In The News
March 2025
In The News
March 2025
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.
RYAN LANGDON RELEASES “CRUSHIN’ CANS”
Produced by Andrew Martino and Brian Rivlin, “Crushing Cans” is a high-energy country anthem that captures the spirit of unwinding, letting loose and savouring life’s simple pleasures. It’s the ultimate remedy for shaking off the stress of a hard week and embracing a carefree vibe.
For more information, please visit ryanlangdonmusic.com.
Source: Member Submission (EDITED)
LISA MCEWAN SHARES “SONGS IN MY BEDROOM”
Lisa McEwen’s latest single, “Songs In My Bedroom,” continues to garner success as a fan favourite (written solely by McEwen), currently lighting up the 2025 charts, in rotation now on SiriusXM Radio.
Songs In My Bedroom embodies the powerful sentiment of being saved by a song. Full of raw emotion intertwined with polished musicianship, McEwen’s lyrics reflect on those fleeting yet significant instances when a melody becomes a lifeline.
Ontario-born and formerly signed as a staff writer for numerous years in Nashville, TN, Lisa has shared the stage with Michelle Wright, sang background vocals with Carolyn Dawn Johnson and written extensively, with much success, for others. A rare, multi-instrumentalist writer, Lisa is now making a name for herself as an artist with her latest single, “Songs In My Bedroom”.
Find tour dates, music and more information at https://lisamcewen.com/
Source: Member Submission (EDITED)
AMANDA JORDAN IS “STILL STANDING”
Amanda Jordan is celebrating her debut album, “Still Standing”, which dropped on March 14th.
“Still Standing” follows the album’s five successful singles and videos – “You Don’t Wanna Know”, which hit the Top 5 on SiriusXM Top of the Country, “Tonight I Am”, for which Amanda was selected as CMT’s Next Up Now Artist for July 2024, “Can’t Keep Her”, which was picked up by CMT Australia, “Anymore”, which was added to CMT, and the album’s lead-in single, “Someone Who Comes Back”.
The album mirrors the artist’s own emotional journey in the aftermath of a doomed relationship fractured by betrayal and devastated by heartbreak.
“Still Standing” Streaming Link.
Source: Member Submission (EDITED)
GENEVIEVE FISHER RELEASES NEW SINGLE
“I’m so excited to share my new single, Stopped Looking, with you! I co-wrote this song with my friends Shantaia and Mallory Johnson back in February of 2022. From the moment I started playing the intro, I knew it would turn out special. This song is deeply personal to me, as it’s inspired by my relationship with my husband. We met in a bar in 2011 and fell madly in love. Stopped Looking is about that moment when you realize you’ve found the right person. While the song is rooted in my own experience, I feel the song can resonate with everyone who has that same love and connection. It has wedding song vibes for sure! The feel is soulful and deeply inspired by artists like Chris Stapleton.
What also excited me about recording this track was the opportunity to challenge my vocals. I love pushing myself, and this allowed me to showcase a range that I don’t always get to explore. The cherry on top was having Shantaia sing the background vocals—her harmonies bring that choir-like vibe that takes the song to another level. I’m so proud of how it all came together, and I hope you connect with it the way I do. It’s one of my favourite songs and hopefully it will become one of yours. I can’t wait for you to hear it!” – Genevieve
Listen to the track. Source: Member Submission
TOP OF THE COUNTRY SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
SiriusXM Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA), announced the eight semi-finalists advancing in the 2025 Top of the Country competition. The top eight now head into the studio to record original tracks before the competition heats up. Canadian country fans will have a chance to vote for their favourite artists and help decide on the top three.
Once selected, the finalists will perform on some of Canada’s biggest stages. While the contest offers career-defining opportunities for several talented artists, only one will earn the coveted title of SiriusXM’s Top of the Country champion, along with the $25,000 grand prize.
Sully Burrows from Parry Sound will represent Ontario alongside artists Annika Catharina (BC), Allison Daniels (QC), Noeline Hofmann (AB), Braden Lam (NS), Brettyn Rose (AB), Jake Vaadeland (SK) and Mitch Zorn (BC).
Source: CCMA News (EDITED)
TIM HICKS PERFORMS AT FOUR CHORDS FIRE RELIEF
JULIAN TAYLOR SELECTED FOR ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
Allied Music Centre announces the launch of its first-ever Artist in Residence program. The inaugural group of participating artists who will host this esteemed position: Celeigh Cardinal, Sebastian Gaskin, and Julian Taylor. This year-long residency will take place across multiple spaces throughout Allied Music Centre and is its first ongoing residency program that offers comprehensive support, including mentorship, studio time, live performance opportunities, creative collaborations, and professional development at Allied Music Centre – Canada’s newest cultural ecosystem and home of Massey Hall.
This inaugural Artist in Residence program is made possible through the generous support of a donor-advised fund with Canada Gives, whose principal has committed to creating opportunities and supporting Indigenous artists at Massey Hall.
Visit the website for more info: www.mhrth.com
Source: The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall (EDITED)