NOW-and-THEN-Magazine - COUNTRY NOW and THEN

INTERVIEW #187

w/ Multi Award-Winning Country Band

The Prairie States

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #187 w/ Multi Award-Winning Country Band The Prairie States Making Waves With Their New Single ''Rebel Phase''

Image Credits First Night Photo Jarrett Edmund

The Prairie States

New Single

''Rebel Phase''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #187 w/ Multi Award-Winning Country Band The Prairie States Making Waves With Their New Single ''Rebel Phase''

Mixing the old with the new, The Prairie States was born out of a desire to put a fresh touch on a classic design. As seven-time Country Music Alberta Award recipients, including the 2018 Rising Star. In 2019 Horizon Group/Duo Of The Year and 2020 Songwriters of the Year, as well as 1st place in the 2018 Project Wild Artist Development Program, it’s proof that this Edmonton-based band is moving in the right direction.

Mat Cardinal (Big Stone Cree Nation, Wabasca/Desmarais AB), Jeff Dick (Edmonton AB), Mike Nash (Edmonton AB), Doc de Groot (Cranbrook BC), and Jay Der (Red Deer AB) formed The Prairie States in 2017. It started writing songs for its full-length album, Lost In The Right Direction. Independently released in June 2018, it was nominated for the CMAB Album Of The Year and included three radio singles, which all broke the top 100 Mediabase Canadian Country Chart. Since then, the band has released four more singles, Every Little Town, Low Life, High That I’m Riding, and Ferris Wheel, which also cracked the top 100.

To go along with the release of Low Life, the band teamed up with Edmonton-based Sea Change Brewing Co to create a custom-branded beer called Low Life Lager. The brewery made 17000 tall boys of this perfect summer sipper, which included a Spotify QR code so the person enjoying the beverage could also “Scan The Can” to hear Low Life instantly.

The band recently signed with Willing Records/Universal Music and Sakamoto Agency.

The group’s latest release, Rebel Phase, is the first song from The Prairie States to be released by Willing Records. It’s about taking a soaring leap of faith, without a parachute, into a lifestyle that rides beyond the horizon of normal. It’s about roots that continue to grow but never stay planted and living a chosen life.

Exploring new technology is also as important to The Prairie States as expanding their musical palette. They recently became one of the first Canadian bands to release NFTs (non-fungible tokens) of their EP, available via OpenSea.io.

The Prairie States have been out on the road, wowing crowds with their undeniable live show. In their short time as a band, they’ve shared stages with Aaron Goodvin, Clayton Bellamy, Brothers Osborne, and Canadian legend Charlie Major while kicking off the 2019 Big Valley Jamboree.

Ready with a stack of new recordings underway, this band shows no signs of slowing down.

''The Prairie States has a really special sound all their own,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''The Prairie States are releasing amazing music one after the next. It is pretty exciting to hear their fresh sound on Canadian radio and they are just getting started. There is going to be some great music coming from this band. Their songwriting is infectious and catchy. They are a band to watch here in Canada. I had the chance to catch up with Mike Nash to talk about their latest single and upcoming new music slated for August this year. This interview is packed full of songs and stories.'' Check it out at www.musicsjourney.com or click the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #187 w/ Multi Award-Winning Country Band The Prairie States Making Waves With Their New Single ''Rebel Phase''

Rebel Phase

The Prairie States - High That I'm Riding (Official Video)

The Prairie States - Ferris Wheel (Official Video)

The Prairie States - Low Life (Official Video)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #187 w/ Multi Award-Winning Country Band The Prairie States Making Waves With Their New Single ''Rebel Phase''

Follow The Prairie States

Website: https://theprairiestates.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprairiestates/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrairieStates/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/prairiestates
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2z7nmjwp5gCvX91etzBrZw

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #186 w/ Country Rising Star Dustin Bird Returns With His New Powerful Ballad ''Cowboy Stay''

INTERVIEW #186

w/ Country's Rising Star Dustin Bird

Hosted by Radio Host Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #186 w/ Country Rising Star Dustin Bird Returns With His New Powerful Ballad ''Cowboy Stay''

Dustin Bird

New Single

''Cowboy Stay''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #186 w/ Country Rising Star Dustin Bird Returns With His New Powerful Ballad ''Cowboy Stay''

With over 2.2 million streams to his name, rising artist, songwriter, and producer Dustin Bird is pushing the boundaries of the country genre with his unique style and evocative storytelling. Today, he proves why he is one to watch with the release of his new single "Cowboy Stay," available everywhere via Open Road Recordings.

