CMAOntario Brings Summer Sizzle Back to Sharbot Lake with BBQ Beach Bash
July 11, 2023
In The Spotlight with Dave Woods: Lemon Cash
July 14, 2023In The News (July 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.
Award Winning Country Artist Steven Lee Olsen to Make Grand Ole Opry Debut on July 23rd
(Source: Press Release)
New Music from Hayley Verrall: “I Guess That’s Love”
As of June 20th 2023, HAYLEY VERRALL‘s “I Guess That’s Love” has reached over 30,000 streams on all platforms as well as has been added to 90 International radio stations, 20 streaming playlists, and is a International Singer Songwriters Association Single of the Year finalist.
This year Hayley was nominated for Rising Star of the Year in the preliminary rounds of the CMAOntario Awards. Verrall has also been nominated for Rising Star and Vocalist of the Year for the Josie Music Awards.
Currently across all platforms Hayley has amassed over 5,000 followers on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, and has over 200,000 worldwide streams.
Her previous singles have garnered much success with two of them landing #1 slots on the Canadian Country Indie Countdown and her single “Dance Around It” hitting the Sirius XM airwaves.
Pulling from artists who give her inspiration, she gravitates towards the likes of Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and contemporary juggernaut Miranda Lambert.
Hayley also has created a program near to her heart called “Singing For Smiles”, Singing for Smiles is a project Hayley created in her third year of College. She wanted to use her story and love for classic country music to create a program for those in nursing/retirement homes to enjoy. Singing For Smiles is aimed for the elderly. We have a growing rate and will continue to have a growing rate. After a certain age most elderly are put in nursing homes, or stuck at home and don’t get out. They should be celebrating their life, not sitting alone and feeling depressed.
“I Guess That’s Love” was written by Hayley Verrall, Matthew Teed, and Shawn Moore, and was produced by Shawn Moore.
Stream/Purchase it here
(Source: Member Submission)
Canadian Country Rock Outfit “The Band Caves” Ready to Make Waves
Left: Jamie Ball (Guitar) | Right: Josh McCabe (Songwriter/Vocals)
THE BAND CAVES, an emerging Canadian country rock outfit led by singer-songwriter Josh McCabe, is set to captivate audiences with their powerful sound and poignant storytelling. With their distinctive blend of warm, rock-edged melodies and reflective lyrics, The Band Caves is poised to become a prominent figure in the country music landscape.
Fresh off their main-stage appearance at Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival alongside performers JJ Wilde and the Struts, The Band Caves presents their debut single “Before It’s Gone,” co-written with renowned songwriters Ken Hart and Tiffany Goss (known for their work with Brett Young, Runaway June, and Chris Janson.) A stirring, modern power ballad, “Before It’s Gone” (June 30, 2023) is accompanied by the exciting addition of guitarist Jamie Ball to the band’s lineup.
Drawing inspiration from revered artists such as Needtobreathe, Thomas Rhett, Brothers Osborne, and Brett Young, The Band Caves infuses their music with a fusion of country, rock, and folk elements. Their skillful craftsmanship shines through in each song, featuring polished yet authentic productions that showcase lush acoustics, assertive drums with an earthy quality, and McCabe’s powerful and emotive vocals soaring atop captivating melodies.
When asked about his creative process, McCabe shares, “Whenever I write a song, I want it to come from a deep place. From a place of conviction. I want to sing things that I truly feel in my heart. Hope, joy, perseverance. Making your life count for something, and enjoying the craziness of the journey.” This authenticity and heartfelt approach to songwriting are at the core of The Band Caves’ music.
After many years on the road with rock bands, McCabe has now found his home in Guelph, Ontario, where he embraces the role of family man while continuing to build The Band Caves. This dedication have not gone unnoticed, with The Band Caves amassing an impressive 5 million+ streams on Spotify and scoring a #1 hit on the Indie Canadian Country countdown.
The name “The Band Caves” itself holds deep meaning, paying homage to the gospel-based concept of finding oneself in a metaphorical cave – a place of isolation, despair, and hopelessness. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found.
Reflecting on his early musical influences, McCabe fondly recalls discovering pop rock as a teenager, citing Lifehouse, Matchbox 20, and Goo Goo Dolls as inspirations. These artists instilled in him a love for organic and natural sounds, as well as a profound appreciation for songs that tell a story.
The Band Caves’ music speaks to the soul and leaves a lasting impact, resonating with authenticity and purpose. Listeners are invited to join this heartfelt exploration of country rock music that takes them on a journey through life’s triumphs and tribulations.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Dustin Bird: “Canadian Made”
Canadian country artist and producer DUSTIN BIRD announces the release of patriotic anthem “Canadian Made.” The catchy summer track celebrates the unique characteristics that define the culture of the Great White North – we grow up with our toques on / ‘fore ya walk you crawl with snow boots on / learn to drive over black ice / better take it slow where the Moose run.
