a little more organic, a little more acoustic. We grew up singing harmony as a family and in church. There was always harmony and acoustic instruments, so our live show features a mandolin, an acoustic guitar, a bass guitar and three part harmony." The siblings grew up in Alberta on a farm in the rural community of La Crete. Life on their farm was dominated by faith, family, hard work and lots of Country music. "We always heard Diamond Rio and Ricky Skaggs growing up," says Bryan. "George Jones was played a lot too." High Valley has opened up shows for Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Reba McEntire - and are about to open up shows for Little Big Town.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Brad Rempel of High Valley.
(Originally aired live: March 2013)

Jaida Dreyer: Confessions of a Country Singer

Country artist JAIDA DREYER recently released her debut album featuring the hot new single Half Broke Horses. She credits her eclectic taste in music to her mother who introduced her to classic artists like Kitty Wells and Hank Williams Sr. as well as later Country artists like Tanya Tucker, Keith Whitley and Patty Loveless. Jaida was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario and rasied in Latimer, Iowa. She began riding horses at a young age and won her first of many world championship titles at age 5! Her album is produced by Grammy award-winning producer Bryan Gallimore who has worked with Tim McGraw, Sugarland, Martina McBride, among others. This mutli-talented artist has toured with Eric Church, Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley. Tune in and to get to know my guest and songs from her album I Am Jaida Dreyer on which she wrote or co-wrote all 10 tracks. Gallimore, her producer says, "I'm proud of her. She's the real deal. I couldn't feel stronger about anybody."

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Jaida.
(Originally aired live: March 2013)

Tim Taylor: Music from Big Beige

Canada's Tim Taylor has enjoyed a very successful career in country music both as a performer and as a hit songwriter. His songwriting honours include 2 CCMA Song of the Year Awards ('One Smokey Rose' and 'Ten Million Teardrops'), CCMA Independent Song Of the Year ('She’s Getting Serious' recorded by Thomas Wade), and the 2008 BCCMA Song of the Year award ('Done You Wrong' recorded by Aaron Pritchett). Tim also writes with up-and-coming Canadian artists like No Limitz, Carli & Julie Kennedy as well as Tianna Woods. He's released a new album of 6 songs called Music From Big Beige featuring the humorous Vaguely French and the romantic Cecilia. Tune in to hear all about the new album and Tim's take on songwriting.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Tim.
(Originally aired live: March 2013)

Bobby Wills: Easy Does It

Alberta Country artist BOBBY WILLS is enjoying radio and video success with his latest project entitled If It Was That Easy. Country fans are loving the first two singles Show Some Respect & Somebody Will. He co-wrote three of the album's tracks with hit Nashville songwriters Mike Pyle & Walt Aldridge. Bobby is convinced there's a revolution coming, a point where people will demand something more from Country music. "It seems like we might be in a position to get lucky with our timing because I'm hearing more and more from 20-somethings and 30-somethings who love Country music but are looking for something else," Bobby explains. "Whether or not that's my stuff, I don't know, I'll let the world decide, but at the end of the day that's where I think we're going and I intend to be there when it happens."

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Bobby.
(Originally aired live: March 2013)

Tenille: Sharing The Light

Grand Prairie, Alberta Country artist TENILLE is releasing her second album entitled Light featuring the first single and video Dear Heart. “I can’t wait to share Light with everyone,” says Tenille. “The songs and the messages on this record mean so much to me and I had a blast working on it with an amazing team of musicians and my producer, Fred Mollin. Watching them breathe life into these songs was an unforgettable experience.” On the success of her 2011 Royalty Records debut album entitled Real, she became the youngest artist ever nominated for the CCMA award for Female Artist of the Year (2011), and in 2012 the youngest recipient of the CCMA Slaight Music Humanitarian Award. In early 2013, Tenille took home the Alberta Country Music Association's Fan’s Choice Award, won the ACMA Female Artist of the Year Award for the second year running and was honoured with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Tenille.
(Originally aired live: March 2013)

Bruce Good & The Country Music Association of Ontario

Excitement is building for the FIRST annual Country Music Association of Ontario Awards Show! Hosted by Charlie Major on May 27th, this important event will acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding Country Music talent in Ontario. Tune in to hear my guest BRUCE GOOD - member of the legendary Country group The Good Brothers & Vice-President of the CMAO - talk about the organization and the upcoming awards show in Markham, Ontario.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Bruce.
(Originally aired live: March 2013)

Wyatt: Rockin' The Country

Saskatchewan rock-country group WYATT has just released their latest single and video Jesse James. Now signed with Canadian label MDM Recordings, their new record is set for release in May of this year. “We are really excited about this new project," explains Wyatt member Scott Patrick. "The experience making our last album gave us the confidence to push the envelope and really evolve and refine our sound. Right from the initial talks with Mitch Merrett (regarding the album’s direction), we knew this one was going to be a pure WYATT - rock n’ roll with a country soul. It was an amazing experience to write and record these great songs with a producer who is willing to stray outside conventional lines.”