"Cowboy Stay" continues the storyline of his 2021 single "Get Go" (which earned him a 2022 Indies Award nomination for Country Artist of the Year), where Dustin proclaims his love for a partner he has yet to meet. In "Cowboy Stay" the lovers have united with a bond so strong that even a wild cowboy will hang up his hat and settle down.

"Cowboy Stay tells the story as old as love itself. The wild type, a little rough around the edges, finding that someone who (for the first time) causes a willingness to radically change their perspective and embrace all that love has to offer," Dustin shares.

"For me, this song solidifies the realization that love, in its fullness, has the ability to shape every part of my life. It describes the moment when you realize you’ve found someone whose love is so amazing that you’re willing to change that which was the core of your identity because you suddenly realize it has the potential to be so much more. The love to make even a cowboy stay!"

Dustin's latest collection of new music follows his debut album Unscripted which landed in the iTunes Top 10 upon its 2021 release. With a unique sound that takes the best from the classics and infuses forward-thinking songwriting and production, Dustin Bird brings a fresh face to country music and continues to push boundaries within the genre. Along with his notable Canadian country radio play (Top 40 single in Australia with "Every Little Town” + the video was added in rotation on CMT Australia), he has garnered an impressive 2.2 million streams to date, along with incredible support from DSP partners, finding his music featured on key playlists including Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country, Spotify’s Live Country, New Music Nashville, RADAR Canada, Apple Music’s Today's Country, New in Country, Canada’s Country, Little Bit Country, Country Lovin’, Country Risers, Back Porch Country and YouTube Music’s Country on the Rise. As a performer with a natural love for entertaining an audience, Dustin Bird has played major festivals such as Boots and Hearts, Havelock Jamboree, Kempenfest, and more. His tour history also includes opening for major Canadian acts such as Tyler Shaw, Tim Hicks, Jess Moskaluke, and The Washboard Union, among others.

With tour dates and more new music set for release later this summer, Dustin Bird isn't finished telling his story and pushing the boundaries of country music. Be sure to follow Dustin Bird across social platforms for the latest content, or visit www.dustinbirdmusic.com.

I had the chance to sit down with him to talk about his new single, new upcoming music, and career. To hear my interview, click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #186 w/ Country Rising Star Dustin Bird Returns With His New Powerful Ballad ''Cowboy Stay''

Dustin Bird - Cowboy Stay (Visualizer)

Dustin Bird - Get Go

Dustin Bird - Every Little Town (Live Off the Floor)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #186 w/ Country Rising Star Dustin Bird Returns With His New Powerful Ballad ''Cowboy Stay''

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #184 w/ Multi-Award Winner/Producer Country Star Gil Grand New Single ''Centred'' and An Exciting New Show!

INTERVIEW #184

w/ Multi-Award Winning Country Star/Producer

Gil Grand

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #184 w/ Multi-Award Winner/Producer Country Star Gil Grand New Single ''Centred''

GIL GRAND

NEW SINGLE

''CENTRED''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #184 w/ Multi-Award Winner/Producer Country Star Gil Grand New Single ''Centred''

Sudbury's own multiple CCMA winner Gil Grand, a one-time label mate of the Dixie Chicks, is known as one of the most undeniable Country voices in Canadian Country music history. has released his new single ''Centred'' written by Country artist Sean Hogan. ''

''Gil Grand can bring a smile to my face instantly when I hear his incredible voice on his new single Centred,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host for the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''The new single was written by Canadian Country artist Sean Hogan. This toe-tapping fun new single will have you up on the floor dancing the night away. I had such a great time catching up with Gil and talking about the new single, his incredible legacy of songs and stories, and all his amazing new projects you will not want to miss...there is a lot of great music in this interview, and a ton of laughs.''

You can hear my interview with Gil Grand at www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #184 w/ Multi-Award Winner/Producer Country Star Gil Grand New Single ''Centred''

Gil Grand is an eight-time Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) nominee and CCMA “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Record Producer of the Year” winner. His debut album on Sony Records’ Monument imprint, Famous First Words, produced a No. 1 single along with several top 10s, gaining Grand the momentum to release two more award-winning projects.

