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JASON BLAINE: BOY WITH A GUITAR
Fun, family, friends and faith. They’re the cornerstones of life for Jason Blaine. “I like to cut up with friends and play a little too loud. My family’s really important to me. And in recent years, I’ve had a kind of spiritual awakening. Entering my 30s, I finally found balance in my life and got my priorities right. I learned you can have a little bit of fun on Saturday night and be at church on Sunday morning. That's really where I’m at."
Jason's brand of personal, no bull honesty is nothing new for him. It’s been his stock in trade since his first single in 2003. Jason earned CCMA nominations for Male Artist, Single of the Year, Songwriter, & Producer in 2012. "Life So Far" turned out three Top 10 singles, including On a Night Like This, Cool and They Don’t Make ’Em Like That Anymore, which won Single of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards, and the video hit No. 1 on CMT Canada.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jason.
(Interview from November 2017)
Jason's brand of personal, no bull honesty is nothing new for him. It’s been his stock in trade since his first single in 2003. Jason earned CCMA nominations for Male Artist, Single of the Year, Songwriter, & Producer in 2012. "Life So Far" turned out three Top 10 singles, including On a Night Like This, Cool and They Don’t Make ’Em Like That Anymore, which won Single of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards, and the video hit No. 1 on CMT Canada.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jason.
(Interview from November 2017)
DAN DAVIDSON: SONGS FOR GEORGIA
Alberta’s newest up and coming country sensation Dan Davidson exploded onto the Canadian country scene in 2016 with the release of his second single “Found”
(co-written by Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers). Dan became arguably the indie story of 2016 as his single “Found” rocketed up the charts and he became the #1 charting indie artist in Canada.
“Found” was the #1 selling Canadian country song in Canada for several weeks in July and August 2016. It had also #16 on the charts and was the 8th highest charting Canadian song in the country. The hit single also went top 50 on the Shazam charts across all formats and hit #15 on the iTunes sales charts. On just his second release ever in country music – he has a GOLD single.
Dan's debut album is called Songs For Georgia.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Dan.
(Interview from October 2017)
(co-written by Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers). Dan became arguably the indie story of 2016 as his single “Found” rocketed up the charts and he became the #1 charting indie artist in Canada.
“Found” was the #1 selling Canadian country song in Canada for several weeks in July and August 2016. It had also #16 on the charts and was the 8th highest charting Canadian song in the country. The hit single also went top 50 on the Shazam charts across all formats and hit #15 on the iTunes sales charts. On just his second release ever in country music – he has a GOLD single.
Dan's debut album is called Songs For Georgia.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Dan.
(Interview from October 2017)
GENEVIEVE FISHER: FINDING A HOME ON THE RADIO
London, Ontario's Genevieve Fisher follows up her popular single "Take It On Home" with her new release "You Me We" bound to get the attention of radio & Country fans!
Genevieve has had the opportunity to perform at some of the biggest music festivals in Canada including Boots and Hearts, Manitoulin Country Fest, Lucknow Music in the Fields and Aboriginal Day Live. Added to this list are opening performances for stars such as Hunter Hayes, Lee Brice, David Nail, Dean Brody and Great Big Sea.
When not on stage, Genevieve finds herself in Nashville collaborating with some of the brightest songwriters on both sides of the border including Jason Blaine, Steven Lee Olsen, Patricia Conroy, Jason Massey, Jennifer Schott and many more..Click on the player below to hear my interview with Genevieve.
(Interview from September 2017)V
Genevieve has had the opportunity to perform at some of the biggest music festivals in Canada including Boots and Hearts, Manitoulin Country Fest, Lucknow Music in the Fields and Aboriginal Day Live. Added to this list are opening performances for stars such as Hunter Hayes, Lee Brice, David Nail, Dean Brody and Great Big Sea.
When not on stage, Genevieve finds herself in Nashville collaborating with some of the brightest songwriters on both sides of the border including Jason Blaine, Steven Lee Olsen, Patricia Conroy, Jason Massey, Jennifer Schott and many more..Click on the player below to hear my interview with Genevieve.
(Interview from September 2017)V
JOJO MASON: BOTH SIDES OF THE BAR
Click on the player below to hear my interview with JoJo.
(Interview from September 2017)
RYAN LAIRD: TAKING A GAMBLE ON LOVE
It has been said that Ontario's Ryan Laird learned to hum back a melody before he could speak, and that the art of creating music has always been second nature. At the age of 5, Ryan began learning piano, and received his first guitar at the age of 7 for Christmas. After studying jazz, guitar and voice at Humber College in Toronto, Laird packed his bags and moved his life down to Nashville with high hopes of furthering his career as a performer and songwriter at the age of 19. After a few years in Nashville, Laird signed his first publishing deal with Cherry Lane Music Publishing.
In 2013, Ryan founded the National BiggerThanThat!™ Movement as a platform for bullying prevention and youth empowerment and a way to give back to communities across the country. His philanthropic tour has impacted over 300,000 Canadian youth to date.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Ryan.
(Interview from May 2017)
In 2013, Ryan founded the National BiggerThanThat!™ Movement as a platform for bullying prevention and youth empowerment and a way to give back to communities across the country. His philanthropic tour has impacted over 300,000 Canadian youth to date.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Ryan.
(Interview from May 2017)
CODIE PREOVST: YOU WON'T SLEEP TONIGHT
Four-time Canadian Country Music Association nominee and six-time Saskatchewan Country Music Association’s Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year award winner Codie Prevost, learned at an early age that hard work and perseverance lead to good things.
Since starting his career he has shared the stage with some of country music’s top performers including Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, Joe Nichols, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, and Neal McCoy. He’s toured internationally having performed tours in France, U.S.A., and his most recent tours to Australia, which included performances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Plantation Music Festival, and the Gympie Music Muster.
You Won’t Sleep Tonight is the lead off single from Codie's upcoming album Radio.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Codie.
(Interview from May 2017)
Since starting his career he has shared the stage with some of country music’s top performers including Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, Joe Nichols, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, and Neal McCoy. He’s toured internationally having performed tours in France, U.S.A., and his most recent tours to Australia, which included performances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Plantation Music Festival, and the Gympie Music Muster.
You Won’t Sleep Tonight is the lead off single from Codie's upcoming album Radio.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Codie.
(Interview from May 2017)
TIM HICKS: TIM HICKS LIVE
“I'm so excited for this release,” says Tim Hicks. “For me, the live show has always been a huge part of who I am as a performer and having captured a little bit of our "Shake These Walls Tour" in a digital release is really cool. We started recording the tour as a means for us to critique ourselves on a nightly basis, but when I went back and heard the performances I felt that we just had to share them with our fans. I hope everyone enjoys these songs live as much as we loved performing them on the tour.”
Tim's well received live shows have become notable over the past few years. As he continues to grow in popularity, his stage prowess has played an important role in the development as one of Canadian Country music’s leading touring acts. Hicks the “elite Country music star” (GoBe Weekly), has made an impression on fans and critics alike, becoming a “household name” (Niagara Falls Review) and “one to watch” (Toronto Star), creating unforgettable moments for capacity crowds and getting audiences fired up with many declaring “his country-rock infused live show is one fans will be talking about long after the encore.” He marches to the beat of his own drum and mines that perspective on stage, building one of country music’s most loyal audiences show by show, and song by song.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tim.
(Interview from May 2017)
Tim's well received live shows have become notable over the past few years. As he continues to grow in popularity, his stage prowess has played an important role in the development as one of Canadian Country music’s leading touring acts. Hicks the “elite Country music star” (GoBe Weekly), has made an impression on fans and critics alike, becoming a “household name” (Niagara Falls Review) and “one to watch” (Toronto Star), creating unforgettable moments for capacity crowds and getting audiences fired up with many declaring “his country-rock infused live show is one fans will be talking about long after the encore.” He marches to the beat of his own drum and mines that perspective on stage, building one of country music’s most loyal audiences show by show, and song by song.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tim.
(Interview from May 2017)
DAVE HARTNEY: PARTY LIGHTS
In a short period of time, Dave Hartney has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments for a new country artist. Dave has opened for the likes of Dallas Smith, High Valley, Tebey, Black Jack Billy, Aaron Pritchett, Dierks Bentley, Jerrod Neimann, Thompson Square, and many more. He has played renowned events including Sunfest, Rockin’ River Musicfest, Merritt Mountain Musicfest, The Cloverdale Rodeo, the 2010 Olympics, and at numerous fundraisers, like Gone Country.
Dave grew up in North Vancouver, and re-connected with a childhood love of country music while attending the University of Saskatchewan. There, he frequently visited live music bars and watched artists passing through town, including a young Dierks Bentley performing at the campus bar.
One of Dave’s personal highlights was later opening for Dierks, one summer in Merritt, BC. Dave grew up influenced by classic rockers and songwriters like Tom Petty, and more recently of guitar-slinging country starts like Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and Travis Tritt. His sound, a mix of modern country and southern rock, is being recognized as Dave was recently selected as a 2015 Top 5 BCCMA Artist Discovery Competition finalist, and his songwriting was previously recognized with a CCMA Songwriters’ Showcase. He was nominated for the 2016 Ray McAuley Horizon award by the BCCMA.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Dave.
(Interview from May 2017)
Dave grew up in North Vancouver, and re-connected with a childhood love of country music while attending the University of Saskatchewan. There, he frequently visited live music bars and watched artists passing through town, including a young Dierks Bentley performing at the campus bar.
One of Dave’s personal highlights was later opening for Dierks, one summer in Merritt, BC. Dave grew up influenced by classic rockers and songwriters like Tom Petty, and more recently of guitar-slinging country starts like Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and Travis Tritt. His sound, a mix of modern country and southern rock, is being recognized as Dave was recently selected as a 2015 Top 5 BCCMA Artist Discovery Competition finalist, and his songwriting was previously recognized with a CCMA Songwriters’ Showcase. He was nominated for the 2016 Ray McAuley Horizon award by the BCCMA.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Dave.
(Interview from May 2017)
ALEE: BAD HABIT
Alee brings her fresh up tempo style and sound to listeners across the world, redefining Country music -- and with a strong musical background, she has the goods to back it up. A singer-songwriter-musician-entertainer regarded for her musicianship, the strength of her original songs, and charismatic performance, Alee has the versatility of a veteran performer with the ability to take her songs from full band down to a simple acoustic performance, varying each show from the preceding one, in an essence described by her audiences as engaging, passionate and authentic.
Her ability to entertain is reflected with performances and accolades which span festivals including Big Valley Jamboree, Carlton Trail Jamboree, Westerner Days, Capital Ex, Canadian Finals Rodeo, among shows on Edmonton's Winspear stage and The Jubilee Auditorium as well as performing for charity/gala events and other western Canadian venues, while growing recognition to the East and south to Nashville.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Alee.
(Interview from May 2017)
Her ability to entertain is reflected with performances and accolades which span festivals including Big Valley Jamboree, Carlton Trail Jamboree, Westerner Days, Capital Ex, Canadian Finals Rodeo, among shows on Edmonton's Winspear stage and The Jubilee Auditorium as well as performing for charity/gala events and other western Canadian venues, while growing recognition to the East and south to Nashville.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Alee.
(Interview from May 2017)
DOC WALKER: HEART OF THE HEARTLAND
Maintoba's Doc Walker release their new album Weathervane. The first single from the new record, "Heart of the Heartland" pays homage to small town pride across the country.
Produced by Gavin Brown and Dave Wasyliw, and written by Chris Thorsteinson, Dave Wasyliw, Todd Clark, Gavin Slate, the song was inspired by hometown pride, fond memories of youth and continuing to find new inspiration in one's roots, in this case, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and Winnipeg, which has long been home for bandmates Dave Wasyliw and Chris Thorsteinson.
"Heart of the Heartland is about all of the lives that were lived, and all of the memories that were created in a now dying town. One man's connection to the broken concrete and dilapidated structures that harbour the ghosts of his entire childhood, and his unshakable hometown pride," says bandmate Dave Wasyliw. "In short, Weathervane is the record we've always wanted to make. We don't set out in a specific direction when we start writing for an album. We write, and write, and re-write. Much like a weathervane, it's almost as if we'll lick our finger, and hold it to the wind to see if we are on the right track."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Chris Thorsteinson from Doc Walker.
(Interview from May 2017)
Produced by Gavin Brown and Dave Wasyliw, and written by Chris Thorsteinson, Dave Wasyliw, Todd Clark, Gavin Slate, the song was inspired by hometown pride, fond memories of youth and continuing to find new inspiration in one's roots, in this case, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and Winnipeg, which has long been home for bandmates Dave Wasyliw and Chris Thorsteinson.
"Heart of the Heartland is about all of the lives that were lived, and all of the memories that were created in a now dying town. One man's connection to the broken concrete and dilapidated structures that harbour the ghosts of his entire childhood, and his unshakable hometown pride," says bandmate Dave Wasyliw. "In short, Weathervane is the record we've always wanted to make. We don't set out in a specific direction when we start writing for an album. We write, and write, and re-write. Much like a weathervane, it's almost as if we'll lick our finger, and hold it to the wind to see if we are on the right track."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Chris Thorsteinson from Doc Walker.
(Interview from May 2017)
MALLORY JOHNSON: NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT
In July 2014, when Mallory Johnson stepped on stage at a small local pub in Newfoundland, she had no idea that the realization of her dream had been set into motion. Fresh off of winning a provincial competition to find Newfoundland’s “Next Country Star”, Mallory signed a management and production deal with multi platinum artist, Sammy Kershaw, and was off to Nashville and Muscle Shoals to record for her debut solo album.
Mallory visits the show to talk about performing, songwriting, Nashville and her latest single "Good Mistake To Make".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Mallory.
(Interview from May 2017)
Mallory visits the show to talk about performing, songwriting, Nashville and her latest single "Good Mistake To Make".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Mallory.
(Interview from May 2017)
THOMAS WADE: A VOICE LOST AND FOUND
Burford, Ontario's Thomas Wade has a long list of chart-topping songs to his name including "Zero To Sixty", "She's Getting Serious", "There's A Song In There Somewhere" and "Lying Here
With You".
In 2004, Celine Dion recorded a song Thomas wrote with Beverley Mahood called "Come To Me".
Thomas has a special show coming up on April 29th in Hamilton, Ontario. It's titled "An Intimate Evening with Thomas Wade: The Story Of A Voice Lost And Found".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Thomas.
(Interview from March 2017)
With You".
In 2004, Celine Dion recorded a song Thomas wrote with Beverley Mahood called "Come To Me".
Thomas has a special show coming up on April 29th in Hamilton, Ontario. It's titled "An Intimate Evening with Thomas Wade: The Story Of A Voice Lost And Found".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Thomas.
(Interview from March 2017)
FRANK MYERS: SONGWRITER BY HEART
Hit songwriter Frank Myers wrote the 1982 crossover smash single "You And I" recorded by Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle.
He has since followed up on that songwriting success many times over with hits recorded by John Michael Montgomery ("I Swear"), Alabama ("Once Upon A Lifetime"), Reba ("One Honest Heart"), Lonestar ("I'm Already There") and Chris Young ("Tomorrow") - to name only a few.
Frank moved from Dayton, Ohio to Nashville in 1981 and began working with Country artist
Eddy Raven as his lead guitarist and eventually as his band leader and road manager.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Frank.
(Interview from March 2017)
He has since followed up on that songwriting success many times over with hits recorded by John Michael Montgomery ("I Swear"), Alabama ("Once Upon A Lifetime"), Reba ("One Honest Heart"), Lonestar ("I'm Already There") and Chris Young ("Tomorrow") - to name only a few.
Frank moved from Dayton, Ohio to Nashville in 1981 and began working with Country artist
Eddy Raven as his lead guitarist and eventually as his band leader and road manager.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Frank.
(Interview from March 2017)
MAKAYLA LYNN: ONE PLUS ONE
Nominated for Music Nova Scotia's 2016 Digital Artist of the Year, Makayla Lynn has 4 albums to her name, including the award winning album Daydream, followed up by On A Dare And A Prayer to be released March 24th, 2017. Recorded in Nashville and released in June 2014, Daydream was nominated for ECMA Country Album of the Year, ECMA Rising Star of the Year, IMEA Country Album of the Year as well as Music Nova Scotia's Country Recording of the Year.
A ground breaking project for such a young artist, the album helped pave the way for Makayla Lynn as she ventures into the next steps in what is promising to be a very long career. The first 2 singles were released to 175 stations across Canada and made the DMDS charts for the most active indies in their first week at radio.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Makayla.
(Interview from February 2017)
A ground breaking project for such a young artist, the album helped pave the way for Makayla Lynn as she ventures into the next steps in what is promising to be a very long career. The first 2 singles were released to 175 stations across Canada and made the DMDS charts for the most active indies in their first week at radio.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Makayla.
(Interview from February 2017)
DEAN YOUNG: CARNIVAL RIDE
In July 2016, Ontario's Dean Young released Tennessee Honey - the first single from his latest album. The second single was just released. Carnival Ride is an upbeat, fun song that pulls you into the excitement of falling in love; with all of its twists and turns. Dean is looking forward to sharing the album with fans later this year.
Songwriting has always been a part of Dean's life and although his writing covers many genres, it's Country music that continues to draw his heart as that was the foundation of his youth. Dean has performed for over 34 years to audiences all over North America, Japan, Bermuda and Mexico and is grateful to be able to share his passion and uplift the people who love and appreciate music.
Dean is a member of the extremely popular Eagles tribute band Hotel California.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Dean.
