August 6, 2017

ole is Looking for Canada’s Next Country Superstar

During PotashCorp Country Music Week 2017 in Saskatoon, ole will be hosting “on the spot” – a premiere event that delivers instant artist/songwriter development, and a contract with ole’s red dot valued up to $40,000 USD – that includes music publishing, EP recorded production, YouTube SRAV management, and support from ole’s world-class Creative Staff. Simply submit YouTube videos of yourself singing one of the approved hit songs from the ole catalog, as well as an original composition, and you could earn a chance to perform in Saskatoon during PotashCorp Country Music Week in front of some of Country music’s top A&Rs. Join the ranks of Charlie Worsham, Josh Dorr, Sam Grow, Katia Zuccarelli and Jordan Davis, whose careers have been launched by ole’s red dot artist development program. Enter before August 14 […]
August 5, 2017

In The News (August)

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. Rideau Ferry singer-songwriter Amanda Jordan to play CCMA showcase Amanda Jordan keeps getting opportunities to showcase her talent. This September, Jordan, the local singer-songwriter will be heading to Saskatoon to play in the “Diamonds In The Rough” showcase show at Canadian Country Music Association (CCMAs) Awards. Jordan, 21, was selected along […]
July 10, 2017

A Message from the President (July 2017)

2017 has been another incredible year for the CMAOntario and we have many to thank for it. Thank you to all the CMAOntario members who participated in our RoadShow in Ottawa this past March and the CMAOntario RoundUp weekend in London, which included the R2I TuneUp Conference and of course, our 5th Annual CMAOntario Awards. We shone a huge spotlight on Ontario’s country music community and the response far surpassed our expectations. It was a whirlwind weekend – one that made us all proud of the artists, the industry and the fans that the CMAOntario serves. A huge thank you goes out to the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes to bring it all together. Our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, artists, performers, […]
July 10, 2017

Newcomer Meghan Patrick Wins Big at 2017 CMAOntario Awards with Four Awards

London’s Centennial Hall was the place to be June 11th as artists, industry and fans alike assembled to toast the 5th Annual Country Music Association of Ontario Awards. Hosted by consummate entertainer, performer and musician Jason McCoy, the awards show was replete with appearances and presentations from today’s top Ontario country stars, including a guest performance by Canadian chart topper Aaron Pritchett. Accolades were bestowed among 16 categories spanning talent and industry, all made possible through the incredible support of Slaight Music, the show’s presenting sponsor, Ontario Media Development Corporation and Tourism London. Bowmanville’s Meghan Patrick was the big winner taking home the honours for Album, Female Artist, Music Video, and Rising Star of the Year. Co-writers Deric Ruttan and Craig Wiseman shared the Songwriter […]
July 10, 2017

Artist of the Month: Kris Barclay

Trading in a hockey stick for a guitar may not have been the plan when Kris Barclay was growing up in the suburbs outside of Toronto, but it has turned into a pretty good move for the country singer/songwriter. Barclay has been a busy dude in the last 18 months, working on a new EP that will showcase his singing and writing chops, and playing as many shows as there are stages across the province. We’ve had the chance to see a few of those live shows, and we can tell you this: he’s exactly where he should be when he’s up on stage with the band. As an entertainer, it’s clear that Kris Barclay knows what to do with a crowd. Whether he’s at […]
July 10, 2017

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Mickey McGivern

Born: December 13, 1931 – Pembroke, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Quite likely the “most heard” and “least credited” musician on the Canadian country music scene during the 1960’s-80’s was Pembroke, Ontario-born guitarist Mickey McGivern. His tasty guitar talents were featured on hundreds of albums released by the popular Canadian indie label Arc Records, but many of these releases were issued in an era when session musicians were not credited on the back cover liner notes. Mickey McGivern’s guitar work played a key role on Arc Records albums released by such Canadian artists as Dick Nolan, Jimmy James, Dusty King, Irwin Prescott, Freddy McKenna, etc.; as well as on Arc albums featuring Nashville artists Red Sovine, Donna Darlene, Ramblin’ Lou Shriver, etc. At the time, Mickey […]
July 10, 2017

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Elyse Saunders

Tell us about your new recording “Rise” that you wrote with Daryl Scott & Kyle Renton. My talented co-writers Daryl Scott, Kyle Renton and I got together for a write and they approached me with the song idea of “Rise”, which was inspired by the incredible story of our Canadian Olympian and four-time Pan Am Medalist, Jessica Phoenix – a talented equestrian athlete, leading eventer. They had some strong lines, including one of my favourites – “Like a powerful phoenix, it’s your time to rise” – and I knew in that moment that it was a song we had to write together. At that point, I had heard Jessica’s name before, but didn’t know very much about her and found out she had a massive fall at […]
July 10, 2017

Patrice’s Pick: River Town Saints

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music band, River Town Saints! After first interviewing the band two years ago at Peller Estates’ Wine Country Fare, Patrice catches up with Chris Labelle from RTS about the band’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album. Chris talks about what fans can expect from this upbeat album that features many high-energy songs, but also their new single which is a little softer sound for the band. The single, “Woke Up Like This,” takes a different approach – turning a one-night stand scenario into a love story. Chris also talks about the CMA Ontario Awards which took place in June in London, ON. The interview was recorded on the Friday, and the […]
July 10, 2017

In The News (July)

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. Voting Now Open for the Boots & Hearts Festival Emerging Artist Showcase Country music fans now have the opportunity to vote for the eighth and final semi-finalist to be featured in the Boots & Hearts Festival Emerging Artist Showcase. Seven semifinalists have already been selected including: Amanda Sadler, Jade Eagleson, Jason […]
June 7, 2017