Grand moved back to Nashville from Canada in 2007 and shortly thereafter, his co-owned music publishing company, Grand & Gee Music, took home SESAC’s “Song of the Year” award for his participation as a publisher on Chris Young’s No. 1 hit “Tomorrow” and a GRAMMY® for “God and My Girlfriends” recorded by Reba.

Music City Rollin’ Jamboree

The multi-award-winning Music City Rollin’ Jamboree is a country-music singalong comedy tour of Nashville, Tennessee starring Jenny Carson and Gil Grand with special guest appearances. The show has been featured on several national TV programs including Good Morning America and HGTV’s Flip or Flop. The group has also garnered the prestigious Tripadvisor Hall of Fame Award and Traveler’s Choice Award as well as being voted the No. 1 Tour in Tennessee!

Eight-time Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) nominee and CCMA Male Vocalist of the Year and Record Producer of the Year winner, Gil Grand, rides along to provide the musical entertainment. He is the perfect wingman to Carson’s zaniness.

Major celebrities like Reba, Kelly Clarkson, and Melissa Peterman have all made appearances on the Jamboree bus. The website says (and it’s so true): If you don’t like attention, great music, or irreverent comedy, this isn’t the ride for you. But if you like cutting loose, singing loudly and belly laughing with your loved ones, get a ticket – this is one show you won’t forget.

The Music City Rollin' Jamboree has been so successful that the show is now going to be on stage called, ''Nashville Jubilee'' at The Troubadour Music Hall this fall. Stay tuned!

Follow Gil Grand For More Information HERE!

Tickets Are Almost Sold Out! Get Your Tickets HERE

For More Information, Click HERE

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #184 w/ Multi-Award Winner/Producer Country Star Gil Grand New Single ''Centred''

Centered

She'll Always Be Mine

She Believes In Me - by Gil Grand

Gil Grand - Famous First Words 1998

Gil Grand - Cry A Little

Gil Grand - Break It To Them Gently

Gil Grand - There She Goes

90's bus show

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #184 w/ Multi-Award Winner/Producer Country Star Gil Grand New Single ''Centred''

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #183 w/ Australia's Country Pop Trio The Buckley's With Their New Single ''Oops I Love You''

INTERVIEW #183

w/ Australian Country Pop Trio The Buckleys

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #183 w/ Australia's Country Pop Trio The Buckley's With Their New Single ''Oops I Love You''

The Buckleys

New Single

''Oops I Love You''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #183 w/ Australia's Country Pop Trio The Buckley's With Their New Single ''Oops I Love You''

Sibling trio The Buckleys (Sarah, Molly, and Lachlan) have been performing music together since they were pre-teens including busking at the Tamworth Country Music Festival since Molly was just 9, Lachlan 10, and Sarah 12.

The Buckleys, a three-piece sibling band from Byron Bay, Australia. Signing with Chris Murphy’s Petrol Records in 2019, the band earned the prestige of being the only other band on the label alongside INXS. Under Chris Murphy’s wise tutelage, the band has released five singles from their debut album.

Daydream scored a #1 single on Australian Country radio in 2019, followed by the second single, “I’m Comin’ For Ya (Love),” which reached #3 on the same chart. Their third single, “Money,” reached #2, and “Breathe,” reached #3.

Coming off of the release of their debut album Daydream, The Buckleys have returned with a brand new single “Oops I Love You”. The single is from their upcoming EP TAKE IT AS IT COMES, out later this Summer.

A breezy pop confection that pushes the band forward from their “Hippy Country” roots that put them on the map with their chart-topping debut album Daydream, “Oops I Love You” is an uptempo, fun track with feel-good beats and melodies.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #183 w/ Australia's Country Pop Trio The Buckley's With Their New Single ''Oops I Love You''

The Buckleys - Oops I Love You

Follow The Buckleys

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #182 w/ UK Country Artist Katy Hurt Releases Second Canadian Single “Wish I Could Give You Up”

INTERVIEW #182

w/ Country Artist Katy Hurt

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #182 w/ UK Country Artist Katy Hurt Releases Second Canadian Single “Wish I Could Give You Up”

Katy Hurt

New Single

''Wish I Could Give You Up''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #182 w/ UK Country Artist Katy Hurt Releases Second Canadian Single “Wish I Could Give You Up”

Katy Hurt is one of those rare talents that can write and perform with equal impact. Her 2019 single Revved Up prompted Roland Monger, Music Blogger, to say “Hurt’s voice takes Dolly Parton’s twang and Beth Ditto’s soul, wraps it all up in a basket with a bow before setting fire to it and leaving it on your doorstep.”

