In The News
April 2025
In The News
April 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.
GENEVIEVE FISHER JOINS LONDON SYMPHONIA
Genevieve Fisher joins the London Symphony for the ultimate Country Music Concert on Saturday, May 3rd!
London-born and raised, singer/songwriter Genevieve Fisher is well recognized within the Canadian Country Music scene, charting nine top 50 hits on Canadian Country radio and earning seven Female Artist of the Year and numerous Single and Songwriter of the Year nominations at the Country Music Association of Ontario Music Awards. Her Indigenous roots have allowed her to record three #1 hits on the Indigenous Music Countdown chart and perform on national televised broadcasts of Indigenous Day Live and the Indspire Awards.
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.
The finale will be broadcast live on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country Radio (Ch. 171) and feature performances from all three finalists.
Source: CCMA News (EDITED)
OLIVIA MAE GRAHAM
Fresh off her CMAOntario 2nd Ballot Nomination for Breakthrough Artist, Olivia Mae Graham (OMG) keeps the momentum going with the Backyard Party Mix release of her single, Boots!
The accompanying video is a snapshot in me—from her days of being a dreamer to the reality of
being an in-demand performer playing shows with Terri Clark and the James Barker Band. Follow
Olivia’s journey through her YouTube series, The Moments In Between (TMI).
Source: CCMA Member News (EDITED)
KEMPENFEST ANNOUNCES LINEUP
Kempenfest in Barrie, Ontario recently announced their Civic Long Weekend Festival lineup featuring a stacked country music day, Sunday, August 3rd. Supporting the West Coast headliners The Washboard Union, are Ontario’s own Sully Burrows, Brian John Harwood, Andy Colonico and Tim Ronan. Andy Colonico was selected for the featured CMA Ontario Artist performance opportunity.
Sully Burrows joined festival organizers in studio with Pure Country 106 morning show hosts Jason McCoy and Carey Moran to announce the festival and play his new single “Rally Around” live on the air. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 25th.
Source: Member Submission (EDITED)
JESSICA SEVIER CHECKS IN
Toronto-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Jessica Sevier, released her new single, “Motel”, on March 14th. Co-written by Jessica with Andrew Allen (multi-platinum singer-songwriter) and Ron Lopata (Jully Black, Mat Dusk), “Motel” has a mid-paced swagger and is about confronting insecurities and a toxic relationship.
In 2019, she released her debut single “Ghost of Tom,” and has since garnered over 1 million career streams. Jessica has grown her fanbase through live performances, sharing the stage with artists such as Jason McCoy and Tim and the Glory Boys, and showcasing during Canadian Music Week and Nashville’s Whisky Jam.
Source: CCMA Member News (EDITED)
THE REDHILL VALLEYS
The Redhill Valleys released their cover of The Wallflowers’ “One Headlight” digitally on March 7th and to country radio on March 21st. The track has gained over 20k streams. The Redhill Valleys are nominated for Group or Duo of the Year and Roots Artist or Group of the Year at the 2025 CMAOntario Awards. Check out their socials for more updates.
Source: CCMA Member News (EDITED)
STRUT ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES STRUT VIP
Strut Entertainment is proud to announce the launch of STRUT VIP, a groundbreaking membership program designed to support emerging artists. STRUT VIP is also a turnkey solution for boutique record labels and managers who foster emerging talent and need cost-efficient artist development assistance. The program provides members with access to essential services, resources, and music industry expertise—all for an affordable annual fee.