Aldershot
September 7, 2023
In The Spotlight with Dave Woods: Thunder Bay’s Tim Albertson
September 11, 2023In The News (September 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.
Jade Eagleson, James Barker Band Top CCMA Awards Winners List
The 2023 Canadian Country Music Association Awards (The CCMAs) were handed in Hamilton September 15th and 16th. The big victors this year included Ontario double winners Jade Eagleson and James Barker Band. Eagleson took home trophies for Entertainer and Male Artist of the Year, with JBB winning the Fans’ Choice award and Group or Duo of the Year. Ontario’s Josh Ross, the most nominated artist this year, took home Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year category.
Named as 2023 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductees were Brian Edwards and Jason McCoy.
Congratulations to all of the winners.
(Source: FYI Music News – edited)
Ontario CMA International Awards Nominees!
The Ontario country music community always has a lot to celebrate, but here’s the latest reason: The Country Music Association (Nashville) revealed the nominees for the 2023 CMA International Awards, which recognize the artists and industry executives who help to drive the growth of country music with international fans. The nominees for 2023 are drawn from Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S. and are voted on by the international members of CMA with support from a select panel of U.S.-based professionals who have extensive knowledge in the international Country Music industry.
JEFF WALKER GLOBAL COUNTRY ARTIST AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of Country Music as well as brought attention to the Country Music format in their foreign-based territory.
- Tebey (Canada)
- Casey Barnes (Australia)
- Kaylee Bell (New Zealand)
WESLEY ROSE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to Country Music outside of the United States.
- Dayna Bourgoin (Canada – Pure Country Radio, iHeart Radio)
- Jill Johnson (Sweden – ‘Jills Veranda’ SVT)
- Ross Jones (U.K. – Holler)
- Richard Murdoch (Scotland – BBC Radio)
(Source: Press Release – edited)
Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc. Signs Sacha
Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc. has announced the newest signing of singer-songwriter, SACHA. Ontario country fans will know SACHA was nominated for CMAOntario Awards as Rising Star and Female Vocalist of the Year in 2022 and Single of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year in 2023.
A star quickly on the rise, SACHA, has been making a name for herself in the global country music scene with two EP’s already under her belt, and multiple Canadian, U.S., and U.K. performances, including 15+ U.S. dates on CMT’s Next Women of Country tour with Maddie and Tae, the legendary Kee to Bala Festival in Ontario, Boxcar Country Music Festival in New Brunswick, and The Long Road Festival in England. In early 2022, SACHA released her sophomore EP, We Did, cementing herself as a talented storyteller and performer, and earning her first Platinum-certification with the track “What The Truck” alongside The Reklaws. Earlier this year, she released her empowering and relatable single “Confident” featuring fellow Sony Music Canada artist, Tyler Shaw, and the duo teamed up again to perform the track live at the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards in Hamilton, Ontario on September 16.
(Source: Press Release – Edited)
Robyn Ottolini Announces The ‘All My Friends Are Hot’ North American Tour
CMAOntario and CCMA award-winning, platinum-selling country music sensation ROBYN OTTOLINI is heading out on her first headline tour this fall. The “All My Friends Are Hot” Tour, named after her latest single, will stop in 12 cities across the U.S. and Canada, starting November 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“My very first headlining tour and I couldn’t be more excited,” Robyn shares. “My songs have always been really personal to me and my life, but seeing them connect with audiences everywhere is like a deeper connection yet. I can’t wait to play these rooms and get to meet each and every one of the fans that come out.”
Tickets for all shows go on sale this Friday, September 15, 2023. Joining Ottolini on the Canadian dates will be rising singer/songwriter Owen Riegling.
Last month, Ottolini revealed details about the upcoming release of her eagerly awaited EP, Growing Up To Do. The six-track EP, featuring a collection of emotionally resonant and relatable songs, is set for release on October 27 via Empire (Pre-order/save HERE). Ottolini’s fans can already enjoy the first single, “All My Friends Are Hot,” available for streaming now (Listen HERE).
November 2 – Grand Rapids, MI (The Stache)
November 3 – Warrendale, PA (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)
November 4 – Hanover, MD (The Original Cancun Cantina)
November 9 – Chicago, IL (Bub City)
November 10 – Columbus, OH (Rumba Cafe)
November 11 – Rootstown, OH (Dusty Armadillo)
November 23 – London, ON (Rum Runners)*
November 24 – Montreal, QC (Studio TD)*
November 25 – Hamilton, ON (Bridgeworks)*
November 29 – Toronto, ON (The Velvet Underground)*
November 30 – Oshawa, ON (Biltmore Theatre)*
December 1 – Ottawa, ON (Brass Monkey)*
(*Owen Riegling opens) For more information about Robyn Ottolini, please visit her official website at www.robynottolini.com and follow her on social media @robynottolini.
