Don Amero

As we head into the holiday season, JUNO Award nominee Don Amero has a calendar full of festive treats. Next month, Don will be performing as part of Marilyn Dennis’ 12 Days of Christmas, and on December 19, he’ll be heading to the Burton Cummings Theatre for his annual “Amero Little Christmas” show, continuing the tradition in a virtual setting this year. You can get you tickets to the show here!

For more information visit donamero.ca

Corinda Chandler

Corinda Chandler's singing and recordings reveal a diversity of her evolving musical style inspired by many genres of music and her life experiences.

Corinda's debut album “For The Love Of It” (recorded as Cori Chandler) was written and produced by Canadian Country Music and SOCAN Hall of Fame artist Ray Griff.

In November 2019, Corinda Chandler released “Hope… The Dream.” This album is a work of love dedicated to her recently deceased brother Brad and very recently her dad. The album includes songs she has been singing and performing live in Calgary.

"For all those that believe that anything is possible that love light hope and music will always be stronger than hate, fear, and evil with respect for the past and hope for the future...”

For more information visit corindachandler.com

Kassandra Clack

“Stolen” by Kassandra Clack, emerging BC Country artist is right on time for your playlist.

" “Stolen” is the newest single from the young artist. Like its title, the track chronicles the experiences of people gone too soon and the families left behind. It's heartfelt and, frankly, painful to hear these stories but Kassandra’s vocals shine! Her performance is powerful but not overbearing; she takes away the sting and actually leaves us wanting more." – Princess Carroll (@PrincessCTV)

“Stolen” invites us to embrace a moment of reflection and comfort our memories.

Listen on Spotify HERE

For more information, visit kassandraclack.com

Carolina East

A creation of the maritime elements, Carolina East is a vibrant, bold, songstress from Newfoundland and Labrador. Proudly wearing an eclectic tapestry of musical influences, from soul to country, to pop. This year, Carolina East won the MusicNL Country Artist of the Year award, received a nomination for ECMA Indigenous Artist of the Year, and recently joined the Sirius XM Top of the Country competition as one of eight competing semi-finalists. Her newest single "All the Things" is a heartfelt ballad that beautifully follows the catchy and vocal-driven single, "Hunger."

For more information visit carolinaeastmusic.com

Justin Fancy

Hunter Brothers

For more information visit hunterbrothers.com

Follow their socials: 

@HunterBros

facebook.com/HunterBrothersMusic

David James

In celebration of the release of his latest single “Then There’s You” featuring Genevieve Fisher, CCMA Award nominee David James treated fans to a socially distant acoustic version of the track; check out the video here. As “Then There’s You” continues to gain steam at Canadian country radio, David is busy working on a 10 event virtual tour; “David James Live from the Warehouse”. Check out a preview of what you’ll see here!

For more information visit https://mdmrecordings.net/david-james/

Stirling John

Shelley Lynch

Shelley Lynch may be from a small Canadian town but there is nothing small about the talent this singer-songwriter has been blessed with. From learning to play guitar with her older sisters, to singing in church, weddings, then bars, right up to standing on her own at the Nashville North Stage at the Calgary Stampede. When the album “Walk through Life” came out Shelley was inspired with the success of radio play and international support. The style continued in the next album “Dream Big,” a collection of songs she wrote and performed that exploded with lyrics as honest and as personal as life can get. “Plowin’ and Cryin’” promoted by Jerry Duncan Promotions moved Shelley into the “Music Row Charts”. Moving on to her next release ‘Powerful Woman’ brought some of the most powerful and soulful songs written. Shelley pours her heart and soul into every song she writes. She says she has to ‘live it’ to ‘write it’. The additional time, growth, and travels down "Life's Highway" have her ready for her new journey..."Dreams and Gasoline". Team that with Dean Miller (Roger's Son) producing the new tracks, and some of Nashville's best studio pickers and players, and you have Great Music.

