November 2017 – Country Music Association of Ontario

November 20, 2017

2018 CMAOntario Awards Show Announces Jason Mccoy Returning As Host & Public Onsale Date!

The Country Music Association of Ontario is excited for the return to London, Ontario as the host city for the 2018 CMAOntario Awards show. Set to take place Sunday June 3, 2018, at Centennial Hall, Jason McCoy of The Road Hammers resumes his role as host. Ever-engaging and entertaining, Jason McCoy, a two-time CCMA Male Vocalist of the Year, has become a popular host on many fronts. From voicing the nationally syndicated Country Radio show, Sounds Canadian, (2007-2010), to stepping in front of the camera as host of Smashtown (CMT Canada/USA), two seasons of CMT’s Pet Heroes (2010/2011), and Jason McCoy Eats America. As creator and front man of the best-selling band in Canadian country music history, The Road Hammers, Jason took on the Country […]

November 17, 2017

A Message from the President (November 2017)

Short message this month folks, but I do want to remind everyone of some important deadlines. “KICK IT WITH KISSEL” CONTEST If you have not already uploaded your video to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #KickItWithKissel you will be missing a chance to open for Brett on his northern Ontario dates in February. Check out our October newsletter as well as our website for contest rules and available markets and dates. The deadline to upload your video is November 30th. CMAOntario ROADSHOW GOES TO PETERBOROUGH On Saturday, November 25th, the CMAOntario Roadshow will be pulling into Fleming College to host a daylong program of educational seminars. For aspiring music professionals, artists and songwriters, it is a unique opportunity to network with peers and access […]

November 17, 2017

Artist of the Month: Johnson Crook

Since their first appearance at Boots & Hearts in 2015 in the Emerging Artist Showcase, Toronto-based Johnson Crook have been showing country music fans in Ontario and beyond what they have to share. Noel Johnson, Jared Craig, and Nathan and Trevor Crook have worked hard on stage and in studio to refine their rootsy country sound, and in 2017, have already released their debut EP and debut full length album. Along with the music, the band filmed and released videos for “Shadows”, “Canada To Heartbreak”, and their lead single, “Minnedosa”. In an effort to earn even more fans, and to share more music, Johnson Crook have also created their Crooked Attic Series on YouTube, sharing covers of songs including Maren Morris’ “My Church”, Sam Cooke’s […]

November 17, 2017

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Donna Moon

Born: June 5, 1951 – Madoc, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Donna Moon was born in the Central Ontario town of Madoc, and launched her singing career as a young teenager with performances at the Lakehead Barndance staged in nearby Peterborough. Donna became affectionately dubbed “The Moon Of Madoc”, and after moving to Toronto in the early 1970’s to pursue her career at the professional level, she soon attracted the attention of Jack Hosier who signed Donna to his Marathon Records label. In 1973, Donna Moon released her debut album with the title track single, “Bittersweet”, quickly attracting radio airplay and the single reaching #2 on the RPM Hit Charts. A follow-up single, “Baby And Me”, also charted, peaking at #29. Donna’s second album on Marathon, a self-titled collection, […]

November 17, 2017

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Brad James

Tell us about some of the artists that have influenced you and inspired you to pursue a music career. First and foremost is Keith Urban. I’ve always admired so many aspects of him as an artist. Guitar playing, songwriting, performance. Big Dierks Bentley fan as well. I’ve seen him in concert a couple of times. Also, I think Randy Houser is an under appreciated artist. Great songs, great player, and his live vocals are epic! What is the most rewarding part of music for you? What is the most challenging? Having immediate interaction with the audience. Playing my own material and having people enjoy it. So many aspects. Most challenging would be the songwriting. It can be VERY rewarding, but also quite frustrating. You can […]

November 17, 2017

Patrice’s Pick: Alessia Cohle

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Alessia Cohle! Alessia talks about her new single, “Wanderlust”, and the story behind the song. She also talks about the inspiration for the music video, and how it all came together. Alessia talks about her passion for travel, and how the song’s country-pop vibe brings about an exciting new sound for the Ontario-based artist. For more information about Alessia Cohle, or to check out the new single, click here: https://www.alessiacohle.com/ For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Alessia Cohle below: About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country music is a lifestyle. As the appropriately deemed, “Country Music Junkie,” she strives to share her passion for country […]

November 17, 2017

In The News (November)

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. APPLY NOW: MusicOntario heads to Folk Alliance International 2018 in Kansas City, MO MusicOntario and Folk Music Ontario will be hosting private showcases during the Folk Alliance International 2018 conference. If you are an Ontario resident, an Ontario-based artist, a member of Folk Music Ontario, or are represented by an Ontario […]

November 13, 2017

CMAOntario RoadShow Hits Peterborough

CMAONTARIO ROADSHOW: LEARNING EXCHANGE IN PETERBOROUGH Saturday, November 25, 2017 Kawartha Trade & Technology Centre at Fleming College Room 1129 – 599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough, ON On Saturday, November 25th, the CMAOntario RoadShow will be pulling into Fleming College, to host a daylong program of educational seminars. For aspiring music professionals, artists and songwriters, it is a unique opportunity to network with peers and access industry experts with the potential to impact your career. SEND US YOUR DEMO A perennial favourite, the DEMORAMA LISTENING SESSION, provides you with the captive audience you’ve always wanted. Send a demo and get direct feedback from industry professionals – both from a craft and business point of view. Find out what these experts have to say about song structure, lyric writing and generally […]