(Source: Press Release)
Matt Morson & Jessica Sole Take Part in Blue Smoke Bolton Appreciation Event
MATT MORSON and JESSICA SOLE will perform at the Bolton Appreciation event taking place at Blue Smoke during the Bolton Fair weekend- September 22-24, 2023.
Jessica and Matt will take the stage on Saturday night, September 23, with their high energy show.
Enjoy special menu choices, good food, good fun and some great country tunes.
Space is limited so reserve your spot soon by calling 905-833-3040 or online at www.Blue-smoke.ca
(Source: Member Submission)
Live Laugh Love Festival Hits Barrie September 28-30
The LIVE LAUGH LOVE MUSIC FESTIVAL takes over The Ranch 2.0 in Barrie for three days – September 28-30, 2023.
Featuring performances from Jim Cuddy Band, Gord Bamford, Meghan Patrick, Nate Haller, Josh Setterfield, Griffen Palmer, Levi Hummon, Ben Chase, Sam L. Smith, Adam Johnson, Rebecca Rain, Ty Wilson, Johnny Anderson and Evan Farrell.
For full details and ticket info, visit www.forrestjonesentertainment.com.
(Source: Member Submission)
Maddie Corinne Releases New Single “Spillin’ Red Wine”
MADDIE CORINNE‘s “Spillin’ Red Wine” is the country murder song you’ve always dreamed of. Telling the story of a woman who takes matters into her own hands upon discovering her husband’s infidelity, you’ll be hooked on the first line and practically DYING to know how the story ends. Showcasing a darker, grittier side of Corinne’s music, she is excited to invite you into her next era of music.
The song releases September 22nd.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Marshall Dane: “Good Life”
MARSHALL DANE’s latest single “Good Life” is rising the indie charts. With the resurgence of new music, Grateful (March 2023) has now been added to the Fresh Picks in Ontario’s Bayshore Broadcasting leading people down the Good Life that Marshall Dane promotes.
Good Life (Sept 2023), with over 67,000 streams since its release to radio 3 weeks ago and over 82K new views on his Youtube channel, plus a new sync deal in the works, is bound to see those indie numbers rise ever higher.
2023 has Marshall sharing the stage with Washboard Union and headlining the Forty Creek Whiskey Weekend.
Marshall Dane and the Good Life he’s promoting is just getting started…relentlessly, independently and unapologetically, doing it his own way, Canadian.
(Source: Member Submission)
The CCMA Awards Return to Edmonton in 2024
The CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION® (CCMA®) announced earlier this week that Country Music Week 2024 and the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD will return to Edmonton next September for the first time in 10 years to celebrate Canada’s biggest night in country music. Commemorating their eighth time in Edmonton, the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD will broadcast live from Rogers Place in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Adding to the excitement is the announcement that the CCMA® and Bell Media have extended their broadcast and content partnership through Country Music Week 2024, with CTV remaining as the exclusive broadcaster of the 42ND Annual CCMA Awards presented by TD. Bell Media will also deliver extensive multi-platform coverage and content across broadcast, radio, digital, and social media properties including iHeartRadio Canada’s PURE COUNTRY.
Explore Edmonton is offering fans the chance at an unforgettable experience at the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD. Enter now at exploreedmonton.com/2024-ccma-contest for the chance to win round-trip airfare for two, an exclusive 2-night stay at one of Edmonton’s Best Hotels, and two tickets to the live broadcast of the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD.
(Source: Press Release)
New Music from Rosewood Ave: “I Won’t”
ROSEWOOD AVE have released their newest single, “I Won’t”, to radio and streaming platforms. The heart warming love song was penned by Helene Cronin, Tony Pierce and Jaime Pierce and is already gaining traction for the duo. An accompanying video has also been released.
Watch HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)
Deborah Lynn Releases New Single: “Country Enough”
With a 90’s feel and an irresistible sing-along chorus that Deborah punches through with her bright vocals, “Country Enough” is a song that is relatable to the average county music fan. The listeners that like to enjoy all things country but may not live the “redneck” life in its entirety.
“Country Enough” follows up Deborah Lynn’s summer 2022 release, “Rosé All Day” which earned her a coveted Josie Award nomination for Best Female Country Song . This is the second Josie Award nomination for this rising star since her debut single “Revive a Ghost” hit the top of the Canadian Indie Country Countdown in 2020 and was also nominated for Best Female Country Song.
