In The News (February 2021)

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.

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Funding Opportunity for Artists – Submission Deadline February 11, 2021

The Radio Starmaker Fund was created in the fall of 2000 on the initiative of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters and approved by the CRTC. It is a private fund which has as its stated purpose to “make a substantial and discernable difference to the careers of Canadian artists” by providing substantial incremental investment where the artist has established a proven track record and his or her label is making a Significant Investment in their future career.

(For more info: Radio Starmaker Fund)

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CIMA, MusicOntario, & Arthaus present: The Art of Wellness Series – Finding Balance

MusicOntario is proud to partner with CIMA and Arthaus to present a four-part mental health wellness program. This webinar program is intended to offer teachings and practical tools to help you tune in, de-stress, and make changes that lead you to greater balance and improved health in all aspects of yourself. Preference is given to MusicOntario members, and non-members will be placed on a waitlist. Space is limited, so participation across all four sessions is highly encouraged so as to glean the most out of the program.

For more details on the program and to register, click here.

(Source: MusicOntario)

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Country Music Week Moves to November

The CCMA announced last week the decision to move Country Music Week 2021 and the 2021 CCMA Awards from early September to the end of November.  The new dates are Saturday, November 27, 2021 through to Tuesday, November 30, 2021. CCMA Fan Village, CCMA Songwriters’ Series, CCMA Legends Show, CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards as well as CCMA Seminar Series will all be a part of the Country Music Week 2021 schedule, culminating with the CCMA Awards presented by TD, on Tuesday, November 30th.

(Source: Press Release)

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Larry Mercey’s Autobiography Is Now Available

Larry Mercey’s autobiography Have Mercey: My First 60 Years Making Music is out now. The book is $25.00, plus shipping and handling. To purchase a copy, contact Larry directly via email:  larrymercey40@gmail.com

(Source: Member Submission)

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Genevieve Fisher Releases New Single “Playing Favourites”

Genevieve Fisher’s new single “Playing Favourites” is out now at radio and digital platforms. Written by Jason Massey, Hannah Ellis and Nicolle Gaylon, the song was recorded in Genevieve’s home studio with the help of Massey. Accompanying Genevieve on the track are Al Rowe, Mark Rynkun, Will Hebbes, Rich Dasilva and Dale Rivard.

(Source: Member Submission)

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Graham Scott Fleming Releases New Single “Déjà Vu”

Singer/songwriter Graham Scott Fleming returns to the country music scene with the release of his new single “Déjà Vu”. The song is featured on his forthcoming EP, produced by the boys of The Agenda, and influenced by duo Dan & Shay.

After winning first place in a competition called North of Nashville Star in 2011, Graham’s career as an independent artist was launched. He began writing his own original music which eventually led him to open for acts like Deric Ruttan, High Valley, and Jason Blaine. He has also had the opportunity to collaborate and co-write with such names as Jason McCoy, Jane Bach, Phil Barton and many others.

Graham released his first EP Young Wild & Free in 2016, at a time which could easily be described as a slightly ‘chaotic’ period in Graham’s life. Not only was he writing music and planning an EP release, he was starring as Charlie Price in Mirvish’s production of Kinky Boots – a smash hit in Toronto running for 2+ years.  Graham was nominated for a Dora Award for Best Male Actor in a musical for his memorable performance. After Kinky Boots closed in Toronto, Graham made a big move to NYC where he appeared on Broadway in Miss Saigon. Between NYC and Ontario, Graham also starred in and premiered the Canadian musicals Ghost and Jukebox Hero, plus snagged a role in a Hallmark movie called “Love You Like Christmas”, where he wrote original music for the film score.

(Source: Member Submission)

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Canadian Women Are Crushing It In Nashville

“I looooovvvve Canadians — yes I do!” gushes Mickey Guyton, whose anthem “Black Like Me” made her the first Black female to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance.

“I have an affinity for Canadians, man. I really, really do. We just get each other.”

She may be from Texas, but don’t be surprised if the country singer and songwriter ends up hanging a Maple Leaf flag outside her house: Canadians have been a big factor in her groundbreaking success.

There’s “Boys,” her current hit duet with Dean Brody on Canadian country radio, but more significantly, there’s “Bridges,” her breakout EP on which all six songs are written either entirely or in part by Canadians.

More importantly in a genre where “bro” country has been way too prominent for way too long: many of the writers joining Guyton are women — GTA expats Victoria Banks, Karen Kosowski and Emma-Lee, who co-wrote the title track and the other ballad that has been drawing a lot of attention lately, “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”

(Read Full Story: Toronto Star)

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New Moon Junction Releases Debut Single “Real Good Kind of Thing”

If you’re craving relief from the uncertainty of troubled times, New Moon Junction has just what you need. With their debut single, ‘”Real Good Kind of Thing” the Ontario-based country trio of Barb Doran, Tamara Maddalen, and Matt Rogers celebrate the moments that make life worth living and encourage their listeners to do the same. Recorded with multi-platinum selling producer Jeff Dalziel (Brett Kissel, Jim Cuddy, The Washboard Union) ‘”Real Good Kind of Thing” is a rarity – a seamless blend of new and old school country that will make you feel that much better with each successive listen. It i s currently available for pre-sale, and pre-save and will be available on all listening platforms Feb 12 and released to radio February 15th. You can find out more information at: www.newmoonjunction.com.

(Source: Member Submission)

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Brea Lawrenson Releases New Single “Amy”

One of Canada’s most exciting independent female artists, Brea Lawrenson, releases her latest single “Amy”, from her CD Demons.

Billboard charting, powerhouse vocal artist, Brea Lawrenson’s new radio release “Amy” is an upbeat, fun and catchy song about the female spirit and friendship. One listen and you will have a complete understanding of the full impact friendship can have. An energy filled production that will have you wanting to hear it again and again!

“Amy, the true definition of a friend”

Produced, mixed and mastered by Beaird Music Group.

(Source: Member Submission)

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Willow Sound Records Presents “From The Roots Up”

“From The Roots Up” is an online music business series presented by Willow Sound Records. Divided into three courses – The Business of Music (foundations of business and how they relate to the music industry); It’s All About The Song (all things songwriting and publishing); and Building Your Audience (marketing principles, radio, streaming). The program will equip you with the understanding you need to navigate today’s music industry and become a successful “musicpreneur” doing what you love.

The series starts February 15th and runs for 12 weeks. Flexible registration is offered with $25/class, $100/course or $250 for the full series (12 classes). Spots are limited. Register here: https://www.willow-sound.com/courses

(Source: Member Submission)