(Interview from February 2017)
Songwriting has always been a part of Dean's life and although his writing covers many genres, it's Country music that continues to draw his heart as that was the foundation of his youth. Dean has performed for over 34 years to audiences all over North America, Japan, Bermuda and Mexico and is grateful to be able to share his passion and uplift the people who love and appreciate music.
Dean is a member of the extremely popular Eagles tribute band Hotel California.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Dean.
(Interview from February 2017)
GENEVIEVE FISHER: TAKE IT ON HOME
With four top 50 hit songs already to her credit, Genevieve Fisher continues to expand her influence on the Canadian Country Music scene. Her performance at the 2012 CCMA New Artist Showcase in Saskatoon set the stage for Genevieve’s steady rise to the upper echelon of Canada’s new breed of Female Country Artists. This was followed by Female Artist of the Year nominations at the 2013 and 2015 Country Music of Ontario Music Awards. When not performing at some of Canada’s largest Country Music festivals, Genevieve finds herself collaborating with some of the brightest songwriters on both sides of the border. She has already shared writing credits with Jason Blaine, Steven Lee Olsen, Patricia Conroy, Jason Massey, Jennifer Schott and many more.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Genevieve.
(Interview from January 2017)
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Genevieve.
(Interview from January 2017)
JJ SHIPLETT: SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN
Alberta singer-songwriter JJ Shiplett performed in front of big audiences across Canada in early 2016 as part of Johnny Reid's What Love Is All About tour.
In January 2017, he released his first album Something To Believe In featuring the current single "Darling, Let's Go Out Tonight".
“The most important thing to me is that I do believe that songwriting is supposed to connect people and hit them right in the gut,” JJ explains. “I want to be known as a songwriter who hits people in the gut pretty hard, with honesty and the truth. It’s a big thing for me – I want people to feel it.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with JJ.
(Interview from January 2017)
In January 2017, he released his first album Something To Believe In featuring the current single "Darling, Let's Go Out Tonight".
“The most important thing to me is that I do believe that songwriting is supposed to connect people and hit them right in the gut,” JJ explains. “I want to be known as a songwriter who hits people in the gut pretty hard, with honesty and the truth. It’s a big thing for me – I want people to feel it.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with JJ.
(Interview from January 2017)
PATRICIA CONROY: THE HITS KEEP COMING
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Canada's Patricia Conroy can now add Reba to the list of artists who have recorded her songs.
The song "God and My Girlfriends" is part of Reba's just released gospel album. Based in Nashville, Patricia's latest cuts also include recordings by Jessica Mitchell, Meghan Patrick, River Town Saints and Runaway Angel. As 2016 closed out, she signed a publishing deal with Slaight Music which will open up even more doors for her music. Slaight Music President, Derrick Ross said, “Over the past year we have begun to enhance our music publishing division and having a songwriter of Patricia’s caliber join our family is very exciting. She brings a breadth of experience that we believe is essential to not only growing a great catalogue of songs, but also provides sage experience to the developing songwriters on our roster”. Click on the player below to hear my interview with Patricia. (Interview from January 2017) |
MIKE DENNEY: A LOOK BACK AT 2016 & A LOOK AHEAD TO 2017
Mike Denney, President of MDM Recordings, visits the show to chat about another successful year for MDM.
The MDM roster of artists is: Chad Brownlee,
Jess Moskaluke, Bobby Wills, The Lovelocks, David James, Charlie Major and the newly signed Leaving Thomas.
An independent recording company and label located in Toronto since 2008, MDM continues to thrive on the Country music scene and has received recognition from the CCMA with awards for Record Company of the Year.
"All of our marketing and strategic plans for launching a new artist or an established artist revolve around radio and making sure radio is up to date and invested in what we are doing," explains Mike. "Radio is vital in this genre, and we very much value our working relationship with every station. We commit to making our roster as accessible as we can throughout the year. We are also very proud to work with the best radio promotion people who share the commitment to and belief in our artists, and communicate that on a weekly basis to their radio partners."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Mike.
(Interview from December 2016)
The MDM roster of artists is: Chad Brownlee,
Jess Moskaluke, Bobby Wills, The Lovelocks, David James, Charlie Major and the newly signed Leaving Thomas.
An independent recording company and label located in Toronto since 2008, MDM continues to thrive on the Country music scene and has received recognition from the CCMA with awards for Record Company of the Year.
"All of our marketing and strategic plans for launching a new artist or an established artist revolve around radio and making sure radio is up to date and invested in what we are doing," explains Mike. "Radio is vital in this genre, and we very much value our working relationship with every station. We commit to making our roster as accessible as we can throughout the year. We are also very proud to work with the best radio promotion people who share the commitment to and belief in our artists, and communicate that on a weekly basis to their radio partners."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Mike.
(Interview from December 2016)
MICHAELA CLARKE: DETOURS
Michaela Clarke is a 2 time nominee of the Alberta Country Music Awards. Her accolades include: opening for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, being nominated for Female Artist of the year, Fans Choice, and song of the year at the Alberta Country Music awards. Her single “Long Gone” was featured in the movie “Fire with Fire”, starring Bruce Willis in 2012. She has performed at the Canadian Country Music Awards on the Diamonds in the Rough stage for two consecutive years.
In 2011, Michaela released her first EP album to Canadian Radio and went on to release 7 singles to radio stations across Canada. Michaela’s charismatic personality, her love of music, and her knowledge of the industry landed her a position at her local radio station as the Afternoon Drive Show Host. In January of 2015, Michaela made the decision to move to Nashville so she could pursue her songwriting career full time, while collaborating with other artists and taking in the city that started it all.
As a former Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Youth Ambassador at the Edmonton chapter, Michaela strived to raise awareness for other children and young adults, who like her, live with Type One Diabetes. She has performed her original song “Toughest Kids Alive” on Global News Television, as well as at the JDRF Gala in Edmonton, Alberta. Since moving to Nashville, Michaela has continued her mission by volunteering with the Juvenile Diabetes Middle Tennessee Chapter.
Her album Detours will be released in early 2017 featuring "Second To The Whiskey" with special guest vocalist & Country legend Terri Clark.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Michaela.
(Interview from December 2016)
In 2011, Michaela released her first EP album to Canadian Radio and went on to release 7 singles to radio stations across Canada. Michaela’s charismatic personality, her love of music, and her knowledge of the industry landed her a position at her local radio station as the Afternoon Drive Show Host. In January of 2015, Michaela made the decision to move to Nashville so she could pursue her songwriting career full time, while collaborating with other artists and taking in the city that started it all.
As a former Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Youth Ambassador at the Edmonton chapter, Michaela strived to raise awareness for other children and young adults, who like her, live with Type One Diabetes. She has performed her original song “Toughest Kids Alive” on Global News Television, as well as at the JDRF Gala in Edmonton, Alberta. Since moving to Nashville, Michaela has continued her mission by volunteering with the Juvenile Diabetes Middle Tennessee Chapter.
Her album Detours will be released in early 2017 featuring "Second To The Whiskey" with special guest vocalist & Country legend Terri Clark.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Michaela.
(Interview from December 2016)
ROSEMARY AND THE SWEET SOUND REVIVAL: HAVE A LITTLE FAITH
Through hard work, determination and a generous spirit, virtuoso Canadian violinist Rosemary Siemens has built a musical career full of serendipitous meetings, remarkable opportunities, and truly life changing experiences that make for a compelling story worthy of the best fiction.
A versatile performer with a chameleon-like ability to bring her musical talents to bear on a variety of genres, Rosemary's classically-trained pedigree has allowed her to grace stages throughout North America and beyond, including at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City on four occasions, as well as within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The violin is practically an extension of Rosemary herself. It is more than just a prized possession, but part of her personality and stage presence.
But what has truly made her stand out is her amazing ability to improvise and adapt to her musical surroundings, which has led to performances alongside Pop, Country Hip Hop, Gospel and Bluegrass acts.
Her abiding love for traditional, down home fiddle based Bluegrass music inspired Rosemary's debut solo album which is a love letter to her small-town, prairie upbringing in Manitoba called Plum Coulee, My Home.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Rosemary.
(Interview from November 2016)
A versatile performer with a chameleon-like ability to bring her musical talents to bear on a variety of genres, Rosemary's classically-trained pedigree has allowed her to grace stages throughout North America and beyond, including at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City on four occasions, as well as within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The violin is practically an extension of Rosemary herself. It is more than just a prized possession, but part of her personality and stage presence.
But what has truly made her stand out is her amazing ability to improvise and adapt to her musical surroundings, which has led to performances alongside Pop, Country Hip Hop, Gospel and Bluegrass acts.
Her abiding love for traditional, down home fiddle based Bluegrass music inspired Rosemary's debut solo album which is a love letter to her small-town, prairie upbringing in Manitoba called Plum Coulee, My Home.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Rosemary.
(Interview from November 2016)
SHAE DUPUY: BRAVE NEW MUSIC
“Country is what I grew up listening to and I’ve always had a soft spot for it in my heart,” Shae Dupuy says. “What I love most is the storytelling aspect to the songwriting that goes hand-in-hand with country music. There’s a little more depth to the songs you’re hearing on country radio than what you’re typically hearing in the pop genre. Although I love writing catchy songs, I don’t think my heart would ever be fully into writing songs with no real meaning.”
Along with 5 new tracks written in Nashville, her new EP Brave includes Shae’s previous singles “Drink About It” and “Tin Man,” which have earned her two nominations at the 2016 Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) Awards in the Rising Artist and Video of the Year categories. It was significant recognition to be sure, but for the 21-year-old, it was the next step in her career that pretty much started the day she received her first piano lesson at the age of 6.
Although Brave is in many ways about breaking the rules, Shae’s passion for country music dates back to her earliest memories. She was born in Kamloops B.C., and spent her first 6 years there until her father, an RCMP officer, was transferred to southern Ontario. Soon after, Shae started guitar and vocal lessons and attended a French School.
Her grandfather, a natural musician, first stoked her love of country, and other family members soon noticed that Shae shared his ability to play almost any instrument by ear. By her early teens, she was well-versed in the songs of Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks, and started writing her own songs. Within a few years, Shae was spending summers in Los Angeles becoming acclimatized to the music business and writing songs with various songwriters.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Shae.
(Interview from November 2016)
Along with 5 new tracks written in Nashville, her new EP Brave includes Shae’s previous singles “Drink About It” and “Tin Man,” which have earned her two nominations at the 2016 Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) Awards in the Rising Artist and Video of the Year categories. It was significant recognition to be sure, but for the 21-year-old, it was the next step in her career that pretty much started the day she received her first piano lesson at the age of 6.
Although Brave is in many ways about breaking the rules, Shae’s passion for country music dates back to her earliest memories. She was born in Kamloops B.C., and spent her first 6 years there until her father, an RCMP officer, was transferred to southern Ontario. Soon after, Shae started guitar and vocal lessons and attended a French School.
Her grandfather, a natural musician, first stoked her love of country, and other family members soon noticed that Shae shared his ability to play almost any instrument by ear. By her early teens, she was well-versed in the songs of Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks, and started writing her own songs. Within a few years, Shae was spending summers in Los Angeles becoming acclimatized to the music business and writing songs with various songwriters.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Shae.
(Interview from November 2016)
RYAN LAIRD: WEAR ME OUT
Ontario's Ryan Laird received recognition and media attention across The United States and Canada in December 2008 after putting up a billboard on Nashville's famed Music Row asking Taylor Swift to produce his album. The billboard displayed Laird in a classroom holding a note reading “Hey Taylor - I LOVE your music. Will you produce my album?” When asked about Laird and his billboard on E! News Weekend, Swift said, "I definitely want to meet him ... I listened to one of his songs and absolutely fell in love with it, and I think he's got great melodies and he's a great writer. I think he could really be great and be huge, so it'll be really cool to maybe work with him."
In 2013, Ryan founded the National BiggerThanThat!™ Movement as a platform for bullying prevention and youth empowerment and a way to give back to communities across the country. His philanthropic tour has impacted over 300,000 Canadian youth - and that number climbs higher every day!
Following up on his popular songs "I'm Your Man", "Girl Crazy", "Where Do I Go" and "Summertime Girl", Ryan has now released "Wear Me Out". The talented Country artist explains “whether you're wearing out your partner's clothing around home…or wearing them out in love…now that I’m a married man, I’m so happy to sing ‘you kinda knock me out, baby when you wear me out!"
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Ryan.
(Interview from October 18, 2016)
In 2013, Ryan founded the National BiggerThanThat!™ Movement as a platform for bullying prevention and youth empowerment and a way to give back to communities across the country. His philanthropic tour has impacted over 300,000 Canadian youth - and that number climbs higher every day!
Following up on his popular songs "I'm Your Man", "Girl Crazy", "Where Do I Go" and "Summertime Girl", Ryan has now released "Wear Me Out". The talented Country artist explains “whether you're wearing out your partner's clothing around home…or wearing them out in love…now that I’m a married man, I’m so happy to sing ‘you kinda knock me out, baby when you wear me out!"
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Ryan.
(Interview from October 18, 2016)
CRYSTAL SHAWANDA: FISH OUT OF WATER
With an impressive array of awards and accolades, thousands of concerts to rapturous audiences throughout North America under her belt, and a remarkable recording pedigree to her credit, Crystal Shawanda still struggled mightily for many years to find her place within the music industry.
A Juno-winning singer/songwriter whose soulful, rootsy sound has allowed for a nearly seamless bridging of the traditional country and blues worlds, Crystal’s unique aboriginal cultural background has left her feeling like an outsider at times.
But that search may be at an end, as the process of creating her latest album, the cathartic, bold and refreshingly authentic
Fish Out Of Water sees the talented artist embracing and truly celebrating her unique sound.
“My parents grew up listening to country music and that’s what I grew up singing and loving. But when my parents weren’t home my brother used to sit in the basement and he would crank up a lot of B.B. King and Muddy Waters. He also really loved Etta James, and I had never heard anyone sing like that. I used to sit at the top of the stairs and just listen to these amazing songs and these incredible voices and I knew I wanted to sing like that, with that much passion and be so unbridled. I could feel the hurt coming through in their voices and music.”
“I feel this album is a happy medium for me. It’s a little bluesy, a little country, a little rootsy, but with a lot of soul. I love every song on this album and I want to perform them all live. I really think I have hit my stride: this album is who I am, I really have found my voice, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Crystal.
(Interview from October 18, 2016)
A Juno-winning singer/songwriter whose soulful, rootsy sound has allowed for a nearly seamless bridging of the traditional country and blues worlds, Crystal’s unique aboriginal cultural background has left her feeling like an outsider at times.
But that search may be at an end, as the process of creating her latest album, the cathartic, bold and refreshingly authentic
Fish Out Of Water sees the talented artist embracing and truly celebrating her unique sound.
“My parents grew up listening to country music and that’s what I grew up singing and loving. But when my parents weren’t home my brother used to sit in the basement and he would crank up a lot of B.B. King and Muddy Waters. He also really loved Etta James, and I had never heard anyone sing like that. I used to sit at the top of the stairs and just listen to these amazing songs and these incredible voices and I knew I wanted to sing like that, with that much passion and be so unbridled. I could feel the hurt coming through in their voices and music.”
“I feel this album is a happy medium for me. It’s a little bluesy, a little country, a little rootsy, but with a lot of soul. I love every song on this album and I want to perform them all live. I really think I have hit my stride: this album is who I am, I really have found my voice, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Crystal.
(Interview from October 18, 2016)
NICOLE RAYY: DIGGING DEEP ON HER DEBUT ALBUM
Burlington, Ontario's Nicole Rayy is about to release her debut album entitled Dig.
Recently returning from Shanghai, China to perform at the 2016 World Music Festival, Nicole will celebrate her album with a release party in Winnipeg. All proceeds of the night are being donated to the NF Foundation.
The 10-track album was produced by Doug Romanow at Noble Street Studios.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Nicole.
(Interview from October 11, 2016)
Recently returning from Shanghai, China to perform at the 2016 World Music Festival, Nicole will celebrate her album with a release party in Winnipeg. All proceeds of the night are being donated to the NF Foundation.
The 10-track album was produced by Doug Romanow at Noble Street Studios.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Nicole.
(Interview from October 11, 2016)
TIM HICKS: SHAKE THESE WALLS
“I wanted to show people I had grown,” Tim Hicks says of his new album Shake These Walls. “There is truth in each of these songs because I co-wrote every one of them. I have a personal connection with every lyric, every riff.
People are going to find there’s a healthy dose of the Tim Hicks party in there but there’s lots of other stuff certain to be interesting to many different people.”
Indeed, one of the most noticeable things about Shake These Walls is the range of moods and emotions on offer. Take the boisterous first single Stompin’ Ground, an instant radio smash and a snapshot of the good old days when hard-partying with kin and kindred was less distraction than vocation.
“That song and We Came Up – a soaring ode to brotherhood – “speak to simpler times,” Tim explains. “They have a slightly new feel to them but they still shoot for the party crowd.” At the other end of the spectrum is Slide Over, a vividly drawn and unabashedly knock-kneed mid-tempo track with a dangerously infectious chorus. “That song is so real,” Tim offers. "When people with full-time jobs have kids, well… relationships can suffer. Things get in the way of the people you once were. You have to remember to sit down with each other, just have a beer and ask, ‘How was your day?’ So that song is that.” As Tim details, the album was crafted in a somewhat workmanlike fashion during 5 months in Nashville. “It was as close to a day job as I’ve ever had,” he cracks, “With two young kids at home, the days of drinking half a bottle of whiskey and writing songs at 3 a.m. are long gone.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tim.
