In The News (August 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.

Rosewood Ave’s Brand New Single, “Whatcha Gonna Do” Out Now!

Rooted deep in the true north of Ontario, country duo ROSEWOOD AVE take small town dreams to the next level. In 2021, this husband and wife country duo introduced themselves to the Country scene with a bang after having recorded with none other than Grammy nominated and multiple CMA award winning Nashville producer Garth Fundis (Trisha Yearwood, Sugarland, Keith Whitley). With the support of Willow Sound Records, the duo released their two debut singles “Fool for Love” and “Broke” written by Nashville hit writers such as Doug Johnson and Shane McAnally. Rosewood Ave has promised a string of new singles coming up and are kicking things off with a great summer jam, Whatcha Gonna Do. The husband and wife duo continue to impress and turn heads as they set sights on taking their music to the next level. Be sure to follow along for the latest releases and performances.

For more information, visit www.rosewoodavemusic.com

(Source: Member Submission)

Robyn Ottolini’s Music Video for “Match For My Memory” Added to CMT’s Rotation, Garnering National Acclaim After Its Premiere on People.com

Platinum-selling Canadian singer-songwriter ROBYN OTTOLINI has once again captured the hearts of country music enthusiasts as her latest music video for “Match For My Memory” has been officially added to CMT’s rotation. The exciting news comes as Ottolini’s career continues to soar, receiving widespread recognition for her poignant storytelling and exceptional musical talent.

“Match For My Memory,” an emotionally-charged ballad, showcases Ottolini’s signature heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals, resonating with fans and critics alike. The captivating music video, directed by Connor Scheffler and shot in the middle of a burning field, brings the song’s narrative to life, transporting viewers into a world of raw emotions using incredible, real-life special effects. 

Ottolini explains the use of fire in the video to People.com, explaining, “I’m starting in a pond full of fire. And it’s kind of symbolic. As the memory grows, it gets bigger and bigger until you try to put it out and you try to get in the water, but it simply just won’t go away. It all starts with one small flame and then all of a sudden, you can’t escape a memory.”

Since its debut, “Match For My Memory” has received overwhelming support from the country music community. With significant playlisting on Spotify (New Boots, All About Country, New Music Friday Country) and Apple Music (Today’s Country), this fiery single has accumulated over 2.5M streams to date.  The song’s addition to CMT’s rotation marks a significant milestone for Ottolini, elevating her presence on the national stage.

Robyn Ottolini has been making waves in the country music scene this summer opening up for her musical hero Shania Twain on her “Queen of Me” tour as well as sharing big festival stages with acts like Tim McGraw, Elle King, and Walker Hayes. Her ability to connect with audiences through relatable and genuine storytelling has cemented her as a rising star in the genre with over 100 million global streams and a fanbase of over 500k followers.  

“I am beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to have ‘Match For My Memory’ featured on CMT,” said Ottolini. “The support from my fans and the country music community has been incredible, and I am truly humbled by this incredible journey.”

Robyn Ottolini’s “Match For My Memory” music video can be viewed on CMT’s 24-hour channel as well as HERE. The song is available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms. Visit HERE for more information.

(Source: Press Release)

River Town Saints Release Music Video for Uplifting Summer Anthem “She Got That”

Canadian country band RIVER TOWN SAINTS have released the music video for their latest single “She Got That” (WATCH HERE). The vibrant summer jam captures the spirit of the season while celebrating the individuality of every woman. The video’s energetic party atmosphere perfectly complements the song’s essence and will have you dancing all night long.

The inspiration for “She Got That” came when a group of summer-loving Ottawa Valley boys got together with their friend Jason Blaine in Nashville. The outcome is a heartfelt celebration of everyone’s unique and captivating qualities – and what comes across in the video is how everyone has “got that” special quality that makes them stand out.

“She Got That” dropped in June and has already racked up 200,000 streams. The song marks their first release under their new recording deal with Sakamoto Music. The band has been performing “She Got That” during their busy summer of concerts – including to a packed house at an industry showcase in July in Toronto. A full list of upcoming shows can be found below.

River Town Saints have much to celebrate in recent years, boasting an impressive 20 million audio streams and video views, a top 10 hit with their single “Bonfire,” CCMA Award nominations, CMAOntario and Canadian Radio Music Award wins, tours with Tim Hicks and Kip Moore and spots on the country’s biggest festivals.  Renowned for their energetic live show, rich vocal harmonies and unwavering devotion to good times, the Saints have merely scratched the surface of their potential.

