March 7, 2017
Celebrating 8 years of In The Country! “Congratulations Dave on your 8th year Anniversary of In The Country. Your love of country music and your interest in the artist always makes your interviews fun and engaging. I appreciate the time you take to put such a great show together. Here’s to many more years. You’re one of the best.” – Michelle Wright, award-winning Country artist “Here’s to In The Country with Dave Woods, celebrating 8 years! So many great stories yet to tell and I am so proud to have been a part of the musical journey. Keep on keepin’ it country, Dave!” – Patricia Conroy, hit songwriter “Congrats on 8 years of In The Country, Dave! Thank you so much for supporting not […]
March 7, 2017
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Alessia Cohle! Alessia talks about her start in music, and the important role her family played in her journey. She also talks about what fans can expect from her new album, Talk to Me. Alessia shares her excitement about opening for Brett Kissel, and what it was like to be part of the 2016 CCMA house band. To find out more about Alessia Cohle, visit: www.alessiacohle.com. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit: www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Check out 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 music with the […]
March 7, 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. Country Wild Music Festival Announced The first Country Wild Music Festival, to be held Saturday, June 3 in Cobourg’s Victoria Park, was announced February 14th. Hosted by Cobourg local residents Matt Williams and Andrew Hall of Cobourg Music Festivals Inc., the event aims to celebrate Canadian country music […]
February 9, 2017
Mississauga’s Alessia Cohle has been putting in work – and it’s paying off! The country songstress released her Talk To Me album in November 2016 and launched an East Coast tour on the strength of the first single, How Bad (track 1 on the album), before releasing the title track to radio in January 2017. Cohle helps to reinforce the city-girls-singing-country world that we live in. Even though she’s not a farm girl, her voice sounds as country as you could hope for – or would expect to hear on country radio – and the songs that she’s putting together could just as easily have come from a girl that lived in a one-stoplight town. There’s a pop influence, but the twang that comes from […]
February 6, 2017
Progress! “Progress” is forward or onward movement toward a destination. In 2017, the CMA Ontario continues to progress to provide our members and the Ontario country music community with incredible opportunities to connect, learn, expand and celebrate. The CMAO staff and Board of Directors have been hard at work programming and planning our biggest year ever. In 2017, the Country Music Association of Ontario will launch CMA Ontario RoundUp – four days of events taking place in London, Ontario, from June 7th to 11th. Here are the programming highlights: Thursday June 8: The Legacy Show at Purple Hill Country Hall Friday June 9: Celebrity Softball Game and concert at Labatt Field Saturday June 10 and Sunday June 11: Road to Independence conference at the Delta […]
February 6, 2017
Aspiring artists and songwriters… CMAOntario is presenting a daylong program of educational seminars for aspiring artists and songwriters in Ottawa, followed by a showcase of emerging Ontario artists. Hear expert panelists’ advice on how to develop an artist’s support team, imaging, marketing and branding tools to help you cut through the noise. You will also hear from experts in performance technique and songwriters who have written real hit songs. Registration for the RoadShow Ottawa is $25.00 for CMAOntario members and $30.00 for non-members – THIS INCLUDES LUNCH! Email info@cmaontario.ca with CMAOntario R2I Ottawa in the subject heading. WANT TO SHOWCASE? CMAOntario members interested in showcasing at the RoadShow Ottawa now have until this Friday, February 10th to submit for a performance opportunity. To be eligible for consideration, you need to […]
February 6, 2017
(presented by thereviewsarein.com) Mississauga’s Alessia Cohle has been putting in work – and it’s paying off! The country songstress released her Talk To Me album in November 2016 and launched an East Coast tour on the strength of the first single, How Bad (track 1 on the album), before releasing the title track to radio in January 2017. Cohle helps to reinforce the city-girls-singing-country world that we live in. Even though she’s not a farm girl, her voice sounds as country as you could hope for – or would expect to hear on country radio – and the songs that she’s putting together could just as easily have come from a girl that lived in a one-stoplight town. There’s a pop influence, but the twang […]
February 6, 2017
Born: March 21, 1940 – Thessalon, ONTARIO Died: October 14, 2003 – Didsbury, Alberta (by Larry Delaney) Gary Buck was a leader on the Canadian country music scene as a “builder”, as well as a recording artist, songwriter and producer. His talents in all of these fields have been largely responsible for laying the groundwork and development of the Canadian country music industry. Gary Buck began his own music and recording career while based out of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and would soon become recognized for his work at the international level. As a recording artist, Gary Buck released albums on the Canatal, Tower, Sparton, Capitol, RCA Camden and his own Broadland Records labels. He charted more than 25 singles on the Canadian Country Hit […]
February 6, 2017
Catching Up with Jamie Warren Ontario country artist Jamie is a singer, songwriter, entertainer and a songwriting teacher. His hits on country radio over the years include “One Step Back”, “The Way Love Goes”, “Cried All The Way Home” and “Sunny Day In The Park”. Anyone who has been to a show of his will attest to the fact that you’ll get an equal dose of music and comedy. Fortunately for country music fans, Jamie is working on new music, to be released in 2017. In your teen years, you had dreams of playing hockey professionally in the NHL and then later you went to Conestoga College to learn radio. Eventually, you pursued your love of music instead. What was it about music that made […]
February 6, 2017
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Amanda Sadler! Kingston native, Amanda, talks about her start in music, and her unique contemporary-country sound. She talks about the release of her single, Drop The Needle Down, which she wrote in Nashville with Dwave Thomson and Patricia Conroy. Amanda also talks about the video for the song, and how to connect with her on social media. To find out more about Amanda Sadler, visit: www.amandasadler.com. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit: www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Check out the exclusive interview with Amanda Sadler 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 […]
