April 2021 Member News
COAST TO COAST
The CCMA invites any members in good standing to submit industry relevant information for consideration and inclusion in The Source. Please submit information 3 weeks prior to the end of each month in order to be as timely as possible (Ex - submission deadlines). As such, any news or statements presented in this part of the newsletter are not necessarily representative of and/or endorsed by the CCMA. Please send your news items for inclusion to and note COAST TO COAST in the subject line. Please keep submissions to 150-200 words (third person voice), include one high resolution photo (square images preferred) and a link to extended content.
Remember - you can click on each headline name for further info!
 |
Don AmeroMultiple-JUNO Award nominee Don Amero sends a strong and relatable message in his latest single, “You Can’t Always Be 21” (written by Charles Kelly - Lady A, Gordie Sampson, Tawgs, and Simon Wilcox). You can learn more about what this song means to Don here. Be on the lookout for the release of the official music video for, “You Can’t Always Be 21”. For more information, visit donamero.ca.
|
 |
Tenille ArtsTenille Arts hit #1 in the U.S. this month with her “Somebody Like That” release and made plenty of history along the way. The single was the first Country music song in the U.S. written, produced, and performed solely by females. Tenille wrote the smash with Alex Kline and Allison Cruz. Kline also produced the single, making her the first solo female producer to have a #1 single at Country radio. The accomplishment made her the first Canadian female to score a #1 single since Terri Clark’s “Girls Lie Too” in 2004. The new year kicked off in amazing fashion for Tenille. She was voted by the radio and music industry as one of the five CRS New Faces of Country Music and was inducted into the prestigious CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2021. Both distinctions have been launching pads for many Country artists. She also received her first U.S. award nomination from the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards in the “New Female Artist of the Year” category. Her Dolce & Gabbana red carpet dress landed her on numerous “best dressed” lists following the April 18 awards show. For more information, visit tenillearts.com.
|
 |
Gord BamfordMultiple CMA and CCMA Award winner Gord Bamford released his new single, “Heaven On Dirt” on April 16th. The “home is where your heart is power ballad” embraces Country storytelling and reflects on the feeling of finding your true joy in life. Penned by Jason Lee Owens, Jr., Philip Eugene O'Donnell, Casey Beathard, and Jenee Fleenor “Heaven On Dirt” projects a signature sound that has previously elevated Bamford to the top of the Country singles chart and is a glimpse of what’s to come off of his forthcoming new album due out this summer. “I have always been a guy that goes off of my instincts and gut feelings. This was written by some of my favourite hit songwriters, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to record it. This type of song only comes along once in a lifetime, so I hope you all love it as much as I do.” – Gord Bamford For more information, visit gordbamford.com.
|
 |
Owen BarneyFollowing up on the success of his sophomore EP, breakout singer/songwriter Owen Barney has released a new collection of songs. Aptly titled Tough Times, the 3-track EP includes his new single “You Make Me Wanna (Brown Eyed Girl)” which already boasts over 315K streams. Finding the silver lining in what has been a challenging year for so many, Owen spent a large part of the last 365 days writing music, adding to his collection of songs, and honing his craft. Through this, he created a collection of tracks that perfectly speaks to the ups and downs we're facing as we move past the one-year mark of this pandemic. Just weeks after releasing Tough Times, Owen landed nominations for the CMAOntario Awards in both the SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR and SINGLE OF THE YEAR categories. He is also set to perform during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend (May 28 – 30, 2021). With over 11.3+ Million streams globally, a chart-topping summer smash (“Thank Her For That”), and a current Top 40, this is sure to be a breakout year for the Ontario-native. Read more about Tough Times here.
|
 |
Kassandra ClackKassandra Clack is an energetic country artist currently a finalist in Canadian Music Week's Jim Beam 2021 Talent Search. Webisodes featuring the Canadian finalists will be airing in June 2021. Her latest release “Buy My Own Beer” has recently been added to SiriusXm after gaining international radio play with her first two singles “Are You With Me” and “Stolen”. She is supporting this digital/radio release and growing fanbase through the Jim Beam National Talent Search hosted by Canadian Music Week. Kassandra will be featured in this June’s final Webisode for fan voting here. For more information, visit kassandraclack.com.
