Newsletter – Page 41 – Country Music Association of Ontario

December 21, 2017

In The News (December)

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. Cold Creek County on Tour with Old Dominion Cold Creek County is hitting the road in 2018, opening for Old Dominion, alongside The Washboard Union, for the Canadian leg of their Happy Endings World Tour. Tour kicks off February 1 in Regina, Saskatchewan and tickets are on sale now. Check out […]

November 17, 2017

A Message from the President (November 2017)

Short message this month folks, but I do want to remind everyone of some important deadlines. “KICK IT WITH KISSEL” CONTEST If you have not already uploaded your video to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #KickItWithKissel you will be missing a chance to open for Brett on his northern Ontario dates in February. Check out our October newsletter as well as our website for contest rules and available markets and dates. The deadline to upload your video is November 30th. CMAOntario ROADSHOW GOES TO PETERBOROUGH On Saturday, November 25th, the CMAOntario Roadshow will be pulling into Fleming College to host a daylong program of educational seminars. For aspiring music professionals, artists and songwriters, it is a unique opportunity to network with peers and access […]

November 17, 2017

Artist of the Month: Johnson Crook

Since their first appearance at Boots & Hearts in 2015 in the Emerging Artist Showcase, Toronto-based Johnson Crook have been showing country music fans in Ontario and beyond what they have to share. Noel Johnson, Jared Craig, and Nathan and Trevor Crook have worked hard on stage and in studio to refine their rootsy country sound, and in 2017, have already released their debut EP and debut full length album. Along with the music, the band filmed and released videos for “Shadows”, “Canada To Heartbreak”, and their lead single, “Minnedosa”. In an effort to earn even more fans, and to share more music, Johnson Crook have also created their Crooked Attic Series on YouTube, sharing covers of songs including Maren Morris’ “My Church”, Sam Cooke’s […]

November 17, 2017

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Donna Moon

Born: June 5, 1951 – Madoc, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Donna Moon was born in the Central Ontario town of Madoc, and launched her singing career as a young teenager with performances at the Lakehead Barndance staged in nearby Peterborough. Donna became affectionately dubbed “The Moon Of Madoc”, and after moving to Toronto in the early 1970’s to pursue her career at the professional level, she soon attracted the attention of Jack Hosier who signed Donna to his Marathon Records label. In 1973, Donna Moon released her debut album with the title track single, “Bittersweet”, quickly attracting radio airplay and the single reaching #2 on the RPM Hit Charts. A follow-up single, “Baby And Me”, also charted, peaking at #29. Donna’s second album on Marathon, a self-titled collection, […]

November 17, 2017

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Brad James

Tell us about some of the artists that have influenced you and inspired you to pursue a music career. First and foremost is Keith Urban. I’ve always admired so many aspects of him as an artist. Guitar playing, songwriting, performance. Big Dierks Bentley fan as well. I’ve seen him in concert a couple of times. Also, I think Randy Houser is an under appreciated artist. Great songs, great player, and his live vocals are epic! What is the most rewarding part of music for you? What is the most challenging? Having immediate interaction with the audience. Playing my own material and having people enjoy it. So many aspects. Most challenging would be the songwriting. It can be VERY rewarding, but also quite frustrating. You can […]

November 17, 2017

Patrice’s Pick: Alessia Cohle

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Alessia Cohle! Alessia talks about her new single, “Wanderlust”, and the story behind the song. She also talks about the inspiration for the music video, and how it all came together. Alessia talks about her passion for travel, and how the song’s country-pop vibe brings about an exciting new sound for the Ontario-based artist. For more information about Alessia Cohle, or to check out the new single, click here: https://www.alessiacohle.com/ For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Alessia Cohle 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 […]

November 17, 2017

In The News (November)

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. APPLY NOW: MusicOntario heads to Folk Alliance International 2018 in Kansas City, MO MusicOntario and Folk Music Ontario will be hosting private showcases during the Folk Alliance International 2018 conference. If you are an Ontario resident, an Ontario-based artist, a member of Folk Music Ontario, or are represented by an Ontario […]

October 20, 2017

A Message from the President (October 2017)

October is one of the transition months where we find ourselves being appreciative of all the things and people we have in our lives, and also, remembering those that have been part of our musical past. I would like to acknowledge a few of the people who have made their transition in 2017; we are grateful for their contributions to the Canadian music industry. Gord Downie, Tragically Hip’s lead singer and lyricist, passed away Tuesday evening; he was 53. Downie was the face and voice of a band whose discography sold more than 8 million copies. He was a rock poet who wrote Canadiana-laced lyrics and had an undeniable stage presence. He sang about Canada, but disavowed nationalism, spoke out in support of Indigenous people […]

October 20, 2017

Artist of the Month: The Redhill Valleys

The Redhill Valleys may not be a household name yet, but the Hamilton, Ontario-based trio are earning their reputation as talented entertainers with every song and show they play. Danielle Beaudin, Tim Allard, and Chelsea McWilliams create a tight sound, merging their instruments to create the music that forms a backdrop for their harmonies – harmonies that are the backbone of the band and, from song to song, make us want more. This summer, we were introduced to The Redhill Valleys as they competed in the Emerging Artist Showcase at Boots & Hearts. The band took to the main stage and performed for the crowds on Thursday and again in the finals, finishing second in the competition. In both performances, the band proved that they […]