Mike Chianelli
June 6, 2023
In The Spotlight with Dave Woods: Runaway Angel
June 12, 2023In The News (June 2023)
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. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be sent to verle@cmaontario.ca. Please make sure the Subject Line reads “For inclusion in the CMAOntario Newsletter”. The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month.
Elyse Saunders Added to Hagersville Rocks Music Festival
The Hagersville Rocks Music Festival in partnership with the Country Music Association of Ontario is pleased to announce that multi nominated & award winning country artist ELYSE SAUNDERS has been added to this year’s “Country Night“ Line up on Friday July 14 at the Heaslip Ford Amphitheatre in Hagersville.
Elyse joins fellow Ontario artists already announced for the Friday – One Ugly Cowboy, Cory James Mitchell Band, and New Moon Junction – as well as Julian Taylor scheduled to perform on Saturday July 15.
(Source: Member Submission)
David Boyd Janes at Sound of Music Festival
CMAOntario is proud to present DAVID BOYD JANES at the Sound of Music Festival in Burlington this summer.
The Toronto native and rising country star will play the Access Storage stage on Saturday, June 17th.
Hear his latest single ‘Bleed Country’ HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from The Redhill Valleys: “Long Way Back”
“Long Way Back” is the fuzzed out label debut single for THE REDHILL VALLEYS. Signing with MDM Recordings, The Redhill Valleys are looking to fire on all cylinders and release a burning track to make a huge splash.
Listen/buy HERE.
Catch them performing live on the following dates:
JUNE 16 GRAVENHURST, ON Tall Pines Music Festival
JUNE 17 BURLINGTON, ON Sound of Music Festival
AUGUST 5 BOTHWELL, ON Boothill Jamboree
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Genevieve Fisher: “Best Thing About The Rain”
GENEVIEVE FISHER has had the good fortune to co-write with some of the brightest writers. “Best Thing About The Rain” was no different. This track shares writing credits between Genevieve, Aaron Goodvin and Jennifer Schott. Written during her last trip to Nashville in 2022, this song was an immediate “Must Release to Radio” consideration. As soon as she left the writing session, the wheels were put in motion to record the track for the purpose of sharing it across all platforms and radio. Her producer on the track was, once again, Nashville’s Jason Massey with mixing by Billy Decker. Genevieve recorded her vocals in her Ontario home studio with the rest of the production being completed by Jason in Nashville.
London born and raised, Genevieve Fisher, has earned 9 top 50 hits on Billboard’s Mediabase Canadian National Country Chart. Genevieve has earned recognition within the Canadian Country Music scene by earning 7 Female Artist of the Year nominations, including 2023, as we well as numerous nominations for Single of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the Country Music Association of Ontario Music Awards.
Listen HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)
Robyn Ottolini Releases “Katie’s Song” — A Heartfelt Tribute to Her Sister Celebrating Love and Acceptance
ROBYN OTTOLINI proudly sings about her sister and celebrates love with her new track, “Katie’s Song“. Written by Ottolini for her sister, Katie, the new song pridefully brings a refreshing perspective seldom explored in the country genre, serving as a heartfelt reminder to all listeners that “love is love.” Stream HERE.
“My sister Katie and I grew up singing songs like Steve Wariner’s ‘Katie Wants A Fast One’, and Trisha Yearwood’s ‘She’s In Love With The Boy’, and I always thought she was so lucky to have so many cool songs using her name,” explains Ottolini. “But as we grew older and Katie discovered more of who she was, I realized she really never had a song for her so, I decided to write one.”
Keeping in the traditional country sound, the lyrics in “Katie’s Song” break down barriers to create a healthy serving of love reminding the listener of our shared humanity and the multiple types of love that exist in our world.
“Sometimes girls and girls can fall in love,
And times can change if we grow up,
This song has never been sung it’s a new one,
Katie’s got a girlfriend, Katie’s got a girlfriend,
Love is love it is what it is
And they’re both happy as shit,
Yeah, Katie’s got a Girlfriend.”
The music video for “Katie’s Song” was premiered to fans on VEVO and is out now. Filmed in an open field close outside of Toronto, Canada where Ottolini and her sister grew up, the video gracefully projects the song’s message with a painting created in real-time by artist Anne Cairns. To watch, visit HERE.