Building on the success of her first single 'Sounds Good In A Bar', which debuted at #1 on the UK iTunes country chart along with being added into rotation at CBC Country Sirius XM and many other Canadian radio stations; Hurt will release her second single in Canada, Wish I Could Give You Up.

In Katy Hurt’s latest up-tempo single, she pens an open letter to her greatest love and vice, music. With relatable lyrics like, “I don’t need your advice because my vice is something I can’t change” it is a song many people can connect to. Wish I Could Give You Up was released to all major streaming platforms on Friday, May 20th, and released to Canadian radio on June 3rd.

“I’ve given my whole life to music since I was a little girl and it’s been an incredible journey of highs and lows. This song sums up my relationship with songwriting and artistry and how throughout the years creativity has become my vice. My go to for when I need an infusion of joy and the thing I turn to when I’m in my darkest hour. The journey of being a musician has brought me such light and sadness in equal measure. Canada is my musical home, and I've written and recorded some of my favorite country songs there, including this one, I can’t wait to share it with everyone and be back in Canada for Canadian Music Week”, explains UK Country Music Spotlight Award Winner, Katy Hurt.

Coming off the sold out 15 date ‘Sounds Good in a Bar’ UK tour including 3 well-received performances at the popular C2C music festival in London, Hurt has been selected to perform at the 2022 Canadian Music Week held in Toronto, ON. On top of this, there will be additional performances around Ontario announced at a later date.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #182 w/ UK Country Artist Katy Hurt Releases Second Canadian Single “Wish I Could Give You Up”

Katy Hurt - Sounds Good In A Bar (Official Music Video)

Katy Hurt - Natchez (Official Music Video)

Katy Hurt - Face to Face (Official Lyric Video)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #182 w/ UK Country Artist Katy Hurt Releases Second Canadian Single “Wish I Could Give You Up”

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #181 w/ Canadian Country Artist Emma Peterson Has Just Released Her Debut EP ''Just For The Record'' and Tour Announcement!

INTERVIEW #181

w/ Canadian Country Artist Emma Peterson

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #181 w/ Canadian Country Artist Emma Peterson Has Just Released Her Debut EP ''Just For The Record'' and Tour Announcement!

Emma Peterson

Debut EP

''JUST FOR THE RECORD''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #181 w/ Canadian Country Artist Emma Peterson Has Just Released Her Debut EP ''Just For The Record'' and Tour Announcement!

''Manitoba-based artist, Emma Peterson is quickly becoming an artist to watch on Canada’s country circuit,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast.

''Growing up in a small town and her Canadian roots has left a huge impact on the artist Emma Peterson is today. ''

''I draw a lot of my inspiration from my hometown and growing up in the country! I find that those stories are very relatable to others.''

I had an amazing chat getting to know this up and coming artist. There are so many special moments that you will love to hear. The Burning Questions was so much fun and a way to get to know Emma just a little bit more. To listen to my interview with Emma Peterson, click HERE or go to www.musicsjourney.com.

Capturing fans with her captivating stage presence and powerhouse vocals, Manitoba artist Emma Peterson is quickly becoming an artist to watch on Canada's country circuit. With her debut album Just For The Record anticipated later this spring, Emma is excited to announce her Just For The Record Release Tour across Manitoba this fall. Hitting stages in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Dauphin, Emma will be performing the new record front to back.

"I am so excited for the Just For The Record Release Tour. When the pandemic hit, the one thing I missed the most was sharing my music with others," Emma shares. "I spent the time off to finish my nursing career and work in the COVID unit - and also wrote songs for this new project. Being able to go on tour and share this new project with my home province feels so good! I can't wait to connect with everyone in person! "

With little professional training outside of the YouTube tutorials, she watch to teach herself how to play her $50 Walmart guitar, Emma's notoriety began in 2016 when she earned a top spot in CMT’s Chevy Tailgate Contest. Becoming one of the Top 4 finalists in the country, her original song was featured on CMT's Chevy Top 20 Countdown, meeting the ears of listeners across Canada.

