Artist of the Month: Nick Hedden
September 6, 2022
In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Angelica Appelman
October 12, 2022In The News (October 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.
One Ugly Cowboy Release “Ring Of Fire” Video
Ontario’s ONE UGLY COWBOY have released a video to support their newest single “Ring Of Fire”, a cover of the Johnny Cash classic. Available now on YouTube, the video is a compilation of footage shot at the band’s four shows at the CNE this past summer.
One Ugly Cowboy are scheduled to open for The Box at the Regent Theatre in Oshawa on Sunday, October 16.
Watch “Ring Of Fire” here.
(Source: Member Submission)
Karli June Releases Official Music Video for “Big For A Small Town”
Ontario-based Country singer-songwriter Karli June, is poised to join the ranks of Canada’s break out country music artists now she has released her debut EP, Where You Come From via The Orchard. The EP has garnered an impressive 1.4 million streams to date across all streaming services since the release 7 months ago.
The long-awaited EP was produced by Canadian powerhouse Karen Kosowski (Meghan Patrick, The Washboard Union, Tim Hicks, Mickey Guyton) and presents a set of life-affirming songs that read like a road map – a means of finding your place in the world while embracing wherever you happen to find yourself – even if it’s a place you never planned to be.
On her single, “Makes You Pretty”, Karli displays her ample vocal chops and drives home her core message about the importance of loving yourself in good times and bad in equal measure. The empowering track came out of the gate strong with 8 key editorial playlists including Apple Music New Music Daily, Apple Music New in Country, Spotify New Music Friday Canada, Spotify New Music Nashville, Spotify All About Country, Spotify Live Country, Amazon Music Breakthrough Country, and Amazon Music Brand New Music.
“Where You Come From is a collection of songs all about what makes you who you are – and places you go to find your strength. For me this meant my hometown, looking back at the journey of life, my family, love and faith. I couldn’t imagine 6 songs that express who I am more than these – and I hope everyone listening feels it is now their anthems too,” said Karli.
Born and raised on a farm in Listowel, Ontario, June sang in her church’s choir, and at local fairs and singing competitions, before teaching herself guitar and making her initial songwriting attempts as a teenager. Karli continues to draw inspiration from Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain and Kacey Musgraves.
Where You Come From is a refreshing dose of positivity and warmth.
You can listen to Karli’s Where You Come From EP here.
The video for “Big For A Small Town” was shot during Karli’s performance at the CMAOntario Bonfire stage earlier this year.
Watch: “Big For A Small Town” here.
(Source: Member Submission)
Jaclyn Kenyon Releases New Single “Heart Says No”
Jaclyn Kenyon’s new single “Heart Says No” was released on October 7th. The track is available on all streaming platforms.
Jaclyn Kenyon is a recording and performance artist from Ontario, Canada and now a full time transplant in Nashville, TN. She has been performing professionally since the age of 12 when she first received National media attention as the youngest performer ever in Canada’s all female artist showcase Honey Jam, competing against artists twice her age. This prestigious showcase is the largest in Canada and sponsored by Warner Music.
She is currently working closely with Chief Zaruk of the Core entertainment group in Nashville. Chief launched Big Loud in Nashville and has managed global acts like Nickelback, Morgan Wallen and Florida Georgia Line.
Listen: https://ffm.to/o0k0br7
(Source: Member Submission)
Chase Stevens Releases “Wth Was I Thinking”
After nearly 3 years of not travelling to Nashville to continue working on his 2nd album, Mississauga based Chase Stevens finally made it back in July.
While there, he recorded the last 2 songs needed to finish “Trespassing Castles”. He says, “I was originally going to release the album as a 6 song EP but it just felt right to wait and get 10 songs done. The studio had a great system to record remotely during Covid so I was able to get a few tunes done during that time but there is nothing like being in the room to feel the energy and magic of the recording process”.
One of the 2 tracks recorded is “Wth Was I Thinking” that was just released on all streaming platforms. A Canadian and US radio release is scheduled for early October. Chase says, “Wth Was I Thinking” grew out of the old adage, “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side”. That can be especially true when comparing life in a small town to that in a large city. Sometimes the finest things in life are the simplest, and may be right in front of us all along.”
Also recorded was “Dandelion Wishes”, a love song that is being released in Ireland as a duet and followed up with an Irish Tour in May 2023. Chase says, “I can’t wait to get back over there, Ireland is such a gorgeous country. I became obsessed with castles when we took a family vacation there in 2019”. One of the tracks on the album is “In These Castles Walls” that tells the story of Sabina Nugent who died of a broken heart 500 years ago. Her spirit is known to visit the small castle north of Dublin, which today is a B&B. Chase adds, “When I am over there I want to book a night in her room and play the song for her, maybe she will pay me a visit”.
