Today’s Spotlight – Jason Blaine. I caught up with Jason to talk about some music during this Covid life we are living in. Jason talks about his new single, getting back to live performances when the world opens up, and his journey in music. Take a read and see what he has to say now!
Been waiting for that perfect summer song to add to your playlist? Look no further!
Jason Blaine's brand new single "When I See You" is off his acclaimed EP - "Go With Me" which was released last October. It has now collectively racked up nearly 1.5 million global streams since its release. The song's infectious guitar riff and vibrant, detailed lyrics paint a picture of a fun kind of love that is the kind of groove we are all needing to feel during these tough times. You can just hear this song coming through the speakers at a festival and it's sure to stay with your listeners long after their first listen!
A multiple CCMA, SOCAN & CMAO award winner with over 20+ radio hits, six full-length albums, and over 10 million digital streams, Jason still feels like he’s just getting started. Writing full-time within Nashville’s publishing community, Jason resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee with his wife Amy and their four children. In 2019, the next chapter of Jason's career began as he started work on "Go With Me", which was produced by Danick Dupelle (Emerson Drive, Tebey). The project breathes new life while lending itself to what Jason does best; great country music performed by one of Canada’s most distinctive voices, telling stories of home, love, and nights on the town. As a craftsman of songs, Jason found and wrote songs for the project which embody his artistry and move him into the next season of his career.
I know you have been busy writing your new music and so many other artists during COVID. What has been the silver lining for you throughout this past year and a half?
Time with family has been really great. I have been busy recording new music. I have been working on some new stuff, some new recordings that look like it's going to turn into an album. There are seven songs so far for this new EP I am working on. It's going to be nothing like what I have done for you all. Unless you know me, you might know this type of music I really love. I can't say it is completely country either or maybe it's more country perhaps.
I love the stripped-down version of the songwriter feel of the classic country music. Is that what you are doing with your new music?
I think it is more along the lines of what Chris Stapleton is putting out there. The way we recorded this EP is with not a lot of stuff going on. It is Chris Stapleton's kind of feel. It's the kind of music that I love with only four instruments like bass, drums, guitar, organ or keyboard.
I love Chris Stapleton and all his music. It is cool that he has brought back classic country to a new generation of country fans. It's really great.
Yeah, there is nothing modern about it. It's just classic country and the fans love it. In fact, they went out of their way to make it organic and real that you would hear throughout the decades with influences from older country to Americana to blues to rock or southern rock. I just love that stuff. I have loved that style of country for a very very long time. I love the artists like Vince Gill forever and ever. People that know me know that I talk about Vince Gill all the time. I also like the records that John Mayer has made as far back as 2013 like Paradise Valley. Those records sound like bluesy country music.
I love that type of show where it feels like you are one on one with the artist. I am the first in line for artists like Vince Gill and Chris Stapleton.
I am hoping to come back on here and talk to you some more about the new music that I am set to release in the next month or two.
To hear my full interview with Jason Blaine, click on the link below.
Alberta’s country sensation Dan Davidson has created undeniable momentum in the last few years. With 6CCMA nominations, 10 ACMA awards, a gold record, a number 1 selling Canadian song and record, top 20 charting numbers and hundreds of performances – it's easy to forget that he is still independent.
Dan exploded onto the Canadian country scene in 2016 with the release of his second single “Found” (Co-written by Clayton BellamyofThe Road Hammers). Dan became arguably the indie story of 2016/2017 as his single “Found” rocketed up the charts and he became the #1 charting indie artist in Canada. It was also the #1 selling Canadian country song for several weeks in July and August 2016. On just his second release ever in country music – he has a GOLD single. The following singles helped further his momentum with more top 20 recognition and solidified his name as an artist on the rise – definitely someone to watch as he nears his first platinum record.
Dan is only 5 years into his country career but is far from “green” in the music industry. He spent over 10 years playing in the well-known Canadian indie rock band Tupelo Honey (who had several top 40 hits, top-selling iTunes records and toured with bands like Bon Jovi).
Dan’s country sound came together as he started writing and working on music with Toronto's Award-Winning Producer Jeff Dalziel (Washboard Union, River Town Saints, Autumn Hill, Brett Kissel) and the two spent the better part of a year developing an EP that’s characteristic of Dan’s love of “good time” music. Those “good time” vibes are also a huge part of his personality.
One view of his music videos and you will understand that the fun, sincere energy Dan brings to country music is truly unique. The video for “Found” cost only $500 and yet somehow it was top 20 on CMT; the video for “Barn Burner” involved Dan dressing up as a mixture between John Wayne and Elton John, wandering the streets of Tokyo; and of course we can't forget “Say We Did”, which shows Dan converting his garage into a cardboard version Star Ship Enterprise.
Expanding his fan base internationally, Dan played shows in Beijing, China, and Tours, France. He then went on to play in Milan and Budapest to film a music video for his upcoming single “These Are My People”. The idea for the music video came about when Dan discovered on YouTube that people from all over the world are line dancing to his songs. He has now played over 200 shows across 7 countries (including a record-breaking 120 show tour with Brett Kissel on the most extensive tour in Canadian history).