(Interview from October 11, 2016)
People are going to find there’s a healthy dose of the Tim Hicks party in there but there’s lots of other stuff certain to be interesting to many different people.”
Indeed, one of the most noticeable things about Shake These Walls is the range of moods and emotions on offer. Take the boisterous first single Stompin’ Ground, an instant radio smash and a snapshot of the good old days when hard-partying with kin and kindred was less distraction than vocation.
“That song and We Came Up – a soaring ode to brotherhood – “speak to simpler times,” Tim explains. “They have a slightly new feel to them but they still shoot for the party crowd.” At the other end of the spectrum is Slide Over, a vividly drawn and unabashedly knock-kneed mid-tempo track with a dangerously infectious chorus. “That song is so real,” Tim offers. "When people with full-time jobs have kids, well… relationships can suffer. Things get in the way of the people you once were. You have to remember to sit down with each other, just have a beer and ask, ‘How was your day?’ So that song is that.” As Tim details, the album was crafted in a somewhat workmanlike fashion during 5 months in Nashville. “It was as close to a day job as I’ve ever had,” he cracks, “With two young kids at home, the days of drinking half a bottle of whiskey and writing songs at 3 a.m. are long gone.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tim.
(Interview from October 11, 2016)
MARIE BOTTRELL: THE STAGE IS HER PLACE
At age 11, Marie Bottrell joined her two older siblings on stage for the first time. After earning her chops with the Whitestone County Band,
Marie began recording for the Mercey Brothers' MBS label at just 17.
Marie released her self-penned composition, "Just Reach Out And Touch Me" in 1978. The positive reaction led to an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry Show on its Canadian tour.
After a successful second single made its way up the charts, Marie was rewarded with a nomination at RPM's Big Country Awards in the Outstanding New Artist category.
Marie was voted Outstanding Female Performer by RPM in 1979 and over the course of her career she has scored four JUNO nominations and two wins as the CCMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 1983 and '84.
Marie began touring with her own band and together, Marie Bottrell & Cottonwood appeared on all of the popular shows of the day including; Tommy Hunter, The Joan Kennedy Show, Ronnie Prophet, The Family Brown Show and Ray St. Germain as well.
Throughout her career, Marie has performed with Nashville stars like Tammy Wynette, Tom T. Hall, and Minnie Pearl. Marie was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
Tune in to hear Marie tell great stories from her career and share her hits "Everybody Wants To Be Single" & "Premeditated Love".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Marie.
(Interview from October 4, 2016)
Marie began recording for the Mercey Brothers' MBS label at just 17.
Marie released her self-penned composition, "Just Reach Out And Touch Me" in 1978. The positive reaction led to an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry Show on its Canadian tour.
After a successful second single made its way up the charts, Marie was rewarded with a nomination at RPM's Big Country Awards in the Outstanding New Artist category.
Marie was voted Outstanding Female Performer by RPM in 1979 and over the course of her career she has scored four JUNO nominations and two wins as the CCMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 1983 and '84.
Marie began touring with her own band and together, Marie Bottrell & Cottonwood appeared on all of the popular shows of the day including; Tommy Hunter, The Joan Kennedy Show, Ronnie Prophet, The Family Brown Show and Ray St. Germain as well.
Throughout her career, Marie has performed with Nashville stars like Tammy Wynette, Tom T. Hall, and Minnie Pearl. Marie was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
Tune in to hear Marie tell great stories from her career and share her hits "Everybody Wants To Be Single" & "Premeditated Love".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Marie.
(Interview from October 4, 2016)
ARLENE QUINN: LIFE IS GOOD
Arlene Quinn found her voice at the age of five when she received her first guitar. Music has been her passion ever since. Growing up in a little farmhouse in rural Lanark, Ontario, she spent all her free time singing, playing guitar and writing songs. The middle of three girls, Arlene would often lead family jam sessions with songs rooted in traditional country and Christian music.
By the age of 18, Arlene was touring with her band throughout Ontario and Quebec, and was one of the Ottawa Valley’s most loved female vocalists. She had the honour of opening shows for many Grand Ole Opry stars, including Johnny Duncan, Stonewall Jackson, Charlie Walker, Tommy Cash and Bill Anderson.
After opening a show for Rockabilly Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Helms, Arlene captured the attention of a management team that helped take her artistry to another level. She starting training with Robin Wiley, a Nashville vocal coach who had worked with major talents, including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and two-time Juno award winner Colleen Peterson.
In 2001, Arlene hit the studio to record her debut CD entitled “No Doubt”. Her title track and first single received extensive airplay across Canada and Europe. Her dream of becoming a recording and performing artist was becoming a reality.
Fast forward to 2015 when Arlene reentered the country music world with her single Nowhere To Go But Up and followed up in September 2016 with the life-affirming anthem Life Is Good.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Arlene.
(Interview from September 27, 2016)
By the age of 18, Arlene was touring with her band throughout Ontario and Quebec, and was one of the Ottawa Valley’s most loved female vocalists. She had the honour of opening shows for many Grand Ole Opry stars, including Johnny Duncan, Stonewall Jackson, Charlie Walker, Tommy Cash and Bill Anderson.
After opening a show for Rockabilly Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Helms, Arlene captured the attention of a management team that helped take her artistry to another level. She starting training with Robin Wiley, a Nashville vocal coach who had worked with major talents, including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and two-time Juno award winner Colleen Peterson.
In 2001, Arlene hit the studio to record her debut CD entitled “No Doubt”. Her title track and first single received extensive airplay across Canada and Europe. Her dream of becoming a recording and performing artist was becoming a reality.
Fast forward to 2015 when Arlene reentered the country music world with her single Nowhere To Go But Up and followed up in September 2016 with the life-affirming anthem Life Is Good.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Arlene.
(Interview from September 27, 2016)
AMANDA RILEY: WHISKEY KISSES
With the release of her debut album It Coulda Been Me, Amanda Riley brought her Nova Scotia-grown Country sound to audiences across Canada.
The album’s first two singles, Summertime With You and Take The Country Road introduced this talented young artist to Canadian country fans and earned her a nomination for Music Nova Scotia Country Recording of the Year. It Coulda Been Me is a display of both her powerful vocals and solid songwriting style.
Amanda hails from Chester, Nova Scotia and gained nationwide popularity as a finalist on CMT’s Big In A Small Town, and has shared the stage with the likes of Aaron Pritchett, Charlie Major, Deric Ruttan and Dean Brody. She was recognized as one of Ole’s top 8 singer/songwriters during CCMA week in Halifax in September 2015.
Her new EP is called Whiskey Kisses and features the lead single Your Worst Hangover.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Amanda.
(Interview from September 27, 2016)
The album’s first two singles, Summertime With You and Take The Country Road introduced this talented young artist to Canadian country fans and earned her a nomination for Music Nova Scotia Country Recording of the Year. It Coulda Been Me is a display of both her powerful vocals and solid songwriting style.
Amanda hails from Chester, Nova Scotia and gained nationwide popularity as a finalist on CMT’s Big In A Small Town, and has shared the stage with the likes of Aaron Pritchett, Charlie Major, Deric Ruttan and Dean Brody. She was recognized as one of Ole’s top 8 singer/songwriters during CCMA week in Halifax in September 2015.
Her new EP is called Whiskey Kisses and features the lead single Your Worst Hangover.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Amanda.
(Interview from September 27, 2016)
CORY MARQUARDT: ROCKING THE COUNTRY
Invictus Entertainment recently announced Cory Marquardt has signed a world-wide recording agreement with renowned Advanced Alternative Media producer, Kevin Churko. The deal was signed earlier this year at Churko’s recording studio, The Hideout, in Las Vegas.
Churko is a 4-time Juno award winning, 2-time Grammy nominated Canadian record producer/engineer/mixer and songwriter that has worked for some of the world’s biggest names including Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain, Ringo Starr, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, In This Moment, Hinder, Britney Spears, Disturbed and many more.
Cory, who hails from North Bay, Ontario has released 4 charting singles and videos in Canada. He has also crossed Canada touring with the likes of Brett Kissel, Aaron Pritchett, Brantley Gilbert, and Toby Keith. His debut album, “This Man”, was released on Big Star Recordings in May 2015.
“Cory has a unique voice and brand coupled with strong songwriting and performance skills,” commented Churko. “I’m excited to work with him to bring his music to a bigger audience.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Cory.
(Interview from September 20, 2016)
Churko is a 4-time Juno award winning, 2-time Grammy nominated Canadian record producer/engineer/mixer and songwriter that has worked for some of the world’s biggest names including Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain, Ringo Starr, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, In This Moment, Hinder, Britney Spears, Disturbed and many more.
Cory, who hails from North Bay, Ontario has released 4 charting singles and videos in Canada. He has also crossed Canada touring with the likes of Brett Kissel, Aaron Pritchett, Brantley Gilbert, and Toby Keith. His debut album, “This Man”, was released on Big Star Recordings in May 2015.
“Cory has a unique voice and brand coupled with strong songwriting and performance skills,” commented Churko. “I’m excited to work with him to bring his music to a bigger audience.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Cory.
(Interview from September 20, 2016)
DOMINO: ALWAYS AT THE HEART OF COUNTRY
Rarely does one find four individuals, all coming from various backgrounds able to gel together creating a harmonious group. Together, Domino has mastered this by honing their harmonies to near perfection, which explains the melded cohesive sound projected on their current EP “Ghost”.
Domino has numerous ACMA (Association of Country Music in Alberta) nominations to their credit. All garnering top 5 placements in all categories: Group, Album, Song, and Fan’s Choice by their peers. For the 2015 ACMA awards, Domino was named Group of the Year and garnered the prestige title of Fan’s Choice.
“We are extremely humbled and honoured to have been chosen to receive Group of the Year and the Fans Choice awards at the ACMAs this year! From our peers to our fans - we are eternally grateful!” stated Domino after receiving the wins.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Domino.
(Interview from September 20, 2016)
Domino has numerous ACMA (Association of Country Music in Alberta) nominations to their credit. All garnering top 5 placements in all categories: Group, Album, Song, and Fan’s Choice by their peers. For the 2015 ACMA awards, Domino was named Group of the Year and garnered the prestige title of Fan’s Choice.
“We are extremely humbled and honoured to have been chosen to receive Group of the Year and the Fans Choice awards at the ACMAs this year! From our peers to our fans - we are eternally grateful!” stated Domino after receiving the wins.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Domino.
(Interview from September 20, 2016)
IN THE COUNTRY PRESENTS: 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 Ronnie Milsap, Steve Wariner, Michelle Wright, Emerson Drive & 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 of your favourite Country songs!
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 of your favourite Country songs!
JESSIE.T: THE (RECKLESS) HEART OF THE MATTER
Ontario's Jessie.T recently released her album entitled Reckless Heart. It was produced by Rick Hutt.
The first single was First Love Kinda Feelin' followed by Summertime Song.
Jessie will be showcasing at the CCMAs taking place in London, Ontario this year. She's part of the Diamonds In The Rough showcase.
Songwriting is a big part of her music career and her most frequent co-writers include Carrie DeMaeyer and Jamie Warren.
Tune in to get to know Jessie & her music better!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jessie.
(Interview from August 30, 2016)
The first single was First Love Kinda Feelin' followed by Summertime Song.
Jessie will be showcasing at the CCMAs taking place in London, Ontario this year. She's part of the Diamonds In The Rough showcase.
Songwriting is a big part of her music career and her most frequent co-writers include Carrie DeMaeyer and Jamie Warren.
Tune in to get to know Jessie & her music better!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jessie.
(Interview from August 30, 2016)
DERIC RUTTAN: DON'T IT FEEL GOOD
Two-time CCMA award-winner Deric Ruttan has been nominated for a 2016 CCMA for Songwriter of the Year for co-writing the Blake Shelton #1 hit “Came Here To Forget” (with Craig Wiseman) and for Record Producer of the Year for his work on Jason Blaine’s album Country Side.
In November 2013, Deric celebrated another #1 Blake Shelton song when “Mine Would Be You” - a song he
co-wrote - was a three-week #1 U.S. Billboard Country Airplay hit, and was nominated for both a Grammy Award for Best Country Song and an ACM Award for Song of the Year.
Deric is a six-time ASCAP award-winner, ten-time SOCAN award-winner and a five-time CMAO award-winner.
Born & raised in Bracebridge, Ontario and now based in Nashville, Deric has also climbed the charts many times over with songs from his own albums. These well-loved hits include "When You Come Around", "That's How I Wanna Go Out", "First Time In A Long Time", "Take The Week Off" and "Main Street, 1979".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Deric.
(Interview from August 16, 2016)
In November 2013, Deric celebrated another #1 Blake Shelton song when “Mine Would Be You” - a song he
co-wrote - was a three-week #1 U.S. Billboard Country Airplay hit, and was nominated for both a Grammy Award for Best Country Song and an ACM Award for Song of the Year.
Deric is a six-time ASCAP award-winner, ten-time SOCAN award-winner and a five-time CMAO award-winner.
Born & raised in Bracebridge, Ontario and now based in Nashville, Deric has also climbed the charts many times over with songs from his own albums. These well-loved hits include "When You Come Around", "That's How I Wanna Go Out", "First Time In A Long Time", "Take The Week Off" and "Main Street, 1979".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Deric.
(Interview from August 16, 2016)
JASON BLAINE: BACK TO YOU
Country artist Jason Blaine is nominated alongside Deric Ruttan for Record Producer of the Year for his album Country Side.
Recently winning three 2016 CMAO awards including Male Artist of the Year, Jason has also been awarded by SOCAN for the most played country song in Canada for the past three consecutive years ("Cool" in 2014, "Friends Of Mine" in 2015, and "Country Side" in 2016).
The Pembroke, Ontario native has been a force to be reckoned with on the Country music scene with four top 5 singles, fourteen top 10 singles and three #1 videos. Jason has also toured and performed with noteworthy country artists including: Paul Brandt, Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood.
His album Country Side includes the singles: the title track plus "Spotlight", "Dance With My Daughter" and the latest relase "Back To You".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jason.
(Interview from August 16, 2016)
Recently winning three 2016 CMAO awards including Male Artist of the Year, Jason has also been awarded by SOCAN for the most played country song in Canada for the past three consecutive years ("Cool" in 2014, "Friends Of Mine" in 2015, and "Country Side" in 2016).
The Pembroke, Ontario native has been a force to be reckoned with on the Country music scene with four top 5 singles, fourteen top 10 singles and three #1 videos. Jason has also toured and performed with noteworthy country artists including: Paul Brandt, Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood.
His album Country Side includes the singles: the title track plus "Spotlight", "Dance With My Daughter" and the latest relase "Back To You".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jason.
(Interview from August 16, 2016)
LEAH DANIELS: WHAT IT FEELS LIKE
Leah Daniels is nominated for a 2016 CCMA award for Interactive Artist of the Year. Previously nominated three-times for the same award, Leah is also a 2014 CCMA Spotlight Performance award-winner as well as a 2015 CCMA Rising Star nominee.
As the 2016 CMAO Female Artist of the Year, Leah is no stranger to performing, having showcased her talents at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, Havelock Country Jamboree, CMT Music Festival and has shared the stage with Alan Jackson. Her video for her single “Go Back,” has also been previously nominated for Video of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2015 CMAO Awards.
The Uxbridge, Ontario Country artist's latest album called
What It Feels Like features the singles "Go Back", "Your Kiss Is Killing Me" and "Old Piano".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Leah.
(Interview from August 16, 2016)
As the 2016 CMAO Female Artist of the Year, Leah is no stranger to performing, having showcased her talents at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, Havelock Country Jamboree, CMT Music Festival and has shared the stage with Alan Jackson. Her video for her single “Go Back,” has also been previously nominated for Video of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2015 CMAO Awards.
The Uxbridge, Ontario Country artist's latest album called
What It Feels Like features the singles "Go Back", "Your Kiss Is Killing Me" and "Old Piano".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Leah.
(Interview from August 16, 2016)
TIA McGRAFF: FOR LOVE & MUSIC
Tia McGraff is an internationally renowned and award-winnning Americana/Country singer from Port Dover, Ontario.
Her latest CD, “Crazy Beautiful”, was released in Spring 2015 and immediately impressed Americana and Country fans as well as radio programmers. Produced by her husband and Colorado native Tommy Parham, “Crazy Beautiful” has been described as 'Tia’s break-through album'.
Tommy moved to Nashville in 1998, with a staff songwriter deal in hand, and soon became one of Music Row’s sought-after hit writers. His credits include cuts with major label artists, including Lee Greenwood (“Rocks You Can’t Move”), and film placements in movies starring Ashley Judd, etc.
After moving to Music City in 1999, Tia was introduced to Tommy by his music publisher. They began songwriting together, broke their rule of “never date a co-writer,” and in June of 2006, the couple were married in Savannah, Georgia.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tia.
(Interview from August 2016)
Her latest CD, “Crazy Beautiful”, was released in Spring 2015 and immediately impressed Americana and Country fans as well as radio programmers. Produced by her husband and Colorado native Tommy Parham, “Crazy Beautiful” has been described as 'Tia’s break-through album'.
Tommy moved to Nashville in 1998, with a staff songwriter deal in hand, and soon became one of Music Row’s sought-after hit writers. His credits include cuts with major label artists, including Lee Greenwood (“Rocks You Can’t Move”), and film placements in movies starring Ashley Judd, etc.
After moving to Music City in 1999, Tia was introduced to Tommy by his music publisher. They began songwriting together, broke their rule of “never date a co-writer,” and in June of 2006, the couple were married in Savannah, Georgia.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tia.
