Newsletter
May 12, 2017
Saturday June 10th and Sunday June 11th will see the fourth edition of CMAOntario’s R2I TuneUp Conference move into the Delta London Armouries for a 2-day program of learning, networking and mentoring with trailblazers in the country music industry. See full schedule details now posted online. 2-Day Delegate Passes are just $85 (plus taxes) for non-Members and $75 for CMAOntario Members (until midnight May 26th) and are available for purchase online now. Members must be logged in to the site to access the discounted rate. Price includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
May 12, 2017
(Born: November 14, 1950 – Peterborough, Ontario) (Died: October 9, 1996 – Toronto, Ontario) (by Larry Delaney) Born in Peterborough and raised in Ottawa, Colleen Peterson’s early career years (1966-1974) were spent on the Ontario folk music scene, performing in the group 3’s A Crowd with Bruce Cockburn and David Wiffen; and later, as part of the duo Spriggs & Bringle with Kingston-based musician Mark Haines. By the mid-1970’s, Colleen was pursuing a solo career in country music, and was signed to Capitol/EMI, recording albums in Los Angeles and Nashville. She earned a Billboard chart hit with her debut single “Souvenirs.” While in Nashville, Colleen joined on as a back-up vocalist for The Charlie Daniels Band and was also featured as a background vocalist on albums […]
May 12, 2017
Ontario’s Kelly Prescott has just released her song “Hillbilly Jewels” to country radio. The song – written by her brother Kalen – tells the story of her musical roots that run through generations of Browns and Prescotts. When you see Kelly performing live, you’re in store for an entertaining time. She delivers great songs and comedic lines with equal flair. Her vocals have been described as “smoky and sultry”. 2017 is shaping up to be a breakout year for this multi-talented artist. Congratulations on your nomination for Roots Artist/Group of the Year at the upcoming CMAOntario Awards. How does it feel to be recognized this way? Thank you so much. It’s an honour to be nominated for Roots Artist of the Year, especially alongside everyone […]
May 12, 2017
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Brad Battle. A St. Catharines, Ontario native, Brad talks about his new single and title track to his new EP, “Always Easy.” Brad previews the stories that fans can expect from the EP, along with where you can catch a live Brad Battle show this summer! For more information about Brad Battle, or to check out his new EP, visit his website here: www.BradBattle.com. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Check out the exclusive interview with Brad Battle below: 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. […]
May 12, 2017
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. Country music performer now speaks openly about her struggles with mental illness London’s Jessica Mitchell will be home in June with more country music award nominations. The 33-year-old singer songwriter received four nominations for the Country Music Association of Ontario awards being held at Centennial Hall June 11, for her single […]
April 13, 2017
Brooklin’s Lindsay Broughton has been on Ontario country music fans’ radar since her 2013 CMAO Awards win as Rising Star of the Year… and if she hasn’t been on yours, it’s time to change that now. In the time since that win, the small town girl has been writing, recording, and releasing new country music for fans, and playing it on stages all over the province and beyond. Her energy at those live shows, regardless of the time or place, has consistently showed off her personality and authenticity, helping her connect to her fans. And it’s what brings those fans back to see her again and again, creating that base that every artist needs. In 2014, Lindsay released her debut album, Take Me There, which […]
April 13, 2017
The fourth edition of the CMAOntario R2I Spring Tune Up Conference will feature a two-day program of learning, networking and showcasing on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, 2017, at the Delta London Armouries by Marriott in London, Ontario. Programming will cover artist development, navigating Nashville, songwriting, digital marketing, promotion, funding and more. Attendees will hear first-hand the stories that inspired some of today’s top hits during the perennial favourite Songwriters In The Round session. Registrants will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with industry personnel during the Mentor’s Breakfast on Saturday and the networking lunch on Sunday. Confirmed speakers include: Bruce Good (The Good Brothers); Brian Allen (Amplus Productions); Cathie Faint (Catherine Faint Entertainment); Kathryn Hummel (Royalty Records); Stefanie Purificati (United Talent Agency [UTA]); Ashley Sperling (MusiCounts); Samantha Pickard (Strut Entertainment); Allan Mamaril (M88 Management); Mike Denney (MDM […]
April 13, 2017
Burford, Ontario’s Thomas Wade found his love for music at a young age and performed with his family’s band, The Silver Wings. The records he grew up loving became his teachers, from Johnny Cash to Elvis to The Beatles. Years later, he was accepted into the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College. He found himself surrounded by people who shared the same passion for music that he had. After college, he joined a band called Wayward and they opened up shows for Canadian country legend Marie Bottrell. Thomas Wade and Wayward went on to win 7 CCMAS and earn 3 Juno nominations. Eventually, Thomas embarked on a solo career and found success at Canadian country radio and CMT with songs like “Running Away With […]