In The News (October 2018)

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.

Cory Marks Signs Record Deal with Eleven Seven Music

Invictus Entertainment is pleased to announce that their management client, Cory Marks, has signed a multi-album record and publishing deal with New York-based label Eleven Seven Music. Headed by legendary music mogul Allen Kovac, Eleven Seven works with such notable acts as Mötley Crüe, Five Finger Death Punch, and Papa Roach.

Marks, a native of North Bay, Ontario, has been writing and recording with renowned Las Vegas-based rock producer Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed) over the past two years to create a unique brand of amped-up country music.

“To be the flagship country artist on such a successful label is exciting for me. I’m honored to be working with such a great team from Churko to the whole Eleven Seven team”, expressed Marks after the signing in New York.

“Cory Marks is an incredible talent who has made an amazing album,” commented Steve Kline, CEO of Eleven Seven Label Group. “As part of our global expansion into new territories and musical genres, we are excited to launch Eleven Seven Nashville and proud to have Cory as our premier signing.”

Cory Marks, formerly known as Cory Marquardt, learned to love country and rock music from his father while driving to the rink to play hockey. At age 10, he took a shine to the drums, and began playing along to Rush, Deep Purple, and Shania Twain on a drum set he built out of paint cans in the basement. When he hit sixth grade and was showing promise on his paint cans, the investment was made to get Cory on a real drum kit. As time went by, his skills continued to develop on the drums and the rink. When it came time for Cory to choose a vocation, he decided to pursue being a pilot. He enrolled in flight school, obtaining his student pilot permit at the age of 19, and he pursued university hockey at the Royal Military College of Canada with the hopes of becoming a fighter pilot. But fate would intervene.

One winter night at a bar, Marks’ hockey buddies egged him on to take the stage with the house band. He succumbed to the cheers to play songs by some of his musical heroes, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, and some original materials. Taken with the natural charisma which Marks has in spades, the packed bar fell in love with him, and he with the stage.

With fresh enthusiasm, Marks decided to pursue the musical path with the same commitment and passion as all his other exploits. He began to write songs, put a band together and perform across Canada several times supporting such country superstars as Mark Chesnutt, Marty Stuart, Brantley Gilbert, Toby Keith, and more. Those efforts have come to full fruition with Cory Marks’ highly anticipated music slated for release world-wide on Eleven Seven Records later this year.

For more information visit www.corymarks.com or contact:
Invictus Entertainment
louis@iegroup.ca
403-262-2245

Open Road Founder Rallies Artists And Staff For 15 Acts of Kindness In 15 Days For 15th Anniversary

Ron Kitchener began his RGK Entertainment Group a quarter century ago to help manage the careers of up-and-coming Canadian acts, primarily in the country genre. One of his first, a client to this day, is award-winning singer/songwriter Jason McCoy. The roster has also included Johnny Reid, Dean Brody, Madeline Merlo and Tim Hicks. A decade into RGK’s run, Kitchener diversified the company by adding a record label, which for a significant spell distributed Big Machine Label Group, and their artist, Taylor Swift, as well Reba McEntire and Brantley Gilbert.

The year 2018 marks the 15th anniversary of that venture, Open Road Recordings. To celebrate, Kitchener and his staff decided to do 15 acts of kindness In 15 days, leading up to the 2018 Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMAs) Sept. 9 in Hamilton, Ontario.

Full story: FYI Music News

Ashlynne Vince – “God Bless This House”

God Bless This House is Ashlynne Vince’s 6th release to Canadian Country Music Radio. Ashlynne co-wrote this tender country ballad with Allie Brooks (Garth’s daughter) while living in Nashville.

Ashlynne Vince is a Canadian Country Music Artist now living in Nashville, TN. Ashlynne performs daily at the Honky Tonks down on World Famous “Lower Broadway” Last year, Ashlynne was named one of the Top 18 Indie Artists to watch for in 2018, and she hasn’t disappointed her fans! She was a headliner at Roger’s Hometown Hockey, she performed during CMA Week in Nashville and was one of the artists performing at the Diamonds in the Rough showcase during CCMA week in Hamilton. Ashlynne is making her mark.

www.ashlynnevince.com
info@ashlynnevince.com