Catch Robyn live this summer opening up for Shania Twain’s “Queen Of Me” tour.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
JUNE 12 HALIFAX, NS Scotiabank Centre (With Shania Twain)
JUNE 14 MONCTON, NB Avenir Centre (With Shania Twain)
JUNE 15 MONCTON, NB Avenir Centre (With Shania Twain)
JUNE 16 SAINT-AGAPIT, QC Festival Country
JUNE 17 QUEBEC, QC Centre Videotron (With Shania Twain)
JUNE 18 MONTREAL, QC Bell Centre (With Shania Twain)
JUNE 30 DAUPHIN, MB Dauphin Countryfest
JULY 15 SUDBURY, ON Grace Hartman Amphitheatre (With Lindsay Ell)
JULY 21 THUNDER BAY, ON Countryfest on the Bay
(Source: Press Release)
New Music from Paige Rutledge: “Gone Ain’t Really Gone”
PAIGE RUTLEDGE says, “‘Gone Ain’t Really Gone’ like many other country songs, was inspired by a truck; but not just any truck, an old truck that my grandfather used to own before he passed that’s still memorable to this day. It’s funny to think how objects can tell us so much about a person. Those stories and experiences don’t just disappear when that person leaves us. My dad was telling me a story over Christmas about this baby blue truck my grandfather used to drive; I took that story to my next writing session with Rich Cloke and Elias Edlund.”
“This is easily one of the most personal and vulnerable songs I have written and am releasing. It was important to my co-writers and I that we created a song that everyone would be able to find their person in. We intentionally kept the production full and bright as a reminder of all the good memories that a person holds on to when they are missing someone. We have all experienced loss in our life and my hope is that this song can be what people turn to when they are missing that person.”
About Paige Rutledge
Vibrant, energetic, and dynamic are all words that have been used to describe Paige Rutledge. Paige was introduced to country music at a very young age. It was through the loss of her grandfather in 2007, that Paige realized music connects people after singing at the funeral.
Paige introduced herself to the Canadian country music scene with her debut single, “Take Me Back to Tiki”, in October 2020. “Take Me Back to Tiki” resonated with her listeners and led into her second release, “Broken Record” in May 2021, gaining success with CBC Country on Sirius XM.
Paige’s release, “Drinking Alone” (August 2022), landed her the playlist cover for Breakthrough Country on Amazon Music and a spot on Spotify’s RADAR editorial playlist along with other editorial playlists on both Amazon Music and Spotify. Paige’s newest single, “Ain’t That Bad”, was released on Friday November 11th, 2022, and landed her a spot on Amazon Music’s Brand New Music playlist. The music video for “Ain’t That Bad” was released February 9th, 2023, and accumulated over 2K streams within the first few days of the release.
Paige values authenticity in country music and through her catchy lyrics and pop-country melodies, Paige has crafted a unique sound that will immediately have you singing along. With her captivating stage presence and over 200 live performances, Paige has curated a live show that has audiences engaged start to finish.
Paige has been recognized as one of Ontario’s most exciting upcoming Canadian country artists. Paige was recognized in the number two spot of “21 Artists to Watch in 2022” by Sound Check Entertainment. Paige made her Nashville debut at “Layla’s Honky Tonk” in February 2022, as well as headlined the Sound Check Entertainment Summer Jam Festival in July 2022. Paige also made her Western Canada debut in Calgary in September 2022 at the Canadian Country Music Awards in Nicole Rayy’s “All Women Music Showcase”.
Listen HERE
(Source: Press Release)
Runaway Angel is Back
And they’re back with a banger! “Beach Please” is the first of many new singles from RUNAWAY ANGEL, who have just returned to the scene after a 5 year break. The trio paused their music career for lead singer, Cadence Grace to focus on her health after a very scary leukemia diagnosis. Cadence is thankfully doing well and is ready to rock with her band besties Stacey and Ann.
“Beach Please” is a fun, sassy tune just in time to hit the beaches. As the girls say “if you left your last (*beep*) in the driveway… this song’s for you!”
Listen HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Emilie Robert: “Just Talk”
Rising Country artist EMILIE ROBERT released her newest single “Just Talk” on June 9th. “Just Talk” is a fierce song about standing up for yourself, telling people how you really feel and taking the next step in a relationship.
Says Emilie, “I hope this song will help people not be scared to make a move and push themselves to share how they feel.”
Just Talk was written by Emilie Roberts, David Madras and Jordan Honsinger. Look for more music from Emilie to be released this coming fall.
Listen HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from River Town Saints: “She Got That”
RIVER TOWN SAINTS return with their highly anticipated new single, “She Got That,” available as of June 9. The vibrant summer jam perfectly encapsulates the essence of the season and marks their first release under their new recording deal with Sakamoto Music, distributed by Warner Music Canada.
