Artiste du mois / Artist of the Month: Reney Ray
October 12, 2022
In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Tia McGraff
November 9, 2022In The News (November 2022)
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.
Country Stars at Grey Cup
Canadian artist Josh Ross is set to perform alongside Jordan Davis and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line at the Grey Cup.
The trio of country singers will take the stage at halftime of the Canadian Football League’s title game on Nov. 20 at Mosaic Stadium for a one-time collaboration.
Ross, of Burlington, Ontario, played defensive back for Western University before taking up a career in music.
He has made it into the top five of Canadian country music charts and entered the Canadian Hot 100 with his gold-certified song “First Taste of Gone” released in February.
(Source: The Canadian Press)
Breakout Country Rock Artist Cory Marks to Release Driving New EP I Rise on November 11
From his hometown of North Bay, Ontario, Cory made the effortless transition to country rock with the breakout track “Outlaws and Outsiders”. The song features legendary artists Mick Mars (Motley Crue), Travis Tritt and Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch). In 2019, Billboard deemed the top 10 Rock Radio single “Outlaws and Outsiders” the “hit that couldn’t be confined”.
A man of many talents, not only does Cory create foot-stomping music, he recently made his acting debut as a bartender in the successful horror-thriller film The Retaliators (2021). The film’s soundtrack also features two of Cory’s songs, “Burn It Up” and “Blame It On The Double”. Just in time for Halloween, this past week marks the North American VOD release of The Retaliators, with the film available now everywhere you rent or buy movies, including iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Comcast and Verizon.
Now, with over 140 million global streams and a top 10 Rock Radio hit under his belt, Canada’s breakout country rock artist is set to release his new EP I Rise on November 11 via Better Noise Music and all streaming platforms.
I Rise was inspired by the time Cory spent in training to complete his pilot’s license and the determination, patience and drive it takes to achieve such a goal. With powerful, anthemic tracks like “Burn It Up”, which has already eclipsed 100K streams, and the uplifting positivity on “Hold On”, there is something on the EP for every rock lover.
(Source: Member Submission)
RÊVE MUSIC Industry Showcase Night w/Runaway Angel
Toronto-based music management, record label and distribution services company, RÊVE MUSIC announces an industry showcase night for Tuesday, November 15th at the Rivoli, in downtown Toronto. The night will be filled with music from the label’s budding roster, including a very special guest and performing for the first time in almost four years, 2016 CCMA Discovery Award Nominees and 7-time CMAOntario Award Nominees, Runaway Angel.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the incredible lineup of artists and donate to a good cause.
Tickets are $10*/ticket + fees
*All proceeds from the show will be going towards the Unison Fund.
https://bit.ly/revenight
DOORS OPEN: 7:30PM
SHOWTIME: 8:00PM
Website: https://www.revemusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revemusicgroup/
Unison Fund: https://unisonfund.ca/
(Source: Member Submission)
Michelle Wright Releases Music Video for “Heartbreak Song”
Michelle Wright releases a brand-new music video for “Heartbreak Song,” the second single release from her latest studio project, Milestone, on BFD/Audium Nashville. “My co-writer Adam Wakefield was in my band a few years back, and I was always a fan of his talent. I was thrilled to see him do so well on The Voice, and I enjoyed watching his success, both as a solo artist and with his band Texas Hill. We talked several times over the years about writing together, and I am so glad we finally made it happen. We needed one more song for this record, and I knew this was the one as soon as we finished it,” says Wright.
View the video on CMT.com.
(Source: Member Submission)
Busy Summer for Tebey
This summer has been super busy for Tebey. Tebey kicked off the season with a special showcase for the JUNOS and MPA “Inside the Song” series where he was awarded with a brand new songwriter award from Music Publishers Canada x Music Canada. The award was presented by his long time friend Shawn Desman.
Tebey also performed at CMA Fest in Nashville where, later that weekend he also solely hosted a UK BBC Radio2 CMA Special and interviewed Country superstars like Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Deana Carter, Kane Brown, Cole Swindell, Lainey Wilson and more!