While on tour with Brett Kissel in 2019, Dan’s EP “Juliet” was released, and debuted at #1 on the Canadian iTunes Country charts. The album was later nominated for Roots Album Of The Year at the 2019 CCMA, and was the album that won for “Producer of the Year”.
Truly embodying the indie spirit, you’ll never find Dan just waiting on his laurels. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he created and hosted Canada’s FIRST live digital music festival “Diesel Bird Fest”, which featured some of Canada’s top artists including Dallas Smith, Corb Lund, and many more. Diesel Bird successfully raised $54,000 for charity. He then went on to create and host Canada’s first hotel music festival (Diesel Bird Hotel Fest) which sold out in 1 day.
Recently Dan has been writing for/with Gord Bamford, Tim Hicks, W3apons, The Congregation, Chad Brownlee, The Standstills, and so many more. As a songwriter, he has had top 40 songs in 3 genres now and continues to keep the creative momentum rolling alongside his artist career.
''Dan Davidson'' undoubtedly is one of the best entertainers performing on the stage today,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. Dan knows how to write great music and he knows the music industry so it is no surprise to me that the country music scene saw what we all heard and knew he was in the rock band Tupelo Honey. Country music is such a great fit for him. He is a creative genius with his songwriting and a great producer himself. Dan can wear all the different hats and crank out the hits one after the next. One of the memories I have of meeting Dan in the Tupelo Honey era is his confidence as a performer and his genuine positive attitude that made it so much fun to be around him. He is a star and it does my soul good to see him killing it in Canadian country music. He is born to do this and he is only getting better and better.''
''Dan Davidson's latest single ''Roll With It'' feat. Canadian Country Royalty The Road Hammers is the song you can let loose to and have some fun,'' says Cyr. ''If this song doesn't kick start your summer, then nothing will. Whenever I hear that Dan Davidson has a new single, it's going to be a great day! To listen to all the stories that will have you laughing and smiling, click on my interview below.''
Country music has always felt like home for Elyse Saunders. From the dynamic stages of Toronto to the bright lights of Nashville, the Peterborough, Ontario native has followed a path of steadfast determination and artistic inspiration – regularly captivating crowds with her powerhouse vocals, engaging live show personality, and interactive charm.
Priding herself on being an artist who never stops, Elyse discovered a passion for music early on when she met her first mentor, producer/songwriter Cyril Rawson (Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson). After recording her debut self-titled album with him in Nashville, she released a string of singles to Canadian radio and showcased her music during an opening spot for ACM artist Deric Ruttan in front of 10,000 attendees.
On stage, she’s performed at over 350 shows with industry showcases like Canadian Country Music Week, Indie Week, and 2019’s Canadian Music Week with Nice Horse, Kira Isabella, & David James. She also rocked 2019’s Powassan’s Smoke ‘N’ Spurs ahead of Eric Ethridge and The Washboard Union, and opened for Terri Clark and Jason Aldean at Sunfest. On the release side, her 2017 single, “Rise” went Top 20 after Toronto’s DJ Danny D released a dance remix of the song on Z103.5. The single continues to build momentum today with an upcoming television placement at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Her 2019 release “Feel You Leaving” was selected as a semi-finalist for the International Songwriters Competition out of 19,000 submissions globally.
After a series of songwriting trips in Nashville and new recordings in BC with acclaimed producers Dan Swinimer, Paul Shatto, and David Wills, Elyse Saunders released “Free” in the summer of 2020, the first single and title track from her next album. “Free” (produced by CCMA nominee Dan Swinimer) marked her successful re-entry into the Canadian radio market which included CBC Country/Sirius XM and “Wild & Free Jamboree” – a Facebook live concert presented by KX Country FM. To date, the single has earned over half-a-million streams on Apple Music, over 100KYouTube views on the official music video, and it remains on regular rotation on Stingray Music’s Country Music Video TV channel. The music video also garnered Elyse “Video Of The Year” award with Mississauga Music Awards and most recently, the single earned her double nominations with Country Music Association of Ontario CMA's as "Female Artist of the Year" & "Rising Star Award."
“Wine Down” was the opening single of 2021 and was a shining light on Elyse's crafty songwriting and stunning vocals. The single had a strong release first week and reached the #1 spot on Amazon’s Breakthrough Country playlist and then landed her the cover photo spot as Amazon’s Music “Break-out Artist." It also became the centerpiece for the immersive "Wine Down with Elyse Saunders - The Online Concert Experience" - a fully produced concert created by Elyse for her fans and has been viewed by over 13,000 households throughout Ontario & Nashville. Make sure to check out the concert experience at Facebook.com/ElyseSaundersOnline. A Top 100 pick for AmericanSongwriter.com, “Wine Down” continues to steadily grow on Spotify with over 100K streams and thousands of monthly listeners.
A rewarding phase of her ambitious career, Elyse Saunders sets the stakes higher with her new summer single "Sunshine State of Mind" and promises to be an engaging and impactful radio release. Available everywhere NOW!
