(Winnipeg, MB) Country Recording ArtistKendra Kay is set to release new music. The 2 x MCMA Female Artist of the Year winner has had the opportunity to spend more time on her family ranch in the past two years than she has in a long time. As a songwriter, she felt naturally inspired to write about it. This is how her next single Homegrown Heart was born.
“This song is my story – it is inspired by my roots, life, and family. I wrote it to tell the story of who I am, and from the idea that everyone has that little piece of home, it is a universal feeling. When I am not out on the road touring, I am on the road barrel racing or at home working with my horses and that feels like home for me. I know there are so many people out there that will connect with this song and feeling, no matter where they call home,” says Kendra Kay.
When reigning MCMA Fan’s Choice Award winner Kendra Kaywas unable to tour with her band, she turned to another passion. She loaded up her horse and hit the road for a different reason. Kendra joined the rodeo circuit which led to winning a Championship Buckle for Barrel Racing!
Kendra Kay continues to grow her audiences as she achieves 1 million global streams, has had music videos placed in rotation on CMT Australia and embarked on tour dates across Western Canada. She hit the road armed with her 5-piece band, playing major events such as the Calgary Stampede, Red River Exhibition Fall Fair, and the Ponoka Stampede to name a few.
When Kendra isn’t working on the ranch, out on the road with her horse or touring with her band she is recording new music, cutting tracks from an impressive list of writers including Carly Pearce, Maren Morris, and Meghan Patrick.
Homegrown Heart was co-written by Tyler Del Pino and produced by award-winning producer Murray Pulver (Doc Walker, The Bros. Landreth). The traditional inspired song was released to major streaming platforms on October 8th.
''Kendra Kay has really made her mark in the country music industry,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host for the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio. ''Kendra is a very talented vocalist and she has something special in the way she can connect with the lyrics of a song. She can tell a story that connects with the fans. She delivers that crisp clean vocal with a lot of power holding it nicely in the upper range of her voice. It is great to hear that traditionally inspired sound that she has made modern and relevant from this rising star. She has a very bright future in country radio''.
I had the opportunity to catch up with Kendra before she hits the stage for awards season. You don't want to miss it. To hear my interview with Kendra Kay, click on the link below.
''Theo Tams has come such a long way since I was on the set of Canadian Idol interviewing the contestants for season 6,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio/host on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio.'' ''I chat with Theo about 13 years of his musical journey, the industry after Idol hurdles that he has faced personally, over-coming those hurdles and his vulnerability to share his story, and his amazing new music that we cover for you to hear in this interview. You are going to really enjoy this one.''
''Tams knows how to navigate around lyrics in a song and his creative artistry in his songwriting is the best he has ever been. Tams has always been an artist who focused on the delivery of every note that he sings with precision and his classical training brings that kind of discipline. It is so nice to see this new raspy, soulful side of his voice in his new music this year. I absolutely love this new texture in his voice that brings so much warmth and richness that is straight magic in these new songs. I think we are just seeing the tip of what Theo Tams is capable of. I am really excited to see what the next few years are going to bring from this incredibly talented artist,'' says Cyr.
Theo Tams will be releasing a special new single on Dec 1, 2021, that you don't want to miss so tune in for the celebration athttps://theotamsmusic.com/.
To hear my interview with Theo Tams, click on the link below.
Award-winning Canadian singers and songwriters come together nationally for the Saying Goodbye concert held in honour of National Grief and Bereavement Day.
Hosted by Tara Shannon, talent performing includes Johnny Reid, Gregory Charles, John McDermott, Michelle Wright, Fred Penner, Jenn Grant, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Ray Legere, and many more.
Saying Goodbye is a national concert on November 14 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST with performers from across each province and territory, held in honour and awareness of National Grief and Bereavement Day on November 16, 2021. The national virtual live stream can be found at Sayinggoodbyeconcert.ca. Saying Goodbye is hosted by the National Arts Centre (NAC) and presented by the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) in partnership with all provincial palliative care associations across Canada.
Tickets to the concert are free, donations are appreciated. Proceeds will be shared between the CHPCA and the appropriate provincial palliative care association. The 2nd annual event will feature various Canadian artists from across each province and territory, including notable talents like Johnny Reid, Gregory Charles, John McDermott, Michelle Wright, Fred Penner, Shari Ulrich, Jenn Grant, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Ray Legere, Tara Shannon and many more.
Saying Goodbye will provide a time and place to grieve for loved ones lost during COVID-19 as the pandemic prevented many from engaging in the usual process of letting go. The goal is to help normalize the conversation around the dying process and recognize grief and bereavement as a natural response to loss.
“There is never a good time to lose a loved one. The Saying Goodbye concert has the potential to create really great awareness around grief and bereavement as we experienced it as never before during this difficult time of social isolation,” says Laurel Gillespie, CEO of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.
