November 17, 2017
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
October 20, 2017
Born: August 31, 1922 – Edwards, Ontario Died: January 4, 1984 – Ottawa, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Orval Prophet was affectionately dubbed “The Canadian Plowboy”, reflecting his Ottawa Valley farm-life upbringing and his musical roots. Orval originally performed as part of the Ottawa Valley groups Fiddler’s Fling and Mac Beattie & His Melodiers. Following his early success with his Decca recordings, Orval “Rex” Prophet toured across Canada with both Wilf Carter and Johnny Cash. During his heyday, Orval Prophet’s live performances were typically filled with a touch of showmanship rarely seen with country music performers of the day… Orval would work a room using a 50-foot microphone cord, throwing one arm in the air, and shaking hands with patrons as he walked among his audience, […]
October 20, 2017
The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour is proud to announce that Season 4 will roll into 24 communities across Canada this season with a weekend of free outdoor hockey festivities for all ages. Each tour stop is full of activities, prizes, giveaways and great live music from local bands all culminating in an outdoor viewing party of an NHL game broadcast live every Sunday on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW. Ron MacLean and Tara Slone host live on site from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio. For more information on the tour stops, please follow Rogers Hometown Hockey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MusicOntario is pleased to assist in the search for local artists and bands to perform at each tour stop! Are you from one of the following […]
October 20, 2017
Tell us about your new single “Wanderlust”, which you co-wrote with your producer Doug Romanow and Jane Bach. It’s not a typical country song. There are influences of soul and R&B with country roots. It’s a song about a sense of freedom, travel and a desire to explore. I hope “Wanderlust” inspires listeners to do just that – explore! And I hope they dance and groove to the song while doing so! When we went to write this song, I expressed to my co-writers that I was looking for a song that grooves, that’s fun, and expresses my love of exploring. At the time, the screensaver on my phone was a quote that said “Wanderlust: the desire and longing to travel and roam about”, so […]
October 20, 2017
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Ty Baynton! Waterdown, ON, native Ty Baynton talks about his new single, “I’ll Never Know”, which dropped at the end of August. He talks about his experience writing the song with Jordan from Cold Creek County, along with the story behind the song. Ty has had the opportunity to open for Blake Shelton, Tim Hicks and Chad Brownlee, and he shares with us some of the advice these country greats have passed along. For more information about Ty Baynton, or to check out his new single, click here: https://www.tybaynton.com/. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Ty Baynton below: About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country […]
October 20, 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. SING OUT FOR CHEO! Fundraising Event On October 21, 2017, Danny Sylvestre, in partnership with Tim Tierney, Ottawa Councillor, Country 101 our exclusive radio partner and with the help of a fantastic team of devoted volunteers and local sponsors, will join River Town Saints, Danny Sylvestre, John Allaire and Sandi Skye […]
September 19, 2017
Most of the CMAOntario Board of Directors and many of our members attended the 2017 CCMA Country Music Week held in Saskatoon this past week. The weekend was full of great events and performances. Highlights included the opening reception and Discovery Showcase (with Danielle Bourjeaurd, Jesse Gold, Steph La Rochelle and special guest Eric Ethridge) and the songwriting sessions, which featured a number of our own: Andrew Hyatt, Jason Blaine, The Lovelocks, Patrick Ballantyne, Buck Twenty, Deric Ruttan, James Barker (James Barker Band), Gavin Slate, David Leask and Jessica Mitchell. Another sold-out Legends show, hosted by Deric Ruttan and Cal Gratton, blew everyone away with stand-out performances. The CCMA Industry Lunch and Awards honoured Ontarians Paul Ferguson, CHCQ-FM, Belleville with Music Director of the Year […]
September 19, 2017