''Canadian country artist Elyse Saunders latest single Sunshine State of Mind is the perfect summer song to release right now,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''Elyse is one of those artists that comes along once in a lifetime. She has always been an artist that impressed me with her powerful vocals and incredible storytelling. She oozes confidence yet she is the most humble, caring person I know.''
''The fans love everything she puts out there. Elyse knows exactly who she is and the kind of music she wants to release,'' says Cyr. ''Her chemistry and connection with her fans are simply amazing both on and off the stage. I believe she connects so well because she writes songs that are authentic and powerful in the message always spreading true-life lyrics that resonate right to your heart. Sunshine State of Mind is one of those songs that remind the listener to remember your soul can feed you all the sunshine you need through the love and those positive things around you. You just need to look. It's such a great summer song. We all need that shot of vitamin D and she has delivered that in the lyrics. I love this song and can't stop playing it all day.''
''Elyse is a very grounded artist and always positive with her unique way of writing her lyrics and storytelling. It's one thing to write a song but it is another to deliver it with the emotion needed to connect in the performance to the audience is what she does so well. She is captivating leaving you hanging off her every word. Elyse brings that magic to the stage in every performance.''
''I had an amazing chat with Elyse Saunders talking about the writing of this special song and how this pandemic has affected her creativity. Elyse is up again for double CMA Ontario Awards for Female of the Year and Rising Artist of the Year on Sunday, Sept 5th, 2021 at Ancaster Fairgrounds, Hamilton ON. You have to hear the Burning Questions portion of the show. You're going to love it! Check it out by clicking the link below.''
Alberta’s Renegade Station has embarked on a dynamic musical journey that sees the talented quartet elevating their already impressive reputation for creative excellence and superior showmanship to new heights.
Understanding that sometimes you need to shed elements of your past in order to embrace the wide, wonderful future, the group has revitalized and focused on their musical identity. They have pushed forward with a passion, and unrelenting drive that will see Renegade Station become a name that anyone hearing their unique pop and rock-infused brand of country music is unlikely to forget.
The band came together after meeting and see each other perform at numerous events in their local area. They immediately connected and the band was formed. As they continued on their musical journey together, not only as a band but in friendship too, they became the “go to” group for numerous events across Alberta. Their harmonious energy became contagious among anyone that attended the events. “We just gelled as musicians and our voices harmonized so well together that we all just felt we needed to do more. So, we acquired ourselves a professional manager and began recording some originals and some songs that were pitched by incredible writers to us,” said Luanne.
Their name is symbolic of the group’s unconventional approach to their music and sense of independence. They are unabashed about injecting their original music and the songs presented to them by other noted songwriters with healthy doses of pop and classic rock nuances – with a focus on lushly produced and beautiful layered vocal harmonies which owe as much to Fleetwood Mac as they do to Lady A.
The “Station” part of their name is a nod to the vintage working steam train that is a tourist attraction in Stettler and which is a throwback to the region’s pioneering past. Therefore, a name that is reverent towards tradition, but which also alludes to a desire to go one’s own way is ideal for the band as they approach their craft.
As proof of Renegade Station’s commitment to excellence, for the recordings, they worked with respected industry veteran Johnny Gasparic at Dave Temple’s MCC Recording Studio in Calgary. “We collaborated a lot on the production side which is awesome. Johnny brings an amazing background and experience with him. He knows that we are very much a vocal band and a harmony band, and he really helps to emphasize our vocals.
The lead-off hit single, Who’s Gonna Love Me Tonight, from the album ‘Along for the Ride’ fits into the more adventurous approach that is Renegade Station’s hallmark. Sung by Kent who shares lead vocal duties with Luanne, it’s a mature, somewhat saucy but very true-to-life take on modern romance.
“We were really drawn to the song at first because of the amazing harmonies, but then once we got a sense of the meaning and message we knew we had to record it. It’s a little different and a little more risqué than a traditional country romantic song. It’s not the normal ‘I love you and you love me’ song. It’s a little more mature and realistic. Who is going to go home with who? Who is the strong person in the song, and who is the one going to just give in to the temptation of the moment,” Luanne said. This single garnered the group numerous nominations, Top 50 on the charts and the ACMA (now Country Music Alberta) Single of the Year (2018).
The rock-solid foundation that was built is not being shunted aside as the talented quartet moves forward. Renegade Station’s legacy is etched deep into the firmament of the western Canadian music scene and that can never be taken from them. In recent years they have won back-to-back Association of Country Music in Alberta, as Group of the Year (2015 and 2016) as well as the ACMA Fan’s Choice of the Year in 2015. They also garnered a CCMA nomination for Songwriter of the Year for their tune 2:15 and Luanne was also nominated for CCMA Bass Player of the Year for 2016. They have numerous nominations under their belt.
The band has shared the stage with a who’s who of Canadian and international country music luminaries, from George Canyon and Carolyn Dawn Johnson, to David Lee Murphy, Emerson Drive, Bobby Wills and Trooper.
