IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVE WOODS: Paige Rutledge   My guest for this month’s column is Paige Rutledge! From her first single “Take Me Back To Tiki” in 2020 to the recent release of her debut EP Break Up Rules, Paige Rutledge has steadily made a name for herself on the country music scene in Ontario and beyond. Whether it’s playing full band shows at venues like the Stampede Ranch in Guelph and Big Texas in Niagara Falls – or country music festivals – or songwriter rounds, Paige shines with a genuine star quality and a love for what she’s doing. And in case you didn’t know, her sparkly guitar – which she designed herself – is named Dolly. One of Paige’s favourite songs to […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVE WOODS: RYAN LANGDON   Niagara Falls, Ontario country artist Ryan Langdon recently released his new single “Whiskey Bottle” via Hidden Pony Records/Slaight Music. Ryan is known for his energetic anthems like “Lit In The Sticks” and “Crossfaded” and showcases another side of his musical and personal artistry with his new single “Whiskey Bottle”. Co-written with Jim Witter and Andrew Martino (Down with Webster), this emotional ballad diverges from your typical “sad country song” that romanticizes the effects and abuse of alcohol. While creating this single, Ryan and his co-writers strived for an honest approach that sheds light on the harsh reality that drowning your sorrow in liquor only intensifies heartbreak and causes more problems. Ryan scored his first Top 30 […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVE WOODS: ANGELICA APPELMAN    Dave Woods chats with Kitchener, Ontario’s Angelica Appelman for the July 2024 CMAOntario In The Spotlight feature. Songwriting became a part of Angelica’s life when she was 13. It was her way of expressing her emotions. She calls this period in her life “Taylor Swift-ing” her way through high school. Angelica made a great first impression on the Canadian country music scene with the release of her debut single “Happy Place” in January 2022. “My single “Happy Place” is a song that means so much to me, because it was my debut single, all about cherishing the simple times and the simple things with the ones you love and who love you.” shares Angelica. “I was […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVE WOODS: SULLY BURROWS      My guest for this month’s column is Sully Burrows!   Still in his teens, Northern Ontario country artist Sully Burrows has already made a name for himself on the country music scene through his live performances. His strength is in storytelling with his songs. And you can hear more country than pop in his voice. Now, with his debut EP released, expect to hear much more from – and about – this talented young artist. He’s even co-written with the one & only Owen Riegling. Big things are in store in Sully’s future! Welcome to the “Spotlight” Sully and congrats on your debut EP Youth! How does it feel to have it out for everyone […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVE WOODS: AMANDA JORDAN   My guest for this month’s column is Amanda Jordan!   Amanda’s Bio:   Originally from Smiths Falls, Ontario – just outside of Ottawa – Amanda fell in love with country music in Canada before heading to Nashville, where she’s since transformed her passion for singing and songwriting into a series of exciting career breakthroughs. 2021 was a breakout year for Amanda. Two singles, “Pretty Girl” & “Love You To Pieces”, amassed over half a million streams collectively, while receiving editorial support from Apple Music and Spotify on playlists like “All About Country”, “Next from Nashville” and “Country Lovin”. She also earned video support from CMT and the cover spot of Spotify’s Live Country playlist in August […]

SPOTLIGHT ON JESSICA SEVIER My guest for this month’s column is Jessica Sevier!   Since her debut single “Ghost of Tom” in 2019, Jessica’s music has been collectively streamed over 1 million times. Performing live has been a key part of growing her audience, and Jessica has shared the stage with artists including Jason McCoy and Tim & the Glory Boys, and has performed at music festivals and renowned venues including Whisky Jam in Nashville and the legendary Lee’s Palace in Toronto. She has also showcased at Canadian Music Week each year since 2021.   Growing up, Jessica took piano and voice lessons and had an elementary school music teacher that saw her passion for music and encouraged her to explore it through school musical […]

SPOTLIGHT ON PAIGE RUTLEDGE My guest for this month’s column is Paige Rutledge! Paige got her first break on stage at The Moonshine Cafe at a very young age and continues to perform there to this day in songwriters rounds. Along with playing her original songs at the legendary Oakville venue, you’d be lucky to be there on the nights when she covers the Dolly classic “Jolene”. In July 2023, Paige performed at the iconic Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto and at Country On The Bay in Thunder Bay opening for Walker Hayes (“Fancy Like”) as well as Tim Hicks and Robyn Ottolini. She has already been announced as one of the performers for The Hollyrood Country Jamboree in July 2024 featuring headliners Tyler Joe Miller […]

In 2023, along with my monthly songwriters’ series, Country Nights In The City, at the Moonshine Cafe in Oakville, I created two new series. The Heart Of Country Songwriters Showcase took place 5 times last year at the Rec Room at Square One in Mississauga. Nashville 416 Writers Round will travel around to various Toronto venues, which so far have included The Cameron House & The Dakota Tavern. “Sold Out Show at The Moonshine Cafe”     Along with bringing back artists who have become part of the roster, it’s always exciting for me to showcase an artist that is new to our music community and, in some cases, playing their first writers’ round. That happened in 2023 with several artists and I look forward […]

          My guest for this month’s column is Thunder Bay country artist Tim Albertson. Over the last few years, he’s won over new country fans with his energetic live shows and singles like “A Bar Like This”, “Spin That Bottle” and now, his latest release, “Did It For A Girl”. I first met Tim at the CMAOntario Awards weekend earlier this year. He made the long drive from Thunder Bay to Hamilton to experience the event and make new contacts. Enjoy my chat with Tim and be sure to follow him on his socials to keep up to date on his career. Dave: Tim, who are the artists that have influenced you the most in your music career? Tim: There have […]