|
 |
Travis DolterComing off the success of his winter release “Layla 14”, Alberta raised country music recording artist Travis Dolter is set to bring some summer sizzle with his new release, “Blue Seas & Palm Trees”. These lyrics popped into Travis’s head when it was minus 40 with a blizzard raging outside his window! With images of polar bears, ice hockey, and icicles hanging off his ears, he set off to find the sun! Recorded with award-winning producers Bart McKay (Bart McKay Productions) and Mark Troyer (Evergreen Sound), Dolter will be releasing “Blue Seas & Palm Trees” on May 14th with Lauren Tuttty (Lauren Tutty Promotions), to Canadian radio followed by International radio with Celena “Pinky” Simms (Black Mountain Music & Media) on June 7th. Pre-save here! For more information, visit travisdolter.com.
|
 |
Justin FancyDespite having to shelf his original plans for the video, due to a major Covid-19 outbreak in Newfoundland at the time the video was scheduled to be shot, Fancy is very happy with the results. Long-time friend Samantha Picco, from Big Brother Canada Season 7, has had a recurring role as Justin’s love interest since the release of “Think About You” in early 2020. “We were able to use existing footage of Samantha from the last two videos as flashback sequences in the new video,” said Fancy. “We were able to safely shoot the performance parts at The Sound Solution in St. Johns and it worked out perfectly”. Justin is still riding high from winning MusicNL’s Country Artist of the Year and Rising Star of the Year. He also recently won Country Music Video of the Year for “Sure Beats A Good Time” at the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards and has been nominated for an East Coast Music Award for Inspirational Album of the Year. For more information, visit justinfancymusic.ca.
|
 |
Karen FowlieKaren Fowlie is an award-winning singer-songwriter with deep musical roots in her community. Influenced by musical greats (Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, Jann Arden, Joni Mitchell, Chantal Kreviazuk, Carrie Underwood, Heart, and more) Fowlie writes Prog. Country/Rock songs people can easily relate to. Karen has been recognized by B.C.'s Attorney General for her songwriting and has also appeared as a special guest on a TV talk show. Fowlie and her band regularly entertain audiences and have released three singles in recent history. "Leave your sorrow / bring your laughter / this is your happy ever after" are some of the lyrics of Karen Fowlie's new single, "Slipstream". Join Karen and Terri Breeze (bass) as they unveil the new music video in an intimate, interactive listening party on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. (PST). Side Door Access Watch Party Link is here. For more information, visit karenfowlie.com.
|
 |
Teigen GayseThis Chetwynd, BC, metis recording artist resides in Kelowna, and her new single, “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love Anymore”, produced by Jeff Johnson (Bailey Way Entertainment), hit Top 10 Most Active Indies, is on Stingray Radio’s Trending Track, and just charted #47 on BDS and #51 on Mediabase. Loving all genres, Teigen was influenced by Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers when younger; a homeschooling experiment led to writing her own songs, including her new single. Teigen leads with melody over lyrics, plays guitar, hitting on everyday topics in a heartwarming, relatable way. She took a leap of faith last year, going to the hill country of Dripping Springs, Texas, to record her self-titled 8-track debut album with Tyler McCollum, Cody Angel, and Pat Mankse at The Zone Recording Studio. Released April 2020, “Don’t Look Back” landed in the Top 10 Most Active Indies, and Teigen was invited to open for Susan Gibson (who wrote “Wide Open Spaces” for the Dixie Chicks). Teigen loves making a difference, stays busy with live streams, performing at small outdoor venues, and creating new hits in the studio. Her first co-write with award-winning Johnson, “Blame The Wine”, releases this summer. For more information, visit teigengayse.com.
|
 |
The HeelsWest coast female trio The Heels have announced an upcoming collaboration with Aaron Pritchett -a duet called “Catch & Release.” The song is written by The Heels & Dave Thomson, writer of Lady A’s latest number-one single “Champagne Night.” The Heels will share “Catch & Release” in May as their fourth single from the upcoming album “I AM.” The Heels sophomore album will be released in June 2021. The album is produced by BC’s producer of the year Anthony Fiddler and features sixteen dynamic songs. For more information, visit theheelsmusic.com.
