October 31, 2017

Kick It With Kissel Contest Returns

Want to open for Brett Kissel on his “We Were That Song” tour? Here’s your chance! Submit a video of you performing your favourite Brett Kissel song to win an opportunity to open for him on his We Were That Song tour. Simply record yourself, stating your name, location, and why you want to open for Brett, then rip into your rendition of your favourite Kissel tune. Upload your video to Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook by November 26, 2017 using the hashtag “#KickItWithKissel” and tagging CMAOntario. Winners will be announced on December 4, 2017. Contest open to current CMAOntario members for the Ontario dates on the tour.  Brought to you by the Country Music Association of Ontario, Invictus Entertainment, and BK himself. Contest Rules: 1) Winner will […]
October 20, 2017

A Message from the President (October 2017)

October is one of the transition months where we find ourselves being appreciative of all the things and people we have in our lives, and also, remembering those that have been part of our musical past. I would like to acknowledge a few of the people who have made their transition in 2017; we are grateful for their contributions to the Canadian music industry. Gord Downie, Tragically Hip’s lead singer and lyricist, passed away Tuesday evening; he was 53. Downie was the face and voice of a band whose discography sold more than 8 million copies. He was a rock poet who wrote Canadiana-laced lyrics and had an undeniable stage presence. He sang about Canada, but disavowed nationalism, spoke out in support of Indigenous people […]
October 20, 2017

Artist of the Month: The Redhill Valleys

The Redhill Valleys may not be a household name yet, but the Hamilton, Ontario-based trio are earning their reputation as talented entertainers with every song and show they play. Danielle Beaudin, Tim Allard, and Chelsea McWilliams create a tight sound, merging their instruments to create the music that forms a backdrop for their harmonies – harmonies that are the backbone of the band and, from song to song, make us want more. This summer, we were introduced to The Redhill Valleys as they competed in the Emerging Artist Showcase at Boots & Hearts. The band took to the main stage and performed for the crowds on Thursday and again in the finals, finishing second in the competition. In both performances, the band proved that they […]
October 20, 2017

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Orval Prophet

Born: August 31, 1922 – Edwards, Ontario Died: January 4, 1984 – Ottawa, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Orval Prophet was affectionately dubbed “The Canadian Plowboy”, reflecting his Ottawa Valley farm-life upbringing and his musical roots. Orval originally performed as part of the Ottawa Valley groups Fiddler’s Fling and Mac Beattie & His Melodiers. Following his early success with his Decca recordings, Orval “Rex” Prophet toured across Canada with both Wilf Carter and Johnny Cash. During his heyday, Orval Prophet’s live performances were typically filled with a touch of showmanship rarely seen with country music performers of the day… Orval would work a room using a 50-foot microphone cord, throwing one arm in the air, and shaking hands with patrons as he walked among his audience, […]
October 20, 2017

MusicOntario & Rogers Hometown Hockey Looking for 2017-2018 Tour Stop Performers

The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour is proud to announce that Season 4 will roll into 24 communities across Canada this season with a weekend of free outdoor hockey festivities for all ages. Each tour stop is full of activities, prizes, giveaways and great live music from local bands all culminating in an outdoor viewing party of an NHL game broadcast live every Sunday on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW. Ron MacLean and Tara Slone host live on site from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio. For more information on the tour stops, please follow Rogers Hometown Hockey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MusicOntario is pleased to assist in the search for local artists and bands to perform at each tour stop! Are you from one of the following […]
October 20, 2017

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Alessia Cohle

Tell us about your new single “Wanderlust”, which you co-wrote with your producer Doug Romanow and Jane Bach. It’s not a typical country song. There are influences of soul and R&B with country roots. It’s a song about a sense of freedom, travel and a desire to explore. I hope “Wanderlust” inspires listeners to do just that – explore! And I hope they dance and groove to the song while doing so! When we went to write this song, I expressed to my co-writers that I was looking for a song that grooves, that’s fun, and expresses my love of exploring. At the time, the screensaver on my phone was a quote that said “Wanderlust: the desire and longing to travel and roam about”, so […]
October 20, 2017

Patrice’s Pick: Ty Baynton

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Ty Baynton! Waterdown, ON, native Ty Baynton talks about his new single, “I’ll Never Know”, which dropped at the end of August. He talks about his experience writing the song with Jordan from Cold Creek County, along with the story behind the song. Ty has had the opportunity to open for Blake Shelton, Tim Hicks and Chad Brownlee, and he shares with us some of the advice these country greats have passed along. For more information about Ty Baynton, or to check out his new single, click here: https://www.tybaynton.com/. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Ty Baynton below: About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country […]
October 20, 2017

In The News (October)

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. SING OUT FOR CHEO! Fundraising Event On October 21, 2017, Danny Sylvestre, in partnership with Tim Tierney, Ottawa Councillor, Country 101 our exclusive radio partner and with the help of a fantastic team of devoted volunteers and local sponsors, will join River Town Saints, Danny Sylvestre, John Allaire and Sandi Skye […]