For more information visit shelleylynch.com

Madeline Merlo

“It Didn’t,” the new single from Madeline Merlo is available now. Following the success of her Top 15 hit “Kiss Kiss,” “It Didn’t” is an up-tempo post-break-up anthem.  Says Merlo of the song, “‘It Didn’t’ is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written. It’s about feeling the light at the end of the tunnel on your face after a difficult time. It touches on my battle with depression and overcoming a tumultuous breakup. It was so exciting to have horns and play with new sounds sonically for this anthem.’”  “It Didn’t” was produced by Jeff Pardo, and co-written with Pardo and Jason Blaine. Look for a music video coming soon.

For more information visit madelinemerlo.com

Tyler Joe Miller

CCMA Award nominee Tyler Joe Miller delivered his debut EP, “Sometimes I Don’t, But Sometimes I Do” on November 6th. The six-song offering includes Tyler Joe’s record breaking back to back #1 radio hits, “Pillow Talkin’” and “I Would Be Over Me Too”. Currently nominated for several BCCMA Awards, including “Single of the Year” (Pillow Talkin’), “Male Artist of the Year” and “SOCAN Songwriter of the Year” (I Would Be Over Me Too), Tyler Joe is set to cap off a massive year with the release of a new single on Christmas Day.

For more information visit https://mdmrecordings.net/artist_press/tyler-joe-miller/

Jess Moskaluke

Following an exclusive premiere on ET Canada earlier this month, multi-Platinum award-winner Jess Moskaluke released the video for her latest single ”Mapdot” on November 12. Created as a love letter to Jess’ hometowns, ‘Mapdot’ was shot in Langenberg, SK and Rocanville, SK by Munz Media. Next up, she’s releasing ‘The Vinyl’, a greatest hits collection (to date), which you can find on the MDM Merch Store. Additionally, Jess introduced ‘Handpicked By Jess’; a carefully curated box of her favourite local brands based in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The first edition, lovingly called the #ShopSmall collection, sold out in the matter of minutes (and broke our MDM Merch Store!) but stay tuned….the second edition to follow soon. Visit Jess’ website and sign up for her mailing list to be notified first with details on the second edition of ‘Handpicked By Jess’. 

Follow @jessmoskaluke for all the details!

For more information visit jessmoskaluke.com

Trevor Panczak

Where I Go to Come Back” was recorded before the global pandemic but it truly is a song for the times. As life continues with its mounting complexities and uncertainty, this heartfelt song is filled with airy lines of nostalgia and memories of a simpler time that we all used to know and now yearn for. Trevor Panczak helps us take a breath and takes us back home with another smooth, country vocal performance.  

The lyric "...to come back from the world that's turning’ crazy, back from the roar of the radio news…” touches on the world at hand and “back to the place where I can see reality” identifies what’s really important in life. Trevor delivers in a sophisticated, relatable fashion which is typical of Canada's 6 foot 6 inch gentle giant. 

This authentic and sincere video encapsulates the essence of Trevor and the song that was written by Steve Bogard, Jeff Stevens and Dustin Lynch. Cinematography was executed by Trevor Christensen, directing and editing by Trevor Christensen and Trevor Panczak.   

At the time of submission, the single continues to climb the BDS (#65 up 7spots) & Mediabase (#65 up 2spots) charts, so check out Trevor’s most personal video release to date, right here. 

For more information visit trevortown.com

Jordyn Pollard

A Lloydminster, SK native, Jordyn grew up on a family farm with a passion for song writing and recording, dreaming that one day she would make it as big as the artists she sang along to. With a unique combination of talent, determination, and self-assuredness, Jordyn is already on the path of chasing her dreaming, earning a reputation as a top up-and-coming singer/songwriter on the western Canadian scene. 

Jordyn's new single 'Back To Us' is out now on all streaming platforms! 

For more information visit jordynpollardmusic.com

R. Harlan Smith

“Way Back When” is the title song of Harlan’s latest album set for release on December 11th, 2020. It is the tenth album in his career as a country music artist and writer, all wedged in between a passion to create a Canadian owned record label and music publishing company, and produce records for other Canadian artists. Pre-save the album here to be the first to listen here.