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Scott.
(Originally aired live: January 2013)

Kate Todd: Footprints On The Moon

Ontario Country artist KATE TODD released her debut CD Finding My Way featuring the single Footprints On The Moon in 2012. The album was awarded Best New Album of 2012 at the Radio Nation Music Awards where she also earned runner up for Best Canadian Musician/Band of 2012 as well. This multi-talented recording artist was also nominated for Best Country Artist at both the Toronto Independent Music Awards & the Barrie New Music Awards. Her songs have been licensed to the Disney and Showcase Networks. Along with her music career, Kate is also a successful actress well known for her roles of Lily Randall in the TV show Radio Free Roscoe and Erica in My Babysitter's A Vampire.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Kate.
(Originally aired live: February 2013)

Jannecke: What She Was Born To Do

Saskatchewan Country artist JANNECKE - now living in Canada - was born and raised in Bergen, Norway. She spent many years in the music industry there performing with her Dad - the legendary Helge Nilsen. They played anywhere from small town halls for 300 to larger concert halls for audiences of three to five thousand. Her debut EP has been produced by Jeff Huskins, a well-known Nashville producer who worked with Country stars like Chely Wright. Once in the studio in Nashville, she was star-struck: "At one point someone said to me, 'Jannecke are you there? Are you going to sing?' Because I was just sitting there with my mouth open just looking at all these guys who have played with all my idols. It was just insane," she explains. "The guy sitting next to me has played on everything Shania Twain has ever done. I just kept staring at these guys and soaking it up. Telling myself if this doesn't go any further, I'm just going to enjoy the moment."

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Jannecke.
(Originally aired live: July 2012)

In The Country Triple Play Special

Tune in for this In The Country Triple Play Special featuring Saskatchewan's Jannecke, Alberta's Domino and Ontario's Krista Earle. They're all here to share their latest news and latest music. Get up close and personal with these rising stars on the Country Music scene. Send your comments about this program to inthecountry@mail.com.

Click on the play button below to hear this Triple Play special.
(Originally aired live: January 2013)

Billy Dean: A Man Of Good Fortune

Click on photo to visit Billy's website.

After attending college on a basketball scholarship, Country artist BILLY DEAN moved to Nashville in 1983 and by 1990 had recorded his first Top 5 hit song (and video) Only Here For A Little While. He went on to the climb the charts & win awards with songs like Somewhere In My Broken Heart, Billy The Kid & You Don't Count The Cost. Throughout his career in Country music, Billy has sold over six million records. In 1992, he was named the Top New Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music (ACM). In 2000, Billy - along with Alison Krauss - sang harmony vocals on Kenny Rogers' smash hit Buy Me A Rose. Now this much-loved artist is releasing an album called A Man Of Good Fortune featuring 10 brand new songs.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Billy Dean.
(Originally aired live: November 2012)

In The Country presents The Stories Behind The Songs

Tune in to get great stories behind the songs - Elvira, Hello Darlin', Billy The Kid, The Weekend, Rose Garden, Wanted & others! Special guests include Lynn Anderson, Steve Wariner, Michelle Wright & many others. In their own words, they'll share a story about the writing, selection or significance of a song. Each story is followed by the song or a clip of it. This is your chance to learn a little more about some much-loved Country songs!

Paul Brandt: Just As I Am

Click on photo to visit Paul's website.

Alberta's PAUL BRANDT is the most awarded male Canadian Country Music artist in history. By the age of 21, he had been signed to a 7 album deal with Warner/Reprise Records Nashville, alongside label-mates Faith Hill, Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakam and more. By 1996, Paul had become the first Canadian male country artist to reach the Billboard Top Ten in the US since Hank Snow in 1974, and a string of number one hits and gold and platinum albums followed. He recently (Fall 2012) released his first gospel album entitled Just As I Am featuring I'll Fly Away, Amazing Grace and When The Roll Gets Called Up Yonder. Paul is joined on the album by Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless, John Anderson and others.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Paul Brandt.
(Originally aired live: November 2012)

Anne Murray: We Just Fall In Love With Her Again

Click on photo to visit Anne's website.

Snowbird, You Needed Me, Could I Have This Dance & I Just Fall In Love Again are just a few of the many big hits sung by Canada's ANNE MURRAY. The numbers say it all: Over 4 decades, Anne has sold 54 million records, had 30 pop hits, 50 Country hits and has won 4 Grammy awards, 24 Juno awards and 3 CMA awards. Her famous duet partners include Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers, Bryan Adams & Celine Dion. In 2009, Anne released her revealing and entertaining autobiography All Of Me in which she writes about the highlights and defining moments in her life & music career. Tune in to this special edition of In The Country to hear Anne Murray sharing stories & songs.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Anne Murray.
(Originally aired live: October 2012)

Michelle Wright: Songs From The Halls

Dave Woods & Michelle Wright.

MICHELLE WRIGHT - whose hits include Take It Like A Man, He Would Be Sixteen & I've Forgotten You - is about to begin a new tour in October 2012 across Canada called Songs From The Halls. The shows will feature her biggest hits as well as songs made famous by some of her favourite artists including Anne Murray, Merle Haggard, Aretha Frankin & Al Green. Tune in to this special interview to hear Michelle talk about the songs she has chosen to sing at these shows and why they mean so much to her. This is Michelle's 4th visit to In The Country!

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Michelle Wright
(Originally aired live: October 2012)

The Command Sisters: Heading For The Big Time

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Charlotte, 17, and Sarah, 14, are at the start of a great career. It didn’t take long for the girls to be opening up for the likes of some of the industry’s most prominent acts like Gord Bamford (at the ages of 11 and 14) and performing alongside Johnny Reid, George Canyon and Emerson Drive the following year. One of the first to scoop up the Command Sisters was famed producer David Malloy, (writer/producer of 41 number one Billboard hits & he's worked with the likes of country superstars Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton and Reba) who promptly signed them to a publishing and production deal, at the ages of 12 and 15, and then recorded a full length album.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with The Command Sisters.
(Original air date: November 2012)

Carolyn Dawn Johnson: Let Me Introduce Myself

Canada’s Carolyn Dawn Johnson first made an impact on the Country Music scene when she wrote the #1 hit “Single White Female” for Chely Wright in 1999 and went on to receive Music Row Magazine's Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year Award in 2000. Soon, her own hits followed – “Georgia”, “I Don't Want You To Go” and the crossover smash “Complicated” – all from her debut album entitled Room With A View. She continued to climb the charts & win new fans with her subsequent releases - Dress Rehearsal (2004) and Love & Negotiation (2006). This Alberta-born and raised Country star has won 16 Canadian Country Music Awards, a JUNO Award, an Academy of Country Music Award, as well as an American Music Award for Favorite New Country Artist of 2003. Now, CDJ is back with a brand new album called Love Rules which features the lead single “Let Me Introduce Myself”. The song stays true to her signature sound, blending upbeat and soaring harmonies with lyrics that listeners can relate to.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with CDJ.
(Original air date: August 2010)

Victoria Banks: Never Be The Same

Victoria Banks.............................Dave Woods & Victoria

Country artist Victoria Banks - the 2010 CCMA Female Artist & Songwriter of the Year - released her brand new CD "Never Be The Same" in late April 2011. It features her skillful songwriting and heartfelt vocals - with a great range of songs from uptempo fun (Mama Said Don't, Barefoot Girl) to moving/reflective songs (Never Be The Same, The Other Side) to classic story songs (Jackson). She's touring this year with George Canyon and Reba. The songs she writes have been recorded by Country acts like Sara Evans, Jessica Simpson, One More Girl & Doc Walker. Tune in to hear this talented Canadian - now living in Nashville - share the stories behind the songs on her new album & much more.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Victoria.
(Originally aired live: April 2011)

Jim Cuddy: The Sky's The Limit

Canadian singer/songwriter JIM CUDDY joins me on this episode of In The Country to talk about his current album Skyscraper Soul. The lead single from the project is called Everyone Watched The Wedding. Jim will tell us the story behind the song & others. He'll also talk about performing at Massey Hall in Toronto, singing duets, what it feels like to know Blue Rodeo will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2012 - and much more. On this special episode, you'll also hear several songs from Jim Cuddy's current album.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Jim Cuddy.
(Originally aired live: January 2012)

Suzy Bogguss: Timeless Voice

Click on photo to visit Suzy's website.

Country artist SUZY BOGGUSS is no stranger to the top of the Country charts with songs like Hey Cinderella, Outbound Plane, Drive South & Someday Soon. She's also known for her Grammy-nominated duet with Lee Greenwood called Hopelessly Yours, her version of Take It To The Limit on an Eagles tribute album & her duet album with long-time friend and Country legend Chet Atkins. Recently, she released American Folk Songbook which features her take on folk classics like Red River Valley & Wayfaring Stranger. Tune in & catch up with Suzy.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Suzy.
(Originally aired live: February 2012)

Emerson Drive: A Decade Of Drive - And More Road Ahead

Click on photo to visit Emerson Drive's website.

EMERSON DRIVE's hit songs and videos have earned them fans in Canada, the U.S. and beyond. Over the years, the top of the charts have featured their songs I Should Be Sleeping, Fall Into Me, Moments, I Love This Road & their latest single Let Your Love Speak (to name just a few). The Alberta band has been honored with awards and/or nominations from the Academy of Country Music, the CMA, the CCMA, CMT, the Grammys and the Junos. Their current album called Decade Of Drive: The Hits celebrates Emerson Drive's chart-topping 10 years of success in Country music.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Brad Mates of Emerson Drive.
(Originally aired live: February 2012)

Doc Walker: Still A Beautiful Life

Click on photo to visit Doc Walker's website.

Manitoba's multiple CCMA and Juno winning DOC WALKER has delivered the hits to Country radio, CMT & fans with songs like She Hasn't Always Been This Way, Rocket Girl, Beautiful Life & I'm Gonna Make You Love Me. They are currently performing across Canada on their Are You With Me Tonight? Tour 2011. In August of this year, the group released their 5th album for Open Road Recordings called 16 & 1 featuring Country Girl & Do It Right. As always, the album features the songwriting skills of all three members of the group (Chris Thorsteinson, Dave Wasyliw & Murray Pulver) - and also includes covers of songs by Bob Seger and Canada's Crash Test Dummies.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Chris Thorsteinson from Doc Walker.
(Originally aired live: November 2011)

Dean Brody: His Trail In Life

Click photo to visit Dean's website.

Dean Brody – originally from Jaffray, BC & now living in Nova Scotia – is riding high on the success of his 2nd album Trail In Life. He’s earned five Canadian Country Music Association award nominations including Male Artist, Songwriter and Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year and Album, Song & Single of the Year. The awards will be handed out in Hamilton, Ontario in September. The current album has sent several songs to the top of the charts: Wildflower, Roll That Barrel Out, People Know You By Your First Name, Trail In Life & now the new single Little Yellow Blanket. Tune in as Dean talks about his music career and shares some of the stories behind his hit songs.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Dean.
(Originally aired live: August 2011)

Deric Ruttan: On 'Sunshine', Songwriting & More!

Click photo to vist Deric's website.

Born & raised in Bracebridge, Ontario - and now living a few miles outside of Nashville - Country artist Deric Ruttan continues to enjoy a successful career with 4 nominations at the upcoming CCMA awards. He's nominated for Male Artist, Songwriter, Single and Video of the Year. The last 3 nominations on the list are for his song That's How I Wanna Go Out from his most recent album - his third - entitled Sunshine. He's also had great success as a songwriter writing hits for artists like Aaron Pritchett, Doc Walker, Eric Church & Dierks Bentley - to name just a few.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Deric.
(Originally aired live: September 2011)

The Oak Ridge Boys: Celebrating 30 Years of Elvira & more!

Click photo to visit The Oaks' website.

There's no slowing down The Oak Ridge Boys. The legendary, hit-making group was recently inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry. They just released a new album It's Only Natural available exclusively through Cracker Barrel (in stores & online). The project features 7 past hits and 5 brand new songs. A re-recording of Elvira is featured. That song was released in 1981 and went on to win a Grammy and become one of their signature hits. Joe Bonsall from the Oaks joins me on the show to talk about the Opry induction, the new album, stories behind some of their biggest hits & more! You can also catch up with this beloved group at oakridgeboys.com and learn more about Joe at josephsbonsall.com.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Joe.
(Originally aired live: October 2011)

Ronnie Milsap: Pure Love of Music

Ronnie Milsap has 40 #1 Country hits, 6 Grammys and a dozen CMA award including 4 for Male Vocalist Of The Year. From "Pure Love" to "Smoky Mountain Rain" to "Lost In The Fifties Tonight", how could you ever pick just one favorite song of his? In 2009, he released his first ever gospel album entitled "Then Sings My Soul: 24 Favorite Hymns & Gospel Songs". I asked Ronnie about meeting Ray Charles for the first time, working with Elvis, what hit song he let get away & what inspired him to record his gospel CD. Tune in and enjoy this conversation with a Country Music legend!

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Ronnie Milsap.
(Originally aired live: May 2009)

Steve Wariner: Strings Attached

At age 17, Country artist Steve Wariner joined Dottie West’s band as a bass player. A few years later, Chet Atkins (one of Steve’s heroes) hired Steve as his bass player and signed him to his first “singles” deal with RCA Records. Steve soon began a run of successful radio hits with songs like "Kansas City Lights", "Some Fools Never Learn", "The Weekend" and his chart-topping duet with Anita Cochran, "What If I Said". In 1996, Steve was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He released an instrumental album that same year featuring Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, Bryan White and many others. He's a Grammy, ACM and CMA award winner.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Steve.
(Original air date: November 2010)

Dan Hill: A Touch Of Country

Canadian singer/songwriter Dan Hill began writing songs at age 14 and was playing professionally in small gatherings and coffee houses by the time he reached 17. In 1978, he wrote and recorded the smash hit, "Sometimes When We Touch". He went on to write and release a long list of hits including "Never Thought (That I Could Love)", "Unborn Heart", "I Fall All Over Again" & "Can't We Try". In 1997, Dan teamed up with Country producer/songwriter Keith Stegall and the duo soon proved to be a successful writing team. Sammy Kershaw took their song "Love Of My Life" to #1 on the Country charts and then Mark Wills reached the top slot again with the Hill/Stegall composition "I Do (Cherish You)". Other Country songs of Dan's have been recorded by Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Jamie O'Neal - to name a few. In 2010, he released an album called "Intimate" and a memoir called "I Am My Father's Son".

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Dan.
(Original air date: November 2010)

Michelle Wright: Another Good Day

Click on Michelle's photo to visit her website.

MICHELLE WRIGHT gets enthusiastic when she talks about her brand new radio single Another Good Day, revealing that "it feels great to be releasing new music, as always, but I'm especially proud of this song, its positivity, its optimism ... That's the kind of overall mood I'm in these days and the songs I've been writing and singing lately reflect that." Written by Michelle along with good friend Patricia Conroy and Emerson Drive's Danick Dupelle, and produced by Jason Barry, Another Good Day also features the creativity of some of Michelle's favourite Music City musicians. Tune in to hear her talk about her new music & more. And, of course, you'll get to hear her latest single on the show.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Michelle.
(Originally aired live: April 25th, 2012)

Clayton Bellamy: Bringing Out The Dreamer In All Of Us

Click on photo to visit Clayton's website.

CLAYTON BELLAMY is a Juno winner for Best Country Recording, a four time Canadian Country Music Award winner, and a SOCAN Songwriter of the Year. Besides his success as a member of the popular Country group The Road Hammers, this talented Alberta-born artist has released 6 albums of his own. His latest is called Everyone's A Dreamer featuring the title-track single. Clayton says “my new solo music is a blend of both my own vibes and The Road Hammers sound, a mix I believe my fans will really enjoy – a best of both worlds as they say.” Performing has been a passion of his since he was a kid growing up participating in both his church choir and school choir which helped him hone his love for music.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Clayton.
(Originally aired live: April 2012)

Adam Gregory: In The Right Place

Click on photo to vist Adam's website.

Adam Gregory’s latest project - called Different Places - has left him optimistic and genuinely excited about the future, he says. “Anybody who knows me knows that I’m a family guy first and foremost,” he says. “The music on this record reflects who I am and where I am in my life. It’s positive and refreshing.” By the time he was 21, Adam had released three critically acclaimed albums (The Way I’m Made, Workin’ On It and Adam Gregory), garnered four Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) award nominations and emerged as a Country star in Canada. Now 26 years old & living in Nashville, this Alberta-born talent is ready for his new music to make an impact at radio and with his fans.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Adam.
(Originally aired live: February 2012)

Moot Davis: Traditional And True

Click on photo to vist Moot's site.

With his self-titled debut album, New Jersey-based country musician MOOT DAVIS delivered a set of timeless honky tonk that brought comparisons to Hank Williams Sr. The kudos continued for his second effort, Already Moved On, which about.com’s Kathy Coleman ranked as the Fourth Best Country Album of the Year, ahead of the likes of Dwight Yoakam & Brad Paisley. His latest album Man About Town fulfills the promise of his earlier efforts while also expanding into new musical territory. The ace players on Man About Town are from Marty Stuart’s band: guitarist Kenny Vaughan, who served as producer; pedal and lap steel player Chris Scruggs; drummer Harry Stinson and bassist Paul Martin.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Moot.
(Originally aired live: February 2012)

Jason Blaine: Life (and music) So Far

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Country artist JASON BLAINE– born and raised in Pembroke, Ontario and now living in Nashville – released his full-length debut album in 2005 which included his high-charting radio singles Heartache Like Mine, While We Were Waiting & What I Can’t Forget. Along the way, he’s also had success with videos on CMT, sent more songs to the top of the charts and recorded the powerful and popular duet Don’t Leave The Leavin’ with Victoria Banks. Reflecting on his music career, Jason says: "I feel like I've been given some really great gifts musically, like this is really what I'm meant to be doing. It’s very satisfying to look back at the work that I’ve done knowing that I’ve been creating it, building it and to see the way that songs touch people. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thankful for being able to live my dream.” His new album LIFE SO FAR features the current hit single They Don’t Make Em Like That Anymore - a moving tribute to his grandfather who also appears in the video.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Jason.
(Originally aired live: January 2012)

Aaron Pritchett: Ready For The Year Ahead

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Country artist AARON PRITCHETT returns to In The Country for his second visit. You know his smash hits (and videos) Hold My Beer, Let's Get Rowdy, Big Wheel, New Frontier, Hell Bent For Buffalo - to name just a few. And along with his uptempo energetic songs, Aaron has proven over his career that he can deliver heartfelt ballads equally as well. You can hear that quality on his brand new radio single I Wanna Be In It With You. That song is the latest release from his current album In The Driver's Seat. In a recent blog at his website, Aaron wrote that he's calling 2012 "The Year Of Change". Part of that change involves taking acting classes for some unknown future possibilities.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Aaron.
(Originally aired live: January 2012)

Sean Hogan: Better Angels Prevail

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Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist SEAN HOGAN arrived on the music scene in 1996 with the release of his debut album. He quickly became popular with radio, CMT and the fans. In 1997, Sean was named the first-ever CCMA Independent Male Artist of The Year. Then, in 2003, the CCMA honoured with the award for Roots Artist of The Year. Over the years, you've heard his songs including Catalina Sunrise, I'd Rather Have You, Silver Lining Girl & What Would You Have Me Believe. In 2004, he created and launched the now annual Canadian Country Christmas Concert tour which assists communities across Canada with funding for food banks, hospital foundations and other essentials for those in need. In 2011, Sean began a tough battle with cancer and now, as 2012 begins, this survivor is ready to bring us new music.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Sean.
(Originally aired live: January 2012)

Thomas Wade: The Music Never Stops

Thomas Wade first appeared on the Country music scene in 1996 as the lead singer of Thomas Wade & Wayward. Their debut album produced 7 singles on the Canadian Country charts - including the Top 10 hits Zero to Sixty, She's Getting Serious & Lying Here With You. They won 7 CCMA awards and received 3 Juno nominations. Thomas went on to have success as a solo artist with hits like Running Away With You & Some Guys. Now, Thomas Wade, Colin Amey and Denise Wade are WADE AMEY WADE, delivering an organic blend of Country and Rock. With songwriting friend Tim Taylor, Thomas and Colin set about writing a Christmas song - I Can't Wait For Christmas - with proceeds to benefit fellow artist Sean Hogan who was diagnosed with an aggressive carcinoma (Stage 4A throat cancer) this past summer. Tune in as Thomas talks about his past hits, his new start with Wade Amey Wade as well as the group's very special Christmas song (which you'll hear.)

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Thomas.
(Originally aired live: December 2011)

Michelle Wright: All The Wright Moves

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In September 2011, MICHELLE WRIGHT was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. The road to that honour has been paved with awards from the CCMAs, the Junos and The Academy Of Country Music. She's had 25 Top Ten hits in Canada (7 of which hit #1), 5 gold and 2 multi-platinum albums as well as worldwide record sales approaching 2 million units. Her hits include Take It Like A Man, He Would Be Sixteen, What Love Looks Like and Nobody's Girl. Michelle is about to release her first live album called The Wright Songs: An Acoustic Evening With Michelle Wright. She is also getting ready for her Christmas tour across Canada beginning in early December.This interview features 2 songs from her new album as well as a special segment called Five From The Fans - five questions/comments for Michelle sent in by listeners.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Michelle.
(Originally aired live: November 2011)

Marshall Dane: Workin' Hard, Playin' Hard

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In September 2011, Ontario Country artist Marshall Dane was one of only 8 artists to be selected from a national list of applicants to perform at the Canadian Country Music Awards New Artist Showcase. He's riding high on the success of his energetic stage shows and his album Running Stop Signs produced by Brian Allen. The CD includes the songs Love and Alcohol, Bad Choices, and About Last Light. Marshall has had the chance to perform on stage over the last couple of years with Doc Walker, Emerson Drive and Aaron Pritchett. Currently, he's busy performing and spending time writing & recording in the studio for a new album to be released in 2012.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Marshall.
(Originally aired live: November 2011)

Tonya Kennedy: Why We're Fallin' For Her

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Ontario Country artist Tonya Kennedy - originally from St. John's, Newfoundland - has just released a brand new single Fallin' For You to radio from her forthcoming 2nd CD. It's the follow-up to her debut album Lucky I Lost You. Both projects have been produced by J. Richard Hutt at Cedartree Recording Studio in Kitchener, Ontario. Earlier in 2011, Tonya was nominated for two East Coast Music Awards - one for Country Recording and one for Rising Star. In this interview, she shares the stories behind 2 of her songs and her latest video - plus she talks about her ECMA nominations & some details on her upcoming album.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Tonya.
(Originally aired live: November 2011)

In Memory of Terry Sumsion

Terry Sumsion had a string of country hits over the years with his rich baritone voice and a Classic Country approach to singing. This talented Canadian Country singer brought us the unforgettable songs "Midnight Invitation" & "Our Lovin' Place" - to name just two. He toured with George Jones and Merle Haggard and many others. Terry proudly fronted one of Canada’s premier bands, Stagecoach, throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He was a Juno and CCMA nominee many times. Terry passed away in March 2011. This interview took place in November 2009 and features great stories and songs from this well-loved and popular Country artist.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Terry.
(Originally aired live: November 2009)

Kirsten Jones: Proud Of Her Roots

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Toronto-based singer/songwriter Kirsten Jones received a 2011 CCMA nomination for Roots Artist of the Year. She's riding high on the success of her sophomore album The Mad Mile produced by Jayhawks front man Gary Louris."I knew I wanted to try getting in touch with Gary before even trying to think of anyone else, so I looked up his management online and just sent them a package." A few months later, Louris’ management e-mailed Kirsten, saying Gary was interested in the project. The album showcases Kirsten's blending of Alt Country & Folk - as well as her songwriting skills. In fact, for the third year in a row, one of her songs from the album has been nominated in the International Songwriting Competition. This year, she came in third place - out of 15,000 entries! The Mad Mile includes a duet with the legendary Jim Cuddy. Kirsten, fresh from a summer tour of Eastern Canada & a recent trip to Nashville, visits In The Country to discuss her music career & share some songs.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Kirsten.
(Originally aired live: October 2011)

Melanie Morgan: Cover Me Canada

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Born and raised in the small coastal village of Cap-Pelé, New Brunswick, Melanie Morgan's dreams of becoming a country music recording artist started to take shape in 2006. With the help of fellow New Brunswick country recording artist J.R. Vautour, Melanie recorded her debut CD Brand New Day. She received national recognition in Canada at the East Coast Awards for Country Recording of the Year. In the Fall of 2008, Melanie recorded her second album which showcases her songwriting abilities on songs co-written with Nashville hitmakers such as George Teren, Wade Kirby, Rick Huckaby and Monty Criswell. Melanie was a contestant on CBC's Cover Me Canada in the Fall of 2011 - taking 2nd place honours!

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Melanie.
(Originally aired live: April 2010)

Genevieve Fisher: New Hits On The Horizon

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At the age of 13, Genevieve Fisher took top honours for her age group at the 30th annual Canadian Open Country Singing Competition in Simcoe Ontario. At the age of 17, after the creation of her live band, Genevieve had the distinction of opening for the 2009 Canadian Female Country Artist of the Year Crystal Shawanda. The decision to travel to Nashville to record her debut CD turned out to be the turning point in her young career. In October 2010, she headed to OmniSound Studios in Nashville. The tracks recorded were a combination of songs written by herself as well as some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Jeffrey Steele and Craig Wiseman. Genevieve recently returned from Nashville where she recorded some brand new songs written with Nashville hitmaker Jennifer Schott.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Genevieve.
(Originally aired live: October 2011)

Drew Gregory: Country Hurricane

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Country artist Drew Gregory was born & raised in the small farming town of Standard, Alberta - about an hour outside of Calgary. Growing up, he was known for showing up to every high school party with his guitar ready to play. He eventually obtained a degree in Geomatics but soon realized that his heart was still in music. As a Christmas gift, he and his sister, Natalie, recorded an acoustic album for their Mom. After getting positive feedback on the project, Drew packed up his guitar & dreams and headed for Nashville. In Nashville, he's recorded one full length album Country Hurricane and a 4-song EP - both featuring his songwriting. At the 2010 Country 105 Rising Star contest, Drew won for best original song with the title track to his album.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Drew.
(Originally aired live: October 2011)

Lori Kole: Barefeet & Butterflies

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She grew up on her family's farm in Manitoba with a love of singing from an early age. Her musical influences include Dolly and Reba. Now, Lori Kole is living in Alberta and pursuing her dream of singing & writing Country music. In late 2009, she released the single Happy to radio - a song she co-wrote with hitmaker Adam Wheeler. That song can be found on her debut EP Barefeet And Butterflies produced by the multi-talented Steve Fox. A new single has been released to radio in October 2011. It's called Caught Up In You and Lori co-wrote the song with Canadian hitmaker Troy Kokol. Tune in for a chat with this star on the rise and hear some of the songs from her EP - including the new single.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Lori.
(Originally aired live: October 2011)

Jake Mathews: Red Tail Lights

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Country artist Jake Mathews - born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario and now calling Calgary, Alberta home - began pursuing his musical path at the age of 14 when he started singing & playing guitar. Fast forward to 2002: Jake released his self-titled debut album which generated several top 20 singles and videos resulting in a Rising Star nomination at the CCMAs. In 2011, Jake released his his third album Red Tail Lights through On Ramp Records/EMI which features the successful radio single If I Had It My Way. His new single Might Take All Night is a playful rockin' Country song which Jake co-wrote with fellow Canadian Country artist Deric Ruttan.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Jake.
(Originally aired live: September 2011)

Stacey McKitrick: Heading For The Country Charts

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Abbotsford, BC Country artist Stacey McKitrick was singing from the start. At the age of nine months, she would often be heard around the house singing along to her favourite artist, Reba McEntire. By the time she was 10, she was spending every free moment singing and making stage shows for friends and family. Along with singing, she embraced songwriting early on: "I've been writing my own songs since I was nine years old - my first song was called 'If You Could Touch A Rainbow'. When I was thirteen years old, I began writing songs as a way to release my feelings and channel my creativity; songwriting continues to be a strong artistic outlet for me." She's been to Nashville to write with some of the top writers around. Stacey's debut CD is set for release shortly and will take her that much closer to being a big name in Country music.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Stacey.
(Originally aired live: September 2011)

Robyn and Ryleigh: Sister Country Duo

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Langley, B.C. Country duo Robyn and Ryleigh Gillespie are part of the wave of young Country performers coming from the West Coast of Canada. Their debut EP entitled Love, Always is available on iTunes. Like many of their contemporaries, they take modern, youthful pop influences and blend them with traditional country elements of acoustic instruments, meaningful lyrics, and sibling harmonies. Their original songs take moments from their lives and set them to music while they put their own stamp on favourite standards. In the last two years, the girls have been honing their music on stages around B.C.'s lower mainland. Their shows have ranged from intimate coffee shop open mics to high profile events, like the 2010 Olympics and the BC Summer Games. They were recently showcased at the British Columbia Country Music Industry Awards Show.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Robyn and Ryleigh.
(Originally aired live: September 2011)

Link to In The Country with Dave Woods at blogtalkradio

Click on the blogtalkradio logo on the left to visit In The Country's main site - where the show broadcasts from - to hear recent podcasts.

Donna Ferra: Little Red Dress, Big Dreams

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Toronto Country artist Donna Ferra released her debut album Waited Long Enough in 2003. The title track released as a single - and got attention for Donna - featured the late great Jeff Healey. Based on that success - and subsequent well-received singles - she toured festivals in Ontario opening for artists like Jason McCoy, Doc Walker, and Aaron Lines. Along the way in her career, she's had the opportunity to work and write with producer Peter Linseman. She's travelled to Nashville many times to perform in the local songwriter rounds and to write songs. Her new radio single Little Red Dress is getting a lot of airplay and we can look forward to a brand new album from this talented artist in 2012.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Donna.
(Originally aired live: September 2011)

RyLee Madison: Time Well Spent

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Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia - and now living in Nashville - RyLee Madison showcases her beautiful voice and her ability to tell stories with her songs on her fourth album Where Does The Time Go. Listeners will be moved by the messages in The Beauty of Forgiveness and Be Yourself. An end of a relationship is sung about in December Leave Me Alone and new beginnings are celebrated in Feels Like Something. There is also a little fun thrown in with songs like the tongue-in-cheek Run and the playful It Can't Be That Bad. RyLee co-produced the new album with her husband Clay (a Nashville session player and touring musician of 14 years) along with a collection of great musicians from Nova Scotia and Nashville.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with RyLee.
(Originally aired live: September 2011)

Tenille: Keeping It Real

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Grande Prairie, Alberta Country artist Tenille is nominated for the 2011 CCMA Female Artist of the Year. Prior to the awards ceremony in Ontario in September, this talented 17-year-old singer/songwriter/recording artist will open a show for Country star Easton Corbin ("A Little More Country Than That") in Grand Prairie. Earlier this month, Tenille performed her song Real Me - from her debut CD Real - on CTV's Canada AM. Her video for her song Pictures On A Crooked Wall has aired on CMT. Recently, Tenille took a trip to Nashville to write with hitmakers Willie Mack, Gil Grand & Patricia Conroy. Tune in to hear from this rising star on the Canadian Country Music Scene as she shares stories about songwriting, performing, Shania Twain & much more!

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Tenille.
(Originally aired live: August 2011)

Codie Prevost: Saskatchewan Country Star on the Rise

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Saskatchewan's Codie Prevost is nominated for Rising Star at this year's Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards held in Hamilton, Ontario in September. He's already won the Saskatchewan (SCMA) Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year three times - as well as many other SCMA awards. His current album Get Loud was produced by Vancouver's great Tom McKillip. Rolling Back To You - the lead off single/video from the album - proved successful at radio & CMT. With a busy touring schedule & an upcoming video shoot, it's clear that Codie's success in Country music can be attributed to hard work & talent. Tune in to this episode of In The Country to hear Codie discuss the making of his current CD, shooting videos, songwriting, entertaining & much more.

Click on the play button below to hear my interview with Codie.
(Originally aired live: August 2011)

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