Since then, Emma has continued to perform at numerous venues across the province and beyond, including an appearance at Dauphin’s Countryfest, sharing a stage with some of the country’s biggest breakout stars, Andrew Hyatt and Chris Buck Band. Following her 2019 debut single "Maybe Tonight," Emma received multiple Manitoba Country Music Awards nominations including Fans’ Choice, Female Artist, and Music Video of the Year, and ultimately took home a win in the Emerging Artist category.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #181 w/ Canadian Country Artist Emma Peterson Has Just Released Her Debut EP ''Just For The Record'' and Tour Announcement!

Just for the Record (Acoustic Version)

Maybe Tonight

Hurt Like Hell - Emma Peterson (Live Performance at MCMA Awards 2021)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #181 w/ Canadian Country Artist Emma Peterson Has Just Released Her Debut EP ''Just For The Record'' and Tour Announcement!

Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube

www.emmapetersonmusic.com

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #180 w/ Country Artist Quinton Blair New Single ''20 Dollar Bottle''

INTERVIEW #180

W/ Country Artist Quinton Blair

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #180 w/ Country Artist Quinton Blair New Single ''20 Dollar Bottle''

Quinton Blair

New Single

''20 Dollar Bottle''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #180 w/ Country Artist Quinton Blair New Single ''20 Dollar Bottle''

Quinton Blair has released his new single ''20 Dollar Bottle'' that he co-wrote with country star Jason Blaine. The song was produced by Sharp 9 Music, producer Pete Lesperance.

An uptempo barn burner of a track displaying exceptional musicianship and a good ole boy having a good ole time. The song was penned by Quinton and Jason Blaine, at Blaine’s Nashville home. 20 Dollar Bottle is an upbeat story of small-town Friday nights, moonshine, love, and country gold. The high-intensity track runs like a freight train down a hill featuring some of the countries top drawer musicians masterfully woven together by producer Pete Lesperance. From the heavy hook that drives the song, to the swelling fiddle, and tele chase solos, this song is fun, and keeps the listener engaged from the first downbeat.

Quote about the song: This barn burner of a tune kicks like a mule, puts a hitch in your hobble, it's a whole lotta trouble in a twenty dollar bottle.

Honest as a day spent on a Manitoba tractor, and driven like the drifting Prairie snow, 4-time Manitoba Country Music Association award winner, Quinton Blair is a road running, tale-spinning, songwriter. Silky and smooth like a diesel engine, his beard glistening in the setting sun. Its rodeo mud in his teeth and horses in his blood.

Born with a natural Prairie sensibility, his farming roots running deep in the Pembina Valley and Parkland regions, Quinton is undeniably authentic. He sticks firmly to writing what he knows, and his songs speak to the rural listener with stories of heartbreak, of family, and of farming. As a lifelong outdoors enthusiast, he writes with a strong sense of place and imagery. A student of the great western storyteller Louis L’Amour, Quinton paints with words.

Sharing the stage with countless Canadian and American country acts, Blair has performed his brand of troubadour, storytelling country that carries heavy undertones both of 70’s outlaw country and 90’s dancehall country with fans all over North America.

Wrangling horses is in his blood and has been a part of the Blair family for generations. Blair and his partner Vanessa operate two rural Manitoba properties in Landmark and MacGregor. Here they raise horses, sheep, fainting goats, and chickens along with their combined 4 children. His maturity and sense of family are so effortlessly communicated in both story and song.

Despite all of the unknown, and industry shuffling, the Covid-19 lockdowns have provided him a chance to rethink his musical journey and clarify his goals. This has allowed him to marry his passion for horses, the Manitoba wilderness, and his heartfelt songwriting, all the while building a national team to bring his music to a broader audience.