Renegade Station

Renegade Station’s legacy is etched deep into the firmament of the western Canadian music scene and that can never be taken from them. Renegade Station heads into the Country Music Alberta Awards with another 4 nominations. Be sure to check out Renegade Station’s CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU (written by Trinity Bradshaw and Brad Saunders) for your holiday playlist. Available on iTunes now.

For more information visit renegadestationmusic.com

Steve Rivers

Steve Rivers released a brand new EP in time for the holiday season! ‘Songs in a Different Color’ is the first volume of songs to be released by Rivers that were recorded in a stripped-down acoustic format.

“I didn’t get a chance to get out and perform songs from my new album (‘American Side Hustle’) this year, so I wanted to record something special and release it for fans as a way to say thank you during the holidays.” 

The acoustic focused EP contains 5 songs including the previously released radio singles “Where There’s Smoke There’s Whiskey” and “Riptide”. The EP also contains two new songs, “Trash Talkin’” and “That’s the Way She Goes”, co-written by Steve Rivers.

‘Songs in a Different Color (Vol. 1)’ are available on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music.

For more information visit www.steverivers.com 

Sons of Daughters

“Moonshine and Mistletoe,” a new holiday original from CCMA Rising Star nominees Sons of Daughters is available now. Says duo member Jimmy of the tongue-in-cheek tune, “We were just exploring alternate theories on why Santa Claus may have actually come to town... and this happened! Merry Christmas.” “Moonshine and Mistletoe” was co-written with William Tracy Byarlay and produced by Jimmy Thow. And be sure to check out the fun ‘80s-themed video for the duo’s current radio single “Drinks Well With Others” on YouTube. 

For more information visit sonsofdaughters.com 

Ashlynne Vince

Just in time for Christmas, Ashlynne Vince has released her first ever Christmas song to Canadian Country radio, a country version of the Bryan Adam's classic Christmas Time. Ashlynne is the first ever female artist to cover and release this song and she is joined by her Father-in-law Ronnie Booth (of the Booth Brothers with the Gaither Vocal Group). You will enjoy this up-tempo, countrified, toe-tapping classic by Ashlynne Vince featuring Ronnie Booth. Available at all you online music apps.

For more information visit ashvince.ca

Colter Wall

Earlier this summer (August 28) 24-year-old Colter Wall, whose dusty baritone voice and deep well of stories are almost single-handedly carrying traditional western music into the future, released his new self-produced album, Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs. The 10-track ode to the themes and labours of western life picks up where his last album left off, with a reverence for his “working cowboy kin” and a whole mess of cowboy songs

Boasting more than 432M+ global streams, Wall’s name has been appearing everywhere with the launch of Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs. From underground music blogs and high praise in Pitchfork and Exclaim! to a feature with the legendary outdoor brand Filson, to a broad swath of celebrity fans. Recently, comedian and podcast magnate Joe Rogan dubbed Wall “legit as f***” and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace name-dropped Wall in his recent GQ feature. Longtime fan Jason Momoa featured Wall’s music exclusively in a gone-viral video about restoring his wife, Lisa Bonet’s, first Ford Mustang and made the call for Wall's cut of "Big Iron" to get on the radio. Needless to say, Wall’s voice and songs have attracted fans from all walks of life as he continues to prove he's country music's one the watch. 

For more information visit colterwall.com

Bobby Wills

CCMA Award winner Bobby Wills recently wrapped up a national virtual tour, showcasing some new tunes to industry tastemakers across the country. Check out the “In A Bar Somewhere” virtual tour here! Bobby released the digital track “Gettin’ Her Over You” on October 23, and current single “Wash My Truck” is holding steady at Canadian country radio. Be on the lookout for a new single early 2021!

For more information visit bobbywills.com

Blue Jay Sessions

The Blue Jay Sessions returned to Calgary for a great community cause Nov. 25-27 at Mikey's on 12th.

Over the course of three nights, 21 Canadian musicians came together (while remaining safely spaced out) for a series of songwriters' sessions, performing original songs and telling the stories behind them. With the holiday season in full swing, people can expect artists to perform a few Christmas classics each night in addition to original music.