(Source: CCMA Source)
James Downham Readies Debut The Long Way Home
Stratford, Ontario’s James Downham released his latest single “Raised On” to country radio on September 19th. The track comes on the heels of his 2021 duet, “We’re Okay,” featuring Amanda Kind, and his recent radio single, “One Mile at a Time.”
These tracks will be included in his upcoming debut full-length country album, The Long Way Home. Downham is grateful to be working with some of Canadian country music’s best talent on the album, and wishes to congratulate Mitch Jay for being recognized at the CCMA Awards as Steel Guitar Player of the Year and Specialty Instrument Player of the Year, and also Mark Rynkun and Rich DaSilva for their nominations for Bass Player of the Year and Drummer of the Year, respectively.
(Source: CCMA Source)
Andrew Hyatt Releases Latest Single “Four Good Years”
Celebrated award-winning country artist Andrew Hyatt shared his latest single ‘Four Good Years’ off the previously released eight-track EP of the same title on October 21 via 604 Records.
The latest track is the second single off the EP, with Hyatt kicking off the year with lead single ‘Close To You’ accompanied by an official video which has surpassed 220K views to date.
Written by James McNair, Andy Albert, Jordan Schmidt, and Michael Hardy and produced by Scott Cooke, ‘Four Good Years’ is filtered with clever lyrics and a play on words for tires and time, emphasizing that one can be replaced while the other often ends with heartbreak.
Hyatt took home the 2022 CCMA Award for “Rising Star”, his first CCMA win.
(Source: CCMA Source)
“Same Stars” Marks Alli Walker’s Newest Release
Burgeoning Canadian singer-songwriter and Spotify’s Radar Artist on the Horizon in September Alli Walker is bringing fans her last new track of the year with her new release “Same Stars” out October 14th.
Written by Grammy-nominated Ingrid Andress, Aj Pruis ( LOCASH, Scotty McCreery) and Derrick Southerland (Kane Brown) and produced by Danick Dupelle, “Same Stars” beautifully reminds the listener that despite how far the distance between them and loved ones, they are always connected by the same stars.
Boasting over 2M+ streams, Walker has landed spots on some of Canada’s top playlists including covers on both Apple Music’s ‘Canada’s Country’ and Amazon Music’s ‘Breakthrough Country.’ Continuing the momentum from the release of her most recent viral TikTok hit “Red Wine or Whiskey” with over 2.3M+ views, as well as her second nomination at the CMAOntario Awards in the Rising Star category, Walker will continue to release new music to her 350K+ social media fans.
(Source: CCMA Source)
Tara Shannon’s New Video “I Know Who I Am” is Out Now
Check out the brand new music video for Tara Shannon’s latest single!
The music video for Shannon’s latest single was directed by Jenny Gill (daughter of Vince Gill) and captures the essence of the song beautifully. “I Know Who I Am” speaks to the power of coming through a difficult time and discovering a strength you didn’t know you had.
Written by Greg Barnhill, Joanna Cotten and Melissa Manchester, this anthemic piece tells the story of a woman finding out what she is made of after enduring incredible challenges. “As a songwriter, I like to record songs that I have written but in this case, I don’t know that I could have told my story as well as these writers have…it’s still too fresh for me…and I am so appreciative of their gift of this song” says Shannon.
To stay up to date on Tara’s latest news and releases, follow along and subscribe through Tara’s website: https://www.jointara.com/
(Source: CCMA Source)
Steve Rivers Releases “Winterizing”
Steve Rivers released his new single “Winterizing” on 10/14.
“In the Northern lake town where I live there’s this weird feeling at the end of summer when everything starts shutting down and the town begins shifting into winter mode. There’s a brief transition period where you get to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn, but that window is short, and depending on how far North you are, that period can be over quick. It’s easy to assume that nothing happens up here during the long winter months and forget that life still goes on.”
The new single was co-written and produced by Steve Rivers and is available on all streaming platforms.
(Source: CCMA Source)
The Bob Hawkins Band Release “Save My Soul”
The Bob Hawkins Band has released a song called “Save My Soul”. The song also has a video, which is a dedication to Bob Hawkins’ father, Jim Hawkins, who was a Lancaster Bomber Navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force post-World War II.
