In The News
May 2025
In The News
May 2025
This section of the newsletter comprises news stories, press releases, and links to Internet articles submitted 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.
STRUT VIP – DISCOUNT OFFER FOR CMAONTARIO MEMBERS
STRUT VIP offers members access to a range of essential services, tools, and resources, designed for emerging artists—all for one affordable annual fee. Use credits to unlock the support you need to take your career to the next level. Plus, save money on your career with perks, benefits, discounts and the VIP team’s strategic advice. CMAOntario members get $200 off STRUT VIP—limited quantities available! Sign Up Now: www.strutvip.com/sign-up. Discount Code: cmao200vip. Want to learn more? Join one of STRUT VIP’s upcoming virtual info sessions by signing up here.
Source: Member Submission (EDITED)
INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians from anywhere in the world are invited to participate. ISC has always assembled a prestigious panel of judges, with the 2025 panel including Tom Waits, Jennifer Hudson, Paul Stanley, Kristian Bush, Steve Lillywhite, Nancy Wilson and many other household names.
TOP OF THE COUNTRY FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Parry Sound, Ontario’s Sully Burrows, was announced as one of the top three finalists of SiriusXM’s Top of the Country contest. The finalists will connect with top industry experts at CMA Fest in June in Nashville and take the stage at Lasso Montreal in August. The 2025 SiriusXM Top of the Country champion will be crowned in Kelowna, BC, during CCMA Country Music Week 2025 this September. The winner will be awarded a grand prize of $25,000, with the two runners-up taking home $10.000 each.
SATELLITE BIRDHOUSE RELEASES NEW SINGLE SIN CITY
AMBERLEA BRUCH SET TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE NOTHING ELSE
Woodstock, Ontario, artist Amberlea Bruch has been making waves in Nashville since 2023, releasing singles featured on SiriusXM’s Top of The Country. Last June, she made her CMA Fest debut with two full-band showcases. She is set to release a new single titled Nothing Less on June 6th.
Click for more information.
Source: Member Submission (EDITED)
JESSICA SEVIER SIGNS WITH PAQUIN ARTISTS AGENCY
“I’m so grateful and excited to be working with Julien and the entire Paquin team! I want to thank them for believing in me and what I have to say as an artist. I am excited to see where this journey takes us, and I cannot wait to share my music and story with new audiences,” said Jessica Sevier. The new partnership with PAA comes hot on the heels of her dynamic performance at Departure Festival and just ahead of the release of Jessica’s upbeat, yet raw and heartfelt new single “Good To Drive” set for release on July 4th via The Orchard on all streaming platforms.
For more information: www.jessicasevier.com. Source: Member Submission (EDITED)
NEW MUSIC FROM AMANDA & JAMES
Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right is packed with soulful harmonies, gritty emotion, and lyrics that cut deep. It’s about that space between heartbreak and healing — the human impulse to reach for connection, even if it’s fleeting.This song brought together a dream team of music legends, including Lisa McEwan, Matt Koebel, Ollie Romo and Adam Ayan.
Catch the new live performance video of this song on Sunday, May 25th at 3 pm on YOUTUBE.
Source: Member Submission (EDITED)