Renegade Station albums are a bold statement by a collection of talented musicians and songwriters that is infused with authenticity, impressive vocal performances and insistent melodies that will stick with you for days.
And with this impressive collection of new songs, a live show that never fails to enchant and entertain, and an unparalleled creative drive, Renegade Station is truly poised to break through to a national and international stage.
''I had such a great time chatting with Kent Nixon guitar player and lead vocals of the multi-award-winning group Renegade Station,'' says Kim Cyr Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''Renegade Station's harmonious energy is contagious with their bold rock-infused songs we have all grown to love. They are one of the hardest working groups in Canada and the go-to group to play events right across the country. The group has won numerous awards and nominations across the board and they just keep delivering hit after hit.
''Renegade Station's latest release 'FREE FREE FREE' reminds us all that we’ve all been guilty of taking the little things in life for granted. We all focus on the “big” things (jobs, cars, houses, prestige, etc…) and lose perspective about what’s actually important. It is simple and eloquent in the way that the sentiment is expressed; it says it, without having to spell it out,'' says Cyr.
''There was so much fun and laughter during this interview and I will tell you this, ''No one should ever lay down and go to sleep anywhere that Kent might be present with a sharpy in his hand,'' says Cyr. You need to hear why. Who is the prankster of this group? Lots of fun stories you need to listen to with my Burning Questions portion of the show in the interview. Click HERE
The singer-songwriter ANNIKA is taking a new musical direction since moving on from the CCMA-nominated country-pop duo Leaving Thomas. The duo accumulated over6 million career streams and was nominated for multiple CCMA Awards and placed top 3 in SiriusXM's Top of The Country Competition.
'I Really Don't Want To' is a heavy-hitting musical jam with a message of empowerment while at the same time, describing the intoxicating, impossible to understand the feeling of falling in love. Lucky fans will get a double dose of music as ANNIKA will also be releasing ‘It Still Hurts’ as a “twingle” – two singles released on the same date. ‘It Still Hurts’ outlines the painful, often lengthy healing process required after a love goes wrong.
"I Really Don't Want' To has a message that hits home for me as someone that has a history of falling in love, completely unafraid and uninhibited every time even though I knew heartbreak was likely around the corner,” says ANNIKA. “After so many breakups, I got used to picking myself back up and carrying on without resentment or a jaded attitude towards love. The bluesy, soulful sound of the song is uplifting in nature, making it a great tune to jam out to on the piano and I loved that while recording, I could really let loose on the vocals."
Calgary, Alberta born and raised ANNIKA. Set to release her first full-length solo album in the coming months and, is ready to showcase a more mature, introspective side, highlighting her talents as a musician, songwriter and specifically a piano player.
ANNIKA has co-written over 100 songs to date with Nashville heavy hitters such as Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Phil Barton, Brian White, Patricia Conroy, and most famously, Liz Rose, and has performed at incredible venues with Leaving Thomas such as Boots and Hearts, Country Thunder, Calgary Stampede, Rockin’ River Fest, and many more.
ANNIKA, releases the music video for her new single “I Really Don't Want To”. Directed by Oliver Banyard, the “I Really Don't Want To” music video takes listeners on a journey, demonstrating the realistic feelings of falling in love, telling the real life love story of ANNIKA and her husband, Spencer.
For ANNIKA, it’s more of this project. Two more singles are coming this summer, two more after that in the fall, making up a ‘Side A’ collection, followed by the ‘Side B’ collection in early 2022 – and the plan of releasing a complete Deluxe album on vinyl after that.
''Preparing to be a first time mom in July and launching her solo career with her double releases 'I Really Don't Want To' and 'It Still Hurts', life is pretty sweet,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief of NOW and THEN Magazine and the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''ANNIKA is such a special soul and an artist that is rare to find. She is the dream artist that any label would kill to sign. She is an accomplished musician, vocalist and songwriter known for her soulful vocals. Her voice transports audiences through a musical journey, filling the spaces in our hearts and souls with a rich, bluesy tone that strikes emotion each and every time. ANNIKA is a natural born storyteller.''
''ANNIKA’s ability to capture audiences comes from her refreshing authentic and often comedic personality that I just love from the moment I met her backstage at Boots and Hearts Music Festival. She delivers such a powerful vocal that is so engaging and entertaining at the same time. The audiences worldwide just love her as much as I do, ' says Cyr. ''Canadian music hits it out of the park with our pool of artists in the music industry and ANNIKA is a star and one to watch.''
Her upcoming debut full-length solo album, Stand Still is a departure from her previous work and showcases a more mature, introspective ANNIKA, highlighting her talents as a musician, specifically as a piano player.
''I Really Don't Want To' is a song that was originally inspired by a line from a movie featuring Jennifer Aniston and Mark Ruffalo called “Rumor Has It.” At the end of the movie, after Jennifer Aniston has repeatedly disappointed Mark Ruffalo’s character, she asks for his forgiveness, and he says to her, “You can’t just walk in here and tell me that you can’t live without me…” to which her response is “I’m not here to tell you I can’t live without you. I can live without you. I just don’t want to.”