(Source: Member Submission)
Country-Pop Songstress Jessica Sole Releases Sweet New Single “Good In Goodbye”
Known as “one of the hardest working artists in the Ontario Country music scene”, Shelburne, ON pop-country artist Jessica Sole is also known for her determination. Earlier this year, the young songstress released her debut EP Think of Us, a collection of songs that garnered over 150K global streams and two top 40 hits on SiriusXM. While it’s clear that Jessica draws musical inspiration from artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini and Miranda Lambert, her smooth and sweet vocals, lyrics and sound are beautifully unique, captivating, and continues to keep fans coming back for more.
Jessica released her sweet new single “Good In Goodbye” on September 30 via all streaming platforms. The upbeat song was made in collaboration with award-winning producer Shawn Moore (Jason Blaine, Shawn Austin) and offers a fresh perspective on the quintessential break-up anthem. The track is the second single off Jessica’s forthcoming sophomore EP, a project that was recorded at Nashville’s legendary Blackbird Studios.
Links to music:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0S38ck3DCcecDbFedRPWfZ?si=yCFY2K02QO-oQCuBzFSu7Q
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5MDRNRCMrR-xlXjdICzzQ
Latest music video: “In The Name Of Tequila” here.
(Source: Member Submission)
Side Door Relaunch
Canadian tech company, Side Door has launched a redesigned and refined platform that better connects hosts with artists to create incredible in-person concert experiences. Side Door is a web-based platform that supports in-person shows by connecting hosts that have a space for a performance with artists looking to book shows. The platform helps streamline many aspects of the event, including communication, tickets sales with flexible pricing, revenue splitting, show promotion, and audience check-in and ticket scanning. Side Door empowers anyone to turn their space into a venue to create memorable live experiences. During the pandemic, Side Door facilitated more than 1,200 online shows, but the return of in-person events refocused the company’s main purpose – to connect artists with hosts to create in-person events.
For more information visit sidedooraccess.com.
(Source: Press Release)
The Kerry Chater Independent Artists Appreciation Awards
Congratulations to these true independent artist supporters; Dave Woods, John Marlatt and Randy Owen, who each received the first Kerry Chater Independent Artists Appreciation Award, presented by Tianna Woods to a full house at the Moonshine Cafe, Saturday September 24, 2022.
Kerry Chater is a Canadian born singer songwriter who was the co-founder of Gary Pucket and the Union Gap. Kerry passed away February 4, 2022 and this award was created by Tianna and Bob Woods in his name so that he would not be forgotten.
Kerry has had multiple songs go platinum by artists such as Alabama, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Lee Greenwood, Mindy McCready and George Benson to name a few. He has had 41 singles with 5 number 1 hits. He should be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
(Source: Member Submission)
Matthew Runaway Releases “Missing Sweater”
Matthew Runaway is a rising country singer/songwriter from Perth, Ontario. Raised on a diligent cattle and crops farm, Matthew’s songwriting style speaks his established work ethic, recreating the stories he’s lived and the memories he’s made.
In his early 20’s, Matthew’s ambition decisively drove him across those county lines and across North America with his previous EDM rock band, Aspire. With much success, Matthew simultaneously pushed forth with his writing career.
In the last year, Matthew has established his intriguing fanbase through radio with his multi-instrument talents. His latest singles “Just Drive” and “Workin’ On Me” reveal that raised up, feel good, heart-on-your-sleeve vision that we all ‘Aspire’ to.
In the last year, Matthew has exploded on his YouTube channel gaining close to 100,000 subscribers and 12 million views in such a short time. The explosion has put Matthew’s channel inside the 900th biggest in Canada and top 5 in country music. It’s safe to say that his music and YouTube channel have opened a variety of doors to experiences that many would only dream of – placing Matthew’s brand in the heart of diversity. We can expect great things from Matthew as he continues to push into the new artist platform.
“Music is my life; There is no plan B.”
(Source: Member Submission)
Next Syndicut Songwriter Retreat Scheduled for October 21-23
The next Syndicut Songwriter Retreat is coming up October 21-23rd.
At this retreat, indie artists and songwriters will look for a deeper understanding of themselves as music creators and find their place in today’s music industry while fine tuning their songwriting tools.
The program for the weekend consists of workshop sessions and exercises, co-writing, one-on-one meetings with Tara Shannon, networking, access to a swimming pond and hot tub, fireside jams, a gorgeous setting, accommodations if needed, and catered meals.
