January 2017 – Country Music Association of Ontario

January 30, 2017

Submit to Showcase at the CMAO Ottawa RoadShow

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 10, 2017* The CMAO presents CMAO artist members with the opportunity to perform at Algonquin College’s Observatory as part of this annual regional event. Up to 4 acts will be selected by committee to showcase on Saturday, March 18th, as part of the CMAO RoadShow. Successful applicants will perform acoustically. To be eligible for consideration for this Showcase opportunity, you need to be a CMAO member in good standing and submit one link to a video of a live performance (please do not attach videos), one MP3, your social media links, a photo and a bio (maximum 50 words). Submit to info@cmaontario.ca and include “CMAO RoadShow Showcase” in the subject heading. Remember, the deadline for submissions is FEBRUARY 10, 2017*. *New deadline

January 30, 2017

CMAO RoadShow in Ottawa – Saturday, March 18th

As part of our popular Road to Independence (R2I) series, CMAO presents a daylong program of educational seminars for aspiring artists and songwriters. Hear expert panelists’ advice on how to develop an artist’s support team, imaging, marketing and branding tools to help you cut through the noise. You will also hear from experts in performance technique and songwriters who have written real hit songs. Watch your inbox – we’ll announce their names in the coming weeks. Registration for the CMAO RoadShow is $25.00 for CMAO members and $30.00 for non-members – THIS INCLUDES LUNCH! To register for the seminars, please email info@cmaontario.ca with CMAO R2I Ottawa in the subject heading.

January 28, 2017

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 […]

January 28, 2017

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 […]

January 28, 2017

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 […]

January 28, 2017

A Message from the President (January 2017)

The Country Music Association of Ontario would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. We hope that 2017 will be the best year of your life. From the beginning of December to the New Year it can only be described as the most joyous of all holidays. Family gatherings and the joy of giving is an important part of this wonderful season. We cherish time spent with friends and loved ones. It’s a time we feel the spirit of the holiday and the joy we feel seems magnified. It’s also a time to reflect on some of the moments from the past year. Unfortunately, this sometimes includes the passing of loved ones and friends. The passing of Gordie Tapp last month is an example […]

January 10, 2017

Artist of the Month: Ben Hudson

From an early age on the farm, Ben Hudson knew that music was going to be important in his life… and with a background in piano and guitar, Ben decided to take the leap and show the world that he had country music inside of him that needed to get out and be shared. 2016 was a big year for Hudson with the February release of his self-titled EP, shows on a heap of stages, a CMAO nomination for the Rising Star Award, and with the momentum that he built, it looks like 2017 will be another step in his country music career. In January of last year Ben was also tagged as CMT Canada’s Fresh Face Artist, giving him that shot of awareness and […]

January 9, 2017

A Message from the President (January 2017)

The Country Music Association of Ontario would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. We hope that 2017 will be the best year of your life. From the beginning of December to the New Year it can only be described as the most joyous of all holidays. Family gatherings and the joy of giving is an important part of this wonderful season. We cherish time spent with friends and loved ones. It’s a time we feel the spirit of the holiday and the joy we feel seems magnified. It’s also a time to reflect on some of the moments from the past year. Unfortunately, this sometimes includes the passing of loved ones and friends. The passing of Gordie Tapp last month is an example […]

January 9, 2017

Kick It With Kissel Contest Winners Announced

Congratulations to all of the acts selected to open for award winning country artist, Brett Kissel, on the Ontario leg of his upcoming tour. The winners were selected from close to 100 entries vying to perform with Kissel through the “Kick It With Kissel” contest supported by the CMAO. Participants were asked to record a video of themselves performing their favourite original, cover, or Kissel songs and to post it to social media using the “#KickItWithKissel” hashtag. The winners were chosen by a panel comprised of Country Music Association of Ontario board members, Invictus Entertainment, and Kissel himself. “The response to the contest was tremendous,” commented Kissel. “I wish I had room to add more talent.” The winners include: Kansas Stone January 12, 2017 Kiwanis […]