Newsletter

This month, we’re going to look at a man who has already achieved an unbelievable amount in the music business… and shows no signs of stopping. And to think his earliest job was detailing cars at a Calgary Chrysler dealership… Ah, where life can take you… Randy Stark was born in Edmonton, Alberta, the youngest of 4 children, and maintains they are all “much older” than himself. His Mom was a homemaker and his dad managed a bank for the Alberta Treasury. It seems all the Stark children went in totally different directions in life… one becoming an air force pilot (and now runs the simulator in Trenton); another brother is a Baptist Minister in Vancouver; and his sister is a retired Calgary schoolteacher. Randy, […]

By Stephanie Brooks At the 2010 Winter Olympics, you saw him and ice dance partner Tessa Virtue grab the gold and our hearts. Just a few short months ago, we rooted for this deserving duo once again as they competed for the top prize in ice dancing in Sochi. He and Tessa have been skating together for 17 years and are Olympic Gold and Silver medalists, two-time World Champions and six-time Canadian National Champions. As a talented, energetic skater with an outgoing attitude, Scott Moir has travelled the world representing Canada and performing for millions. But no matter where in the world he goes, country music helps keep him connected to his roots. Off the ice and podium, this Ontario native is a country boy […]

The 2nd Annual CMAO Awards Show once again took place in Markham, Ontario and sold out a few weeks ahead of this very special night. The importance of this event and the CMAO in general cannot be emphasized enough. The sense of community and support it provides for artists in this province is a valuable ingredient in those artists’ future success. And the night was not only enjoyed by artists and media, but also by enthusiastic fans. Jason McCoy did an excellent job as host – always funny and always able to deliver a country song in a first class way. The Western Swing Authority and Wendell Ferguson were once again the multi-talented house band. Country 107.3’s Randy Owen’s voice was perfect for the night’s […]

By Stephanie Brooks Those who attended our second annual awards show can attest that it truly fulfilled what the night intended to do: celebrate the talent in country music Ontario offers and showcase and support the work of CMAO members. The sold-out event had the Flato Markham Theatre packed, with followers and fans on Twitter pleading for last-minute tickets or seat openings, and others who couldn’t attend asking for it to be televised. In fact, the buzz on social media was electric leading up to, during, and after the show with those from throughout the province, and as far away as Alberta and British Columbia, chiming in on Twitter to share their compliments. @canuck_kiwi tweeted: Loved @theCMAO awards, @thejasonmccoy awesome host, pumped to see @Tebey, […]

Excerpt #10 from “Winning The Music Game” by Brian Allen Whenever we watch an award show, the winners always have a thank-you list. Sometimes the list is so long that we hear the first few bits of cue music building while they ramble. It DOES take a village! Although many independent artists have to play multiple roles without the benefit of assistance, if they are successful at juggling all the tasking, their momentum will eventually attract some interested parties. How will you know which ones are right for you? None of us make perfect decisions, but here are a few things to think about while you’re deciding: Build diversity: Pick people who are good at the things you are not, and don’t try to do […]

Well the dust has settled, the smoke has cleared, and heart rates have returned to normal after the 2nd Annual CMAO Awards Presentation held at the Flato Markham Theatre on Monday, May 26. It was an electric night, as some of the stars arrived in vintage autos (along with the General Lee from the TV show, “The Dukes of Hazzard”), with a waiting crowd on hand to greet them. When the house lights dimmed, host Jason McCoy took over and showed why he is in such demand as a performer and host – always completely comfortable, loose and spontaneous, as he commanded the assembled crowd. Between Jason and Tillsonburg Country 107.3’s Randy Owen, they introduced a myriad of assembled performers and presenters to an enthusiastic […]

by Patrice Whiffen This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music duo, The Lovelocks! Toronto natives Ali Raney and Zoe Neuman talk about their debut EP release party, and their reaction to landing in the #2 spot on iTunes after just one day! They describe The Lovelocks’ sound, along with the two year journey that led them to their self-titled debut EP release. Check out the exclusive interview here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9UTvSJDluI 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 the world of country music, Patrice currently works with […]

by Peter Linseman The first installment of the DemoRama LIVE series came to a glorious conclusion at the “all superlatives in” 2nd annual 2014 CMAO Award Show! You can’t find a bigger climax than that! Grand Prize Winners Grace Wall and Jonny Vee truly earned their VIP CMAO Award Show tickets. They were well celebrated at the VIP CMAO Reception, and had their names announced during the award ceremonies – all of this in front of God…I mean Gordon Lightfoot! For the past 8 months leading up to the award show, the CMAO travelled from the kick-off event in Toronto, to Hamilton, Barrie, Tillsonburg, Peterborough and Belleville. Two winners from each town, picked by panels of industry experts, showcased their talents at the series finale […]