To get a sense of the weekend, take a look at this short clip: https://youtu.be/8LmPGmyRLLQ
For more info and pricing visit: https://www.syndicutmusic.com/retreat
Please note that there are limited spots and therefore, anyone interested should reach out to The Syndicut as soon as possible by registering online (see link above).
(Source: Member Submission)
Tim Hicks’ Talk To Time Out Now
Talk To Time, the fifth studio album from Tim Hicks, was released on September 2nd, 2022.
The album contains previously released tunes like his top 10 and 2022 CCMA nominated single “Whiskey Does”, his #1 Most Added radio and top 40 single “Dodge Out Of Hell”, “High Rollers” and “The Good, the Bad and the Pretty”.
The album also includes the reflective and powerful new focus tack “Talk To Time”, written by Josh Osbourne, Shane MacAnally and Ross Copperman.
The album has already garnered over 7 million streams to date.
(Source: Various)
Dayna Reid Debuts Back To The Trailer EP
Powerhouse vocals, fresh, one-of-a-kind lyrics and an attitude of determination and tenacity, there’s a lot to be excited about the latest addition to the country music scene. From Elmvale, Ontario, Dayna Reid recently signed with Open Road Recordings and RGK Entertainment.
Dayna discovered her voice at a young age and after picking up a guitar, she began her musical journey of writing, singing and growing her craft. After a chance encounter during the summer of 2019, Dayna was introduced to Beverley Mahood, who became a mentor and guide as Dayna set out to take her career to the next level.
Her 3-song debut EP Back To The Trailer is out now. Listen here.
(Source: Member Submission)
Marshall Dane Releases New Single & Video: “Man Of The House”
Marshall Dane has released his newest single, “Man Of The House”. The song tells the story of how Dane’s mom ran away in the middle of the night with him, his baby sister, and three older sisters in tow. Listen here.
An accompanying video was also released. Watch here.
(Source: Member Submission)
“It Ain’t Me It’s You” is The Newest Video from Lemon Cash
Lemon Cash have released a video for their latest high energy single “It Ain’t Me It’s You”. The Dan Swinimer-produced track was released in August and quickly garnered the band attention. They have signed to Sakamoto Agency for booking and played a series of Canadian dates throughout the summer.
Watch the video here.
(Source: Member Submission)
Nicole Rayy Sets The Stage for Spooky Season with The Release of “Graveyard”
In celebration of her favourite season, Canadian powerhouse Nicole Rayy embraces a darker era of music with her new country-rock leaning single “Graveyard”. Setting the stage for the start of “spooky season,” the track has already proven to be a fan favourite, picking up traction on TikTok with over 209K views.
The track amassed 10K streams on Spotify in its first week and was added to Amazon editorial playlists Breakthrough Country and Brand New Music on release.
Listen here.
(Source: Member Submission)
Elyse Saunders Releases “Famous” Single & Video
The newest single from Elyse Saunders is now out at radio and DSPs. The song, “Famous”, has already been added to playlists on Apple Music and was a top country radio download on release day.
The video comes out on Friday, October 14.
Listen here.
(Source: Member Submission)
Emily Kate Readies New Single “Make Me Get Over You”
Toronto born Emily Kate’s new single “Make Me Get Over You” will be available to all streaming platforms on November 4th. Radio can expect it through DMDS on November 11th.
Toronto born singer-songwriter Emily Kate, isn’t afraid to put her heart on the line. Her music conveys emotional, relatable, thoughtful messages weaved with fresh, soulful melodies.
Emily Kate is definitely a country artist to keep an eye out for. Only a year into her career, she’s released a number of successful songs from her debut EP to Canadian Country Radio and Sirius XM. Currently, she is in the studio recording music for her debut album, set to release in 2023. You can find her music on all streaming platforms, on social media platforms under emilykate_music, or through her website www.emilykatemusic.com.
Listen here.
Pre-save single here.
(Source: Member Submission)
Jade Naraine Releases New Single “23”
Jade Naraine’s new single “23” is available next week. The song is a love story based on her real life. The music video will be out in December with footage from the birth of her little girl Melody and from her wedding and the past year. The track was written by Jade Naraine, Ryan Alden James and Grace O’Donnell.
Listen to “23” here.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Moon Junction Adds 2 Live Shows
New Moon Junction teams up with two other amazing Ontario artists for two shows before the end of the year!
They will be with Rob Fitzgerald https://www.robfitzgeraldmusic.com/ on December 2nd in Oshawa at Simcoe Blues & Jazz
and with Jessica Sole https://jessicasolemusic.com/ on December 3rd in Newmarket at The Old Flame Brewery.
This is will be a night to remember at these two fantastic venues.
For more information visit, https://newmoonjunction.com/
(Source: Member Submission)