For more information www.deborahlynn.ca
(Source: Member Submission)
RBC Launches Emerging Artists Hub
After research done in late 2021, it was clear that there is a gap for emerging talent in finding pathways to resources and networks. From there, RBC’s journey began on pulling together programming funded by RBC Emerging Artists to help talent better navigate their career path and skill build from the comfort of their own home and studios. RBC wants to better support artists by providing always-on access to resources, networking, and skill building opportunities to amplify your success and master your craft.
(Source: External)
New Music from Matt Morson: “By The River”
Ontario country artist MATT MORSON released his newest single, “By The River”, on September 1st.
The single follows Morson’s hit single ‘True Country’, featuring a blend of Rock, Country and Blues with a pinch of something else.
The country artist has come a long way since picking up his first guitar at age eleven. The talented singer-songwriter began working on the production, festival side, but it wasn’t long before the performer in him was unleashed. With his heart firmly rooted in country music, Morson hit all the stages big and small drawing large crowds. The artist was right where he belonged and Morson’s star continues to rise.
Morson is at home onstage and fans feel it. True to himself, the singer keeps his country way of life front and center, in part, the reason for the singer’s ability to connect with audiences and draw them into his performances. His words are honest. “By The River” reflects that.
(Source: Press Release)
Lemon Cash: iHeartRadio Future Stars
Ontario’s LEMON CASH are this month’s iHeartRadio Future Star, through to November. The duo released a video for their latest single, “Breakup Song”, earlier this month.
Watch here.
(Source: Member Submission)
New Music from Erica Brighthill: “Bodies In The Basement”
Ottawa artist ERICA BRIGHTHILL recently released her new single, “Bodies In The Basement”.
The song is a fun upbeat story of a girl explaining to a guy that it’s normal for girls to react when they are mad and how you should watch out for the quiet ones, because the girls who don’t react and get mad are the ones who are secretly dangerous.
Listen HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)
North of Nashville: A Canadian Music Revolution
In “North of Nashville,” Andrea Morris, the founder of AM to FM Promotions, takes a bold approach to promoting independent country artists in Canada. By reinventing radio tours, she brings influential country radio programmers to the artists instead of the other way around. Seven talented country artists on the AM to FM roster join forces to host a two-night showcase in Georgetown, Ontario, where they perform captivating 30-minute sets with full bands.
Watch the film HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)
Karli June Releases New Single “Feel Like Home” Featuring Ryan Langdon
Rising Hamilton-based country artist and multiple CMAOntario Award nominee, KARLI JUNE has released an upbeat new single, “Feel Like Home”, featuring Ryan Langdon.
Produced by Gavin Slate (Tim Hicks, James Barker Band) and written by Gavin and Karli, “Feel Like Home” is an anthemic country-pop love song that tells the nostalgic tale of growing up in a small town, where every street and landmark holds cherished memories. Ryan Langdon, the former MLB prospect renowned for his powerful oak-barrel baritone, joins Karli on the summer love song.
Karli recently performed at the CCMA Kick Off Concert on September 13th and the CCMA Songwriters’ Unplugged presented by Rogers on September 15th.
Karli June is enjoying her continued career momentum with recent nominations for multiple CMAOntario Awards in the categories of Rising Star; Songwriter Of The Year, for her song “Makes You Pretty”; and Album Of The Year, for her debut EP, Where You Come From (The Orchard). Canadian producer powerhouse Karen Kosowski also took home the 2023 CMAOntario Award for Producer of the Year for Karli’s debut EP.
The nominations follow a year of career growth in support of Karli’s debut release, which has accumulated over 1.7 million global streams. Karli was also previously selected as a participant in the prestigious TD Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship powered by SOCAN Foundation, and was selected as Arcadia Broadcasting’s “Break Out Artist” for “Makes You Pretty” in Canada. The track was Karli’s first foray into the Australian market and peaked at #46 on the National Australia Country radio charts. It was also added into rotation at CMT Australia.
Additionally, Karli’s song “The List” won an Honourable Mention in the International Songwriting Competition 2022 (awarded in 2023), a wonderful feat given that over 15,000 submissions were received and only 1% of entries won or were given honourable mentions.
Karli and her band are continuing to hit the live circuit this year, and will be opening up for Gord Bamford on the Peterborough stop of his tour this Fall.
(Source: Member Submission)
One Ugly Cowboy Singer Nominated for Josie Award
Jane Sowerby, lead singer of Toronto based indie country/rock band ONE UGLY COWBOY has been nominated for Vocalist Of The Year at The Josie Music Awards taking place this October in Nashville.
To hear a sample of Jane’s performance, watch HERE.
(Source: Member Submission)