(Interview from August 2016)
MICHELLE WRIGHT: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
Inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011,
Michelle Wright found herself permanently recognized for her musical achievements. What an honour for a small town dreamer & big time singer from Merlin, Ontario.
That could have been a time to take a break and let her career have a first and last chapter.
But for Michelle, music isn't something she only does, it's who she is.
And thankfully for fans, the songs & performances keep on coming.
The CCMA honoured Michelle with CCMA nominations for Female Artist of the Year in 2012 & 2013 - an award she had won 5 times previously.
Her most recent album is called Strong. And that's a great one word description of how she still looks, sounds & writes.
“I created this record with a group of friends I admire as writers, singers and producers. We had a lot of fun,” says Michelle. “The songs are a collection of my observations about life and the people around me and how we’re all just stumbling through it. At times there is laughter and joy; at other times, pain and disappointment. Overall, I hope this record is inspiring and relatable to my fans.”
Tune in for for great stories and songs from the one & only Michelle Wright!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Michelle.
(Interview from August 9, 2016)
Michelle Wright found herself permanently recognized for her musical achievements. What an honour for a small town dreamer & big time singer from Merlin, Ontario.
That could have been a time to take a break and let her career have a first and last chapter.
But for Michelle, music isn't something she only does, it's who she is.
And thankfully for fans, the songs & performances keep on coming.
The CCMA honoured Michelle with CCMA nominations for Female Artist of the Year in 2012 & 2013 - an award she had won 5 times previously.
Her most recent album is called Strong. And that's a great one word description of how she still looks, sounds & writes.
“I created this record with a group of friends I admire as writers, singers and producers. We had a lot of fun,” says Michelle. “The songs are a collection of my observations about life and the people around me and how we’re all just stumbling through it. At times there is laughter and joy; at other times, pain and disappointment. Overall, I hope this record is inspiring and relatable to my fans.”
Tune in for for great stories and songs from the one & only Michelle Wright!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Michelle.
(Interview from August 9, 2016)
DAWSON REIGNS: LOVE WAS ALL YOU
Ontario's Dawson Reigns calls Nashville home these days.
In 2010, he released his CD entitled Enjoy The Ride featuring "If Crazy Wasn't So Beautiful".
Now he's back with a new song called "Love Was All You". It's the lead single from an EP to be released later this year.
"With my new single now out at radio in the UK and worldwide, my team and I plan on being very busy supporting it. Interviews, radio tours and getting out playing live shows around the world. Plans are being worked on now to get me over to the UK for a national tour later this year. Then onto Australia, Asia and Europe and back to the UK in 2017," explains Dawson.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Dawson.
(Interview from August 2, 2016)
In 2010, he released his CD entitled Enjoy The Ride featuring "If Crazy Wasn't So Beautiful".
Now he's back with a new song called "Love Was All You". It's the lead single from an EP to be released later this year.
"With my new single now out at radio in the UK and worldwide, my team and I plan on being very busy supporting it. Interviews, radio tours and getting out playing live shows around the world. Plans are being worked on now to get me over to the UK for a national tour later this year. Then onto Australia, Asia and Europe and back to the UK in 2017," explains Dawson.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Dawson.
(Interview from August 2, 2016)
MIKE DENNEY: THE MDM SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES
Mike with MDM artist Jess Moskaluke
MDM Recordings Founder & President Mike Denney returns for his annual visit to the show to discuss the success of MDM and its artists.
The roster of artists at MDM includes Jess Moskaluke, Chad Brownlee, Bobby Wills, The Lovelocks and David James. MDM is represented well at the 2016 CCMAs coming up in September with a long list of nominations.
Mike himself is no stranger to CCMA awards. In 2014 & 2015, he was named Record Company Person of the Year. In 2015, MDM was named Record Label of the Year.
A 25 year veteran of the music industry, Mike believes that being passionate and success-driven about music (or anything that you do) is more important than the desire for a large pay check and material advances. “I have always been very driven to succeed. Years ago it was material things, now, it’s a passion for what I do.”
Being shown the ins and outs of the music world by networking with like-minded individuals and asking questions about the business throughout his career has attributed to where his career is today. He states, “I am grateful to the numerous people in the music industry who have mentored me and/or given me their knowledge and time.”
Tune in and get to know Mike Denney - and hear some songs from his artists!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Mike.
(Interview from August 2, 2016)
The roster of artists at MDM includes Jess Moskaluke, Chad Brownlee, Bobby Wills, The Lovelocks and David James. MDM is represented well at the 2016 CCMAs coming up in September with a long list of nominations.
Mike himself is no stranger to CCMA awards. In 2014 & 2015, he was named Record Company Person of the Year. In 2015, MDM was named Record Label of the Year.
A 25 year veteran of the music industry, Mike believes that being passionate and success-driven about music (or anything that you do) is more important than the desire for a large pay check and material advances. “I have always been very driven to succeed. Years ago it was material things, now, it’s a passion for what I do.”
Being shown the ins and outs of the music world by networking with like-minded individuals and asking questions about the business throughout his career has attributed to where his career is today. He states, “I am grateful to the numerous people in the music industry who have mentored me and/or given me their knowledge and time.”
Tune in and get to know Mike Denney - and hear some songs from his artists!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Mike.
(Interview from August 2, 2016)
RIVER TOWN SAINTS: GOING A LONG WAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC
Their beginnings may be rooted in small towns surrounding the Ottawa River, but there is nothing small about River Town Saints. A 5-piece, harmony-driven group with rock n' roll roots and life-long friends, Chris Labelle, Chris McComb, Jeremy Bortot, Jordan Potvin and Daniel DiGiacomo, have every intention of proving that a little heart (and a lot of work) does, in fact, go a long way.
Led by the strong vocals of Chris Labelle, River Town Saint's unbeatable energy has already landed them on stage with Tim Hicks and the front page of the Hamilton Spectator.
Since signing with Open Road Recordings, the band has shared the stage with The Road Hammers and opened for Tim Hicks. This summer will see the group on the festival circuit, performing at Boots and Hearts in Ontario, Rock the Park in London and The Queen's Plate at Woodbine Race track, just outside of Toronto.
River Town Saints released their debut single "A Little Big Goes A Long Way" in late 2015, landing them on many Artists To Watch Lists for 2016. Their smash second single, "Cherry Bomb" (produced by Grammy winner Chad Carlson) is currently climbing the charts.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Chris Labelle.
(Interview from July 2016)
Led by the strong vocals of Chris Labelle, River Town Saint's unbeatable energy has already landed them on stage with Tim Hicks and the front page of the Hamilton Spectator.
Since signing with Open Road Recordings, the band has shared the stage with The Road Hammers and opened for Tim Hicks. This summer will see the group on the festival circuit, performing at Boots and Hearts in Ontario, Rock the Park in London and The Queen's Plate at Woodbine Race track, just outside of Toronto.
River Town Saints released their debut single "A Little Big Goes A Long Way" in late 2015, landing them on many Artists To Watch Lists for 2016. Their smash second single, "Cherry Bomb" (produced by Grammy winner Chad Carlson) is currently climbing the charts.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Chris Labelle.
(Interview from July 2016)
THOMAS WADE: BLUE COUNTRY SOUL
Thomas Wade grew up in the small town of Burford, Ontario as the oldest son in a musical family. He picked up his first guitar when he was four, a tiny instrument covered with little coloured pieces of paper that showed him where the chords were. The records he grew up loving became his teachers, from Johnny Cash to Elvis to The Beatles.
After leaving the successful group Wayward, Thomas signed his first management deal as a solo artist. He took his first trip to Nashville in 1985 with high hopes that he would be the next big thing. In 2000, he released Lucky 13, an album described by some to be an independent masterpiece.
Unfortunately, the success he had worked so hard to cultivate wouldn’t stay. In 2001, he began to lose his voice, but he couldn’t figure out why. The problem continued to persist, and eventually singing became too difficult.
In November of 2002, he was forced to cancel a series of shows. Things got so bad for him that he eventually announced his retirement from his solo career altogether.
In 2004, Céline Dion recorded a song he wrote called “Come To Me”.
A few years ago, having his voice back after a long journey, he drew inspiration from the artists that always inspired him. Over a couple of trips to Nashville, he began writing new material with longtime collaborator Tim Taylor. These songs are what would eventually become the tracklist of Blue Country Soul, his first studio album in sixteen years.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Thomas.
(Interview from July 2016)
After leaving the successful group Wayward, Thomas signed his first management deal as a solo artist. He took his first trip to Nashville in 1985 with high hopes that he would be the next big thing. In 2000, he released Lucky 13, an album described by some to be an independent masterpiece.
Unfortunately, the success he had worked so hard to cultivate wouldn’t stay. In 2001, he began to lose his voice, but he couldn’t figure out why. The problem continued to persist, and eventually singing became too difficult.
In November of 2002, he was forced to cancel a series of shows. Things got so bad for him that he eventually announced his retirement from his solo career altogether.
In 2004, Céline Dion recorded a song he wrote called “Come To Me”.
A few years ago, having his voice back after a long journey, he drew inspiration from the artists that always inspired him. Over a couple of trips to Nashville, he began writing new material with longtime collaborator Tim Taylor. These songs are what would eventually become the tracklist of Blue Country Soul, his first studio album in sixteen years.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Thomas.
(Interview from July 2016)
TARA SHANNON: BUTTERFLY CHILD
When she wrote her first song as a surprise gift for a cousin’s wedding, Tara Shannon didn’t decide she wanted to grow up to be an artist - she just knew she already was one.
Classically trained in both piano and saxophone, songwriting came from the desire to colour outside those lines and since then, the artist in her has found a strong and clear voice both in the songs she writes for herself and for others. “I can’t run from what’s woven into the fabric of my being,” she explains. “I need to create like I need to breathe.”
The result of that certainty and her tireless energy is “Butterfly Child”, her latest recording. An exquisitely crafted tune, it explores how something as delicate as hope can transcend the struggle and strife of life’s setbacks. “When the world says give up/I whisper one more try/When your heart says that’s enough/I hang on inside…”
Whether it has been as one of only six Canadian songwriters chosen to write for World Youth Days when Pope John Paul II visited Toronto or as an honoured guest to perform her song “Dignity” at the United Way’s National Conference, her songs have a way of moving people. After taking some time to raise her family, Tara is returning to music full time bringing her truest voice to the world stage.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tara.
(Interview from July 19, 2016)
Classically trained in both piano and saxophone, songwriting came from the desire to colour outside those lines and since then, the artist in her has found a strong and clear voice both in the songs she writes for herself and for others. “I can’t run from what’s woven into the fabric of my being,” she explains. “I need to create like I need to breathe.”
The result of that certainty and her tireless energy is “Butterfly Child”, her latest recording. An exquisitely crafted tune, it explores how something as delicate as hope can transcend the struggle and strife of life’s setbacks. “When the world says give up/I whisper one more try/When your heart says that’s enough/I hang on inside…”
Whether it has been as one of only six Canadian songwriters chosen to write for World Youth Days when Pope John Paul II visited Toronto or as an honoured guest to perform her song “Dignity” at the United Way’s National Conference, her songs have a way of moving people. After taking some time to raise her family, Tara is returning to music full time bringing her truest voice to the world stage.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tara.
(Interview from July 19, 2016)
BEAMER WIGLEY: YOUNG COUNTRY SHINES BRIGHTLY
Born in 2002, Beamer Wigley started playing guitar when he was 5 years old, and as he loves
to tell his audiences, that was when he first saw
Keith Urban in the video “Start A Band” with Brad Paisley.
At the age of 7, he was accepted as a contestant in the “Our Kids Have Talent” competition for ages 8-18. That was also when he wrote his first two songs for that event, and although he didn’t place, he so captured the hearts of the judges, that he was invited to open at the gala final. This was beginning of his musical journey and as his talents grew, so did his reputation as a remarkable young performer who had no fear of being on stage.
As part of his vocal training, he entered into the Kiwanis Festival for 5 straight years in Classical Voice and Musical Theatre, and has consistently won first place positions including first class honors and junior scholarships. For 2014, he was chosen as the representative to go on to the Provincials in Musical Theatre, against the best from across the province. He went on to win first place in that category, along with first place in Musical Variety. He was also then awarded the Inaugural Penticton Youth Arts Award for ages 25 and under, a huge honour.
2014 proved to be a landmark year for Beamer’s career when he became the youngest artist ever to be signed to award-winning Talent Agency ‘Invictus Entertainment Group’ and Record Label ‘Big Star Records’.
Beamer's debut album is coming out this September featuring the current single "Meteorite".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Beamer.
(Interview from July 19, 2016)
to tell his audiences, that was when he first saw
Keith Urban in the video “Start A Band” with Brad Paisley.
At the age of 7, he was accepted as a contestant in the “Our Kids Have Talent” competition for ages 8-18. That was also when he wrote his first two songs for that event, and although he didn’t place, he so captured the hearts of the judges, that he was invited to open at the gala final. This was beginning of his musical journey and as his talents grew, so did his reputation as a remarkable young performer who had no fear of being on stage.
As part of his vocal training, he entered into the Kiwanis Festival for 5 straight years in Classical Voice and Musical Theatre, and has consistently won first place positions including first class honors and junior scholarships. For 2014, he was chosen as the representative to go on to the Provincials in Musical Theatre, against the best from across the province. He went on to win first place in that category, along with first place in Musical Variety. He was also then awarded the Inaugural Penticton Youth Arts Award for ages 25 and under, a huge honour.
2014 proved to be a landmark year for Beamer’s career when he became the youngest artist ever to be signed to award-winning Talent Agency ‘Invictus Entertainment Group’ and Record Label ‘Big Star Records’.
Beamer's debut album is coming out this September featuring the current single "Meteorite".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Beamer.
(Interview from July 19, 2016)
LINDSAY BROUGHTON: THE PERFECT MIX
Ontario's Lindsay Broughton is back at Country radio with a hot new single called "We Don't Mix". It's the first release from a full album due out this fall.
With lines like “we’re like the rock without the roll,” the song “We Don’t Mix” explores a common situation of trying to date someone new but those individuals are not feeling an instant spark. Always one to show her appreciation to her fans and with this new song being such a relatable song, Lindsay asked those fans to help make the lyric video for the single by sending in their favourite things that do not mix using the hashtag #WeDontMix
Country fans will remember her popular radio songs from a couple of years ago including "Take Me There" and "Never Saw It Coming".
It was a field trip back in high school to Nashville that sparked Lindsay's passion for songwriting. She fell in love with Country music and made it her path in life. A publishing company wanted to sign her at the time but her parents wanted Lindsay to finish school.
Eight of her songs have been featured on the hit TV show "Heartland".
Tune in to hear this talented Brooklin, Ontario Country artist discuss the new single, upcoming album, songwriting & much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Lindsay.
(Interview from July 12, 2016)
With lines like “we’re like the rock without the roll,” the song “We Don’t Mix” explores a common situation of trying to date someone new but those individuals are not feeling an instant spark. Always one to show her appreciation to her fans and with this new song being such a relatable song, Lindsay asked those fans to help make the lyric video for the single by sending in their favourite things that do not mix using the hashtag #WeDontMix
Country fans will remember her popular radio songs from a couple of years ago including "Take Me There" and "Never Saw It Coming".
It was a field trip back in high school to Nashville that sparked Lindsay's passion for songwriting. She fell in love with Country music and made it her path in life. A publishing company wanted to sign her at the time but her parents wanted Lindsay to finish school.
Eight of her songs have been featured on the hit TV show "Heartland".
Tune in to hear this talented Brooklin, Ontario Country artist discuss the new single, upcoming album, songwriting & much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Lindsay.
(Interview from July 12, 2016)
THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND: 50 YEARS STRONG
Celebrating their Golden (50th) Anniversary together, the iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in Country Rock and American Roots Music, continues to add to their legendary status.
With multi-platinum and gold records, strings of top hits such as "Fishin' In The Dark" and "Mr. Bojangles", multiple Grammy, IBMA, CMA Awards and nominations, the band's accolades continue to accumulate.
Their groundbreaking "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" album has been inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress as well as the Grammy Hall of Fame. NGDB’s recording of "Mr. Bojangles" was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2014 "Fishin' In the Dark" was certified platinum for digital downloads by the RIAA.
Today, NGDB (Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter, John McEuen) continue their non-stop touring in their 50th year together. On September 14th, 2015 they played to a Sold Out Crowd at The historic Ryman Auditorium with some close musical friends - including Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell, Alison Krauss and Jackson Browne - to film a 50th Anniversary Special available on DVD this September! www.nittygritty.com
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jimmie Fadden.
(Interview from July 8, 2016)
DOC WALKER: HEAVEN ON DIRT
Hailing from the prairie province of Manitoba, Doc Walker is one of Canada’s most renowned Country music bands. With a career spanning over two decades, the band first emerged onto the scene with the release of their debut album Good Day to Ride in 1997.
Their hits include "She Hasn't Always Been This Way", "Rocket Girl", "Beautiful Life", "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", "The Show Is Free" and "Put It In Drive".
Doc Walker is Chris Thorsteinson (on the left) and Dave Wasyliw (on the right).
Doc Walker's brand new single is called "Heaven On Dirt". Chris joins me on the show to discuss the song and some of the band's greatest hits.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Chris from Doc Walker.
(Interview from July 5, 2016)
Their hits include "She Hasn't Always Been This Way", "Rocket Girl", "Beautiful Life", "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", "The Show Is Free" and "Put It In Drive".