To hear my chat with Quinton Blair and hear his amazing stories and music, click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #180 w/ Country Artist Quinton Blair New Single ''20 Dollar Bottle''

20 Dollar Bottle

Quinton Blair's Safe At Home Barn Dance in Winkler, MB

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #180 w/ Country Artist Quinton Blair New Single ''20 Dollar Bottle''

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Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #179 w/ Breakout Canadian Singer-Songwriter Alli Walker With Her New Single ''Home Town Home''

INTERVIEW #179

w/ Breakout Canadian Singer-Songwriter Alli Walker

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #179 w/ Breakout Canadian Singer-Songwriter Alli Walker With Her New Single ''Home Town Home''

Alli Walker

New Single

''Home Town Home''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #179 w/ Breakout Canadian Singer-Songwriter Alli Walker With Her New Single ''Home Town Home''

Breakout Canadian singer-songwriter and 2022 CMAOntario Rising Star nominee Alli Walker is ushering in the warmer weather with the release of her new track “Home Town Home,” available everywhere today. Hailing from a small town on Canada’s east coast herself, Walker brings listeners the perfect summertime anthem, invoking memories of young love and the reality of building a life together.

Written by Walker and longtime pal Dustin Bird, the track touches on elements of the PEI-native's personal journey, encapsulating a life she has built with her husband of 6 years. Having both moved to Toronto to chase their dreams over a decade ago, the pair met and settled down in the GTA, while never escaping the pull of their small-town roots. “This song tells the story of what’s going on in my life currently, which is always my favourite place to write from,” said Walker on the inspiration for “Home Town Home.” “I’m in the process of moving to my husband’s hometown, so it was easy to look back on the things I loved most about growing up in a small town, like parking lot hangouts and bonfires on Saturday nights. I know as long as I have some of those pieces, I will feel right at home in any new place.”

Teased earlier this year on Walker’s skyrocketing TikTok (10M+ views), ”Home Town Home” elicited an overwhelming response from fans, who demanded the track be included on Walker’s upcoming sophomore album. “I was posting demos from my upcoming album, asking fans to help me choose which tracks to include and this song had one of the biggest responses, so I knew I had to record it,” said Walker. “I’ve had thousands of people message me since posting the demo asking where in the world this song was; so I am beyond excited to finally release it!”

Since dropping her debut in 2019 Walker has made quite the mark on the Canadian country music scene, finding her sound and carving her own path in the industry. Boasting over 1M+ streams, Walker has landed spots on some of Canada’s top playlists including covers on both Apple Music’s ‘Canada’s Country’ and Amazon Music’s ‘Breakthrough Country.’ Continuing the momentum from the release of her first track to Canadian country radio with “Maybe I’m Still Drunk” to kick off 2022, Walker recently garnered her second nomination at the CMAOntario Awards in the Rising Star category and played at the CMAO Tailgate Party in London, ON June 5.

Walker will be sharing more new music in the coming months and fans are encouraged to watch for her sophomore album in early 2023.

''Alli Walker is one of Music's Journey's artists to watch for 2022,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''Alli Walker is a gem in country music here in Canada with a really bright future. She has been releasing some amazing music and the fans and industry alike are noticing. ''

I had the chance to catch up with Alli right after her move to BC with her husband and their dog ''Pickles''. This interview is full of music and great stories. To listen to my interview with Alli Walker, click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #179 w/ Breakout Canadian Singer-Songwriter Alli Walker With Her New Single ''Home Town Home''

Alli Walker - Home Town Home (Lyric Video)

Alli Walker - Maybe I'm Still Drunk (Official Music Video)

Alli Walker - Country Music (Official Music Video)

Brian John Harwood - Rich (ft. Alli Walker & Chris Labelle)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #179 w/ Breakout Canadian Singer-Songwriter Alli Walker With Her New Single ''Home Town Home''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #178 w/ Country Singer/Songwriter Mariya Stokes Heading To Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 7th!

INTERVIEW #178

w/ Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter

Mariya Stokes

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #178 w/ Award-Winner Singer/Songwriter Mariya Stokes Heading To Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 7th!

Mariya Stokes

Latest Single

''Break My Heart''

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #178 w/ Award-Winner Singer/Songwriter Mariya Stokes Heading To Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 7th!

The countdown has begun…

Award-winner country artist singer-songwriter Mariya Stokes is heading to PEI to play at the legendary Cavendish Beach Music Festival.