Ty Baynton is a small town Ontario boy, growing up an hour outside of downtown Toronto in Waterdown, but that hasn’t stopped him from making it to the big city and beyond with his own country music. The first time we saw Baynton live on stage was at the Boots & Hearts Music Festival as a finalist in the 2014 Emerging Artist Showcase. In the three years since, we’ve had the chance to see Baynton grow as an artist, a performer, and we’ve had the chance to catch up with him at the jewel of Canadian country at Canadian Country Music Week 2016 in London. Baynton counts Randy Travis as one of his earliest influences. When we spoke with him at the CCMAs, he told […]
September 19, 2017
Born: January 6, 1934 – Joyceville, Ontario Died: January 20, 1989 – Ottawa, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Bob King was one of Canada’s first country stars to earn recognition beyond our national borders. Raised in the Ottawa Valley, Bob King headed up his first band, The Country Cousins, at age 14, playing area talent contests. At age 16, he became a solo artist, beating out another Ottawa youngster, Paul Anka, in a talent show. Soon afterwards, Bob King joined on as a member of the popular traditional country group, Mac Beattie & The Ottawa Valley Melodiers. In 1954, at age 20, Bob King was signed to a solo recording contract with RCA Victor. His debut single, “Laurel Lee”, became an instant hit, selling a reported 50,000 […]
September 19, 2017
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Ashlynne Vince! Welland, ON native, Ashlynne Vince, talks about her new single, “No Boys Allowed” which dropped back in the spring. She talks about her experience opening for Brett Kissel at the beginning of the year, along with her upcoming tour schedule. For more information about Ashlynne Vince, or to check out her new single, click here: https://ashvince.ca/. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Ashlynne Vince 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. As a radio broadcaster with an inside […]
September 19, 2017
Tell us some of the artists that have influenced you. Early on, my influences were Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan. I have always looked up to Patricia Conroy. Right now, Dierks Bentley and Keith Urban are huge influences for me. You had the opportunity to write and record “Hung Up ” with well-known producer Dave (Dwave) Thomson. This was your first single at Country radio from your EP called “Always Easy”. What was it like working with Dwave? Working with Dwave was amazing. I won the opportunity after competing in the Magna Hoedown Showdown. We basically had 1 day to write a song and record it the next day. With us both being from Niagara, we had lots in common, which helped. Writing with new people can be hit […]
September 19, 2017
What is MusicOntario? Launched in 2012, MusicOntario is a non-profit, membership-based Music Industry Association (MIA), representing Ontario’s independent artists and businesses. As a division of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), our mission is to provide professional development, services and support to the independent music industry in Ontario. What do we do? MusicOntario curates programs, events and initiatives that assist in nurturing, promoting, and sustaining growth within the provincial music sector. We do this by both creating accessible opportunities for emerging local talent and professionals, and connecting them to Ontario’s existing industry infrastructures, festivals and organizations within Ontario’s communities. From 2015-2017, MusicOntario delivered over 108 events (and counting), ranging from workshops, panels, b2b and peer mentorship sessions, to showcases, domestic and international market access, networking […]
September 19, 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. ole Signs Co-Publishing and Administration Deal with The Reklaws ole, the world’s fastest-growing independent music publishing and rights management company, announced it has entered into a worldwide co-publishing and administration deal with Cambridge, Ontario-based country music singer/songwriter duo, The Reklaws. Winners of the 2012 CCMA Discover Program and the 2013 […]
August 11, 2017
Wow, I can’t believe that the summer is almost gone… or was it ever here? I’m hoping some of you were able to get out to play or attend some fairs and festivals these last few months. I know that many of our Ontario artists were hitting the stages in the West; and now it is time to turn to Eastern Canada, where the majority of fairs happen August through October. For information on the fairs and festivals based in Canada, please reach out to C.A.F.E (Canadian Association of Fairs and Festivals) http://www.canadian-fairs.ca Congratulations to Shae Dupuy, who recently won the 2017 Canadian Songwriting Competition – Country Category – for her song “Wishing On You”, co-written by Drew Gregory and Mike Little and produced by […]