Doc Walker is Chris Thorsteinson (on the left) and Dave Wasyliw (on the right).
Doc Walker's brand new single is called "Heaven On Dirt". Chris joins me on the show to discuss the song and some of the band's greatest hits.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Chris from Doc Walker.
(Interview from July 5, 2016)
AARON PRITCHETT: THE SCORE
Aaron Pritchett recently released his eight studio album celebrating 20 years in Country music called
The Score. It features the #1 hit "Dirt Road In 'Em" and the new single - a surefire summer hit song called "Out Of The Blue."
The album also features the beautiful story song "When A Momma's Boy Meets A Daddy's Girl" (Aaron Goodvin/Stephen Adrian Lawrance/Myria Weber) and the love song "All Night Baby" that Aaron wrote with Patricia Conroy.
Aaron also talks about opening up two shows for Garth Brooks in June in Saskatoon!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Aaron.
(Interview from July 5, 2016)
The Score. It features the #1 hit "Dirt Road In 'Em" and the new single - a surefire summer hit song called "Out Of The Blue."
The album also features the beautiful story song "When A Momma's Boy Meets A Daddy's Girl" (Aaron Goodvin/Stephen Adrian Lawrance/Myria Weber) and the love song "All Night Baby" that Aaron wrote with Patricia Conroy.
Aaron also talks about opening up two shows for Garth Brooks in June in Saskatoon!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Aaron.
(Interview from July 5, 2016)
GORD BAMFORD: CELEBRATING TIN ROOF
Rhe current CCMA Male Artist of the Year Gord Bamford is currently on his third single from Tin Roof. The song is called "Breakfast Beer" and was written by Gord, Buddy Owens & Meghan Patrick.
His first two singles from the 15-track-album - "Don't Let Her Be Gone" & "Heard You In A Song" climbed to a place that Gord has got familiar with now - the top of the Country charts.
Gord was bestowed a big honour in March 2016 by the CMAs when he was awarded their International Award ‘The Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award.’
The award recognizes outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist originally signed outside of the United States. This is the second time Gord has received this award (2013), and impressively, it is the first time
an artist has won it twice.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Gord.
(Interview from June 2016)
His first two singles from the 15-track-album - "Don't Let Her Be Gone" & "Heard You In A Song" climbed to a place that Gord has got familiar with now - the top of the Country charts.
Gord was bestowed a big honour in March 2016 by the CMAs when he was awarded their International Award ‘The Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award.’
The award recognizes outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist originally signed outside of the United States. This is the second time Gord has received this award (2013), and impressively, it is the first time
an artist has won it twice.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Gord.
(Interview from June 2016)
MADELINE MERLO: HEART AND SOUL
Following up two major award wins in 2015 (CCMA Rising Star and BCCMA Female Vocalist of the Year) might be tough to do, but British Columbia's Madeline Merlo is continuing her streak of success in 2016. In April, she released her album Free Soul which features Alive, Sinking Like A Stone, Honey Jack, and Whatcha Wanna Do About It.
The album also features a duet with Ontario Country Tim Hicks written by Hicks, Todd Clark and Jessica Mitchell.
Madeline's next single to be released at the end of June is called War Paint. It was a last minute addition to the album. One she insisted be included. And she had a hand in writing this stand out track.
She believes in choosing the best songs as singles not just the ones that seem to have the best commercial odds.
“Music has a way of relating to people, that is one of the most powerful aspects of creation," she says about War Paint. "I hope the healing power of music can help inspire others to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Tune in to hear Madeline share stories about her earliest performance, songwriting, producer Dan Swinimer & much more.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Madeline.
(Interview from June 2016)
The album also features a duet with Ontario Country Tim Hicks written by Hicks, Todd Clark and Jessica Mitchell.
Madeline's next single to be released at the end of June is called War Paint. It was a last minute addition to the album. One she insisted be included. And she had a hand in writing this stand out track.
She believes in choosing the best songs as singles not just the ones that seem to have the best commercial odds.
“Music has a way of relating to people, that is one of the most powerful aspects of creation," she says about War Paint. "I hope the healing power of music can help inspire others to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Tune in to hear Madeline share stories about her earliest performance, songwriting, producer Dan Swinimer & much more.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Madeline.
(Interview from June 2016)
QUINTON BLAIR: SELF-ORDAINED TROUBADOUR
Quinton Blair - Manitoba Country Music Association Roots Artist of the Year (2015) - is a self-ordained troubadour, tale-spinner and songwriter. Imagine Steve Earle jamming with Dwight Yoakam, minus the burden of fame. Influenced by the likes of Rodney Crowell and Merle Haggard, his brand of strikingly diverse roots/country music casts a wide loop, and captivates audiences with witty stories and relatable songs.
As a solo artist, he relies on his guitar, witty stories, and keen ability to capture the crowd night after night. But his full band shows are a sight to see and a sound to behold.
The new EP, Cash Crop, released in April 2016, boasts elements of soul, heartland roots, country, and rock, and features Quinton's signature themes of agricultural, hurt and redemption. Cash Crop was produced by Murray Pulver (former founding member of Doc Walker) and features co-writes by Del Barber, Blake Berglund, and Clayton Bellamy (The Road Hammers).
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Quinton.
(Interview from June 2016)
As a solo artist, he relies on his guitar, witty stories, and keen ability to capture the crowd night after night. But his full band shows are a sight to see and a sound to behold.
The new EP, Cash Crop, released in April 2016, boasts elements of soul, heartland roots, country, and rock, and features Quinton's signature themes of agricultural, hurt and redemption. Cash Crop was produced by Murray Pulver (former founding member of Doc Walker) and features co-writes by Del Barber, Blake Berglund, and Clayton Bellamy (The Road Hammers).
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Quinton.
(Interview from June 2016)
MEGHAN PATRICK: EQUAL PARTS GRACE & GRIT
Born and raised in Bowmanville, Ontario, Meghan Patrick has dedicated her entire life to music, always wanting it to be more than just a passion. “I was drawn to playing guitar so I could start writing music to go along with the words I was writing. I wanted to be self-sufficient as a creative artist.”
Prior to setting out as a solo artist, Meghan was the lead singer of the popular roots act The Stone Sparrows. A newgrass / bluegrass band, The Stone Sparrows released an EP and a full-length album before the members parted ways amicably in 2013 after playing their second Boots and Hearts Festival.
Meghan has quickly made a name for herself since signing to Warner Music Canada. She has recently signed a publishing deal with Ole Nashville. Her debut album Grace & Grit was released earlier this year. She worked with producers Justin Niebank (Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes), Vince Gill, Chris Baseford (Nickelback, Avril Lavigne), and Carly McKillip. To add even more star power to her debut, Meghan brought in a few more big names, including multiple Grammy nominee Joe Nichols who duets with her on “Still Loving You,” and fellow Canadian Chad Kroeger, who co-wrote and produced the smash debut single “Bow Chicka Wow Wow” along with several other cuts on the album.
The songs Meghan writes are about real-life situations and are both personal and autobiographical. They are story songs, but they are her stories which infuse the material with an authenticity and sincerity that is palpable.
“I have to feel connected to the music, especially when I am playing live. The emotions I write about are real and audiences know when you are being true to yourself. Performing my own music and forming a bond with my audience is what I do this for. And that’s the most enjoyable thing in the world."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Meghan.
(Interview from June 2016)
Prior to setting out as a solo artist, Meghan was the lead singer of the popular roots act The Stone Sparrows. A newgrass / bluegrass band, The Stone Sparrows released an EP and a full-length album before the members parted ways amicably in 2013 after playing their second Boots and Hearts Festival.
Meghan has quickly made a name for herself since signing to Warner Music Canada. She has recently signed a publishing deal with Ole Nashville. Her debut album Grace & Grit was released earlier this year. She worked with producers Justin Niebank (Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes), Vince Gill, Chris Baseford (Nickelback, Avril Lavigne), and Carly McKillip. To add even more star power to her debut, Meghan brought in a few more big names, including multiple Grammy nominee Joe Nichols who duets with her on “Still Loving You,” and fellow Canadian Chad Kroeger, who co-wrote and produced the smash debut single “Bow Chicka Wow Wow” along with several other cuts on the album.
The songs Meghan writes are about real-life situations and are both personal and autobiographical. They are story songs, but they are her stories which infuse the material with an authenticity and sincerity that is palpable.
“I have to feel connected to the music, especially when I am playing live. The emotions I write about are real and audiences know when you are being true to yourself. Performing my own music and forming a bond with my audience is what I do this for. And that’s the most enjoyable thing in the world."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Meghan.
(Interview from June 2016)
LAUREN MAYELL: SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE
Born in Calgary, Alberta and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Lauren Mayell’s entry into Country music quickly occurred while accompanying her grandparents – highly sought after musicians in their own right – to their various and many Eastern Ontario live performances. Encouraged by her “Pure Country” belt buckle-wearing grandfather to sing, Lauren did, and she hasn’t stopped.
Through the support and love of her family, the eventual loss of her beloved grandparents, and facilitating a promise in obtaining a University degree, Lauren’s commitment to country music remained unwavering. Her fate was sealed.
Lauren’s bigger than life vocals, heartfelt and poignant lyrics, coupled with a profound stage presence caught the attention of country superstar George Canyon and Calgary-based producer Graham Sharkey. The two quickly became three, with Lauren recording a 5-song EP under the direction of the always-in-demand gentlemen.
Nominated for Alberta Country Music Association’s Female Country Artist of the Year (2012, 2014-15), Lauren was also nominated as ACMA’s Fan’s Choice of the Year for 2012 through to 2014 consecutively. Having opened for Wes Mack, Dean Brody and Dr. Hook, Lauren’s drive and discipline has garnered her additional friends and fans while Nashville music industry executives raise their country eyebrows and declare their interest to align with Canada’s fast-rising female country artist.
Lauren’s current 6-song EP, “I’ve Changed” (Graham Sharkey/Johnny Gasparic) is well underway with recordings at 2-time CCMA Award Winning Studio MCC Recording Studio (Calgary). Launching this summer (2016), “I’ve Changed” contains four songs written by Lauren including the title track. Her fans will undoubtedly come away knowing more about who Lauren Mayell is – a fun, focused, driven, disciplined singer whose vocal prowess soars, a sensitive songwriter with her eye on the circle in the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and always wearing her kindred spirit grandfather’s “Pure Country” belt buckle.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Lauren.
(Interview from June 2016)
Through the support and love of her family, the eventual loss of her beloved grandparents, and facilitating a promise in obtaining a University degree, Lauren’s commitment to country music remained unwavering. Her fate was sealed.
Lauren’s bigger than life vocals, heartfelt and poignant lyrics, coupled with a profound stage presence caught the attention of country superstar George Canyon and Calgary-based producer Graham Sharkey. The two quickly became three, with Lauren recording a 5-song EP under the direction of the always-in-demand gentlemen.
Nominated for Alberta Country Music Association’s Female Country Artist of the Year (2012, 2014-15), Lauren was also nominated as ACMA’s Fan’s Choice of the Year for 2012 through to 2014 consecutively. Having opened for Wes Mack, Dean Brody and Dr. Hook, Lauren’s drive and discipline has garnered her additional friends and fans while Nashville music industry executives raise their country eyebrows and declare their interest to align with Canada’s fast-rising female country artist.
Lauren’s current 6-song EP, “I’ve Changed” (Graham Sharkey/Johnny Gasparic) is well underway with recordings at 2-time CCMA Award Winning Studio MCC Recording Studio (Calgary). Launching this summer (2016), “I’ve Changed” contains four songs written by Lauren including the title track. Her fans will undoubtedly come away knowing more about who Lauren Mayell is – a fun, focused, driven, disciplined singer whose vocal prowess soars, a sensitive songwriter with her eye on the circle in the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and always wearing her kindred spirit grandfather’s “Pure Country” belt buckle.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Lauren.
(Interview from June 2016)
JESSICA MITCHELL: NO LONGER A COUNTRY MUSIC SECRET
Country-singer/songwriter Jessica Mitchell is, at heart, a storyteller – an open book. Based in Toronto, she has spent the last decade digging deeper into her artistry, focusing on writing new music and crafting her richly unique sound, which has led her to become Country music’s best kept secret.
After signing a publishing deal with Slaight Music Publishing, Jessica embarked on several writing trips to Nashville where she found herself inspired by the raw honesty and storytelling nature of the country music genre. This experience led to a new direction in her own music. “What I love so much about the genre is the clever way in which country singers emote,” she explains. Having found a new voice, Jessica has spent the last few years travelling between Toronto and Nashville collaborating with top-notch songwriters including Patricia Conroy, Stephen Kozmeniuk (Jennifer Hudson, Kendrick Lamar), Todd Clark (Phillip Phillips, Tim Hicks), and John Goodwin (Brad Paisley).
Produced by Grammy nominated producer Dave Brainard (Brandy Clark, Jerrod Niemann) and co-written with Luke Sheets (Plumb), her lead off track “Grown Up Things”, is a soul-searching song about loss and change, of not wanting to deal with the curve balls that life throws at us – a feeling that most people have had a some point in their lives. It showcases her powerful and pure voice as well as her considerable song-writing skills. “I want to connect with people,” she says, “and create something that sounds real to someone. Something that might change someone’s life or help that person through a difficult time.”
Jessica is signed with RGK (Ron Kitchener) Entertainment and is nominated for Female Artist of the Year & Rising Star at this year's CMAOs taking place on May 30th in Markham, Ontario.
Tune in to hear Jessica share the inspiration behind her songs, how music can change our lives, her impression of Nashville after her very first first trip there - and much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jessica.
(Interview from May 24, 2016)
After signing a publishing deal with Slaight Music Publishing, Jessica embarked on several writing trips to Nashville where she found herself inspired by the raw honesty and storytelling nature of the country music genre. This experience led to a new direction in her own music. “What I love so much about the genre is the clever way in which country singers emote,” she explains. Having found a new voice, Jessica has spent the last few years travelling between Toronto and Nashville collaborating with top-notch songwriters including Patricia Conroy, Stephen Kozmeniuk (Jennifer Hudson, Kendrick Lamar), Todd Clark (Phillip Phillips, Tim Hicks), and John Goodwin (Brad Paisley).
Produced by Grammy nominated producer Dave Brainard (Brandy Clark, Jerrod Niemann) and co-written with Luke Sheets (Plumb), her lead off track “Grown Up Things”, is a soul-searching song about loss and change, of not wanting to deal with the curve balls that life throws at us – a feeling that most people have had a some point in their lives. It showcases her powerful and pure voice as well as her considerable song-writing skills. “I want to connect with people,” she says, “and create something that sounds real to someone. Something that might change someone’s life or help that person through a difficult time.”
Jessica is signed with RGK (Ron Kitchener) Entertainment and is nominated for Female Artist of the Year & Rising Star at this year's CMAOs taking place on May 30th in Markham, Ontario.
Tune in to hear Jessica share the inspiration behind her songs, how music can change our lives, her impression of Nashville after her very first first trip there - and much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jessica.
(Interview from May 24, 2016)
GEORGE CANYON: HE'S GOT THIS
George Canyon released a brand new album in February 2016 called I Got This. It features the
title track as the first single as well as the second single called Daughters Of The Sun.
“I wanted to create a record that was fun to play,
and exciting for the fans to listen to. It’s been a while since I’ve had an album of new original songs, and these songs put a smile on my face,” says the talented Canadian Country artist.
He started the year off with a very successful
cross-Canada tour called the Jekyll and Nothing To Hide Tour.
In 2015, George was inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall Of Fame.
Tune in to hear George discuss his latest album, working with Richard Marx, writing songs with Gord Bamford and more! Plus, you'll hear two songs from I Got This.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with George.
(Interview from May 9, 2016)
title track as the first single as well as the second single called Daughters Of The Sun.
“I wanted to create a record that was fun to play,
and exciting for the fans to listen to. It’s been a while since I’ve had an album of new original songs, and these songs put a smile on my face,” says the talented Canadian Country artist.
He started the year off with a very successful
cross-Canada tour called the Jekyll and Nothing To Hide Tour.
In 2015, George was inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall Of Fame.
Tune in to hear George discuss his latest album, working with Richard Marx, writing songs with Gord Bamford and more! Plus, you'll hear two songs from I Got This.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with George.
(Interview from May 9, 2016)
THE ABRAMS: A FINE TIME FOR THEIR NEW EP
It’s hard for John and James Abrams to recall a time in their young lives where they weren’t creating and playing music together. As fourth-generation musicians, The Abrams have taken the “family business” to a whole new level with their recent signing to Warner Music Canada and major label self-titled debut EP. The Abrams is a departure from their earlier work, spurred by Gavin Brown – the Juno award-winning and Grammy nominated producer. Brown (Billy Talent, Metric, Three Days Grace) took it as a personal challenge to bring out the best in The Abrams and introduce them to a broader audience.
The EP slowly emerged out of an intense two-year period of writing and recording that began almost immediately after The Abrams and Brown first met in January 2014 at Brown’s Noble Street Studios in Toronto.
“Working with Gavin has really been about taking all the country, bluegrass and gospel music we grew up playing, and honing it into a sound that’s distinctly us,” notes John Abrams. “Country music is where we feel most comfortable as artists, and on this EP we’re embracing it differently than we have in the past. Although we’re still in our early twenties, we feel our music has never had so much youthful energy before. That’s why we’ve decided to call the EP simply The Abrams. It really does feel like a new beginning.”