PEI’s epic country music festival, Cavendish Beach Music Festival takes place from July 7-9, presented by Bell. Making a triumphant return, the festival is back with main stage headliners Luke Combs on Thursday, July 7th (sold out), Darius Rucker on Friday, July 8th, and Dustin Lynch on Saturday, July 9th.

Rounding out the main stage line-up includes CMA Award-winner Raquel Cole and Tyler Joe Miller, amongst many other amazing performers.

For Tickets and More Information, Click HERE

The Colliding Tides Kitchen Stage will also kick off on Thursday, July 7th, and run until Saturday, July 9th, including an incredible array of talents such as multiple CCMA Award-nominated and CMAB award-winners Nice Horse, multiple CMAB award-winner Mariya Stokes, and multi-award-nominated Chris Ryan.

Two-time award-winner of the Canadian Country Music Association Festival / Event of the Year and nominee for the East Coast Music Association Festival / Event of the Year, Cavendish Beach Music Festival has quickly grown to become Atlantic Canada's largest multi-day outdoor music festival. Located in the picturesque coastal resort community of Cavendish, P.E.I, Cavendish is turned into the hottest, most star-studded spot in the region every July, attracting over 60,000 country music fans each year. Past festival performers have included Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Brett Eldredge, Lady Antebellum, and country legends Ricky Skaggs, Alabama, Reba, and pop sensation Shawn Mendes.

You can get your tickets at cavendishbeachmusic.com for tickets and information.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #178 w/ Award-Winner Singer/Songwriter Mariya Stokes Heading To Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 7th!

Growing up in Stavely, Alberta, an hour south of Calgary, Mariya Stokes spent time in her parents' small-town bar, and at eight years old, was sneaking in on Friday afternoons to sing with the local jam band. Now a seasoned performer, she has opened for Doc Walker, Lindsay Ell, and Jann Arden and was one of three artists selected to work with 19-time CCMA winner Terri Clark at National Music Centre's RBC Master in Residence program in 2019. In addition, Stokes' was the 2019 runner-up in Project WILD, a country-focused artist development program run by WILD 95.3 FM (Calgary) and Alberta Music. In 2021, she graced festival stages, including Nashville North at the Calgary Stampede, and Elk Valley Pride in Fernie, BC, and was a featured artist in Breakout West's "Back To Live" showcase.

Her small-town, community-minded values have followed her to the big city: Stokes was a 2020 Artist in Residence at the Women's Centre of Calgary. A past volunteer at the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre, she worked on two charity records and independently organized numerous coat drives for the organization. In addition, she is a member of the 2022 CCMA Host Committee, taking part in planning the Canadian Country Music Association's upcoming awards week in Calgary in September.

Focusing heavily on songwriting, Stokes has had songs recorded by artists in multiple genres, including CCMA nominees Leaving Thomas, alt-pop singer Celia Palli, country-rocker Devin Cooper, and pop singer Hayden McHugh.

"I'm a songwriter first." Stokes says, "My songs are rooted in country storytelling, but I'm not afraid to bend outside the genre if it feels right. My sound changes drastically with each release because I'm constantly evolving, and I like to surprise my fans and keep them excited for what could be coming next. We're hitting the road again in 2022 - I can't wait to see everyone and share my upcoming record with you."

''Mariya Stokes is an extraordinary talented singer-songwriter that drips in confidence and empowerment with her music,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Show. ''Í don't believe that Mariya even knows just how talented she really is. It is going to be a pleasure to watch this artist continue to grow and hone her craft as a singer-songwriter. Stokes continues to impress and deliver songs about moving through the unpredictability of life, love, and finding yourself on the other side of tough times.'' To hear my interview and music by Mariya Stokes, click on the link below.

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #178 w/ Award-Winner Singer/Songwriter Mariya Stokes Heading To Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 7th!

Break My Heart

Mariya Stokes - Rebound (Lyric Video)

Mariya Stokes - Hands on My Body (Official Audio)

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #178 w/ Award-Winner Singer/Songwriter Mariya Stokes Heading To Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 7th!

Follow Mariya Stokes

Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #177 w/ Multi-Award Winning Country Group Nice Horse Heading To PEI For The Cavendish Beach Music Festival On July 7th!

INTERVIEW #177

w/ Multi-Award Winning Country Group Nice Horse

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine