April 9, 2018
April 9, 2018

Artist of the Month: Kentucky Rails

When asked why they picked the name Kentucky Rails, the members of the emerging Ontario country band all have the same answer to share… “Kentucky Rails is a metaphor for an underdog/Cinderella story. Everyone is familiar with the Kentucky Derby, but what most people don’t know is that the horses up against the “rails” in the 1st and 20th lanes are at a strategic disadvantage in the race… The members of Kentucky Rails have been grinding their whole lives for the opportunity to showcase our own original music over a broad spectrum and we think that the meaning of the name is symbolic of the struggle that all artists go through in order to achieve that dream.” That grind from band members Justin deGraaf, Ryan […]
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April 9, 2018
April 9, 2018

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Al Brisco

(by Larry Delaney) Al Brisco’s tasty steel guitar work has been featured on countless albums recorded by many of Canada’s top country recording acts. You can hear his stylish “steelin’” on albums by such notables as Ian Tyson, Tommy Hunter, George Hamilton IV, The Good Brothers, The Cooper Brothers, Gary Buck, Smiley Bates, Gordie Tapp, Sylvia Tyson, Wayne Rostad, Joe Firth, Artie MacLaren, Johnny Burke… and the list goes on and on; with not the least being his steel guitar contribution to the Dick Damron classic, “Countryfied.” Perhaps one of Al Brisco’s more illustrious appearances on a recording goes back to 1972, when he was called upon to add his steel work on the Pure Prairie League album “Bustin’ Out”, recorded at RCA Studios in […]
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April 9, 2018
April 9, 2018

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Alessia Cohle

Dave Woods adds pictures to his In The Country podcast in a series of recent interviews filmed around Port Credit. In this episode, Dave catches up with Alessia Cohle at The Brogue Irish Pub. She chats about her Wild Eyed Wanderer EP, opening a show for Brett Kissel & much more. Plus she performs her latest single “Love Gone Right”. Dave Woods is a monthly columnist for the CMAOntario and has been hosting the popular online radio show “In The Country with Dave Woods” since 2009. To hear episodes, please visit www.inthecountryinterviews.com, www.soundcloud.com/dave-woods-3 and iTunes.
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April 9, 2018
April 9, 2018

Patrice’s Pick: Steve Rivers

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music singer-songwriter, Steve Rivers! The Ontario native, now living in Nashville, catches us up on what he’s been working on for the past year or so. He also talks about his newest single, “One Moment Closer”. He shares the story behind the song, which was inspired by his relationship with his now wife. Steve fills us in on what fans can expect to hear from him soon, along with how best to stay in touch! For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Steve Rivers below: About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country music is a lifestyle. As the appropriately deemed, “Country Music Junkie,” she strives to […]
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April 9, 2018
April 9, 2018

In The News (April 2018)

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. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be sent to verle@cmaontario.ca. Please make sure the Subject Line reads “For inclusion in the CMAOntario Newsletter”. […]
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March 6, 2018
March 6, 2018

A Message from the President (March 2018)

I think one of those groundhogs was correct – it definitely looks like an early spring to me… at least, here’s hoping. The first ballot has just closed for the 2018 Awards Show, and we are very pleased to announce that we have received over 1000 submissions, and our membership renewals have exceeded all our expectations. The second ballot (the first round of actual voting) will open in March, and thanks to everyone who sent submissions, renewed their membership or decided to join! Tickets for the Awards Show (June 3rd) are selling steadily, so if you have a seating preference, don’t put it off. To purchase, call 1-888-999-8980 or visit https://centennialhall.london.ca/london-event-listings.html The Conference Committee is working on finalizing this year’s seminar panels – great topics, […]
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March 6, 2018
March 6, 2018

Ronnie Prophet, Canada’s “International” Country Star, Passes On

(by Larry Delaney) One of Canada’s true “international” country music stars has passed away. Ronnie Prophet died March 2, 2018 in Tavares, Florida, following cardiac and kidney failure. He was 80. Ronnie Prophet was born December 26, 1937, in Hawkesbury, Ontario and raised in nearby Calumet, Quebec. His father passed away at age 7, leaving 120 acres and 50 head of cattle for the surviving family to manage. He earned spending money by creating the character Woody The Country Kid, a take-off on the popular cartoon Woody Woodpecker. His talent as an impressionist would later become a focal part of his stage act. While still a teenager he began entertaining at small venues in Montreal, and soon became a highly sought after entertainer working clubs […]
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March 6, 2018
March 6, 2018

Artist of the Month: Anthony Tullo

Oakville’s Anthony Tullo isn’t interested in cookie-cutter anything, including his career in country music. Tullo has been working on music since his teens – writing, performing, and polishing his skills as he works towards his rock and roll country dreams. 2017 was a big year for the Ontario musician, as he released his album, Rebel, made new waves in his performing career, and pushed himself to new heights all around. The 10 track album was released in November, and features emphatic song titles like Gasoline, Shotgun Ready, and the title track, Rebel. And as the follow up to his 2016 EP, Rebel With A Song, and 2014 release, Switching Tracks, this full-length offering is a great indication of what Anthony Tullo brings to country music […]
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March 6, 2018
March 6, 2018

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Amanda Jordan

  Congratulations on being a Kick It With Kissel winner, which has you opening for Brett Kissel on February 24th in Sudbury. How excited are you for that? I’m so excited! I was surprised when I opened the email saying that I had been selected. There were so many other great auditions and I wish I could bring all the other contestants with me to perform. There is so much great talent in Ontario and all across Canada, and I’m so grateful. I’ll be doing a twenty-minute set, performing some of my originals and a couple of covers. I hope to release my new single “Driving in the Dark”, which I co-wrote with Phil Barton and Jason Matthews in April this year, to Canadian country radio. What […]
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