Newsletter

(Born: October 3, 1944 – Toronto, Ontario) (Died : August 18, 1993 – London, Ontario) (by Larry Delaney) Toronto-born Mike Graham was one of the more versatile and popular artists on the Canadian country music scene during the 1970’s through the early 1990’s. He was a recording artist, songwriter, TV series host, record label owner, radio station DJ… and a “showman” with a fabulous stage show that included a lively mix of his own songs, his versions of popular country hits, and a comedic side that featured dynamic impersonations of country’s top stars. Mike Graham also showed great versatility. He began his career out of Toronto as a pure country singer. Later, while working as a popular DJ on Montreal radio station CHOM, he pursued […]

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Eric Ethridge. A Sarnia, ON native, Eric talks about his debut single, “Liquor’s Callin’ The Shots” – a fun and upbeat tune that is in response to a breakup. The 2016 CCMA Discovery Program winner talks about the program’s process, and how honoured he was to win this past September. Eric also talks about sharing the stage with country greats Eric Church, Thomas Rhett and Brett Kissel, in addition to a cool story from TJ Osbourne of Brothers Osbourne. For more information about Eric Ethridge, or to check out his new tune, visit his website here: http://www.ericethridge.com/. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit: www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Check out the exclusive interview […]

Offer: 20% off for CMAO members New Country Spirit.com http://www.newcountryspirit.com/ New Country Spirit is honoured to collaborate with Canadian artisans to bring you exclusive accessories inspired by people, places, country music and nature’s elements. Our artists blend new processes with ‘days of old’ techniques — like hand forging iron, lampworking and hand tooling leather. The result, a down-to-earth, country-inspired collection of fashion accessories. Our line-up includes belts, buckles, boot accessories, necklaces, bracelets, leather goods and more. We can also custom design belt buckles for your band, company or special promotions. Email us at info@newcountryspirit.com We’re social – follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter To access the discount code, sign in to the Members Area of the CMAOntario website using your credentials and look for New Country Spirit. Then, […]

MARKETING 101 When I first got involved in the music business, for me, marketing was an unknown entity. For many of us it was all about the music. We had managers and labels that took care of that boring and unfamiliar part of promoting us and selling our product. But as management and major labels fell by the wayside, the need to familiarize oneself with marketing became a necessity. Now that indie labels are just as prevalent as major labels, artists should learn all they can about marketing as they continue to move their careers forward. The business dictionary defines marketing as follows: The management process through which goods and services move from concept to the customer. It includes the coordination of four elements called […]

CMAONTARIO ROADSHOW: LEARNING EXCHANGE & SHOWCASE IN OTTAWA Saturday, March 18, 2017 The Observatory at Algonquin College 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is pleased to announce the CMAOntario RoadShow: Learning Exchange and Showcase to be held at The Observatory at Algonquin College, on Saturday, March 18, 2017. The event will consist of a daylong program of educational seminars for aspiring industry professionals, artists and songwriters, featuring a truckload of experts, like: Legendary Canadian chart-topping artist and songwriter, Charlie Major Doug Oliver from the award-winning group, Cold Creek County UTA’s ace agent Stefanie Purificati, whose roster includes Alan Doyle, Paul Brandt, Bruce Cockburn and Sam Roberts Award-winning songwriter Tyler Wilkinson (Small Town Pistols, The Wilkinsons) Celebrated singer/songwriter Jeremy Fisher Award-winning songwriter and producer Brian Allen […]

 // presented by thereviewsarein.com // Singer, songwriter & performer Krista Earle checks off all three boxes as she continues to push forward in her country music career. With multiple Country Music Association of Ontario award nominations (Female Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Single of the Year and Rising Star) Krista has become an Ontario mainstay, playing shows for crowds all over the province and continuing to write new music that explores her own personality and what she loves most about country music. In fact, a quick look at Krista’s social media channels will show you that there’s new music coming in 2017. And 2017 might just be the perfect time for Krista’s philosophy and music. Quoted in the past as saying, “Music and […]

Larry Mercey – (born Dec. 12, 1939 – Hanover, Ontario) Ray Mercey – (born Nov. 21, 1940 – Hanover, Ontario) Lloyd Mercey – (born Dec. 12, 1945 – Hanover, Ontario) (by Larry Delaney) One of Canada’s most decorated country groups, THE MERCEY BROTHERS were perennial award winners for Group Of The Year, including the Canadian Country Music Association’s 1985 Group Of The Year award and six-time (1970-74 and 1976) Juno Award winners as Best Country Group. Led vocally by Larry Mercey, who also wrote several of their top hits, the group released albums on Columbia, RCA and their own MBS Records label. Larry Mercey (on guitar) and brother Ray (on bass guitar) began their music careers in the mid-1950’s as members of The Town And […]