A Message from the President (June 2017)

To all CMAOntario members, As we find ourselves days away from our 5th annual award show, I would like to thank each and every one of you for the support and dedication you have shown the Country Music Association of Ontario. Without your input and interest, this organization could and would not exist. You are the mighty ocean that keeps this vessel afloat. When I was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2008, it was with great pause and trepidation that I accepted the position offered by Barry Haugen, who would later become President of the newly christened ship “Ontario Country Music Association”. Those first few voyages were challenging but our captain led the way as we got our sea legs. Under Barry’s command, […]
June 7, 2017

Ben Hudson Announced as Finalist for 2017 CCMA Spotlight Performance

Congratulations to Ben Hudson on being selected as a finalist in the 2017 CCMA Spotlight Performance Contest.  Ben was selected among numerous submissions to the CMAOntario to represent Ontario and the Association in the national competition. Voting is now open. To vote for Ben, click here to access the CCMA Spotlight Performance online voting poll. The finalist that receives the most votes on the poll by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 16, 2017 will win one performance spot during PotashCorp Country Music Week 2017. Only one (1) vote per IP address will register with the online polling system – so make your one (1) vote count!  
June 7, 2017

Artist of the Month: Buck Twenty

All the way from Harrow, Ontario to the 2017 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards, Buck Twenty has been on one heck of a journey. Mike Ure and Aidan Johnson-Bujold’s up-and-coming country duo has worked hard to get to where they are now, playing showcases, acoustic sets, festivals, the Canadian National Exhibition, and more. Most recently, the boys have been seen in the spotlight playing both the CBC’s Easter Seals Telethon, and Canadian Country Music Week. At each stop reports have rolled in that Buck Twenty are well worth the price of admission, and on their way to being seen even more. And if you’re interested in seeing Mike and Aiden do their thing live, you’ll find them all over the province again this summer, […]
June 7, 2017

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: David Thompson

Born: April 4, 1950 – Kapuskasing, Ontario Died: November 9, 2010 – Aylmer, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) David Thompson’s career in the spotlight was relatively short, but quite productive. Born in the Northern Ontario town of Kapuskasing, the family moved to Detroit when he was 5 years old… and while there, he absorbed various styles of music. During his teenage years, he played with local bands. At age 20, he returned to his hometown in Ontario, where he further developed his songwriting skills and performed with various local bands, most notably, The Richard Gordon Trio. David Thompson’s songwriting talents took him to Thunder Bay, Ontario, in an effort to pitch his tunes and secure a recording contract. In 1977, he was signed to RCA Canada, […]
June 7, 2017

Patrice’s Pick: Tara Shannon

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Tara Shannon. Tara talks about her twenty-year hiatus from music, and why she knew she was Unfinished. She also talks about her new single, “Love Me Loud,” what it was like hosting Country Fix, and her next show coming up this weekend! For more information about Tara Shannon, or to check out her new single, visit her website here: http://www.tarashannonmusic.com/. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.countrymusicjunkies.com. Check out the exclusive interview with Tara Shannon 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 […]
June 7, 2017

In The News (June)

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. SHAE DUPUY Wins the 2017 Canadian Songwriting Competition – Country Category for Her Song “Wishing On You” Recently Released on Her BRAVE EP Wishing On You” co-writing credits to Drew Gregory and Mike Little, song produced by Jason Barry and music video directed by Tim Deegan.  Make sure to check it […]
May 12, 2017

A Message from the President (May 2017)

What is a “Roots” artist? It’s a simple question, but one of the most difficult to answer when attempting to determine what music qualifies for the Roots category at award shows. Each year, music organizations and associations wrestle with this issue. Many artists submit their music and do so with an attitude of “let’s see if this will get through”. This makes the selection process even more difficult, as many of these performers do not qualify. But hey… there’s no harm in trying. For the CMAOntario Awards eligibility criteria, the Roots category is defined as follows: This award is given to a Roots artist whose music is based on traditional country styles, but through innovations and originality is different from what is considered mainstream country.  […]
May 12, 2017

Performers Announced for the New Faces Showcase

Congratulations to Amanda Jordan, Ben Hudson, Brea Lawrenson, Sacha and Steve Rivers on being selected to perform at the New Faces Showcase & Concert being held at Market Square on Saturday, June 10th in London, Ontario during CMAOntario RoundUp 2017. Capping off the showcase will be a concert performance by River Town Saints with Eric Ethridge. This is a free concert with performances starting at 7:00pm. See you there! For more details on CMAOntario RoundUp 2017 events, click here.
May 12, 2017

Artist of the Month: Andrew Hyatt

From the mines of Nickel City to the big city stage, Andrew Hyatt has put in the work it takes to get country music fans to take notice. In the last couple of years, we’ve seen Sudbury born-and-raised Andrew Hyatt emerge as one of Ontario country’s rising stars. With stripped-down performances that showed off his songwriting skills and soul, and amped up rocking sets that dripped with sweat and put his heart squarely on his sleeve, country music fans have walked away wanting more and waiting for what’s… “next.” As a singer/songwriter, Hyatt first showed us that he was an artist to watch. And his radio singles, Love Drunk and MGR (Me And A Girl And A Radio) had Canadian country music fans singing along. […]
May 12, 2017

Registration Now Open for R2I Tune Up Conference

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

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Colleen Peterson

(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 […]

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