The holiday edition of Blue Jay Sessions is helping to raise both funds and awareness for the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary. A charity that aims to improve food security for marginalized individuals in the Calgary area.

Health and safety is kept front-of-mind at this event series. Performers will sing their songs in an Alberta Health Series approved plexiglass stage setup while attendees are sat at a safe distance from both musicians and other tables.

Blue Jay Sessions would like to thank Russell Brewing Co. and Forty Creek Whiskey for helping make these sessions possible during these unusual times.

100 Homes: Concert Connections

This fall Sakamoto Agency has embarked on a new volunteer initiative for care homes in Canada. 100 Homes: Concert Connections formed from both the desire to give back to the community through this tough year, and the lucky coincidence that a Recreation Coordinator from a care home contacted the agency about potential entertainment.

Since October 2020, Sakamoto Agency has facilitated over 30 concerts for care homes through delivering recorded show from Duane Steele, Bobby Wills, The Washboard Union, Nice Horse, Chris Buck, and a special Christmas concert which will broadcast at multiple homes on December 22 from Aaron Goodvin. We have many more care home concerts in the midst of being organized, and are aiming for 100 by the end of January 2021!

In the words of the Meadow Ridge Seniors Village in Medicine Hat: “Live music was taken away from us this year leaving us feeling lost, sad, and at times without words. Myself, the care parents and especially the residents at Meadow Ridge Seniors Village are beyond grateful to Sakamoto Agency and the artists who have taken the time to make us special content to help us feel again, to love again, and most importantly to smile again.” A resident of the home named Annette said “It is just wonderful to hear the music again, it gives me something to look forward to, as well as a reason to come out of my room.”

Visit https://sakamotoagency.com/100-homes-concert-connections/ for more information!

SASKMusic

SaskMusic will announce the 2020 Saskatchewan Music Award nominees at 11am CST on November 30, from their Facebook page and YouTube channel. The third annual awards will honour excellence in the Saskatchewan music industry and celebrate the achievements of music industry members over the past year. The SMAs, and the Best Saskatchewan Albums public poll, were created to draw attention to the talent of Saskatchewan artists. “We believe music is more important than ever in lifting spirits. Our creators continue to create; and we want to recognize the resiliency and dedication of those continuing on with their craft, despite the enormous challenges this year has posed,” notes SaskMusic.

Categories announced will include Country Artist, Roots/Folk Artist, Indigenous Artist, Single, Music Video, Venue, and Producer of the Year, as well as the Industry Achievement Award, as well as the longlist of Best Saskatchewan Albums of the Year. Public voting will then open to determine the Top Ten albums, and the ultimate winner of Album of the Year.

This will be the sixth year of the BSA list, with previous winners of the top spot including The Dead South “Sugar & Joy” and Belle Plaine “Malice, Mercy, Grief & Wrath”.

The SMAs will be streamed online on January 24, 2021; learn more at www.saskatchewanmusicawards.com.

Music PEI

Music PEI, will be presenting a showcase at the Americana UK conference in January 2021. This online version of the conference in response to COVID-19, brings together presenters, agents, labels and industry folk involved in Americana music scene in the UK and globally. The 4 PEI artists are Cory Gallant (CCMA Spotlight Artist 2018), Haunted Hearts, Lawrence Maxwell and Brooke MacArthur. Dates of the conference are January 25th to 28th.

Music PEI has partnered with the East Coast Music Association and the other 3 Atlantic Canada MIA’s to present a showcase at Folk Alliance International online event in February. Each province will present 2 artists. Folk Alliance is the largest folk and roots music conference in the world.

Music PEI is launching Showcase PEI Online in December and will be presenting 20 PEI artists over the course of the winter in pre-taped high production value showcases using its extensive network to engage industry professionals from around the globe to participate.

Music PEI has been busy creating new opportunities in 2020 for members to address the critical effect of the COVID pandemic on the music industry including new funding opportunities, professional development programs and expanding diversity by creating programs for underserved communities. 

For more information visit musicpei.com