It’s all captured on “Fine” - the lead single from The Abrams, on which the brothers brilliantly display their vision to blend their musical roots with an attitude more in tune with their generation. No one has ever questioned the pair’s prowess as musicians, and now The Abrams have found their feet as songwriters as well.
The EP slowly emerged out of an intense two-year period of writing and recording that began almost immediately after The Abrams and Brown first met in January 2014 at Brown’s Noble Street Studios in Toronto.
“Working with Gavin has really been about taking all the country, bluegrass and gospel music we grew up playing, and honing it into a sound that’s distinctly us,” notes John Abrams. “Country music is where we feel most comfortable as artists, and on this EP we’re embracing it differently than we have in the past. Although we’re still in our early twenties, we feel our music has never had so much youthful energy before. That’s why we’ve decided to call the EP simply The Abrams. It really does feel like a new beginning.”
It’s all captured on “Fine” - the lead single from The Abrams, on which the brothers brilliantly display their vision to blend their musical roots with an attitude more in tune with their generation. No one has ever questioned the pair’s prowess as musicians, and now The Abrams have found their feet as songwriters as well.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with John Abrams.
(Interview from May 2016)
(Interview from May 2016)
BYRON HILL: A CONVERSATION WITH A HIT MAKER
Since signing his first publishing deal in Nashville in 1978, Byron Hill's songwriting career spans four decades and includes more than 700 recordings of his songs recorded by Ray Charles, Alabama, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Mark Chesnutt, Kenny Rogers, John Michael Montgomery, Anne Murray, Juice Newton, Joe Nichols, Randy Travis, Keith Whitley, Gary Allan, Rhonda Vincent, Johnny Lee, Tracy Byrd, Neal McCoy, Trace Adkins, Gil Grand, Dionne Warwick, George Jones, Toby Keith, Gene Watson, Sammy Kershaw, Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell & the list goes on!
Byron chats with me about his first #1 song as writer - George Strait's "Fool Hearted Memory" from 1982. He shares a great story about pitching "Born Country" to Alabama. You'll never guess what George Jones asked after he heard the demo of "High Tech Redneck" which he went on to record and release as a single. Anne Murray recorded "Over You" which is a beautiful ballad. On the show, you'll hear Byron's version of that song which is featured on his CD called "Radio Songs".
Which artist is Byron still hoping will record one of his songs? Tune in and find out!
Byron recently reunited with Country artist Gil Grand to co-produce Gil's latest radio release "She'll Always Be Mine". That song is featured on the show. Whether you're or a songwriter or a music lover, you'll enjoy listening to a hit maker share the stories of his life's work.
Learn more about my guest at www.byronhillmusic.com
Byron chats with me about his first #1 song as writer - George Strait's "Fool Hearted Memory" from 1982. He shares a great story about pitching "Born Country" to Alabama. You'll never guess what George Jones asked after he heard the demo of "High Tech Redneck" which he went on to record and release as a single. Anne Murray recorded "Over You" which is a beautiful ballad. On the show, you'll hear Byron's version of that song which is featured on his CD called "Radio Songs".
Which artist is Byron still hoping will record one of his songs? Tune in and find out!
Byron recently reunited with Country artist Gil Grand to co-produce Gil's latest radio release "She'll Always Be Mine". That song is featured on the show. Whether you're or a songwriter or a music lover, you'll enjoy listening to a hit maker share the stories of his life's work.
Learn more about my guest at www.byronhillmusic.com
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Byron.
(Interview from May 3, 2016)
(Interview from May 3, 2016)
GIL GRAND: SHE'LL ALWAYS BE MINE
In 1997, Sudbury, Ontario's Gil Grand signed a music publishing deal with TMP out of Toronto, Canada headed by Frank Davies and moved to Nashville. Within just a few months of his arrival, he secured two cuts, Love Trip with recording artist Jerry Kilgore and On Again Off Again with MCA recording artist Tracy Byrd.
His songwriting skills and singing ability immediately caught the attention of top record executives, and he soon signed a major U.S. record deal with Sony Music Nashville’s Monument Records.His debut album, Famous First Words, gained the respect and accolades of the country music industry on both sides of the border.
On the strength of that record, he received three CCMA nods, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year and Wrangler Rising Star.
His impressive sophomore effort 'Burnin' netted him five CCMA nominations, including Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Album of the Year, with Grand taking home the award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
In 2006, Gil released his third album, Somebody’s Someone, which he co-produced with Joel Feeney, earning a CCMA award for Record Producer of the Year.
In October 2007, Grand and business partner Randy Gee launched Grand & Gee Music Group, a Nashville-based music publishing company and full-service recording studio.
The company earned CCMA nominations for Music Publisher of the Year in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Gil's new single at Country radio is called "She'll Always Be Mine."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Gil.
(Interview from May 10, 2016)
His songwriting skills and singing ability immediately caught the attention of top record executives, and he soon signed a major U.S. record deal with Sony Music Nashville’s Monument Records.His debut album, Famous First Words, gained the respect and accolades of the country music industry on both sides of the border.
On the strength of that record, he received three CCMA nods, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year and Wrangler Rising Star.
His impressive sophomore effort 'Burnin' netted him five CCMA nominations, including Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Album of the Year, with Grand taking home the award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
In 2006, Gil released his third album, Somebody’s Someone, which he co-produced with Joel Feeney, earning a CCMA award for Record Producer of the Year.
In October 2007, Grand and business partner Randy Gee launched Grand & Gee Music Group, a Nashville-based music publishing company and full-service recording studio.
The company earned CCMA nominations for Music Publisher of the Year in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Gil's new single at Country radio is called "She'll Always Be Mine."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Gil.
(Interview from May 10, 2016)
JEFFREY EAST: SONGWRITER
Raised performing in his family's band, Jeffrey East and his family entertained many crowds across the state of Texas. In 1993, the East family made the decision to move to Nashville to continue their passion for music. It wasn't until January of 2006, when he lost his father to cancer, that Jeffrey began pouring his emotions on to paper.
Writing became a passion for Jeffrey and because of that, he caught the attention of legendary writer Harley Allen (writer of hit songs for Alan Jackson & John Michael Montgomery). Harley knew he had found the real deal in Jeffrey and signed him to his first publishing deal. Jeffrey had never co-written and Harley wanted to keep it that way. For the next two years, Harley asked Jeffrey to write by himself which enabled Jeffrey to become a true craftsman.
In 2010, Jeffrey signed to ZMG and thus began the world of co writing. A prolific writer in any genre, Jeffrey has had songs recorded by artists like Dierks Bentley, Sister Hazel, The Farm, Dailey & Vincent, The Grascals, Point Of Grace - and the latest single by Chcuk Wicks called "She's Gone." In April of 2015, he met with Kim Wiggins from Peer Music Nashville and after sharing his work with her, Kim knew he was exactly what they were looking for. Kim says, "I meet with a lot of writers but after hearing Jeffrey's songs and the way he delivered them, I knew he was our guy. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jeffrey.
(Interview from May 17, 2016)
Writing became a passion for Jeffrey and because of that, he caught the attention of legendary writer Harley Allen (writer of hit songs for Alan Jackson & John Michael Montgomery). Harley knew he had found the real deal in Jeffrey and signed him to his first publishing deal. Jeffrey had never co-written and Harley wanted to keep it that way. For the next two years, Harley asked Jeffrey to write by himself which enabled Jeffrey to become a true craftsman.
In 2010, Jeffrey signed to ZMG and thus began the world of co writing. A prolific writer in any genre, Jeffrey has had songs recorded by artists like Dierks Bentley, Sister Hazel, The Farm, Dailey & Vincent, The Grascals, Point Of Grace - and the latest single by Chcuk Wicks called "She's Gone." In April of 2015, he met with Kim Wiggins from Peer Music Nashville and after sharing his work with her, Kim knew he was exactly what they were looking for. Kim says, "I meet with a lot of writers but after hearing Jeffrey's songs and the way he delivered them, I knew he was our guy. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jeffrey.
(Interview from May 17, 2016)
GENEVIEVE FISHER: BORN TO SING & WRITE
With 4 top 50 hit songs already to her credit, Ontario's Genevieve Fisher continues to expand her influence on the Canadian Country music scene. Her performance at the 2012 CCMA New Artist Showcase in Saskatoon left an impression on all who were in attendance and helped her take another big step in the right direction. This was followed by Female Artist of the Year nominations at the 2013 and 2015 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards. And now she is nominated once again for Female Artist of the Year at the 2016 CMAO awards. Check out this great organization at www.cmaontario.ca
When not performing at some of Canada’s largest Country music festivals, Genevieve finds herself collaborating with some of the brightest songwriters on both sides of the border. She has already shared writing credits with Jason Blaine, Steven Lee Olsen, Patricia Conroy, Jason Massey, Jennifer Schott and many more.
When not performing at some of Canada’s largest Country music festivals, Genevieve finds herself collaborating with some of the brightest songwriters on both sides of the border. She has already shared writing credits with Jason Blaine, Steven Lee Olsen, Patricia Conroy, Jason Massey, Jennifer Schott and many more.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Genevieve.
(Interview from April 19, 2016)
(Interview from April 19, 2016)
GENE WATSON: ALWAYS REAL COUNTRY MUSIC
One of the most masterful voices in Country music ever, Gene Watson still sings in the same key as 30 years ago and continues to prove why he is rightly referred to as “The Singer’s Singer”. His powerful voice and multi-octave range allows him to sing some of the most challenging songs with an ease that comes from pure, natural talent as well as from his many years performing onstage.
Real. Country. Music. finds the the 72 year-old Country legend once again proving he’s the master of classic Country music. He remains defiantly Country in the face of today’s more pop oriented offerings and is proud his legions of fans rely on him to keep traditional Country music alive and well.
With that in mind, Gene delved back into history to pull out some overlooked gems in other artist’s catalogs as well as a few of his own songs that are fan favorites but are no longer available. As Gene noted, “Today’s songwriters are not really writing the kind of songs fans of serious classic country are wanting. Traditional country is about life, heartaches, loves and family. I’ve got to relate to the words as something that either happened to me or happened to someone I know. It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around a song that’s simply about riding a tractor or just drinking beer with friends. I want more out of a song. So I went back to some classic songwriters like Kris Kristofferson, Larry Gatlin, Bill Anderson, Keith Whitley, Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran and Dave Kirby – just to name a few of the greats.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Gene Watson.
(Interview from April 20, 2016)
Real. Country. Music. finds the the 72 year-old Country legend once again proving he’s the master of classic Country music. He remains defiantly Country in the face of today’s more pop oriented offerings and is proud his legions of fans rely on him to keep traditional Country music alive and well.
With that in mind, Gene delved back into history to pull out some overlooked gems in other artist’s catalogs as well as a few of his own songs that are fan favorites but are no longer available. As Gene noted, “Today’s songwriters are not really writing the kind of songs fans of serious classic country are wanting. Traditional country is about life, heartaches, loves and family. I’ve got to relate to the words as something that either happened to me or happened to someone I know. It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around a song that’s simply about riding a tractor or just drinking beer with friends. I want more out of a song. So I went back to some classic songwriters like Kris Kristofferson, Larry Gatlin, Bill Anderson, Keith Whitley, Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran and Dave Kirby – just to name a few of the greats.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Gene Watson.
(Interview from April 20, 2016)
LEAH DANIELS: FIVE 2016 CMAO NOMINATIONS!
With 5 nominations, Leah Daniels tops the list of artists nominated along with Jason Blaine & Tebey
at the 2016 Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) Awards coming up at the end of May.
Leah's nominations are for:
Female Artist Of The Year
Single Of The Year: “Go Back”
Album Of The Year: What It Feels Like
Songwriter Of The Year: Leah Daniels, Beverley Mahood, Patricia Conroy for “Dream Without You”
Video Of The Year: “Old Piano”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Leah.
(Interview from April 12, 2016)
TENILLE ARTS: LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Saskatchewan's Tenille Arts - now living in Nashville - has been nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year & Emerging Artist at the upcoming Saskatchewan Country Music Association Awards.
She's also one of the top 6 finalists in the CCMA Discovery Program this year.
Tenille lives by the motto: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” and a quote “20 Seconds of Insane Courage”. (She explains those inspiring quotes on the show.) That’s all it took for her to completely change her life and decide to move to Nashville after signing a publishing deal with Noble Vision Music Group.
Tune in to hear about her busy year and you'll also get to hear her latest song called Breathe.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tenille Arts.
(Interview from April 2016)
She's also one of the top 6 finalists in the CCMA Discovery Program this year.
Tenille lives by the motto: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” and a quote “20 Seconds of Insane Courage”. (She explains those inspiring quotes on the show.) That’s all it took for her to completely change her life and decide to move to Nashville after signing a publishing deal with Noble Vision Music Group.
Tune in to hear about her busy year and you'll also get to hear her latest song called Breathe.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Tenille Arts.
(Interview from April 2016)
Diamond Rio: Still Making It In Music & Life
The band that plays together, stays together. Known as one of the first country bands to play on every one of their studio projects, Diamond Rio made country music history when their first single Meet In The Middle landed them in the No. 1 spot. Now, 25 years later Diamond Rio is releasing I Made It, their tenth studio album. The title track was co-written by the band’s lead guitarist Jimmy Olander and features 11 new songs. Produced by Olander and Michael D Clute, I Made It is a follow-up to their 2014 first-ever live album release: Diamond Rio Live.
Lead singer Marty Roe joins me to discuss the group's career, hit songs, Opry performances, the Eagles, Larry Gatlin & much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Marty Roe.
(Interview from February 2016)
JORDAN MCINTOSH: DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE
Carleton Place, Ontario's Jordan McIntosh will release his debut album Steal Your Heart on April 15th. The lead single is the title track sure to climb the country charts. Jordan has become a country fan favourite with his previous releases "Grew Up In A Country Song" and "That Girl". Those songs are included on the album along with a duet with Country artist George Canyon. Jordan returns to perform at the Boots & Hearts Music Festival this summer.
Jordan’s first influence was his older sister, Melissa. “My entire family is musical, but I idolized my sister. She started to sing before I did and, being younger, I wanted to do everything she did. That’s how I found out I could sing. I never really studied music. I just sang all the time. I know there’s a one in a million chance that you can make a career of your ability to sing. That’s always kept me focused, but I couldn’t do any of this without my family.”
Also, joining me on this episode is Ontario's Brittany Brodie. Her latest single is called "Love Anyone Else".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jordan McIntosh.
(Interview from April 2016)
Jordan’s first influence was his older sister, Melissa. “My entire family is musical, but I idolized my sister. She started to sing before I did and, being younger, I wanted to do everything she did. That’s how I found out I could sing. I never really studied music. I just sang all the time. I know there’s a one in a million chance that you can make a career of your ability to sing. That’s always kept me focused, but I couldn’t do any of this without my family.”
Also, joining me on this episode is Ontario's Brittany Brodie. Her latest single is called "Love Anyone Else".
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jordan McIntosh.
(Interview from April 2016)
DIRTY MOUNTAIN: THE ROOTS OF COUNTRY
Hailing from Victoria BC, Dirty Mountain’s sound is heavily infused with harmony-driven melodies and timeless storytelling.
The group is a roots-rock band with underlying blends of country and blues to support the sassy and often gritty messages portrayed in the lyrics. A musical temptress, charismatic songstress, and lyrical adulteress, Elli Hart is the relentless force behind Dirty Mountain.
Keeping Elli in line and providing the strong prowess that runs through the music are Lane Ardnt on lead guitar, Gord Light on bass, and Tom Salter on drums.
Dirty Mountain has recorded their debut album with producer Adam Sutherland at Infiniti Studios in Victoria, BC. Their album, 01, was released on March 18th.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Elli Hart.
(Interview from April 2016)
The group is a roots-rock band with underlying blends of country and blues to support the sassy and often gritty messages portrayed in the lyrics. A musical temptress, charismatic songstress, and lyrical adulteress, Elli Hart is the relentless force behind Dirty Mountain.
Keeping Elli in line and providing the strong prowess that runs through the music are Lane Ardnt on lead guitar, Gord Light on bass, and Tom Salter on drums.
Dirty Mountain has recorded their debut album with producer Adam Sutherland at Infiniti Studios in Victoria, BC. Their album, 01, was released on March 18th.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Elli Hart.
(Interview from April 2016)
RESTLESS HEART: LIVING IN HARMONY
Restless Heart lead singer Larry Stewart can remember the exact moment and place his life began to change forever.
“I was driving east on I-40 from West Nashville into town to an appointment,” he recalls. “Back then, I was listening to what we were doing in my Jeep Cherokee every day. I had turned the radio on, and ‘Let The Heartache Ride’ was right in the middle of the acapella intro.”
Larry had been living with the song for a while, and hearing it through his car speakers wasn’t that big of a deal – until he looked at the stereo and saw the numbers 97.9. “It didn’t sink in because I had it in the tape deck for days, then I realized ‘That’s the radio. It’s WSIX.’ I pulled over on the shoulder around White Bridge Road and sat there with my car idling. It was like yesterday.”
‘Yesterday’ has come full circle for Restless Heart. Then one of Nashville’s newest acts, the band marks their 33rd anniversary in 2013, and RH member Dave Innis enjoys the musical ride as much as ever.
“I think it’s been an amazing legacy, and it’s been such an honor to have been part of an organization that is still together doing it after over thirty years with the same five original guys, and it’s more fun than ever.”
