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Christi Bauerlee
Country artist Christi Bauerlee has been singing melodies since before she could put sentences together. As she grew up, she never stopped singing, writing and performing. Along the way, she added modelling and acting credits to her resume - including appearing in movies that starred Demi Moore & Corey Feldman. Her version of the Edwin Starr song War aired every Monday night for 2 seasons as the theme song for the CBS show Family Law. She's also sung background vocals for Neil Young. Christi is no stranger to singing on stages across the U.S. with artists like Craig Morgan, Kimberley Locke and John Waite. Currently, she divides her time making music between Nashville and Los Angeles. Tune in to get to know this talented singer-songwriter.
(Originally aired live: August 2011)
(Originally aired live: August 2011)
Jetty Road
Jetty Road is now making waves in Canada and Europe as well as in their home country Australia. In January 2010, the group received one of Australia's highest Country music accolades, the CMAA Award (Golden Guitar) for Best Group. Group members are identical twin sisters, Lee and Paula Bowman as well as Julian Sammut and Simon Ross. Their new album - their fourth - is entitled Far Away Places featuring the first radio single Serves You Right. The project was recorded in Vancouver with producer Paul Shatto & features co-writes with George Canyon and Jason McCoy. Recently, Jetty Road took another big step forward by being signed to On Ramp Records, one of Canada’s premiere country music record labels.
(Originally aired live: June 2011)
(Originally aired live: June 2011)
Rachel Williams
Originally from just outside of Detroit, Michigan, Rachel Williams now calls Nashville home. A finalist on USA Network’s Nashville Star 2, this gifted singer-songwriter has released several CDs and EPs, all available on iTunes. She has shared the stage with artists like Wynonna, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, and Ronnie Milsap. Rachel's sound is Country at the core but reaches beyond into other genres. Mix Nashville with Motown and throw in a bit of edgy pop-rock and you have the recipe for her style. “I look at people like my idols, Bob Seger, Wynonna, Bonnie Raitt, and I see that after all this time, they are still as amazing as they ever were. They stayed true to themselves and decades later, they still rock better than any concert I've ever seen! That’s the kind of career I want."
(Originally aired live: June 2011)
(Originally aired live: June 2011)
Julie Forester
Originally from Texas - now living in Nashville, Tennesse - Julie Forester is a talented singer/songwriter who Maverick Magazine calls "a big star in the making—everything you could want in a singer and more." She currently has a writing deal with Starstruck Entertainment Texoma Ten Music Publishing in Nashville. Her songs have been recorded by other artists including pop icon Tiffany. Julie toured Europe playing Eva Cassidy in a musical play about her life & was on the West End stage in the Olivier Award winning production of Ragtime in London, England. In the UK, her single Feelin' The Fall was released to UK Country Radio and peaked at #16 on the HOTDISC Country Charts. Julie visits In The Country to talk about her latest EP, songwriting & much more.
(Originally aired live: May 2011)
(Originally aired live: May 2011)
Mati Haskell
It's hard to put Ontario's Mati Haskell in just one category of music. The soulful, bluesy, rootsy, gospel, country and jazz infused vocalist recently released her long-awaited debut album “10, 2 & 6”. It features an impressive, all-star group of musicians from Nashville & Toronto as well as an incredible array of legendary singers including Americana/Bluegrass superstar John Cowan, Bekka Bramlett, and Gospel divas, the McCrary Sisters.
“Here is a debut record beyond anything I’ve heard before…Mati Haskell pushes more boundaries than many would dare on their second or third record, let alone their first. This record is astounding!”
- Maverick Magazine UK
(Originally aired live: April 2011)
“Here is a debut record beyond anything I’ve heard before…Mati Haskell pushes more boundaries than many would dare on their second or third record, let alone their first. This record is astounding!”
- Maverick Magazine UK
(Originally aired live: April 2011)
Danielle Lowe
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Danielle Lowe is a 15 year-old Country music singer/songwriter who is about to release her debut CD. She's the only singer in Edmonton’s history to win all 3 major vocal competitions as a junior in the same year: Future's Fest, Country Vocal Spotlight and Northern Star. In 2009, she wrote & recorded a song called Jesse that she donated to the Little Warriors non-profit organization - and the song was adopted as the theme song for their Stand Up For Our Kids Campaign. With the release of her debut album, Danielle is set to climb the Country music charts and win new fans from the Country genre & beyond. At the time of this interview, Danielle's debut CD release party was just a week away!