|
 |
Tim HicksMulti-Platinum award winning entertainer Tim Hicks just announced the release of Campfire Troubadour, a seven-song collection available May 21st. While Hicks has cemented deep roots in Canadian country music, his genesis as an artist began with humble beginnings, charming bar patrons nightly with a vast repertoire of solo acoustic material designed to please a crowd. Campfire Troubadour pulls from this model, reimagining Hicks’ chart-topping sound for a more intimate setting, as much at home in a fireside jam as it would be in the unassuming rooms he once played. Take for instance lead track ‘Slow’, injecting harmonica and gang vocals reminiscent of unabashed late-night singalongs with friends, setting the tone for an EP suggesting Hicks’ diversity as an artist knows no bounds. The reinterpretation of current single ‘The Good, The Bad And The Pretty’ is a stripped back offering to pay homage to the fans and experiences that shaped Hicks as a person, artist, and performer, while ‘Last Can’ delivers on his beloved tongue-in-cheek writing, sure to take the backyard party well past the last call. For more information, visit timhicksmusic.com.
|
 |
David JamesAfter his smash hit “Then There’s You” featuring Genevieve Fisher, David James is back with his long-awaited single, “Don’t Mind If I Do”. This release is a new and fresh sound for David and has debuted in the top 50 at Canadian country radio. Make sure you are following David on TikTok as he shows off his impeccable cooking and mixology skills as well as following along on his Instagram as he continues to find new challengers to take on in his own “Battle of The Chefs” series! For more information, visit mdmrecordings.net/david-james/.
|
 |
David Boyd JanesDavid Boyd Janes has been nominated for a 2021 CMAOntario Award for Male Artist of the Year, which follows his nomination last year in the Rising Star category. The Toronto country artist’s debut single with Warner Music Canada “Couldn’t Hurt” was chosen by iHeartRadio to be the Future Star for March and April. David, the 2019 Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase winner, co-wrote “Couldn’t Hurt” with country superstar James Barker, fellow CMAOntario Award nominee Aaron Alan and industry veteran Joe Ernewein. “Couldn’t Hurt” is inside the Top 40 on the Canadian charts and continues to be added to country stations across Canada. With new music on the horizon and socially distanced and safe shows being planned this summer, David is certainly making the most out of 2021. For more information, visit davidboydjanes.com.
|
 |
Carson JanikCarson Janik is a big part of the next generation on the Canadian country music scene. Carson is from the small town of Tecumseh, Ontario, and in addition to singing and writing, Carson also plays acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, as well as the piano. What originally started out as a couple of singles in early 2020, quickly turned into Carson's 7 song debut EP! Carson’s first single "Better Than That" was released to radio on January 11, 2021, was immediately picked up by over 40 country radio stations in Canada and is being played around the world on internet radio stations based in the USA, the UK, Australia, and more. While upcoming performances are on hold, Carson was slated to compete in the finals of 'The Next Country Music Star' Havelock Jamboree before live shows were paused. Carson's second single of his EP will be released to country radio in May, before releasing the full EP and hopefully get back to playing some live music. Be sure to keep listening to country radio in May to hear Carson's new single! For more information, visit carsonjanikmusic.bigcartel.com.
|
 |
Tyler Joe MillerSince the release of his third single Tyler Joe Miller’s “Fighting” has been rapidly climbing the charts at Canadian country radio. The official music video for “Fighting” now has over 259,300 views since its release. This music video has started a conversation around mental health with comments such as “I can't tell you how bad I needed this song right now", "This song hit home big time", and “This video shows how we need to support men suffering with mental health more" you can read more comments here. “Fighting” follows Tyler Joe’s record-breaking back-to-back #1 radio hits, “Pillow Talkin’” and “I Would Be Over Me Too”. His debut EP “Sometimes I Don’t, But Sometimes I Do” is out now. Keep an eye out for more virtual shows from Tyler Joe Miller this summer. For more information, visit mdmrecordings.net/artist_press/tyler-joe-miller.
|
 |
Jess MoskalukeJess Moskaluke’s fifth studio album “The Demos”, is now available everywhere. After restrictions forced many to press pause on studio time and songwriting sessions, Jess decided to rework and share some demos she had in the vault, creating a body of work that offers fans a chance to hear music before it's fully produced and mastered. Jess has been hard at work for the release of the official music video for “Leave Eachother Alone” feat. Travis Collins. The highly anticipated second edition of “Handpicked by Jess” sold out on release day! Keep an eye on Jess’ socials for an unboxing of the spring/summer box! For more information, visit jessmoskaluke.com.
|
 |
Bobby WillsCCMA Award winner Bobby Wills current single “Gettin’ Her Over You” official music video now has over 70k views. You can check out the video here. To learn more about the song and video, check out the behind-the-scenes here. For more information, visit bobbywills.com.
