In The News
February 2026
In The News
February 2026
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.
A No-Regrets Anthem Arrives February 20
“I Won’t Be Sorry,” originally written by David Lee Murphy, arrives as a rock-driven anthem about living life full-throttle — no apologies, no holding back. Tim was introduced to the song by Deric Ruttan and immediately connected as a natural fit. Built for the live stage, the track features extended solos that give the full band a chance to shine and is already shaping up to be a tour-closing favourite. “I Won’t Be Sorry” is out February 20.
The Road Hammers RevUp 2026 With “Till The Wheels Fall Off”
Award-winning Canadian country-rock trio The Road Hammers kicked off 2026 with their hard-hitting, rock-infused single “Till The Wheels Fall Off,” released January 9, 2026 via Skysong Records / The Orchard. The track marked a major moment for the band, featuring Canadian rock icons Ian Thornley (Big Wreck) on guitar and Tyler Connolly (Theory of a Deadman) on vocals. Built on roaring guitars and full-throttle energy, the single arrived just ahead of their Till The Wheels Fall Off Canadian tour with Doc Walker.
School House Returns with New Music
School House returns with “Live While I’m Alive,” a country-rock, folk-driven anthem built on warm guitar, honest storytelling, and an uplifting, sing-along chorus. Tackling the financial stress, self-doubt, and heartbreak of modern young adulthood, the song balances grit and optimism with a road-worn Americana feel. Released January 16, 2026, it’s the final single from their upcoming album Homeland (out February 27). The Ottawa-based band continues to rise following major tours, awards, and national recognition, positioning them as a compelling new voice in Canadian folk-country.
Tim Ronan: Gritty Stories, Growing Audience
Tim Ronan is a Southern Ontario country artist delivering honest, blue-collar storytelling with a modern Canadian country feel. Tim’s music is showing early traction and repeat listener behaviour, particularly with “Gettin’ Things Done,” which has surpassed 35K Spotify streams, supported by 4.6K monthly listeners, 1.2K Shazams, and placement across 40+ playlists. That kind of engagement suggests genuine listener discovery rather than passive background streaming.
His catalogue, including “Hold Me Tight,” “I Know A Place,” and “One Eye Green”, reflects consistency in sound and songwriting, giving programmers multiple entry points while reinforcing familiarity over time. Production is clean, lyric-forward, and radio-friendly, and it sits comfortably in emerging and secondary rotation.
Walking Away Never Sounded So Good: Amanda & James, Comeback
It's the tail end of the year of the snake. Many of us are shedding things that no longer work for us. In the spirit of letting go, we are counting down the days to the release of our new single Comeback - it’s all about walking away from something that doesn’t work for you anymore. I think we’ve all had people or things in our lives that needed to be left in the past. Break-up songs are usually sad, but this one is a banger. We’re celebrating moving on.
Comeback is a chapter-closing, door-locking, don’t-text-me-at-3am break-up anthem. Some things come back in style - vinyl, bell bottoms, boy bands, 90s trends, but that relationship that finally pushed you past your limit? So. Over.
MARCH SONGBIRD COVEN SONGWRITER ROUND IS HERE
Calling all Ottawa folk! The next Songbird Coven is happening March 8th, at 6PM. This songwriter round is curated and co-hosted by CMAOntario Members Sam Davs and Rox Anne.
This is an intimate night of original songs & stories featuring an all female lineup of 5 incredible artists: Julie Stella @sadjuliestella | Monique Messier @monique.messier | Peniel Yares @project.penielyares @peniel.negre | Rox Anne @itsroxannemusic | Sam Davs @samdavsmusic
Sunday, March 8th, 2026, 6PM | Broadway Bar & Grill Central (Ottawa, ON) | FREE ENTRY – reserve your spot now at bio.site/thesongbirdcoven