The original composition is in dedication not only to his father, but to all who serve and have served.
(Source: CCMA Source)
Joan Spalding Celebrates 50-Year Milestone
Joan Spalding, known to many as the ‘First Lady of Bluewater Country’, is celebrating the 50-year milestone of her remarkable music career.
Growing up on the family homestead in Mooretown, Joan was born to perform. “As a child I watched my aunts, uncles, and dad play music,” she said. “I learned how to play rhythm guitar at the young age of 11 and had already been playing piano years before that.” The self-taught singer-songwriter also plays double-reed harmonica, banjo and mandolin.
Spalding became a fixture in hundreds of homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, performing via Facebook Live from her home in Plympton-Wyoming, every day for more than two years, in an effort to provide the joy of music during trying times. She was recently bestowed with the Rotary Club of Sarnia’s highest honour: the Paul Harris Fellowship Award!
Over the decades, Spalding has given her time at nursing and long-term care homes, played countless shows, fairs and dances across the province — including Purple Hill Country Hall in Thorndale, Ontario.
(Source: CCMA Source)
Tianna Woods Proves “Country Girls Rock” With Newest Single
7-Time Top 5 CMAOntario nominee Tianna Woods has released her brand-new single “Country Girls Rock” on October 24, 2022.
“Country Girls Rock” is a fun, girl–power anthem that is fiddle driven and guitar powered. It’s upbeat and has a modern country theme and sound that will get listeners rocking.
“Country Girls Rock” is available on all digital platforms.
(Source: Member Submission)
Matt Rogers Releases New Single “Own This Town”
Matt Rogers has released a brand new track titled “Own This Town”. The song features Brian John Harwood.
(Source: Member Submission)
Artist & Actor Steph La Rochelle Debuts New EP “Wildflower”
Steph La Rochelle, Canadian actor and singer-songwriter has released her new debut EP, “Wildflower”, on all platforms. From Ottawa Bluesfest’s Emerging Artist Showcase, the Canadian Country Music Association’s Discovery Program and CCMA Award nomination, people are listening to Steph La Rochelle. “Wildflower” is one more reason. La Rochelle’s lyrics and crystal-clear voice have the industry paying attention.
La Rochelle is a multi-talented artist in the true sense. On screen and on stage, the performer impresses. From Disney’s Backstage, CW’s In the Dark and CBC’s Heartland, where the artist performed an original song, La Rochelle’s star is on the rise. Most recently starring in the Toronto, North American Tour, and West End productions of the Tony award winning Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen. La Rochelle partnered with Grammy award winning, Alex Lacamoire to arrange and record an acoustic version of the hit song, “Only Us”, at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe. A true honor for the performer. Steph La Rochelle is an old soul with a powerful gift. Fans and fellow artists praise her vocal purity and ethereal quality. The singer-songwriter draws you in with the ease of her performance and the passion she wears on her sleeve.
Follow Steph La Rochelle:
Website: www.stephlarochelle.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steph_larochelle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaRochelleSteph/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaRochelleSteph
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCZh2USyfI-B3rjnILA3XCQ
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@steph_larochelle
(Source: Member Submission)
The Redhill Valleys Return with Travel Well, Pt. 2
Since the release of their 2021 single “Finish Line,” Hamilton, Ontario’s The Redhill Valleys have been tearing up the international Americana scene. They further displayed that earlier in 2022 with the release of Travel Well, Pt. 1, which included “Finish Line,” its follow-up single “Anymore,” and four more tracks that fully captured the explosive fusion of rock and country that has built The Redhill Valleys’ stellar reputation both on stage and in the studio.
Travel Well, Pt. 2 has now arrived, containing six more tracks—five originals including the first single “Old Country Song,” that give nods to the classic Nashville sound of the early ‘60s, the raw rootsiness of The Band, and the timeless melodicism of the Traveling Wilburys. Topping it off is a studio version of one of their live staples, Lucinda Williams’ “I Lost It,” sung passionately as always by bassist Chelsea McWilliams.
– Jason Schneider Media
WATCH + SHARE “OLD COUNTRY SONG” (LIVE VIDEO)
(Source: Member Submission)