''I had such a great chat with ANNIKA talking about motherhood, the loss of her mom, her artistry and music and life,'' says Cyr. ''Our conversation reminded me of exactly why I loved her voice and charismatic personality right from the start.'' Listen to my interview with ANNIKA HERE
''Cross Parallel deliver the new country wedding song of the year with their new single 'Better With Time,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''It is great to hear such a beautiful love song that reminds us all that good things are in our reach during these tough times. We all need the message in this song reminding us all not to take the ones closest to us for granted. It's a story about that special kind of love that just gets better with time.''
''Danielle Marie and Jordan Pritchett have a chemistry and a connection that is just beautiful to see. Their harmonies are spot on with this amazing tune. I just love it. Danielle had it in her notes for ideas and one of the guys started jamming on a sweet-sounding riff he had. It was one of those writes that was just a blast and the song seemed to write itself. It really is about their relationship but I think it lends itself to other couples that stand the test of time.''
''They wrote this song with Derek Norsworthy and Brandon Green, very talented dudes! And they actually produced it themselves with the help of a very talented band and crew in The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver.''
''I had such a blast talking with Danielle and Jordan hearing about their special story,'' says Cyr. ''The hearts are flying all around. You can hear that connection in the song and the lyrics. These two are something special and they are both so talented. The sky is the limit for where Danielle and Jordan can take this duo in the music industry. They have everything it takes to make it onto that winning stage and I have no doubt they will.''
I had so many laughs with these two with the Burning Questions portion of the show. Check it out HERE
ABOUT CROSS PARALLEL
Danielle Marie, 2015 CCMA Spotlight artist and Ray McAuley Horizon Award winner, and Jordan Pritchett, guitarist of Juno nominated, platinum-selling band, Faber Drive, met in a song-write in 2015 and fell for each other. For the next few years, they performed together as individual artists on stage, fighting the inevitable, until they finally gave in and merged to create the hot new duo, Cross Parallel.
They have already garnered attention in the industry and built an online presence, with 175K+ streams on Spotify and 29K+ views on YouTube in their first year as a duo. They performed their 2nd single “Don’t” at the 2019 BCCMA Awards Show after a busy summer, including opening for CCMA Hall of Famer, Terri Clark. Later in the year, releasing a cover of the classic, “The Christmas Song”, with Jordan’s dad, Aaron Pritchett, and his brothers in AtlantisOne.
Cross Parallel is on the verge of stardom, garnering attention from the music industry and fans worldwide because of their unique sound and relatable lyrics. They are truly getting “Better With Time”, which is appropriate, as that happens to be the title of the first single from their upcoming EP. Recently, Cross Parallel has teamed up with Mussell Records and together they plan to take the music industry by storm.
With countless accolades and reputations as two of the hardest working artists to come out of Saskatchewan, Heidi Munro and Scott Patrick have quickly gained notoriety as “the dynamic duo”. After working in different solo projects and bands over many years in the industry, this partnership has created performances and original songs that are fresh, polished, and real. Heidi and Scott are both multi SCMA awarded artists, these accolades are amongst many others they have individually received on a provincial and national level. Since their partnership,Munro and Patrick are Group/ Duo of the Year nominees with the 2020 | 2021 Saskatchewan Country Music Association, with Scott winning Guitar Player of The Year 2020. “Give Me Your Rain”, is the title track from Munro & Patrick’s first studio album.
Their powerful and emotional vocals combine to take this song to another level, at times tender and intimate and in the next breath gritty and full of soul. The raw and honest lyrics are the backbone of the song and evoke a longing to be woken and live free, honestly and with passion. Munro & Patrick have released a video for “Give Me Your Rain”, as well as 2 live off the floor music videos “Give Up or Give In” and “Safe”. They have released their debut EP “Give Me Your Rain” and are currently planning their “Summer Rain” Tour for this summer.
The Songs
The original songs Heidi and Scott have written together are heart-wrenching, real, gritty and fresh, rich in the traditional, new and eclectic genres that have influenced their music. Munro & Patrick's songs are filled with great hooks, catchy melodies, profound and honest lyrics and relatable storylines.
Influences in these songs? A little Chris Stapleton, a little Motown, new pop and southern rock, with some Emmylou Harris and the blues.
About
Heidi Munro - a few of Heidi’s accolades include: Multiple SCMA awards, National Much Music Vocal awards winner, Recording Artist, performances for national television, numerous stages, festivals and theatres across Canada, international corporate events, as well as opening performances for International artists.
Scott Patrick - 8-time SCMA award winner and lead singer/ guitarist/ songwriter for the Canadian country rock group Wyatt, which garnered 2 top 40 singles on Canadian Country Radio. Scott has played countless stages across Canada and shared the stage with artists such, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Rogers. He continues his solo career and involvement in multiple music projects.
''Heidi and Scott have an awesome dynamic as a duo. Their powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and hooks are pretty special. Their talent speaks for itself. 'Give Me Your Rain' is the title track for their EP and if this song is any indication of what we have to look forward to in the future from this magic duo, Canadian music just got that much better. I love the honesty and intimate delivery in the lyrics, the gritty soul and blues in this song.''
