In The News (May 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.

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One Ugly Cowboy Nominated Group Of The Year at the Josie Music Awards

Ontario’s One Ugly Cowboy is nominated for a 2023 Josie Music Award to be presented October 22nd  at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The band is set to perform with Montreal’s The Box Friday September 29th at the Theatre For Performing Arts in Oakville, Ontario in a charity fundraiser for Royal Lepage.

(Source: Member Submission)

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The International Songwriting Competition Announces Winners

On May 9th, the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) announced the winners of its 2022 competition, awarding top honors to a diverse group of talented songwriters from around the world. The annual competition, which is known for recognizing emerging and established songwriters, received more than 15,000 entries from 150 countries in 24 categories. Winners were selected by a judging panel made up of well-known celebrity artists and industry professionals. Past ISC winners have included many artists who have gone on to achieve great success, including The Band Perry.

Ontario songwriters receiving Honorable Mentions:

In both the COUNTRY and UNSIGNED categories: “The List”, by Karli June, Emma-Lee and Karen Kosowski.

In the AMERICANA Category: “The Ridge”, by Julian Taylor and “In The Morning” by Les Cooper.

In the LYRICS ONLY category: “Let Me Be There Now For You” by Rick Beneteau.

(Source: Press Release)

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New Music from The Boondocks – “Tall Cans Up”

Northern Ontario’s The Boondocks have released four 7-track albums, played 16 live shows, and amassed more than 14,000 views of their videos – all since July 2022. Their newest single, “Tall Cans Up”, was released on Friday, May 5th. The energetic track is about “playing live music at a live show looking out at a sea of country folks ready to party and jack up their beer cans.” It encapsulates the energy and atmosphere of a big outdoor concert. Found within the song is a surprise rap in the breakdown leading into a rising guitar solo resolving itself back into a double chorus.

Listen: THE BOONDOCKS TALL CANS UP

(Source: Member Submission)

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New Music from Nick Bordman – “Tread Lightly”

Ontario’s Nick Bordman has been busy playing the circuit and promoting his newest single “Tread Lightly”, released on April 20th.

Listen to the track here.

(Source: Member Submission)

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Roslyn Witter Releases New Single “Good Vibes”

Roslyn Witter has a released a new song to radio titled, “Good Vibes”. The feel-good song was written with her dad, Jim Witter, and is sure to get you into a summer mindset after a long cold winter.

An accompanying video for the single is also available now on YouTube.

Watch and listen here.

(Source: Member Submission)

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Amanda Keeles Releases New Single “My Heart Feels the Same Way Too”

Canadian Country singer-songwriter Amanda Keeles released her powerhouse second single, “My Heart Feels the Same Way Too”, to all streaming sites on April 28th. The London, Ontario artist, and two-time winner of the Canadian Open Country Songwriting Contest, takes her award-winning song to new heights in collaboration with multi-talented CCMA nominated producer Johnny Gasparic.  Her heartfelt lyrics describe a story of a husband and wife’s inability to express their feelings regarding their struggling relationship. When in fact they are feeling the same.

Recorded at MCC Studios in Calgary, Alberta (CCMA studio of the year for 2021 & 2023) she is joined by Juno award-winning bass player Chris Byrnes of The Road Hammers, Juno Award winner Joey McIntyre on drums and CCMA nominated Keith Floen on keys as well as CMAB Nominated Therry Lawson (The Travelling Mabels) on harmony. Radio Promotion by RDR Music Group & Lauren Tutty Promotion.

(Source: Member Submission)

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Dauntless: Bree Taylor

Bree Taylor released her debut album’s title track, “Dauntless”, on March 24th, 2023. “Dauntless is about breaking free from 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’s first country single was 2018’s “Turn It Up.” In 2019, she was nominated for Best New Artist at the Mississauga Music Awards and in 2022, won Mississauga Music’s Fan Choice Award.

(Source: Multiple Sources)

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Graham Scott Fleming: “Toughest Act To Follow”

Graham Scott Fleming released his single “Toughest Act To Follow”, written with Madeline Merlo and Vanessa Marie Carter, on April 28. The accompanying video piled up over 35,000 views in two weeks. Graham is also a 2023 CMAOntario Awards Rising Star nominee and will perform on the Awards show in Hamilton. Look for more of Graham’s music to be released in early summer.

(Source: Multiple Sources)

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Robyn Ottolini: “Match for My Memory”

“Match for My Memory,” released at the end of April, is the first single to be released through Robyn’s new distribution deal with Empire. Robyn is a 2023 CMAOntario Awards nominee in the Single, Songwriter, Female Artist, Music Video and Fan’s Choice categories. June will see her opening for Shania Twain in Halifax, Moncton, Quebec City and Montreal, followed by summer festival appearances. Robyn recently launched her sustainable merch line – available soon at shoprobynottolini.com and at her upcoming shows. Each piece is thrifted by Ottolini herself and undergoes a print and distressing process, keeping clothing out of the landfills and giving new life to these items.

(Source: Multiple Sources)