Gord Bamford, Dean Brody, Brett Kissel and Dallas Smith lead 2015 CCMA Award Nominations

July 15, 2015, 12:00 p.m. ET (Toronto, ON) – The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) is pleased to announce the nominees in thirty-four (34) CCMA Award categories today, eight (8) of which will be presented on the 2015 CCMA Awards Show, being broadcast on CBC-TV at 8 p.m. local time (8:30 p.m. NT) with an encore airing on CMT (Canada) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Sunday, September 13.

Gord Bamford heads into the 2015 CCMA Awards season with six nominations, five among artist award categories: Fans’ Choice, Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year and Video of the Year, and one industry award nod for Producer of the Year. Dean Brody also boasts six nominations, total, in the categories of Fans’ Choice, Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year and Video of the Year. Following close behind in nominations is Brett Kissel who is up for Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Video of the Year and Interactive Artist of the Year; as well as Dallas Smith who has nominations for Fans’ Choice, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Single of the Year.

With three nominations each is Jason Blaine, artist award nods for Blaine include Songwriter(s) of the Year and Video of the Year, as well as Producer of the Year in the industry award category; Tim Hicks for Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Interactive Artist of the Year; and High Valley with nominations for Album of the Year, Group or Duo of the Year and Interactive Artist of the Year. Jess Moskaluke is also up for three CCMA Awards this year, including: Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Single of the Year.

The 2015 CCMA Fans’ Choice Award nominees were revealed last night on Entertainment Tonight Canada. This prestigious award, voted on by Canadian country music fans is once again stacked with powerhouse male performers: Gord Bamford, Paul Brandt, Dean Brody, Johnny Reid and Dallas Smith. Voting for the CCMA Fans’ Choice Award is open as of today at 12:00 p.m. ET. Those who vote have the opportunity to enter the CCMA Ultimate Fan Contest, which will see one lucky winner flown to Halifax to attend Country Music Week 2015 and present the CCMA Fans’ Choice Award live on the 2015 CCMA Awards Show. CLICK HERE to cast your vote.

For the first time in CCMA Awards history, there are eight (8) final nominees in the Rising Star category (as a result of multiple ties on the previous ballot used to determine these nominees). “This speaks to the strong emerging talent found across the country,” notes CCMA President, Don Green. “The Canadian country music industry is burgeoning when it comes to both fan recognition and artist development.”

He continues, “The CCMA Board of Directors and staff wish to extend heart-felt congratulations to the 155 CCMA Members with nominations today, especially those 26 individuals who are being nominated for the first time. This is a huge achievement and we are proud to celebrate your accomplishments.”

For a complete list of 2015 CCMA Award nominees to-date, please visit ccma.org.

Forty-one (41) CCMA Awards will be given out over four (4) awards ceremonies during Country Music Week in Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 10 – 13. Ticket and event information regarding Country Music Week can be found at ccma.org. 

Media Contacts for Information and Artist Interviews:
Jess Seguire | jess@penelopepr.com | 613-921-2314
Emily Graham | emily@penelopepr.com | 647-787-7583    

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 About the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) 
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Sponsors of Country Music Week and the 2015 CCMA Awards include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and The Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund” and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Radio Starmaker Fund, the Province of Nova Scotia, the City of Halifax and Destination Halifax.

 About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, internet, and satellite based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.

A space for us all is CBC/Radio-Canada’s strategy to transform the public broadcaster, and ensure that it continues to fulfill its mandate for Canadians, now and for future generations. Through to 2020, it will increase its investment in prime-time television programming and continue to create radio programs of the highest quality, while promoting the development of digital and mobile platforms and content.

About CMT (Canada)
CMT (Canada) is Canada’s source for country music and lifestyle programming. The network offers a mix of original programming, entertaining series, movies, music videos and specials. CMT is owned by Corus Entertainment, a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. For more information, please visit CMT.ca and corusent.com.

About Bristow Global Media Inc. (BGM)
Bristow Global Media Inc. (BGM) is a Toronto based content creation company, specializing in creating multi-platform content across all genres including scripted, lifestyle, reality, documentary and sports. The company was launched in 2013 by leading broadcast executive and producer Julie Bristow, whose 20 year career at the CBC included the creation of award-winning entertainment divisions, the launch of national digital media platforms and the stewardship of iconic sports brands. BGM is partnered with Jamie Oliver’s Fresh One Productions in the UK for content development.