John Dittrich, Greg Jennings, Paul Gregg, Dave Innis, and Larry Stewart – the men who make up Restless Heart have enjoyed one of the most successful careers in Country Music history, placing over 25 singles on the charts – with six consecutive #1 hits, four of their albums have been certified Gold by the RIAA, and they have won a wide range of awards from many organizations – including the Academy of Country Music’s Top Vocal Group trophy.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Larry Stewart.
(Interview from March 2016)
(Interview from March 2016)
SHENANDOAH: ANOTHER SUNDAY IN THE SOUTH
When Country music lovers talk about the greatest groups in the genre, Shenandoah is always at the forefront of any discussion.
Fueled by Marty Raybon’s distinctive vocals and the band’s skilled musicianship, Shenandoah became well known for delivering such hits as “Two Dozen Roses”, “Church on Cumberland Road” and “Next to You, Next to Me” as well as such achingly beautiful classics as “I Want to be Loved Like That” and the Grammy winning “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” duet with Alison Krauss.
Today that legacy continues as original members Raybon and Mike McGuire reunite to launch a new chapter in Shenandoah’s storied career. It all began when the guys got back together to perform a benefit concert for a friend battling cancer. “We saw how folks reacted,” Raybon says of the response to their reunion. “And then Jerry Phillips, son of legendary Sun Records producer Sam Phillips, said ‘You guys need to make a run at this. People still love what you do. You can tell by the reaction. There’s a lot of excitement in the air.’”
“It’s kind of like riding a bicycle,” McGuire says of the band reigniting that chemistry on stage. “We had done so many shows over the years together, even though we spent 17 years apart, we got back up on the stage and it was like we never stopped. We knew those songs inside out. They were still dear to our hearts. It was great to get back up there and do them together again.”
I chat with Marty Raybon about the group's successful career, # 1 Hits, new song with Miranda Lambert and new music on the way!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Marty Raybon.
(Interview from March 2016)
Fueled by Marty Raybon’s distinctive vocals and the band’s skilled musicianship, Shenandoah became well known for delivering such hits as “Two Dozen Roses”, “Church on Cumberland Road” and “Next to You, Next to Me” as well as such achingly beautiful classics as “I Want to be Loved Like That” and the Grammy winning “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” duet with Alison Krauss.
Today that legacy continues as original members Raybon and Mike McGuire reunite to launch a new chapter in Shenandoah’s storied career. It all began when the guys got back together to perform a benefit concert for a friend battling cancer. “We saw how folks reacted,” Raybon says of the response to their reunion. “And then Jerry Phillips, son of legendary Sun Records producer Sam Phillips, said ‘You guys need to make a run at this. People still love what you do. You can tell by the reaction. There’s a lot of excitement in the air.’”
“It’s kind of like riding a bicycle,” McGuire says of the band reigniting that chemistry on stage. “We had done so many shows over the years together, even though we spent 17 years apart, we got back up on the stage and it was like we never stopped. We knew those songs inside out. They were still dear to our hearts. It was great to get back up there and do them together again.”
I chat with Marty Raybon about the group's successful career, # 1 Hits, new song with Miranda Lambert and new music on the way!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Marty Raybon.
(Interview from March 2016)
DEBORAH ALLEN: AN ANGEL'S VOICE
Deborah Allen is one of those rare artists who forged their own path to success and ended up building a world-class career in the process. An extraordinarily talented singer, songwriter, producer and performer, Deborah's unique abilities as an artist may be matched only by her enthusiasm and creativity as an individual. It is that formidable combination of spirit and talent that keeps the Grammy-nominated entertainer in demand.
With her 2011 album, Hear Me Now, Deborah Allen's music remains as smart, witty and sexy as ever.
“I was born singing,” Allen asserts. “I guess it would be hard to pinpoint exactly when my career in music became a full-on pursuit, but I'd say by the time I was eighteen I was sure that music was what I wanted, and I just forged ahead. There was no Plan B in sight.”
Fortunately, after moving to Nashville, Plan A worked out in grand fashion. Although most often associated with her signature smash, “Baby I Lied,” the true measure of Deborah's influence in contemporary music is underscored by the hit singer's diverse radio success. Songs like “I've Been Wrong Before,” “I Hurt For You,” “Rock Me,” “If You're Not Gonna Love Me,” “Wrong Side Of Love,” and “Break These Chains” are just a few of the singles that made their way up the Country, Pop or AC charts during her career.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Deborah.
(Interview from February 23, 2016)
With her 2011 album, Hear Me Now, Deborah Allen's music remains as smart, witty and sexy as ever.
“I was born singing,” Allen asserts. “I guess it would be hard to pinpoint exactly when my career in music became a full-on pursuit, but I'd say by the time I was eighteen I was sure that music was what I wanted, and I just forged ahead. There was no Plan B in sight.”
Fortunately, after moving to Nashville, Plan A worked out in grand fashion. Although most often associated with her signature smash, “Baby I Lied,” the true measure of Deborah's influence in contemporary music is underscored by the hit singer's diverse radio success. Songs like “I've Been Wrong Before,” “I Hurt For You,” “Rock Me,” “If You're Not Gonna Love Me,” “Wrong Side Of Love,” and “Break These Chains” are just a few of the singles that made their way up the Country, Pop or AC charts during her career.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Deborah.
(Interview from February 23, 2016)
JOHN COWAN: THE GIFT OF MUSIC
John Cowan has been singing his heart out for thirty-something years now, and his soaring vocals have only improved with time. A true innovator, John applies his powerful pipes to genres from country, bluegrass, and gospel to soul, jazz, and rock-and-roll – often within the space of a single concert. His ability to move fluidly through multiple styles, and carry mesmerized audiences on the journey with him, has set him apart as one of the most loved and admired vocal artists of his generation, not just by fans and critics but among fellow musicians as well.
“What we did back in the New Grass Revival days was unique,” he says. “Our vision was to take acoustic music somewhere new. What I’ve done with the John Cowan Band is try to recapture the magic of that ground-breaking experimentation and take it to the next level.”
Over the years, he also has been in high demand as a session musician and boasts vocal and/or bass credits on some 140 recordings, including albums by Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Rosanne Cash, Ashley Cleveland, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Hootie and the Blowfish, Janis Ian, Hal Ketchum, Alison Krauss, Delbert McClinton, Reba McEntire, Tim O’Brien, Mark O’Connor, Poco, John Prine, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker, Leon Russell, Darrell Scott, Ricky Skaggs, Travis Tritt, Hank Williams Jr., Jesse Winchester, Wynonna, Zac Brown, The Doobie Brothers and the Will the Circle Be Unbroken albums.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with John.
(Interview from February 18, 2016)
“What we did back in the New Grass Revival days was unique,” he says. “Our vision was to take acoustic music somewhere new. What I’ve done with the John Cowan Band is try to recapture the magic of that ground-breaking experimentation and take it to the next level.”
Over the years, he also has been in high demand as a session musician and boasts vocal and/or bass credits on some 140 recordings, including albums by Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Rosanne Cash, Ashley Cleveland, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Hootie and the Blowfish, Janis Ian, Hal Ketchum, Alison Krauss, Delbert McClinton, Reba McEntire, Tim O’Brien, Mark O’Connor, Poco, John Prine, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker, Leon Russell, Darrell Scott, Ricky Skaggs, Travis Tritt, Hank Williams Jr., Jesse Winchester, Wynonna, Zac Brown, The Doobie Brothers and the Will the Circle Be Unbroken albums.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with John.
(Interview from February 18, 2016)
JOHN BERRY: WHAT HE LOVES THE MOST
Country artist John Berry was signed to Capitol Records in 1992. He went on to send a long list of songs up the charts including "Your Love Amazes Me," "She's Taken A Shine," "Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye," and "You And Only You."
John and his family have moved back to Music City, and he is pursuing a touring schedule that is more active than ever. He's fortunate in that he can book a solo show with just himself and guitar, a small-band acoustic show or a full-band engagement.
The good news for his fans is that he's releasing a new collection of ten songs soon. “With time, I’ve learned that the road to fulfillment is doing what I was called to do, love to do, and then doing it the best I can, regardless of the circumstances. And for me, that is making music and singing for people."
John is here to talk about his music career, the stories behind his hits, wedding proposals at his shows, playing the Opry, his brand new album due in 2016 & much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with John.
(Interview from February 2, 2016)
DIAMOND RIO: THE SECRET OF MAKING IT
The band that plays together stays together. Known as one of the first country bands to play on every one of their studio projects, Diamond Rio made country music history when their first single Meet In The Middle landed them in the No. 1 spot. Now, 25 years later Diamond Rio is releasing I Made It, their tenth studio album. The title track was co-written by the band’s lead guitarist Jimmy Olander and features 11 new songs. Produced by Olander and Michael D Clute, I Made It is a follow-up to their 2014 first-ever live album release: Diamond Rio Live.
“As artists producing music as long as Diamond Rio has, fresh subject matter tends to get more and more difficult to come by,” says Jimmy Olander. “As a writer on the title track ‘I Made It,’ simply telling our story is freeing. This is a very specific story, the autobiographical melding of the migration stories my partners and I share about moving to Nashville. Collectively, we have achieved the amount of success that dreams are made of, but at the end of the day have learned having someone to share this amazing life with – ‘love’ and ‘be loved by’ is the real measure of success. It’s true, ‘I Made It.’”
“We were fortunate to not be rushed with this project,” shares Gene Johnson. “Over the past few years we’ve taken the time to work on several projects that were on our bucket list; a Christmas album and our first-ever Christian and live albums.”
Diamond Rio's other hits songs include: Love A Little Stronger, In A Week Or Two, Norma Jean Riley, One More Day, Unbelievable, Walkin' Away and Beautiful Mess.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jimmy.
(Originally aired: October 2015)
GORD BAMFORD: MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Award-winning Country music artist GORD BAMFORD debuted “Don’t Let Her Be Gone” - the first single from his upcoming 2016 album - on the 2015 CCMA Awards Show on September 13th.
“It’s not very often a song like this comes along, I’m just happy I’m the guy who got to record it.This could be one of the biggest songs of my career,” explains Gord.
The video for the song - now playing on CMT - was directed by award-winning director Stephano Barberis.
Gord headed into the 2015 CCMA Awards season with six nominations, five among artist award categories: Fans’ Choice, Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year and Video of the Year, and one industry award nod for Producer of the Year.
And the results were...
After taking home the prestigious “Songwriter(s) of the Year Award” (Gord Bamford/Buddy Owens/Phil O’Donnell) for the song “Where A Farm Used To Be” at the CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards on Saturday night, Gord added to his trophy collection with wins for “Male Artist of the Year” and “Single of the Year” (Where A Farm Used To Be) at the 2015 CCMA Music Awards Show.
Born in Australia and raised in Alberta, Gord has been named the Male Artist of the Year by the CCMA three years in a row.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Gord.
(Originally aired: September 2015)
PATRICIA CONROY: THE HITS KEEP COMING
Patricia Conroy is one of Canada's greatest singer-songwriters. You know her songs - Bad Day For Trains, Blank Pages, Mary On The Dashboard - to name just a few. She's had 8 number one singles at radio and 5 number one videos on CMT.
When she's not singing her own hits, she's writing them for other artists.
Patricia has had great success as a writer with the songs:
Steel Magnolia "Just By Being You (Halo And Wings)", One More Girl
"The Day I Fall", Jimmy Rankin "Here In My Heart", Small Town Pistols
"I Only Smoke When I Drink", Bobby Wills "Undressed" - and many more.
Tune in to hear great stories - and great music - from this Canadian talent!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Patricia.
(Originally aired: October 2015)
When she's not singing her own hits, she's writing them for other artists.
Patricia has had great success as a writer with the songs:
Steel Magnolia "Just By Being You (Halo And Wings)", One More Girl
"The Day I Fall", Jimmy Rankin "Here In My Heart", Small Town Pistols
"I Only Smoke When I Drink", Bobby Wills "Undressed" - and many more.
Tune in to hear great stories - and great music - from this Canadian talent!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Patricia.
(Originally aired: October 2015)
RAQUEL COLE: CCMA DISCOVERY AWARD WINNER
RAQUEL COLE is a seasoned singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has written with some of the finest songwriters in the world, been featured on Sirius XM’s The Highway and ended the year with an arena tour opening for Grammy award-winning legends Diamond Rio.
Raquel has been perfecting her sound for more than half her young life. These days she splits her time between Nashville and British Columbia. She was born and raised in the Okanagan Valley located in the beautiful province of B.C. Growing up, Raquel was attracted to wide-raging influences that included John Mayer’s bluesy sounds, Bryan Adam’s genius lyrics, and Shania Twain’s pop-country tunes.
“At a really young age my dad introduced me to The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, The Guess Who and Randy Bachman. He’s a drummer and he wanted someone to play music with him. When I was nine he bought me my first guitar and it grew from there.” This led Raquel to her love of songs and songwriting. An accomplished guitar player, she added the mandolin to her arsenal as well.
Raquel released her first single “It’s For Real This Time” which earned her a spot on Sirius XM’s The Highway. "Writing songs has always been an outlet for me. This is a very vulnerable song,” she admits. “It’s what was going on in my love life at the time and thankfully writing songs is way cheaper than therapy."
In September 2015, she won the CCMA (Country Music Association of Canada) Discovery Award.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Raquel.
(Originally aired: September 2015)
SAMMY KERSHAW: GRILLIN' AND CHILLIN'
Sammy Kershaw's brand new album I Won't Back Down (Cleopatra Records) - released June 9, 2015 - features the cover songs Take A Letter Maria and the Tom Petty title track. The first single is calledGrillin' and Chillin'. The album also features the love song Groove written by Sudbury, Ontario's Gil Grand and Texan Adam Fears.
Country fans know and love Sammy's chart-topping Country hits over the years including "Cadillac Style", "Don't Go Near The Water", "She Don't Know She's Beautiful", "Queen Of My Double Wide Trailer" - and the list goes on.
In 2014, Kershaw - a Louisiana native - released "Do You Know Me? A Tribute To George Jones." The two were close friends and recorded the country hit Never Bit A Bullet Like This in 1994.
"George Jones was the greatest country soul singer that ever lived, and he was my hero and my friend. I’ve known George since I was 14 years old, we were friends for over 40 years. I loved the guy, and still do. I miss him every day, and it was just an honor and a privilege (to record this tribute album)."
Sammy's song Louisiana Hot Sauce was used on the TV show True Blood in 2009 and quickly gave him a new audience who went online at the time to find the song.
“Sammy Kershaw is one of those voices that you know the moment you hear it. We at Cleopatra are excited to work with an artist of Sammy’s caliber,” says Cleopatra Records President Tim Yasui.
Tune in to hear Sammy chat with me about his new album, George Jones, Cadillac Style, touring Canada, the song he wish he had recorded and much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Sammy.
(Originally aired live: June 2015)
Country fans know and love Sammy's chart-topping Country hits over the years including "Cadillac Style", "Don't Go Near The Water", "She Don't Know She's Beautiful", "Queen Of My Double Wide Trailer" - and the list goes on.
In 2014, Kershaw - a Louisiana native - released "Do You Know Me? A Tribute To George Jones." The two were close friends and recorded the country hit Never Bit A Bullet Like This in 1994.
"George Jones was the greatest country soul singer that ever lived, and he was my hero and my friend. I’ve known George since I was 14 years old, we were friends for over 40 years. I loved the guy, and still do. I miss him every day, and it was just an honor and a privilege (to record this tribute album)."
Sammy's song Louisiana Hot Sauce was used on the TV show True Blood in 2009 and quickly gave him a new audience who went online at the time to find the song.
“Sammy Kershaw is one of those voices that you know the moment you hear it. We at Cleopatra are excited to work with an artist of Sammy’s caliber,” says Cleopatra Records President Tim Yasui.
Tune in to hear Sammy chat with me about his new album, George Jones, Cadillac Style, touring Canada, the song he wish he had recorded and much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Sammy.
(Originally aired live: June 2015)
AARON PRITCHETT: BODY OF WORK
Acclaimed for bringing rock energy to country audiences, Aaron Pritchett continues to hold the title of one of the most sought after artists in the business. His passion and intensity for his art overflows on stage and spills into his unwavering dedication to his fans.
Growing up in small-town Northern BC, Aaron drew his earliest musical influences from 80’s Rock, but the transition to country music came naturally: “It was based on being able to relate to the stories that country songs told. Those stories were a lot like mine. I was going fishing, camping, and riding buses to hockey tournaments in even smaller towns than my own, life was a lot more country than rock and roll. That feeling resonated with me and I strive to convey that in my music today.”
Aaron has climbed the country radio & CMT charts with past hits like “Big Wheel”, “Hold My Beer” and “Let’s Get Rowdy” to his latest successes “Boat On The Water”, “Hold You Like My Whiskey” and “Wake You With A Kiss”. Aaron has just released his first Greatest Hits album called Body Of Work available now at iTunes.
Tune in to hear Aaron discuss his Body Of Work and share some of his biggest hits.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Aaron.
(Originally aired live: May 2015)
Growing up in small-town Northern BC, Aaron drew his earliest musical influences from 80’s Rock, but the transition to country music came naturally: “It was based on being able to relate to the stories that country songs told. Those stories were a lot like mine. I was going fishing, camping, and riding buses to hockey tournaments in even smaller towns than my own, life was a lot more country than rock and roll. That feeling resonated with me and I strive to convey that in my music today.”
Aaron has climbed the country radio & CMT charts with past hits like “Big Wheel”, “Hold My Beer” and “Let’s Get Rowdy” to his latest successes “Boat On The Water”, “Hold You Like My Whiskey” and “Wake You With A Kiss”. Aaron has just released his first Greatest Hits album called Body Of Work available now at iTunes.