(Source: CCMA News – Edited)
New Music from Jessica Pearson and the East Wind: “Row”
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Tim Hicks: “Yee to the Haw”
JUNO award-nominated TIM HICKS is promoting the release of his rowdy anthem “Yee to the Haw” – now available for streaming. Featuring Hicks’ trademark party-ready style that put him on the map, “Yee to the Haw” will be a rockin’ addition to your cottage country drive playlist. You can catch Tim live at the Ontario dates of his national tour: July 21: Thunder Bay / August 10: Boots & Hearts / September 2: Paris.
(Source: CCMA News – Edited)
One Ugly Cowboy’s “I’m Owning My Crazy” Goes #1
The latest single from ONE UGLY COWBOY, “I’m Owning My Crazy”, recently hit #1 on the fan-voted Canadian Indie Country Countdown chart. It’s their sixth number one song, setting a CICC record!
Listen here: https://youtu.be/dJyhsSzlf_4
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Dayna Reid: “The Way You Lie”
DAYNA REID’s new single “The Way You Lie” is her first release of 2023 and includes a music video that shows a new side of Dayna. The fiery new release was written by Beverley Mahood, Mac Shepherd, and Bruce Wallace. See Dayna live at CMAOntario’s Sharbot Lake Beach Bash August 12th, or at various shows around Ontario.
(Source: CCMA News – Edited)
New Music from Bree Taylor: “Dauntless”
BREE TAYLOR’s latest album, Dauntless, inspired her autobiographical single, “Dauntless,” an authentic new direction for the Canadian singer-songwriter whose strength and resilience is embodied in the fierce country-rock song.
The female outlaw single was co-written with Styles Haury (Luke Bryan’s No. 1 “Country On”) and produced by Grady Saxman (Luke Combs, Tenille Arts) in Nashville, TN. Since the song’s release on March 24th, it has reached over 25,000 streams on Spotify and the music video (released May 5th) has reached over 115,000 views. The song has gained traction on TikTok with multiple videos reaching over 150,000 views and over 30,000 new followers.
“Dauntless is a song that reflects my journey as a woman who has faced societal pressures to conform to expectations and norms that don’t align with who I am. I’ve been told to be less than myself, to fit into a box that wasn’t made for me. But with this song, I want to inspire people everywhere, especially women, to be unapologetically and authentically themselves and to not accept anything less. Dauntless is about breaking free from those constraints and standing in your power, no matter what. I hope this song can encourage people to be bold, to be fierce, to be dauntless.”
Bree is set to release her popular cover song of The Chicks “Not Ready To Make Nice”, a fan favourite song at her live shows. The song was produced in Nashville, TN with Grady Saxman and was given a modern sound with an off the floor vocal performance and can be heard everywhere on all streaming platforms as of July 14th, 2023.
(Source: Member Submission)
Andrew Hyatt Releases His Latest Track “Still Somethin'”
ANDREW HYATT has released his latest track, “Still Somethin'”, following his Top 30 single, “Four Good Years”, at Canadian country radio.
“Still something is about the nostalgia of music and how it’s connected to those moments in life that make us who we are. It’s about those memories that we sit and talk about with our friends and families, the memories that bond us for life!”
Andrew Hyatt is a rising star in the country music scene, with an old-soul perspective and respect for tradition mixed with a youthful rebellion.
He was recognized as an “Artist to Watch” by Entertainment Tonight Canada, and his EP Four Good Years , produced by Scott Cooke, delivered quintessential songwriting drawn from relatable, real-life experience.
In just a few short years, Hyatt has been named the inaugural winner of the SiriusXM “Top of the Country” competition, amassed tens of millions of streams and video views, and earned high-profile slots on prominent festival stages and tours.
It’s no wonder he took home the “Rising Star” Award at the 2022 CCMA Awards.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Jessica Towler: Sunday Girl
JESSICA TOWLER is a singer-songwriter from Pickering, Ontario. After spending many years in front of the camera working as a teen actress, Towler found a love for music when she landed a solo in her school’s fall musical. In 2016 Towler won a nationwide talent contest held by the car company KIA CANADA. Winning herself a brand new KIA Forte and $10,000 to put towards her music career.
Towler has performed to large crowds of over 2,000 including the Season 11 finale of The Singing Contest (2017) and performing in Nathan Phillips Square (2019). Over the last few years Towler has been writing and releasing tons of original music, with her latest single “Like He Could Have” making it to Radio. In 2022 Towler completed a Music Certificate program at Berklee College based out of Boston, Massachusetts. This program was both exciting and helped Towler become a more well rounded musician.
Towler’s greatest influence is Taylor Swift. From a young age Towler was drawn to her vulnerability and songwriting. Towler draws lots of inspiration from Swift while writing her own music.
After the success of her last single, Towler is thrilled to release her newest single, “Sunday Girl”. Produced by Shawn Moore, this new single is different from anything you have heard from Towler in the past.
Listen here.
(Source: Member Submission)
Mark Your Calendars for the Live Laugh Love Festival
Get ready for three nights of live country music at the Live Laugh Love Music Festival, September 28th-30th at The Ranch 2.0 in Barrie, Ontario!
This one-of-a-kind event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all country music fans.
Featuring the best country music acts around including: The Jim Cuddy Band, Gord Bamford, Meghan Patrick, Nate Haller, Griffen Palmer, and more.
Single Day and VIP Weekend passes are available here.
(Source: Member Submission)