February 6, 2017
Cithara Guitars is a Custom Guitar Shop. Located on the mountain in Hamilton Ontario, forty-five minutes west of Toronto, they offer a full line of hand-crafted acoustic and electric guitars, and complete repair, setup and restoration services. Cithara is a certified Fender Warranty Shop, servicing all Fender, Squire, Gretsch, Jackson, Charvel, SWR and EVH products. They also provide warranty service for Guild and Cordoba Guitars. For all CMAO Members, Cithara Guitars is offering a 20% discount on all repair services. Contact them and learn more about Cithara at: citharaguitars.com
February 6, 2017
The 2017 CCMA Songwriters’ Series, as part of PotashCorp Country Music Week, will feature three sessions this year: Thursday, September 7; Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9. Each session will showcase eight (8) artists; four (4) of whom will be selected from submissions received, and four (4) of whom will be decided upon by a CCMA-appointed talent advisory committee. Submissions will be reviewed by an impartial industry-led jury and successful applicants will be notified of their opportunity to showcase as part of the event this spring. CLICK HERE for more information on the 2017 CCMA Songwriters’ Series and to apply. Deadline for submissions: Friday, February 24, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
February 6, 2017
Congratulations again to all of the CMAO artists who had the opportunity to open for Brett Kissel through the Kick It With Kissel contest. Check out some of the live photos of their performances below. (photo credits: Aesthetic Magazine, Canadian Beats, Tourbus Entertainment, PNP Promotions)
February 6, 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 CMAO nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAO. Federal Funding Increased For Foreign Tour Support The Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) has issued an advisory that the federal government has increased the annual allocation to Export activities, including international tours and showcases under the New Musical Works program, and Export showcases under the Collective Initiatives program […]
January 28, 2017
The Country Music Association of Ontario would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. We hope that 2017 will be the best year of your life. From the beginning of December to the New Year it can only be described as the most joyous of all holidays. Family gatherings and the joy of giving is an important part of this wonderful season. We cherish time spent with friends and loved ones. It’s a time we feel the spirit of the holiday and the joy we feel seems magnified. It’s also a time to reflect on some of the moments from the past year. Unfortunately, this sometimes includes the passing of loved ones and friends. The passing of Gordie Tapp last month is an example […]
January 10, 2017
From an early age on the farm, Ben Hudson knew that music was going to be important in his life… and with a background in piano and guitar, Ben decided to take the leap and show the world that he had country music inside of him that needed to get out and be shared. 2016 was a big year for Hudson with the February release of his self-titled EP, shows on a heap of stages, a CMAO nomination for the Rising Star Award, and with the momentum that he built, it looks like 2017 will be another step in his country music career. In January of last year Ben was also tagged as CMT Canada’s Fresh Face Artist, giving him that shot of awareness and […]
January 9, 2017
Congratulations to all of the acts selected to open for award winning country artist, Brett Kissel, on the Ontario leg of his upcoming tour. The winners were selected from close to 100 entries vying to perform with Kissel through the “Kick It With Kissel” contest supported by the CMAO. Participants were asked to record a video of themselves performing their favourite original, cover, or Kissel songs and to post it to social media using the “#KickItWithKissel” hashtag. The winners were chosen by a panel comprised of Country Music Association of Ontario board members, Invictus Entertainment, and Kissel himself. “The response to the contest was tremendous,” commented Kissel. “I wish I had room to add more talent.” The winners include: Kansas Stone January 12, 2017 Kiwanis […]
January 9, 2017
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO GORDIE TAPP (1922-2016) (by Larry Delaney) Gordie Tapp, a legend in Canadian country music, even though he has had few record releases to speak of, passed away December 18, 2016, at his home in Burlington, Ontario. He was 94. Tapp, who was equally known as “Cousin Clem”, is best recognized worldwide for his comedy character skits performed on the long-running “Hee Haw” TV series taped in Nashville studios. Gordie Tapp was born June 4, 1922 in London, Ontario. His early years were spent as a member of the Main Street Jamboree, one of Canadian country’s most popular radio shows. He then moved on, becoming a regular on the CBC’s Country Hoedown show, which aired for 13 years before transitioning into The […]
January 9, 2017
Best of In The Country Columns 2016 The CMAO and the Ontario Country Music scene are stronger than ever. I can’t wait to see what 2017 holds for our established acts as well as the new voices ready to make their mark. It is my great pleasure to host my online radio show In The Country and to contribute monthly columns to the CMAO Newsletter. I hope you enjoy the following highlights from columns that were published in 2016. Brian Vain of Kansas Stone: What advice do you have for artists who are just beginning their journey? I always like to tell artists to “stick to your guns” if you want it bad enough. Some musicians treat music as a hobby. I have made music my life. I eat, breathe […]
January 9, 2017
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Ryan Laird! Ryan talks about his new single, Wear Me Out, and how his beautiful bride was the inspiration for the song. He also talks about his busy cross-Canada tour, and the amazing work he’s doing with #BiggerThanThat in Canadian schools. To find out more about Ryan Laird, visit: www.ryanlaird.com. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Check out the exclusive interview with Ryan Laird 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 view of the world of country music, […]