April 2017 – Country Music Association of Ontario

April 13, 2017

A Message from the President (April 2017)

Since its inception in 2008, it is with utmost pride that I’ve watched the Country Music Association of Ontario grow into a meaningful organization that matters to our artists and all its members. The efforts put forth by the past and present Board of Directors has been amazing. So many initiatives have been brought forward and undertaken, but one that seems to be overlooked and should be mentioned is the Regional Associations’ meetings that are held three or four times a year. It all began in 2009, when past President Barry Haugen and I called a meeting of associations in Vancouver during Canadian Country Music Week. It was an informal affair, attended by three provincial association representatives. Our intention was to bring us together for […]

April 13, 2017

Artist of the Month: Lindsay Broughton

Brooklin’s Lindsay Broughton has been on Ontario country music fans’ radar since her 2013 CMAO Awards win as Rising Star of the Year… and if she hasn’t been on yours, it’s time to change that now. In the time since that win, the small town girl has been writing, recording, and releasing new country music for fans, and playing it on stages all over the province and beyond. Her energy at those live shows, regardless of the time or place, has consistently showed off her personality and authenticity, helping her connect to her fans. And it’s what brings those fans back to see her again and again, creating that base that every artist needs. In 2014, Lindsay released her debut album, Take Me There, which […]

April 13, 2017

CMAOntario R2I Spring Tune Up Conference

The fourth edition of the CMAOntario R2I Spring Tune Up Conference will feature a two-day program of learning, networking and showcasing on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, 2017, at the Delta London Armouries by Marriott in London, Ontario. Programming will cover artist development, navigating Nashville, songwriting, digital marketing, promotion, funding and more. Attendees will hear first-hand the stories that inspired some of today’s top hits during the perennial favourite Songwriters In The Round session. Registrants will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with industry personnel during the Mentor’s Breakfast on Saturday and the networking lunch on Sunday. Confirmed speakers include: Bruce Good (The Good Brothers); Brian Allen (Amplus Productions); Cathie Faint (Catherine Faint Entertainment); Kathryn Hummel (Royalty Records); Stefanie Purificati (United Talent Agency [UTA]); Ashley Sperling (MusiCounts); Samantha Pickard (Strut Entertainment); Allan Mamaril (M88 Management); Mike Denney (MDM […]

April 13, 2017

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Thomas Wade

Burford, Ontario’s Thomas Wade found his love for music at a young age and performed with his family’s band, The Silver Wings. The records he grew up loving became his teachers, from Johnny Cash to Elvis to The Beatles. Years later, he was accepted into the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College. He found himself surrounded by people who shared the same passion for music that he had. After college, he joined a band called Wayward and they opened up shows for Canadian country legend Marie Bottrell. Thomas Wade and Wayward went on to win 7 CCMAS and earn 3 Juno nominations. Eventually, Thomas embarked on a solo career and found success at Canadian country radio and CMT with songs like “Running Away With […]

April 13, 2017

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Mike Graham (aka Michael Dee)

(Born: October 3, 1944 – Toronto, Ontario) (Died : August 18, 1993 – London, Ontario) (by Larry Delaney) Toronto-born Mike Graham was one of the more versatile and popular artists on the Canadian country music scene during the 1970’s through the early 1990’s. He was a recording artist, songwriter, TV series host, record label owner, radio station DJ… and a “showman” with a fabulous stage show that included a lively mix of his own songs, his versions of popular country hits, and a comedic side that featured dynamic impersonations of country’s top stars. Mike Graham also showed great versatility. He began his career out of Toronto as a pure country singer. Later, while working as a popular DJ on Montreal radio station CHOM, he pursued […]

April 13, 2017

Patrice’s Pick: Eric Ethridge

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Eric Ethridge. A Sarnia, ON native, Eric talks about his debut single, “Liquor’s Callin’ The Shots” – a fun and upbeat tune that is in response to a breakup. The 2016 CCMA Discovery Program winner talks about the program’s process, and how honoured he was to win this past September. Eric also talks about sharing the stage with country greats Eric Church, Thomas Rhett and Brett Kissel, in addition to a cool story from TJ Osbourne of Brothers Osbourne. For more information about Eric Ethridge, or to check out his new tune, visit his website here: http://www.ericethridge.com/. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit: www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Check out the exclusive interview […]

April 13, 2017

Save on Country-Inspired Accessories with New Country Spirit

Offer: 20% off for CMAO members New Country Spirit.com http://www.newcountryspirit.com/ New Country Spirit is honoured to collaborate with Canadian artisans to bring you exclusive accessories inspired by people, places, country music and nature’s elements. Our artists blend new processes with ‘days of old’ techniques — like hand forging iron, lampworking and hand tooling leather. The result, a down-to-earth, country-inspired collection of fashion accessories. Our line-up includes belts, buckles, boot accessories, necklaces, bracelets, leather goods and more. We can also custom design belt buckles for your band, company or special promotions. Email us at info@newcountryspirit.com We’re social – follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter To access the discount code, sign in to the Members Area of the CMAOntario website using your credentials and look for New Country Spirit. Then, […]

April 13, 2017

In The News (April)

This section of the newsletter is comprised of news stories, press releases and links to Internet articles that are sent in by our members who believe they will be of general interest to the membership. We include them as a courtesy to our members but do not verify or edit their content. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the CMAOntario nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAOntario. Lineup Announced For 2017 Music In The Fields In Lucknow The Lucknow and District Kinsmen have announced the line-up for the ninth annual Music in the Fields festival, August 24 to 26 in Lucknow. Headlining the Saturday stage will be international recording star Jake Owen. An ACM winner with six […]

April 12, 2017

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces the 2017 CMAOntario Award Nominees

The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is pleased to announce the nominees for the fifth annual CMAOntario Awards. Presented by Slaight Music, with support from the Ontario Media Development Corporation, the awards recognize the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 16 categories. Meghan Patrick leads the pack with seven nominations while James Barker Band, River Town Saints, Jessica Mitchell, Cold Creek County, Jason Blaine, Tim Hicks and The Abrams are among the multiple nominees being honoured at the ceremony on Sunday, June 11th at Centennial Hall in London, Ontario. See the full nominees listing for the 2017 CMAOntario Awards below. Voting for the awards is restricted to CMAOntario members, with the exception of the Fans’ Choice award, which is open to both public and membership voting. […]