Heidi and Scott:
''When I went to Scott with the idea and some of the lyrics, it turned out to be a pretty easy write for us. We knew melodically and instrumentally the direction we wanted the song to take, in order to reflect the driving, gritty and passionate message.
This song came from a place of reflecting on the often mundane and uninspired patterns we find ourselves in, whether in relationships, family, or our goals and bucket lists.
In the process of writing the song, it took on a very relationship-directed storyline.
However, as listeners, it seems to reach whatever journeys are being traveled at that time.
Find out more about Munro & Patrick via our Burning Questions... it was such a blast...you have to hear the full interview to hear the hilarious moments with Heidi and Scott!
The talent and artistry these two have are impressive and it makes you only want more music from Munro & Patrick. Once COVID lifts and things open back up, I am guessing that Munro & Patrick will have a very busy 2021-2022.''
To hear the full interview with Country's Newest Power Duo 'Munro & Patrick', click HERE
If tragedy and overcoming adversity are the hallmarks of a good country song, the River Town Saints have earned their dirt road credibility.
Originally a 5 piece band from the Ottawa Valley, the River Town Saints have a lot to show for the last couple of years, including; millions of YouTube views and Spotify streams, a top 10 hit with their single, “Bonfire”, CCMA nominations, CMAO and Canadian Radio Music Awards, tours with Tim Hicks, Kip Moore and large-scale festivals. Known for their energetic live show, rich vocal harmonies, and good times, the Saints were just getting started.
When their original singer departed in 2018, and months later their bassist and best friend Daniel Di Giacomo died tragically at 31, it would have been understandable to throw in the towel.
Not a chance.
The remaining members Jeremy Bortot, Chris McComb and Jordan Potvin got to work writing songs and looking for a new lead singer. As fate would have it, newcomer Chase Kasner fit the bill. Kasner hails from Kirkland Lake, Ontario, where he was raised in a large musical family. Country music runs deep in his blood, given his grandmother, Mary Bailey was an accomplished Canadian country singer, who also went on to discover and mentor Shania Twain early on in her career. Lifelong friend Joe Patrois was the final piece to complete the group. An ally of the band since the beginning and a gifted bassist, it only made sense for Joe to humbly continue on in Dan’s place.
With a powerful, soulful new voice at the helm of the group, combined with a renewed determination to pick up where they left off, RTS is reborn, recharged, and ready.
''The River Town Saints are one of my favorite country groups today,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''It was such a pleasure speaking with Chris McComb and lead singer Chase Kasner of the River Town Saints. I can't say enough about this group. They have really been through so much in the past few years but they never gave up their dream to write and perform great music. The new single 'Long Time Coming' is exactly the summer anthem we need right now. This is the perfect song to crank in the car, on the beach, poolside, in the boat, or in the backyard with your closest family and friends,'' says Cyr.
''I have done so many interviews in my career and getting to know so many new artists on the music scene here in Canada is so much fun,'' says Cyr. ''Country music is such an amazing genre for so many reasons and the biggest one is the incredible country community. Canadian country artists will get on all their socials and platforms to give shoutouts and complete support for one another. I love it. The new artists are included in that tight-knit community very quickly. The one name that I hear more often for bands that support new artists is the River Town Saints. The songwriting talent in this group is crazy. They truly love the art of making music.''
To hear about all the good times, the laughs, and all the stories shared in this interview, please click the link below. You are going to laugh your ass off ... so much fun!
There’s a sound that isn’t heard enough on Country radio—the sound of organic, three-part female harmonies, offering stories that speak the language of modern women everywhere. Add in some good-natured brash and sassy attitude and you’ve got Canada’s pop-country queens, The Heels.
That title is now undisputed with the release of the trio’s warmly received 2018 debut album, Love, Heels, and multiple follow-up singles, alongside BCCMA Award wins. Although Bobbi Smith, Brittni Dominelli, and Kyla Rawlins have spent much of these past three years winning over audiences with a dynamic live show that showcases each of their distinctive voices and personalities, they also found time to write over 100 songs during several trips to Nashville—and at their home base in Vancouver— for sophomore album titled “I Am”.
By incorporating influences ranging from classic country, gospel and Motown, through to powerful contemporary female artists such as Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, and Whitney Houston, The Heels’ music, although it may be categorized as country, display a unique musical vision that transcends the genre.
Bobbi, Brittni, and Kyla still get a kick whenever someone assumes they’re sisters. They know it’s not just because of their seamless “family blend” harmony, but because of the obvious personal chemistry, they share. And when that chemistry comes down to spreading positive energy, there is just no limit to how high The Heels will lift us.
''Bobbi, Brittni, and Kyla spent most of 2020 recording an isolation album for 2021 delivering positive messages of self-love and changing lives with their single 'Happy After You', says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast.'' ''It has been an incredible experience speaking with fans and women from all over the world who have been moved to change their life circumstances and beginning the journey back to self-love after hearing 'Happy After You' by the hottest country trio 'The Heels'. The song is so moving and raw that it sends chills up your spine. The lyrics leave you speechless with emotions that you simply can not ignore. It takes a lot to write a song like this. You have to be able to go to that place that most of us don't want to face or talk about. Even though we know it's hard to face and look at our own circumstances, women can feel isolated and without support when facing domestic violence or intimate partner abuse. Most abuse happens over long periods of time with other types of control and verbal abuse long before physical abuse. The lyrics and moving vocals by Bobbi, Brittni, and Kyla are incredible for this song.
''I had the pleasure of chatting with the girls once again for the release of their single 'Happy After You' and about life during this pandemic,'' says Cyr.
''The importance of the 16 tracks on our new album ''I AM'' was so healing for us as a band and as individuals,'' says Bobbi. ''We just couldn't wait to share it all with the fans. Let's face it, this has been so hard on so many for different reasons. We have spent so much time creatively writing during this time that we were ready to release our new music. We are really proud of this body of work. It means everything to us. We just hope everyone likes it as much as we do. We normally take 3-6 months between releases but this time we wanted to do it differently. We have been looking at releasing like once a month to a month and a half. It feels so good to hear and see how the songs have been received by the fans. It feels really good,'' says Bobbi.
''It was hard to choose just 16 songs for this album because we have been working really hard at writing our journeys and there are some pretty special songs in the 100 that we have written during the past 3 years,'' says Kyla. ''Some of the songs that are on the album were written a long time ago. 'High Heels On' was our first release this year and we knew it was the right one to start the year because it had that song style that fans were used to from us but a message that was so important and that was a message of self-empowerment. We had heard about something called 'The Shadow Pandemic' with our research and saw how domestic violence had risen in staggering numbers during the pandemic and it's still rising. This song was about empowerment and taking your power back and getting out of a bad situation. It was a message about standing up and loving yourself enough to leave the abusive relationship and living without domestic or intimate partner violence. It's important to recognize when something isn't good for us and not to feel held down in that and living a life where you don't lose that love for yourself. Then we released something fun and grooving like 'Dump Him' which is a personal story,'' says Kyla.
''The lyrics for Dump Him are sassy and brilliant,'' says Cyr. ''The Heels are delivering stories that speak the language of modern women everywhere. Dump Him will have you grooving with retro throwback vibes of Stevie Nicks' Dreams,'' says Cyr.
''We wanted a softer song for our third release and ''Happy After You'' was the perfect choice,'' says Brittni.
''What was it like to get the vocals right in just the right harmony for this song, Kyla?'' says Cyr.
''It's such a delicate song and a very sensitive song too,'' says Kyla. ''With every song that we write, there is a vibe that is just so clear and because the three of us have such different voices that when it blends together, it's magical. Even when we play it back and we look at each other and wonder how we did that. Sometimes we can't even tell who is singing. This song needed a delicate softer lead and we all thought of Brittni right away. She is such a gentle, soft soul and her tone just matched this song so perfectly.''
''What was it like having Anthony Liam Fiddler (FiddlerProductions) produce this new album,'' says Cyr.
''Amazing'', says Kyla. ''When we wrote this song with Kalsey Kulyk, she playing the acoustic guitar, and then when Anthony started to introduce the piano and the different types of drums, it became really emotional for us all. Anthony really kept that pureness to it and that vulnerability in the guitar like when Kalsey played it when we were writing. It is really special.''
''You also had the multi-award winning mixer/producer, Jeff Diesel(Sharp9Music) mixing this album for you. What was that like to hear the finished songs?'' says Cyr.
''It was great working with Jeff,'' says Kyla. ''It is so incredible to hear the songs with all the instrumental components added in and to hear everything come to life in the way he does the mastering. He is just amazing.''
''It has to feel incredible to see the fans from all over the world reacting and posting video messages to you girls thanking you all for writing these songs that are changing lives from every corner of the globe,'' says Cyr.
''Happy After You is OUT NOW on all streaming platforms! This is such a special song to The Heels, it's all about self-love and finding yourself again, putting the pieces back together into something beautiful and even stronger. They wrote this song on a rainy afternoon in Nashville with Country Artist Kalsey Kulyk.''
''There are some emotional and moving moments for me in this interview. I think you will love it too!
To hear the whole interview, trust me you do, click HERE.
We’re so excited to officially announce our next single “Catch & Release” for 'The Heels' featuring Aaron Pritchett is out for presave NOW! Click HERE
The Heels "Live at the Armoury" - Happy After You
The Heels Live at the Armoury - High Heels On
"High Heels On":
“You kept me small so that you’d feel tall always looking down on me. You pushed and pulled, tried to break my soul but I broke your hold on me. So truth or dare me. You don’t scare me.”
This is a song about stepping into power.
An anthem about speaking up and standing up.
We wrote this song as an evolution to another song once in our live show called “Blue Lights.” It was one of the first songs we ever sang together written about running and hiding from violence, abuse, manipulation and fear. Inspired by the chaos of personal past traumas and struggles we sang feeling grateful it was no longer our reality. “High Heels On” is the evolution of our survival -the rebirth and the revolution.
As we have continued to grow and create together we have learned how deeply we are affected by the lyrics and emotions of the music and the power it has to heal when it comes from a place of empowerment.
“High Heels On” is part of the healing process; a reclamation of unshakable power. This song is the anthem of survival and the manifestation of an escape.
WORLDWIDE 1⁄3 of women experience domestic violence or intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
1⁄3 of women who are killed are killed by an intimate partner.
Domestic Violence Calls In Canada Almost Doubled During COVID-19 Pandemic
Home hasn't been safe for Canadians facing abuse.
Reports of abuse are also more severe, in part because abusers are "leveraging the pandemic" and finding new ways to control their partners.
From the start of the pandemic in March to December, Assaulted Women’s Helpline (AWHL) fielded more than 71,000 calls, compared to its average of 40,000 per year. In British Columbia, Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) recorded a total of 32,000 calls, in-person visits, virtual counseling, and legal advocacy appointments—about double from the year before.
APRIL 2021 (Toronto, ON) – Teaming up with multiple CCMA and CMAO Canadian Country Producer of the Year, Jeff Dalziel (who has worked with Washboard Union, David Boyd Janes, Brett Kissel, Meghan Patrick, Nice Horse, and Dan Davidson to name a few), Jason Benoit takes on a new direction with the release “A Lot About A Little”, a song that draws on inspiration from beloved 90’s country music. Following a year where many artists have had to find new ways of connecting with fans and suddenly finding themselves with more time, Jason had some soul-searching moments where he wanted to be true to the music he loved. Obsessed with the 90’s Country music he grew up on and that good old honkytonk feel, Jason finally decided to follow that passion and record a single with influences from his favourite records.
Jason and his team reached out to Jeff whom they felt would be the perfect fit for this project. Jason and Jeff previously worked together on one of Jason’s recent singles, the Conway Twitty cover “Slow Hand” which has now amassed over 1.2 million streams. Upon discussing the project Jeff immediately knew the direction in which Jason was feeling. Jeff reached out to good friend and country artist Aaron Goodvin who had written the perfect song that Jason was looking for. As soon as the team heard the demo version of the song, a session was booked with world-class band members from the Jeff Dalziel team and “A Lot About A Little” was born. The song is written by singer/songwriter, Aaron Goodvin (Written for Luke Bryan and Johnny Reid), Greg Bates (written for Montgomery Gentry, Terri Clark and the Nashville TV Show) and Faren Rachels.
''Jason Benoit continues to prove himself as an artist to watch in Canadian country,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief at NOW and THEN Magazine and host for the International Music's Journey Podcast. Benoit has discovered a unique sound that he can identify with. This new music is exactly what he has always been looking for with his new single A Lot About A Little. Benoit has opened himself up to a whole new level in his artistry working with Jeff Dalziel. Benoit spoke about working on his vocal range and the exercises that Jeff would have him do. It is pretty cool. The end result is magic. I believe Jason is going to be releasing a whole new side of himself with his songs set to release this year. The fans are absolutely going to love them.''
''I feel now more than ever that I can release the music I always wanted to make,'' says Benoit. ''I am not making music for the hit record anymore. I am making music that I really resonate with personally. I am more grounded today than I have ever felt in the direction I want my music to go and it feels great to be putting out the songs that I hope my fans want to hear. I knew the moment I heard A Lot About A Little that it was exactly the kind of song that I have been searching for and waiting to record. It was perfect for me. What Jeff did with that song and what he did helping me to hit notes that I just didn't know I was capable of helped me to feel more confident than ever before. I have several songs that I am ready to record that I am really proud of. I am hoping to work with Jeff Dalziel on these ones as well.''
''Benoit is one of those rare artists you meet that just sticks to your heart,'' says Cyr. ''I am really excited about Benoit and this new junction in the road that he is taking. He has hit that sound and music that is going to take him far. Benoit is going to keep on climbing the charts with this kind of music.''
To hear all the cool stories about recording the new video and how it was shot, you need to hear the full interview HERE.
ABOUT JASON BENOIT
No stranger to the Country music scene Benoit's accolades continue to flourish, a recent ECMA win for Fan's Choice Video of the Year with "Slow Hand", a top 10 hit ‘Gone Long Gone’ reaching certified GOLD status, becoming a Top 3 finalist in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition, and touring across the country hitting some of the biggest festival stages such as Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Boots & Hearts, the Calgary Stampede, and CCMA Fan Village. In a time where artists have been finding new ways to interact with their audience, Benoit has spent his time in isolation reconnecting with fans via his weekly Friday Night Lockdown live sessions on Facebook, reaching over 15K fans with this series. Undoubtedly becoming a country favourite, Benoit has seen his streaming numbers reach over 7 million streams. Benoit continues to prove himself as an artist to watch in the Canadian country.
Music's Journey Podcast 
We’re so excited to officially announce our next single “Catch & Release” for '