Summer tour dates:

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 18            Russell Fair, Russell, ON

August 20           Vankleek Hill Fair, Vankleek Hill, ON

(Source: Member Submission)

The Canadian Country Music Association® To Induct Brian Edwards and Jason McCoy Into The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame®

The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) recently announced BRIAN EDWARDS (Stan Klees Builder) and JASON MCCOY (Artist) as the 2023 Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame® inductees. Both Edwards and McCoy will be honoured and celebrated in an exclusive induction ceremony during 2023 Country Music Week, taking place in Hamilton, ON, September 14–16.

“It’s truly a privilege to be able to celebrate the incredible achievements and careers of those in the Canadian Country music community, and the addition of Brian and Jason to the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame is no exception,” says Amy Jeninga, CCMA President. “The opportunity to highlight their accomplishments during this year’s Country Music Week celebrations is sure to be a special and memorable moment, and one that I’m very much looking forward to.”

With a career spanning over 40 years, Brian Edwards started his journey in the music industry in his teens when he became, at that time, the youngest talent agent in North America to be licensed by the Federation of Musicians Union. Together his father Rae, a local square dance caller, and “Sunshine” Sean Eyre, a country music DJ in Peterborough, taught Edwards the ins and outs of the industry, and he started his company, former CCMA Booking Agency of the Year  Rockland Entertainment Inc., just after high school. Edwards has gone on to represent some of the most notable names in Canadian Country Music, including an over 25 year relationship with Stompin’ Tom Connors and over four decades with Tommy Hunter, plus Red Green, The Leahy Family, Rita MacNeil, Charley Pride and more. His lessons in the business continued under the mentorship of CCMA Hall of Fame inductees Ron Sparling and Paul Mascioli, and to date, Edwards has promoted over 5000 shows across Canada, the United States, and Australia. He continues to pay it forward by offering yearly scholarships at both Peterborough’s Kenner High School and the Wolfville Nova Scotia High School, in memory of Wilf Carter.

“I’m overjoyed and endlessly grateful for the opportunity to be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame,” shares Edwards.  “The music business has been my life; I started in this industry before leaving high school and have been working in it ever since.  Being recognized amongst so many of the Legends of Canadian Country Music that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the course of my career really brings it all home. Thank you CCMA, this means the world to me.”

A 25 year veteran of the entertainment industry and two time CCMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Jason McCoy grew up in the small town of Minesing Ontario, admiring the well-rounded artistry of classic entertainers Roger Miller, Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell. At the age of 19 McCoy set out to follow his own path to stardom, racking up multiple CCMA and CMA awards along with a Canadian Gold-certified album and CMA Global Artist Award (Nashville CMA). As creator and front man of the best-selling band in Canadian Country Music history, The Road Hammers, he took on the Country Rock genre and guided the band to unprecedented success throughout Canada and the United States, earning a Canadian Platinum-certified album, three CCMA Group of the Year award (2 years consecutively), and a JUNO Award. McCoy transferred his engaging stage presence into numerous hosting opportunities, from stepping in front of the camera as host of Smashtown (CMT Canada/USA), CMT’s Pet Heroes (2010/2011), and Jason McCoy Eats America to his work with CMT on two hit seasons of The Road Hammers television series. In addition to a full touring schedule, McCoy is an award-winning morning host with Pure Country 106 in Orillia, ON, and host of the Nationally Syndicated weekly show Nothin’ But The 90’s.  Continuing to write and record music, McCoy prizes the time he spends with his wife and two children at their home farm, just two miles from the small town of Minesing where it all began.

“I’ve always been proud to be part of the Canadian country music community,” says McCoy. “It means a lot to me to be able to receive this amazing recognition from my peers and the music industry who have always been so supportive of my creative endeavours. I’m truly humbled by this honour.”

The CCMA has been honouring Canadian Artists and Builders who have made long-term contributions to the growth and development of Canadian country music since 1984. Inductees into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (Hall of Fame) are selected annually by their Canadian peers in the industry. The Hall of Fame is managed by the CCMA Board of Directors’ appointed Hall of Fame Management Committee (Management Committee). The Stan Klees Builder Award, was established in recognition of RPM Magazine co-founder, Mr. Stan Klees, and his pioneering efforts in creating the CCMA Awards Program.

(Source: Press Release)