Tune in to hear Aaron discuss his Body Of Work and share some of his biggest hits.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Aaron.
(Originally aired live: May 2015)
JAMES HOUSE: SONGWRITERS SERENADE
Click on the photo above to visit James House's website.
Songwriter and Recording Artist JAMES HOUSE co-wrote Grammy Nominated Country Song of the Year “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” (recorded by Dwight Yoakam) and CMA Nominated Song of the Year “A Broken Wing” (recorded by Martina McBride) along with another smash hit "In A Week Or Two” (recorded by
Diamond Rio).
Other artists to record his songs include Tina Turner, Olivia Newton-John, Rod Stewart, The Mavericks
and Sara Evans - to name just several.
His latest album is entitled Songwriters Serenade. It features 10 songs co-written with James by some of the most successful songwriters in country music. One of the most talked about tracks has James singing the duet "Over Getting Over You" with newcomer Natalie Noone (daughter of famed founder/member of the Herman's Hermits, Peter Noone).
Click on the player below to hear my interview with James.
(Originally aired live: April 2015)
TWIN KENNEDY: IT'S A SISTER THING
Their musical bond is as strong as their small town roots.
Twin Kennedy, comprised of West Coast sisters Carli and Julie Kennedy, have been making music together since they could talk. Born and raised in the small town of Powell River, British Columbia, the sister duo grew up perfecting their sibling harmonies and dynamic live performances, while making their name known throughout their small community as a family band.
Having released two EPs - and receiving seven BCCMA Award nominations since 2012 - as Carli & Julie Kennedy, these sisters released their first album as Twin Kennedy in April 2015. Produced by multiple CCMA and JUNO award winning artist George Canyon and renowned producer Graham Sharkey, the album It's A Love Thing is a beautifully honest account of the ebb and flow of the navigation throughlove and life.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Twin Kennedy.
(Originally aired live: April 2015)
Twin Kennedy, comprised of West Coast sisters Carli and Julie Kennedy, have been making music together since they could talk. Born and raised in the small town of Powell River, British Columbia, the sister duo grew up perfecting their sibling harmonies and dynamic live performances, while making their name known throughout their small community as a family band.
Having released two EPs - and receiving seven BCCMA Award nominations since 2012 - as Carli & Julie Kennedy, these sisters released their first album as Twin Kennedy in April 2015. Produced by multiple CCMA and JUNO award winning artist George Canyon and renowned producer Graham Sharkey, the album It's A Love Thing is a beautifully honest account of the ebb and flow of the navigation throughlove and life.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Twin Kennedy.
(Originally aired live: April 2015)
PAUL BRANDT: NOTHING IS EVERYTHING
lberta's PAUL BRANDT - the most awarded male Canadian Country Music artist in history - climbed the charts once again last summer with his song Forever Summer. It's another title to add to his long list of hits which include My Heart Has A History, I Do, That's The Truth, Small Towns & Big Dreams and Didn't Even See The Dust.
A former pediatric registered nurse, Paul had a passion for words and poetry early in life, and began to write music at the age of 13. He also had the goal of one day becoming a doctor. While reaching for his medical dreams during his college years, Paul started entering and winning talent competitions, one of which was the Youth Talent Showdown at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. He credits these contests as events that altered the course of his life.
Paul returns to In The Country to discuss his latest single called "Nothing" & much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Paul.
(Originally aired: April 2015)
A former pediatric registered nurse, Paul had a passion for words and poetry early in life, and began to write music at the age of 13. He also had the goal of one day becoming a doctor. While reaching for his medical dreams during his college years, Paul started entering and winning talent competitions, one of which was the Youth Talent Showdown at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. He credits these contests as events that altered the course of his life.
Paul returns to In The Country to discuss his latest single called "Nothing" & much more!
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Paul.
(Originally aired: April 2015)
DUANE STEELE: NEW ALBUM CALLED DIRT & DREAM
In 1984, Duane's professional career began, fronting the band Rock 'N' Horse. Their album Highways was released in 1991. Despite top 20 singles, non stop touring, and a Juno nomination for Country Band of the Year Rock 'N' Horse disbanded in 1993. Duane took this opportunity to pursue his goals as a recording artist and songwriter, landing a publishing contract with Warner Chapel in Nashville.
In 1995, a showcase at Canadian Country Music Week in Calgary resulted in his signing a recording contract with Mercury Canada. Duane's solo debut album "PO Box 423" was released in February 1996 and saw his first three singles go Top 5 on the Canadian Country Charts, including the #1 Hit "Anita Got Married". His sophomore release "This Is The Life" was released a year and a half later and all six singles released achieved Top 30 chart position (two becoming Top 10 hits). In support of both albums, Duane released seven music videos on CMT (three of which went to #1).
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Duane.
(Originally aired: March 2015)
In 1995, a showcase at Canadian Country Music Week in Calgary resulted in his signing a recording contract with Mercury Canada. Duane's solo debut album "PO Box 423" was released in February 1996 and saw his first three singles go Top 5 on the Canadian Country Charts, including the #1 Hit "Anita Got Married". His sophomore release "This Is The Life" was released a year and a half later and all six singles released achieved Top 30 chart position (two becoming Top 10 hits). In support of both albums, Duane released seven music videos on CMT (three of which went to #1).
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Duane.
(Originally aired: March 2015)
Michelle wright: it's a laughing matter
It's time for another visit from Country artist MICHELLE WRIGHT!
She has just released a new single to radio called "Laugh A Little."
Michelle was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2011. Her long list of hits includes “Take It Like A Man”, “He Would Be Sixteen”, “One Good Man” & “Nobody’s Girl”.
Fans raved about Michelle’s Songs From The Halls Tour 2012. This full band presentation featured many of her award-winning hits, plus a diverse collection of songs from members of various Halls of Fame, whose music – country, pop, soul and rock – has inspired Michelle throughout her career.
Her 2013 album entitled Strong – featuring the title track anthem – found Michelle co-writing on 10 of the 11 tracks. Originally from Ontario, she moved to Nashville in 1991 and has made it her home ever since. Michelle is excited to share new music with all of us this year.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Michelle.
(Originally aired: March 2015)
She has just released a new single to radio called "Laugh A Little."
Michelle was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2011. Her long list of hits includes “Take It Like A Man”, “He Would Be Sixteen”, “One Good Man” & “Nobody’s Girl”.
Fans raved about Michelle’s Songs From The Halls Tour 2012. This full band presentation featured many of her award-winning hits, plus a diverse collection of songs from members of various Halls of Fame, whose music – country, pop, soul and rock – has inspired Michelle throughout her career.
Her 2013 album entitled Strong – featuring the title track anthem – found Michelle co-writing on 10 of the 11 tracks. Originally from Ontario, she moved to Nashville in 1991 and has made it her home ever since. Michelle is excited to share new music with all of us this year.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Michelle.
(Originally aired: March 2015)
JOHN CONLEE: CLASSIC COUNTRY
Country legend JOHN CONLEE's success began in the late 1970s. His first release “Back Side Of Thirty” didn't climb the charts too high. Three more singles also met with a minimum success, although they all charted. But in March of 1978, the label released “Rose Colored Glasses,” a song John co-wrote, which became a huge hit as well as becoming his signature song. In January of 1979, the label re-released “Back Side of Thirty” which went on to become a No. 1 record, and the hits continued. The Conlee hit list includes songs like “Lady Lay Down,” “Friday Night Blues,” “Miss Emily’s Picture,” “Busted,” and “I Don’t Remember Loving You.”
He's been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1981 and was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame in 2006.
John has just released an album called Classics 2 - available at iTunes - featuring many of his big hits. His latest single is called "Walkin' Behind The Star."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with John.
(Originally aired: May 2015)
He's been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1981 and was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame in 2006.
John has just released an album called Classics 2 - available at iTunes - featuring many of his big hits. His latest single is called "Walkin' Behind The Star."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with John.
(Originally aired: May 2015)
Jim Ed brown: In Style Again
Click on Jim Ed's picture to visit his website.
Whether as a solo artist or in a duet with with Helen Cornelius, JIM ED BROWN never fails to make magic with a song. But, any discussion about the career of Jim Ed would have to begin with the years he spent singing with his sisters Maxine and Bonnie as The Browns. Recording together for well over a decade, the trio put together a catalouge that included “Lookin’ Back To See,” “I Heard The Bluebirds Sing,” and their iconic 1959 crossover record “The Three Bells.”
Looking back on that family blend of harmony that brought him to the dance, Jim Ed says singing with his siblings was just something that always was a part of life, growing up in Sparkman, Arkansas.
“We started singing when we were young kids. I lost my little brother when I was nine years old, and I remember he and I sang together. We would listen to Daddy’s old battery operated radio. If it was a clear night, we might be able to pick up the Grand Ole Opry,” he recalls.
Jim Ed's easy going nature and movie-star good looks led to a long career on television – with stints on The Country Place TV show in the early 1970s, Nashville On The Road, and You Can Be A Star – which helped launch many of Music City’s greatest, including Linda Davis & Trisha Yearwood. Then, in 1976, fate – and Chet Atkins stepped in again. “Chet found this song, and gave it to Bob Ferguson – who was my producer at the time. It was a great song - ‘I Don’t Want To Have To Marry You.’ I wanted to do it solo, but he wanted me to do it as a duet. He said he wanted me to cut it with Helen Cornelius."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jim Ed Brown.
(Originally aired: February 2015)
Looking back on that family blend of harmony that brought him to the dance, Jim Ed says singing with his siblings was just something that always was a part of life, growing up in Sparkman, Arkansas.
“We started singing when we were young kids. I lost my little brother when I was nine years old, and I remember he and I sang together. We would listen to Daddy’s old battery operated radio. If it was a clear night, we might be able to pick up the Grand Ole Opry,” he recalls.
Jim Ed's easy going nature and movie-star good looks led to a long career on television – with stints on The Country Place TV show in the early 1970s, Nashville On The Road, and You Can Be A Star – which helped launch many of Music City’s greatest, including Linda Davis & Trisha Yearwood. Then, in 1976, fate – and Chet Atkins stepped in again. “Chet found this song, and gave it to Bob Ferguson – who was my producer at the time. It was a great song - ‘I Don’t Want To Have To Marry You.’ I wanted to do it solo, but he wanted me to do it as a duet. He said he wanted me to cut it with Helen Cornelius."
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Jim Ed Brown.
(Originally aired: February 2015)
THE WESTERN SWING AUTHORITY: NOW PLAYING
The Western Swing Authority is a unique collaboration of seasoned professionals whose bios include multiple Canadian Country Music Awards (band members hold at least six CCMA awards and over 20 nominations among them), Juno nominations, and resumes that span from working with Gordon Lightfoot, to Ian Tyson, to George Canyon. They have been spreading the gospel of Western Swing around the world, being named the 2014 CMAO Roots Artist of the Year as well as picking up nominations for CCMA Group of the Year and Roots Artist Of The Year.
The WSA recently completed their new album called NOW PLAYING - produced by Jason Barry at Barrytone Studios. The project's release date is set for February 3rd, 2015.
The Western Swing Authority is: Shane Guse, Stacey Lee Guse, Ed Ringwald aka Pee Wee Charles, Paul Chapman, Dan Howlett, Matthew Lima and Jim Boudreau. They were signed to eOne Music Canada in 2014. Visit www.thewesternswingauthority.com for more information.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Shane Guse & Stacey Lee.
(Aired live: January 2015)
The WSA recently completed their new album called NOW PLAYING - produced by Jason Barry at Barrytone Studios. The project's release date is set for February 3rd, 2015.
The Western Swing Authority is: Shane Guse, Stacey Lee Guse, Ed Ringwald aka Pee Wee Charles, Paul Chapman, Dan Howlett, Matthew Lima and Jim Boudreau. They were signed to eOne Music Canada in 2014. Visit www.thewesternswingauthority.com for more information.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Shane Guse & Stacey Lee.
(Aired live: January 2015)
MEREDITH SHAW: BETTER ALL THE TIME
At 14 I booked myself into a studio and recorded a demo and it was sent to a producer in Nashville. He liked it and I flew back and forth to Nashville a few times. So Nashville was the very first place I ever made music in a studio,” explains Toronto's Meredith Shaw. “And I know I have come back to this place very naturally. Every moment of putting these new songs together has felt right. I just feel very at ease and at home.”
Her passion for country music was rekindled over the past few years through writing trips back down to Nashville, working with The Stellas and Carolyn Dawn Johnson - among others. Meredith's debut country single is called Better Than This - a song she co-wrote.
“For much of the past couple of years most of the people I was writing with, talking with, and dealing with on a regular basis were in country music. I know I am in the right place.”
Songwriter/producer Jeff Johnson has been brought in to produce the music that will eventually become Meredith’s debut country music album. His track record with breakthrough acts like Wes Mack, and his writing credits with Dallas Smith, Madeline Merlo and Small Town Pistols impressed her.
Meredith is the host of the top-rated weekend radio show in Toronto on boom 97.3, a model with a number of successful national campaigns to her name, a business owner of a gift and custom greeting card company, and a philanthropist who started the Girls Who Believe Festival to help girls and young women reach their fullest potential through affirmation and mentorship.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Meredith.
(Aired live: December 2014)
Her passion for country music was rekindled over the past few years through writing trips back down to Nashville, working with The Stellas and Carolyn Dawn Johnson - among others. Meredith's debut country single is called Better Than This - a song she co-wrote.
“For much of the past couple of years most of the people I was writing with, talking with, and dealing with on a regular basis were in country music. I know I am in the right place.”
Songwriter/producer Jeff Johnson has been brought in to produce the music that will eventually become Meredith’s debut country music album. His track record with breakthrough acts like Wes Mack, and his writing credits with Dallas Smith, Madeline Merlo and Small Town Pistols impressed her.
Meredith is the host of the top-rated weekend radio show in Toronto on boom 97.3, a model with a number of successful national campaigns to her name, a business owner of a gift and custom greeting card company, and a philanthropist who started the Girls Who Believe Festival to help girls and young women reach their fullest potential through affirmation and mentorship.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Meredith.
(Aired live: December 2014)
THE STELLAS: MUSIC IS THE FAMILY BUSINESS
When The Stellas took their first trip to Nashville in 2008, they were still a relatively unknown husband-and-wife duo from the Toronto suburbs, armed with little more than two voices, one acoustic guitar, and a catalog of smart, catchy songs.
These days, The Stellas are songwriters who have written 90% of the material on their own albums, as well as songs for other artists. They’re parents of Lennon and Maisy, who star as Maddie & Daphne on ABC's "Nashville."
For Brad and MaryLynne Stella, the turning point occurred during a short trip to Nashville. While there, they talked their way into playing an impromptu show at the Commodore Grill, which led to a second show the following night. A publisher was in the audience that evening, and he liked what he heard. The Stellas were offered a deal on the spot. A year later, they were on the hit CMT show "Can You Duet?", moved to Nashville and signed a record deal with EMI Canada. They took home the CCMA trophy for "Duo of the Year" in 2013.
Back in America, one of The Stellas' biggest fans, Zac Brown, asked the duo to join his band for a series of sold-out shows. Brad and MaryLynne have also toured with Johnny Reid & Terri Clark.
"Back when we first started our career," Brad remembers, "we came across a lot of musicians who had a 'woe is me' story. They used to live in their car, or they had to wait tables for years before signing a record deal. We had that story, too, but we didn't view it as a negative thing, we thought of it more like camping! We wouldn't trade it for anything.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with The Stellas.
(Aired live: November 2014)
These days, The Stellas are songwriters who have written 90% of the material on their own albums, as well as songs for other artists. They’re parents of Lennon and Maisy, who star as Maddie & Daphne on ABC's "Nashville."
For Brad and MaryLynne Stella, the turning point occurred during a short trip to Nashville. While there, they talked their way into playing an impromptu show at the Commodore Grill, which led to a second show the following night. A publisher was in the audience that evening, and he liked what he heard. The Stellas were offered a deal on the spot. A year later, they were on the hit CMT show "Can You Duet?", moved to Nashville and signed a record deal with EMI Canada. They took home the CCMA trophy for "Duo of the Year" in 2013.
Back in America, one of The Stellas' biggest fans, Zac Brown, asked the duo to join his band for a series of sold-out shows. Brad and MaryLynne have also toured with Johnny Reid & Terri Clark.
"Back when we first started our career," Brad remembers, "we came across a lot of musicians who had a 'woe is me' story. They used to live in their car, or they had to wait tables for years before signing a record deal. We had that story, too, but we didn't view it as a negative thing, we thought of it more like camping! We wouldn't trade it for anything.”
Click on the player below to hear my interview with The Stellas.
(Aired live: November 2014)
VICTORIA BANKS: SOUNDS OF INDIGO
Victoria Banks has had cuts by Sara Evans including “Can’t Stop Loving You” (a duet with Isaac Slade of The Fray), and the ASCAP and SOCAN- award-winning “Saints & Angels.” She penned Jessica Simpson’s Billboard record-breaking country debut “Come On Over,” X Factor winner Tate Stevens' “Ordinary Angels,” One More Girl’s breakout hit “When It Ain’t Raining,” Doc Walker’s chart-topping “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” and Johnny Reid’s smash “Dance With Me,” for which Victoria was named 2010 CCMA Songwriter of the Year.
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Victoria.
(Aired live: October 2014)
Click on the player below to hear my interview with Victoria.
(Aired live: October 2014)
NEAL MCCOY: A TRIBUTE TO CHARLEY PRIDE