In The News
July 2026
In The News
July 2026
This section of the newsletter contains news stories, press releases, and links to Internet articles submitted by our members, which they believe 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 something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic, and the hotlink to include 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 JBB Releases New Single “After Dark”
"After Dark" is JBB's first new single of 2026, following their hit 2025 album One Of Us.The song is produced by Todd Clark (Noah Kahan, Phillip Phillips, Gavin Degraw, Lewis Capaldi), and is a step into a new sonic identity for the band, taking influence from Mumford & Sons, Noah Kahan, and the folk/indie country space. The band are starting summer strong with five #1s at CA Country Radio, recent CA & US headline tours, 2025 CCMA and 2x 2026 CMAO wins, and a busy lineup of summer festivals.
School House Celebrates New Album Following Major Year of Success
Fresh off winning Roots Artist or Group of the Year at the 2026 CMAOntario Awards, Ottawa country-folk-rock band School House continues its rapid rise with the release of its sophomore album, Homeland. The band recently completed its first headline tour across Eastern Canada and earned three nominations at the upcoming 2026 Capital Music Awards.
Blending harmony-driven songwriting with heartfelt storytelling, Homeland explores themes of belonging, growth, and self-discovery. Across eleven tracks, School House delivers a collection of Americana-inspired songs that reflect on life's uncertainties while embracing the idea that home is often found in the people, experiences, and moments that shape us along the way.
NEW MUSIC FROM ABBY STEWART
Written on Nashville's Music Row with hit songwriter Phil Barton, Abby Stewart's new release “Somewhere” encapsulates the dizzy feeling of liking someone so much that you’d go with them pretty much anywhere. Nostalgic lyrics, warm country-pop production, & windows-down summer vibes makes “Somewhere” the perfect song to put on when you’re thinking of that certain person just a little too much.
| Website / URL |
| https://abbystewartmusic.com/ |
Cam Brown Kicks Off Summer with New Single and Major Festival Appearances
Ontario country artist Cam Brown is turning up the heat this summer with the release of his new single, “Nothing Like When We Met.” The highly anticipated track arrives as Brown prepares for a busy season that includes a performance at the Route 905 Festival in Hamilton, where he will share the stage with country stars Chase Rice, Brett Kissel, Chayce Beckham, Jade Eagleson, Tyler Braden, and Madeline Merlo. Adding to the excitement, Brown has also been selected for the Nashville Takeover Tour, bringing his dynamic live show to audiences across Ontario and continuing his rise as one of the province’s emerging country artists.
Following the success of his debut single, “Pretty Lime Margarita,” which surpassed 200,000 Spotify streams, earned Canadian country radio airplay, and reached #1 on CICC, Brown continues to build momentum with new music and standout live performances.
The Songbird Coven songwriter series returns
Help support local songwriters & artists— Because great songs deserve to be heard.
The Songbird Coven Songwriter Series is having their 2nd Annual Summer Bash & Fundraiser, on July 26th, 2026 in Ottawa, ON at Broadway Bar & Grill Prince of Wales.
Join us to help raise funds to we can keep the Songbird Coven going & growing! Lineup: Emma Lamontagne, Almyr Jules, Chase Van Dusen, TANAEYA, Gabrielle Goulet, Rox Anne & Sam Davs.
Visit here for more information on how to support us and/or attend the FREE event.
Come for the music, stay for the magic!
Social Media Handles: @thesongbirdcoven @samdavsmusic
Buck Twenty Delivers High-Octane New Single “Work Truck”
Buck Twenty's latest single, "Work Truck," delivers a hard-hitting country-rock anthem that tells the story of a dependable truck and a relationship that both break down on the very same day. Fueled by driving guitars, powerful vocals, and a full-throttle live-band sound, the track puts a fresh spin on the classic country tale of heartbreak and hard luck. Available now on all streaming platforms.
Tim Ronan Keeps the Good Times Rolling with New Single “Wheel Me Out”
Canadian country artist Tim Ronan returns with his new single, “Wheel Me Out,” a high-energy anthem about a quick stop at a barn party that turns into a night nobody wants to end. Packed with blazing fiddle, fast guitar work, and a singalong chorus, the track captures the spirit of staying out just a little longer than planned.
Building on radio support across Canada, a spot on the CBC Country playlist, and more than 150,000 streams across digital platforms, Ronan continues to build momentum while performing across Ontario. Catch Tim live across Ontario this summer.
Upcoming Performances
June 12–14, 2026 – The Nashville Takeover, Burlington, ON
June 18, 2026 – Boston Pizza, Alliston, ON
July 1, 2026 – Canada Day Celebrations, Tottenham Conservation Area Fireworks, Tottenham, ON
July 10–12, 2026 – The Nashville Takeover, Orangeville, ON
July 16, 2026 – Boston Pizza, Alliston, ON
Noah Brigden Builds on Viral Success with New Single “Can’t Eat, Can’t Sleep”
Fresh off the breakout success of “P.O.S.,” grunge folk/alt-country artist Noah Brigden returns with “Can’t Eat, Can’t Sleep,” the latest release from his upcoming EP Mind Like Mine, arriving this July.
Following more than 5 million streams for “P.O.S.” in just six weeks and continued growth across streaming and social platforms, Brigden's momentum shows no signs of slowing. Produced by Justin Eckerd, the Nashville-based producer behind Ole 60's breakout sound, “Can’t Eat, Can’t Sleep” is an upbeat, summer-ready anthem that blends Brigden's raw songwriting with his signature mix of grunge folk, alt-country, and Red Dirt influences.
With more than 36 million career streams and a rapidly growing fanbase across North America, Australia, and the U.K., Brigden continues to establish himself as one of the genre's fastest-rising independent artists.