Good songs happen when a bunch of summer lovin’ Ottawa Valley boys get together in Nashville with their buddy Jason Blaine. The outcome, “She Got That,” pays homage to a captivating girl who possesses that special allure, driving men to acts of foolishness.
“We can’t wait for you to hear the new music we’ve been working hard on this year, and to be able to release it with our new label Sakamoto Music!” says River Town Saints.
Summer tour dates:
July 14 Norfolk Ram Rodeo, Norfolk, ON
July 15 Renfrew Music Festival, Renfrew, ON
August 4 Boot Hill Country Jamboree, Bothwell, ON
August 5 Big Valley Jamboree, Camrose, AB
August 6 TBA, Stevensville, ON
August 12 CMAOntario Beach Bash, Sharbot Lake, ON
August 16 Manitoulin Island Countryfest Boat Cruise, Manitoulin Island, ON
August 17 Manitoulin Island Countryfest, Manitoulin Island, ON
August 20 TBA, Vankleek Hill, ON
(Source: Member Submission)
Julianne Hobby Releases Debut Album, Country Lungs
JULIANNE HOBBY released her debut album, COUNTRY LUNGS, on June 1st, 2023.
With 10 original tracks, she speaks of angry towns, restless hearts, jealous men, easy love and country as king.Working with some of Nashville’s hottest upcoming producers, her music has come to life, and will be shared on all streaming platforms.
Hailing from London, Ontario, singer-songwriter Julianne Hobby has had a dream come true career, and has also overcome profound challenge. Country music was her haven in hard times and she emerged with a long list of songs, plans for an album, and big ventures in her heart.
This year she’s been a breakaway, releasing two vibrant singles, “Say It First” and “End of Day Sun”.Julianne is Bayshore Broadcasting’s “Fresh Pick”,landing “Say It First” on their country stations across Ontario in June!
Catch Julianne performing this summer at The Calgary Stampede!
Listen/buy the album HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Single from Dylan Burk: “Ashes”
Niagara-based country artist DYLAN BURK released his new single “Ashes” on May 26th via Jayward Artist Group and all streaming platforms.
“Ashes” is a fiery, catchy tune that showcases Dylan’s deep and textured vocals that bridge the gap between country and rock. New to the Canadian country scene, Dylan’s previously released singles have already caught the attention of country music fans, adding to his over 3.2 million career streams to date.
Originally from Knoxville, TN, Dylan moved to Milton, ON with his Canadian father, who had retired from playing professional hockey, and his American mother. Although he also had a love for hockey, music was always central in Dylan’s life. Eventually, he decided to pursue music professionally and began to write, record and release songs independently, which aided in gaining a following that allowed him to collaborate with the hit-making producer Patrick Jason Matthews (Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Billy Currington).
Dylan’s commanding presence and compelling sound have led him to open for talents like Jade Eagleson and share the stage with incredible artists such as Chase Rice, Cadillac Three and James Barker Band. He has also appeared at events and festivals around Ontario and was invited to participate in the Boots and Hearts Music Festival Chevy Music Emerging Artist showcase in 2019.
In December 2022, Dylan was officially added to the Jayward Artist Group roster and joined award-winning, platinum-selling country artist, writer and producer Tebey, and producer and writer Danick Dupelle at the writing table and in the studio to record his new single “Ashes”.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Johnson’s Creek: “Heavy Metal Cowboy”
“Heavy Metal Cowboy” is the latest single from independent Canadian Country group JOHNSON’S CREEK. In a song that features driving guitars, thumping bass and a solid drum beat, this high energy country-rockin’ tune will have you coming back for more!
The lyrics are a call to all the farmers – the grit, the work, the dirt and the calloused hands – a thank you. The song was written by the band; recorded and produced by Michael Lanteigne at his studio – Music Works. The track has been serviced to Canadian Country Radio (Lauren Tutty Promotions/RDR Music Group) and is available on all streaming services.
Johnson’s Creek is: Glenn Code (lead vocals/guitars), Michael Lanteigne (lead guitar/backing vocals), Mike Crombez (bass guitar/backing vocals) and Jake Adams (drums/backing vocals).
Listen HERE.
https://johnsonscreekband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnsonscreek
instagram.com/johnsonscreekband/
https://twitter.com/johnsons_creek
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Eddie Eastman & Jason R Martin: “Eastbound 401”
EDDIE EASTMAN & JASON R MARTIN have released a new version of the hit song “Eastbound 401” featuring and written by Juno Award Winner and Canadian Country Music Hall Of Famer, Eddie Eastman.
This version is available for streaming and downloading and is the first of many more originals and covers of Newfoundland, Country, Country Gospel and Bluegrass songs to come.
Listen HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)