July 30, 2014
July 30, 2014
I’ve had the opportunity to interview country artists from Canada and the States (and beyond) for the last 5 years. It’s something that has never lost its thrill or appeal to me. Learning why artists make music – and how they go about making music – is something I’ve always been interested in. There are several subjects that come up on the show that are worth highlighting here. Country music has songs that impact its listeners’ lives. These are the kinds of songs that help us get through a tough time, or let us know we’re not alone. It might be Beverley Mahood’s “Hope and Gasoline”, or Emerson Drive’s “The Extra Mile”, or Michelle Wright’s “Strong.” These songs make a personal connection with listeners – […]
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July 30, 2014
July 30, 2014
As an artist, one of the last things on your mind is probably income taxes. Artists and income taxes don’t always mix well, which is why I’m going to be discussing a key concept that could have significant impact on your finances. The overlying precept is in determining whether your music career is a business or hobby. You’re probably wondering “Why does it matter whether my music career is considered a business or hobby?” Being classified as a hobby could cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. Why? Most artists at the initial phase of their career, like most start-up businesses, generate more expenses than income, which, if you are set up as a business, leads to business losses. Although losses are […]
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July 30, 2014
July 30, 2014
Excerpt #12 from “Winning The Music Game” by Brian Allen The most damaging time that you can be tripped is when you’re running. If you have the right combination of skill, uniqueness, talent, perspective, motivation and instincts, you have a very good chance of being successful as opposed to those who do not possess any or all of these qualities. When that success comes, it could plateau at any number of levels. However, one of the by-products of success is notoriety. Successful artists become obvious, not only to their fans, but also to those who suddenly feel that they had a real or imagined role in your success story. Greed inevitably distorts vision – the more successful you are, the more these come-lately leeches will […]
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July 30, 2014
July 30, 2014
By Stephanie Brooks Ontario is home to one of Canada’s largest outdoor music festivals – Ottawa’s annual Bluesfest – and this year, on its 20th anniversary, country music felt at home. The 10-day-long outdoor music festival is held at Lebreton Flats, where fans of all kinds can sneak evening views of the light shining from Parliament Hill and feel refreshing, cool breezes blowing off the nearby Ottawa River. For a festival that prides itself on being about more than just blues, it certainly delivered on that promise this year – with a diverse range of music and people who came out to enjoy it. Sure, it brought rhythm. It brought the blues. And it also brought country. Lots of it. Set in the nation’s capital, […]
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July 30, 2014
July 30, 2014
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 CMAO nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAO. Deane Cameron to receive the 2014 Hank Smith Award of Excellence July 11, 2014 (Toronto, ON) – The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) announced today that Deane Cameron will receive the 2014 Hank Smith Award of Excellence. “Deane Cameron has left an indelible impact on the Canadian country music industry. His […]
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July 30, 2014
July 30, 2014
There are going to be a lot of good things happening for many of our CMAO members at Country Music Week in Edmonton this September – showcase opportunities, performances, awards nominations and more. Deane Cameron will be receiving the 2014 Hank Smith Award of Excellence to add to his Order of Canada and his Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award. Wendell Ferguson will be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (Artist) along with Ron Sakamoto (Builder). Beverley Mahood is being presented with the Slaight Music Humanitarian Award. Leah Daniels has won the CCMA Spotlight Contest. Both Nicole Scott and the Lovelocks have been chosen for the Project Discovery Showcases, Runaway Angel (Cadence Grace, Ann Chaplin and Stacey Zegers) have won a performance slot […]
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July 30, 2014
July 30, 2014
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music newcomer, Emily Reid! Emily’s songwriting and southern soul vocals provide a unique indie-country sound. As the sole composer of the songs she records, Emily expresses her own stories through her music. Her powerful three-song EP, “Drifter,” is available now on iTunes. Emily will also be representing the CMAO on the CMAO Side Stage at Lucknow’s Music In The Fields coming up on August 22, 2014. Check out the exclusive interview here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHB8gp2pUoE About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country music is a lifestyle. As the appropriately deemed, “Country Music Junkie,” she strives to share her passion for country music with the world. As a radio broadcaster with an inside view of […]
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July 9, 2014
July 9, 2014
Dear members: I want to congratulate the CMAO’s own Wendell Ferguson on his induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame! He is a valuable member and Director of the CMAO and has been an irreplaceable asset to the organization. He has played key roles for the CMAO by producing the monthly newsletters and by producing our key live events; including our first CMAO Performance Opportunity at in 2011 at Country Music Week and our two CMAO Awards shows. People say that if he wasn’t great at playing the guitar, he would have been a great comedian. Luckily he chose to play music, because he would have starved as a comedian…! As a reminder, the AGM is going to take place on Monday, July […]
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July 9, 2014
July 9, 2014
Behind the Board will return next month. However YOU could be featured in Behind the Board in a future issue! If you think you can bring your skill set to the table and want to have a say in the country music industry here in Ontario all you have to do is run for the CMAO board. Come to the AGM on Monday July 14 at the North York Civic Centre, Members Lounge, 5100 Yonge Street, Toronto, 7:00-9:00PM. If you wish to register to run, you can do so onsite. Be prepared to give a 2-3 minute address to the assembled members, outlining why you would be a valuable Director. If you can’t attend be sure and get your vote in via proxy. For information […]
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