(Original air date: May 2011)
(Original air date: May 2011)
Krista Earle
Toronto, Ontario Country artist Krista Earle discovered a great passion for singing and performing at an early age. Raised by a family with talent for singing and playing numerous instruments, her own musical abilities came naturally. Fast forward to present: Krista has been writing and recording with Steve Ashley at Heritage Music Studios in Burlington, Ontario. Her first radio single is Bad Hair Day with other songs Man Up and You Can Count On Me to follow soon. Influenced by great country artists like Shania Twain, Martina McBride, and Carrie Underwood, Krista is sure to make her own mark in the world of Country music.
(Original air date: May 2011)
(Original air date: May 2011)
Mikelle
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Country artist Mikelle began taking steps on her musical journey at a very young age. At age 6, she won the role of Annie in a Broadway produced performance. At age 8, she performed in Lee Ann Womack's video for the hit song, "I Hope You Dance". During those young years, Mikelle also won numerous awards in competitive dance - and dancing is something she incorporates into her present day concerts. Watching one of her videos at www.MikelleMusic.com will quickly let you see and hear that she is an entertainer who easily holds the attention of her audience. Her debut album is called "Right On Time" featuring a mix of uptempo songs & ballads - and also includes a moving cover of the pop classic, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow". Mikelle will be part of the Hot New Country Tour - along with Country act Pearl Heart - at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario for 14 shows between May 8th and June 1st, 2011. Tune in as Mikelle joins me to talk about her start in music, her love of performing on stage, her debut album & much more.
(Original air date: March 2010)
(Original air date: March 2010)
Raintown
Glasgow, Scotland's Raintown has put their own unique spin on Country Music and come up with catchy hooks and dynamic male/female harmonies delivered with passion and heartfelt sincerity. Their influences come from the best of Pop/Standards (Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Otis Redding) & the best of Country (Don Williams, Charley Pride, Patsy Cline). The duo - Paul Bain & Claire McArthur - recently released their debut CD "Hope In Troubled Times" featuring their exciting Pop/Country sound as well as their songwriting. On "Picture Of Us", their emotional delivery is sure to move listeners after just the first few lines while the uptempo "Love's Got a Hold On You" brings to mind the magic of classic uptempo Country duets. This talented duo joins me on the show - on the line from Scotland - to talk about their music career, their new CD and much more.
(Original air date: February 2011)
(Original air date: February 2011)
Maddy Rodriguez
Toronto's Maddy Rodriguez has been singing since she was a young girl and started writing songs when she was 13. Her sound is part Pop and part Country. She credits musical influences like James Taylor, Elton John and Bread as well as Contemporary Country artists like Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain and Taylor Swift. At 15 years old, Maddy auditioned for Disband (a MuchMusic hit show) and was selected from among 1,000 bands/artists to be part of the 13 artists featured in season 2. She went on to release her first EP entitled “As Seen On Disband” with acoustic versions of her songs “Summer Love,” “Happier Than Ever” and “Break Down." In November 2010, a few weeks before her 17th birthday, she signed an administration/co-publishing deal with Nettwerk One Publishing, one of Canada's most respected music publishing companies. She released her first single (which she co-wrote) and music video, "Falling Up", in March 2011.
(Original air date: March 2011)
(Original air date: March 2011)
Kristy Howes
BC Country artist Kristy Howes has been captivating audiences with her unique and progressive sound since she began singing at age eight. Her career accelerated to new heights when she met Trey Gray, an award-winning drummer and talented producer who has worked with acts including Faith Hill, Jewel and Brooks & Dunn. They met in October 2009 and Trey listened to an original song written and composed by Kristy called “Not 4 You”. Impressed by what he heard, Trey invited Kristy to Nashville in January 2010 to record an EP with his studio – Littleton Music Group. Eventually, she recorded more tracks (she had a hand in writing all of the songs) to complete her debut CD entitled The December Sessions. Kristy says, "…writing gives me a chance to vent, a chance to express what I’m really feeling. It’s the perfect remedy for a bad day". Along with touring in 2011 to promote her debut record, Kristy is currently writing new material for her upcoming studio project.
(Original air date: February 2011)
(Original air date: February 2011)
Dawson Reigns
Although Dawson Reigns has been singing and performing most of his life, he began his professional music career six years ago working the indie circuit in local bars and festivals across Ontario. During this time, he was also performing, recording and developing strong relationships in the music industry in Nashville. Taking advantage of every possible opportunity to perform, honing his skills as a vocalist, entertainer and songwriter, his hard work and dedication have begun to pay off on both sides of the border. Dawson now spends equal time at his residence in Cambridge and in Nashville. His debut CD "Enjoy The Ride" - produced by Jason Barry at his Barrytone Studios in Waterloo, ON - features the successful radio single "If Crazy Wasn't So Beautiful" & the brand new release "Empty Handed". This Kitchener-born Cambridge-raised Country artist is scheduled to head overseas this October and perform throughout the United Kingdom at small venues that will lead to performances at festivals in 2011.
(Original air date: May 2010)
(Original air date: May 2010)
Jessica Ridley
"George Strait is my hero. I can die happy the day I get to shake his hand", jokes Jessica Ridley. This talented Alberta singer/songwriter also cites Reba, Shania Twain & Loretta Lynn as strong musical influences. Along with a great voice and solid songwriting skills, Jessica plays piano and guitar. Her debut album entitled "Fit To Be Tied" - produced by Nashville's Billy Simon - features her songwriting as well as material from some of Nashville's best writers. Jessica's latest single "Flaming Red" - written by Bob Carlisle - is getting airplay in Canada, the States and the UK.
(Original air date: April 2010)
(Original air date: April 2010)
Francelle Maria
Francelle Maria gained recognition by participating in many competitions such as Star Acadie, Maritime Idol, Accros de la Chanson, which also gave her continuous radio play for her and her band, not yet out of high school. She graduated from Toronto's Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, where she got the chance to perfect her skills in singing, dancing and acting. Loving the thrill of performing on stage, she shone in many musical theatre shows including Sleeping Beauty as the Good Fairy, High School Musical II as Sharpay and Cinderella as the lead character. Eventually, she returned to her hometown on the East Coast of Canada to work towards her debut Country CD. She co-wrote songs with Nashville writers, recorded them with some of Nashville's finest musicians and called on the talents of Canadian producer (and Country artist) JR Vatour.
(Original air date: June 2010)
(Original air date: June 2010)
Stephanie Spence
Stephanie Spence has big aspirations when it comes to her passion for singing Country Music. This BC girl has made up her mind that she will strive to become the very best at what she loves to do: sing live and record great songs. Her debut CD "Still Wanna Love You" was produced by Darcy D. former lead vocalist for Canadian Rock Group "Prism", and boasts some of the best talent in the business today. The musicians on this project have recorded with some of the biggest names in Canadian Country Music. The songs were written by some of the industry’s most prolific writers; people like Ron Irving (Boutique Records), Kathleen Higgins (The Higgins), Lynda McKillip (McKiller Music), Eden Langworthy and Darcy D. Stephanie joins me on the show to talk about her start in music & her debut album.
(Original air date: January 2011)
(Original air date: January 2011)
Jess Moskaluke
In 2005, Saskatchewan Country artist Jess Moskaluke was awarded the title of "Most Promising Entertainer" at a local talent competition, and she went on to win 2nd place the following year. In 2007, she was crowned the champion once again at another local talent contest. From there, she placed in the Top 200 at the 2008 Canadian Idol competition. Unfortunately, she was unable to compete due to a severe case of laryngitis. Jess is the reigning champion of the 2010 Painted Hand Idol and the 2010 620 CKRM Big Country Talent Search. In June of 2010, Jess made her first trip to Nashville. It was on this trip that she was approached by Artist Development Agency and Publishing Company, Identical Entertainment. They took no time in signing her to an artist development/publishing deal.
(Original air date: February 2011)
(Original air date: February 2011)
Mary Sarah
Houston, Texas Country artist Mary Sarah will release her debut album, "Crazy Good", this month. To anyone who has ever heard this 15-year-old singer/songwriter/entertainer perform, that is a very fitting description. Her career began a few short years ago as a KidzBop Kid. She toured on a 40-city KidzBop World Tour where she was a featured soloist and ensemble performer. She's equally comfortable singing a Country classic like "Leavin' On Your Mind" as she is singing a Pop classic like "Don't Stop Believin'". Recently, she was a featured guest of the Oak Ridge Boys at one of their concerts where she sang an 'a capella' version of "Where The Boys Are". When asked at age 10 what her goals were, Mary responded with a comment that displays maturity beyond her years: “I want to be a voice for those who don’t have one.” She actively supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, World Vision and other organizations for those in need.
(Original air date: February 2011)
(Original air date: February 2011)