|
 |
Sakamoto AgengySakamoto Agency, in collaboration with GrassRoots Promotion in Nashville, has just launched GPS Promotion, a new radio, and online promotions company. Headed up by radio veteran and artist Tera Lee Flaman, GPS Promotion services Canadian and US radio markets, tastemakers, influencers, and digital media on behalf of emerging and established Country Artists. GPS Promotion goes over and above delivering new music to radio and tracking airplay; the specialty of the company is in providing proactive promotion even before a single is complete, finding unique ways to assist artists in building long-term relationships, and providing an innovative approach to radio promotion, designed to frame and highlight the artists’ music and brand. Tera Lee and the team are here to promote singles to their highest potential, and to help artists position themselves for success in the world of country music. For more information, visit GPSpromotion.ca or contact gps@sakamotoagency.com.
|
 |
97 South Song Sessions97 South Song Sessions has launched a mobile App that provides a variety of benefits to App users including a Preferred Vendors list. The Preferred Vendors Program offers area businesses an opportunity to market their product and services at a slightly discounted rate. In support of Covid recovery, the PVP costs in 2021 will be waived. Businesses interested in being considered for the Preferred Vendor Program can contact prefvendor@97southsongsessions.com. “We’re launching the 97 South Song Sessions App to put the Festival details in the palm of the user’s hand. The App includes a Preferred Vendor Program, granting 97 South the chance to support local businesses by creating awareness and encouraging sales in the community,” says Robin Ott, President, 97 South Song Sessions. This year’s festival runs July 23 and 24, 2021, and will be held at Penticton Lakeside Resort (21 Lakeshore Drive W) and the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre (273 Power Street). Ticket holders will enjoy two 90-minute shows on back-to-back nights featuring unique, multi-genre songwriter lineups at each performance. Festival passes can be purchased online. For more information, visit 97 South’s newly refreshed website 97southsongsessions.com, or follow on Instagram and Facebook.
|
COUNTRY CARES
The CCMA is proud to acknowledge the altruistic acts of charity and kindness demonstrated by our members. If you or someone you know has done something that you feel deserves recognition, please send your recommendations for consideration to thesource@ccma.org and note COUNTRY CARES in the subject line. Please keep submissions to 150-200 words, include one high resolution photo, (square images preferred) and a link to extended content.
Remember - you can click on each headline name for further info!
 |
Country Cares Drive-Inn ConvertGet ready for a weekend full of live country music at the Blue Mountain Resort in partnership with CountryFest Productions to benefit the Unison Benevolent Fund. The Country Cares Drive-Inn Concert taking place on May 7th and 8th, 2021 at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ontario, and features Canadian country music artists Robb Watts, Elyse Saunders, David Boyd Janes, Suzi Kory, John Anderson, Kansas Stone, Alessia Cohle, Dustin Bird, and Jason McCoy. The event organizers will be donating $10 from every ticket sale to support the Unison Benevolent Fund. The Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit, registered music industry charity that provides counseling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. The organization strives to help professional music makers in times of hardship, illness, or economic difficulties. Tickets are available as Hotel/Ticket combo or as individual tickets. *** In the case that province-wide restrictions are extended, the event will be postponed until September 10th & 11th, 2021. In the case that ticket holders are unable to attend on those dates, the tickets are 100% refundable.
|
MIA UPDATES
The CCMA is pleased to bring you regular updates from your provincial music industry associations (MIAs). For our MIA friends, please send your updates and association information to thesource@ccma.org and note MIA UPDATES in the subject line. Please keep submissions to 150-200 words, include one high resolution photo (square images preferred), and a link to extended content.
 |
Country Music Association of OntarioThe Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) will be holding the 2021 CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend in Hamilton, Ontario from September 3rd – 5th (rescheduled from May 28-30th due to COVID-19 restrictions). As part of the weekend festivities, CMAOntario will be hosting three drive-in concerts at Ancaster Fairgrounds including the Legacy Revival, New Faces Showcase & Concert, and the 9th Annual CMAOntario Awards. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Beverley Mahood, and presented by Slaight Music, the CMAOntario Awards Show will take place on Sunday, September 5 with performances by Tim Hicks, Robyn Ottolini, Buck Twenty, Aaron Allen, Owen Barney, Sacha, David Boyd Janes, Reney Ray, The Redhill Valleys, and The Western Swing Authority (lineup subject to change). Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite. Additional performers for the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend will be announced in the coming weeks. Earlier this month, the association also announced nominees for the 2021 CMAOntario Awards. A full list of nominees, along with complete details, is available at cmaontario.ca.
|