List of all talent performing
Johnny Reid, platinum-selling, multi Juno and CCMA winning recording artist Gregory Charles, recipient of the Order of Canada, Award-winning recording artist and musician John McDermott, Grammy-nominated artist Michelle Wright, Juno Award, Academy of Country Music Award-winning artist, and Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Fred Penner, four-time Juno Award-winning music performer Jenn Grant, three-time Juno nominee songwriter, and performer Carolyn Dawn Johnson, ACMA, AMA, and multiple Juno and CCMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Ray Legere, New Brunswick Country Music Hall Of Fame inductee and ECMA winning musician Shari Ulrich, Juno Award-winning artist Catherine MacLellan, Juno Award winner and 2021 East Coast Music Award winner for Songwriter of the Year Theo Tams, Canadian Radio Music Award and Gemini nominated singer/songwriter Don Amero, three-time Juno nominated artist and activist Eileen Laverty, Prairie Music Award-winning singer-songwriter Mikhail Laxton, singer-songwriter, contestant on Australia’s The Voice Jessica Pearson and East Wind, Folk Music Ontario Award recipient Yvan Petit, Franco-Ontarian singer-songwriter NARA, recording artist from the NWT The Swindlers, Montreal-based Celtic-Folk-Acoustic band Tara Shannon, Award-winning recording artist
Saying Goodbye Campaign
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were very stringent restrictions on end-of-life visitations which resulted in many people not being able to say goodbye to their loved ones. In reaction to this, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) and the CHPCA Champion’s Council announced the launch of the “Saying Goodbye” campaign in the spring of 2020. This campaign called on health authorities to implement a more compassionate approach to end-of-life visitations across Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many people were also unable to have funerals or celebrations of life events during the period of social distancing and isolation, which can have a profound effect on the grieving process. Saying Goodbye acknowledges the grief of those who have lost a loved one and are experiencing grief, specifically those affected by loss during the quarantine period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The message also applies to anyone dealing with grief and bereavement.
About the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA)
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is the national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada. It is a bilingual, national and charitable non-profit association whose mission is the pursuit of excellence in care for persons approaching death so that the burdens of suffering, loneliness, and grief are lessened. CHPCA works in close partnership with other national organizations and will continue to move forward with the goal of ensuring that all Canadians, regardless of where they may live, have equal access to quality hospice palliative care services for themselves and their family.
CHPCA comprises over 3,000 associates, both individuals (professionals, caregivers, and volunteers) and hospice palliative care programs and services from every province and territory. CHPCA represents more than 580 hospice palliative care programs or services in Canada who employ tens-of-thousands of paid and volunteer staff working in-home care programs, nursing homes, free-standing hospices, long-term care centres, and hospitals. The voluntary Board of Directors is made up of representation from each of the 10 provincial hospice palliative care associations as well as five at-large positions chpca.ca.
Sky Full Of Stars, the new EP from multiple CCMA Award-nominated artist JoJo Mason will be released on October 22 via 604 Records. With seven new songs, the third EP from Mason showcases his evolution as an artist while continuing to highlight his fun-loving, upbeat personality. The lead single, “Broken Umbrella” has already been streamed over 780k times and continues to grow in popularity with the recent release of the official music video for the track.
“One of the most important things in life to me is to continue to evolve and grow, as a person and as an artist. I honestly do not think I could be more excited about my new EP. I really feel like I’ve stepped up my game with this one y’all. Pumped for y’all to get these songs in your car, in your headphones, and in your soul!!” – JoJo Mason.
The EP’s title track, ‘Sky Full Of Stars’ is a captivating love song that is special to Mason, one that the musician hopes will have listeners in their feelings, as it did for him, while ‘Think About Us’ is a catchy, upbeat tune of reminiscing about life and its moments that you just can’t forget. Silver linings are the focus in ‘What You Do With It’, where Mason shares that life will try to knock you down but if you can find the silver linings in a situation you’ll find beauty in everything, while “Let Me Down Easy” is a first for Mason who doesn’t usually record breakup songs; the singer felt this heartbreak anthem in his soul. Across the entire EP, JoJo Mason shares vulnerability balanced with new country swag and catchy anthemic themes of love, heartbreak, and life’s little moments.
ABOUT JOJO MASON: Since breaking into the Canadian country music scene over six years ago, 604 Records recording artist JoJo Mason has been on an incredible journey. In a career already full of highlights, Mason has earned five Top 10 singles, multiple CCMA Award and BCCMA Award nominations, an impressive 28M global streams to date and more. This past year Mason was presented with his first CRIA gold-certified record for ‘Better On You’; his highest charting and most streamed single to date, sitting at 6.5M streams and rising. This past August, Mason showcased his ability to capture audiences with his live energy while touring across Canada, including two days at the Lifted Hotel Festival in Vancouver BC, a charity benefit for mental health with all proceeds going toward Lifted, A Dallas Smith Charitable Organization. The conversation around mental health is close to Mason’s heart and prompted the weekly Instagram series hosted by Mason called “Mental Health Mondays” - a conversation with peers and industry professionals. Now, with a focus on his evolution as an artist, Mason is ready to show his fans and the world exactly the kind of act he wants to be. With the release of his latest single ‘Broken Umbrella’ and the news of his forthcoming seven-song EP, Mason is looking forward to getting back on the road again, making memorable connections, and entertaining fans.
🔥⚡️HUGE NEWS!!!⚡️🔥 JoJo Mason is throwing a Live and Intimate EP Release Party at The Roxy!! Tickets are first come first serve and they are LIMITED!!
Come spend the night with JoJo Mason in person and hear his brand new EP LIVE for the very first time!!! And for those who can’t make it, he will be streaming!!! So don’t sweat you can still spend the night together virtually!!! DETAILS BELOW!! . . .
In-Person & Online, don't miss JoJo Mason's release party for his new EP SKY FULL OF STARS!
If you’re craving a bit of relief from the apprehension and uncertainty of our troubled times, New Moon Junction has just what you’re looking for.
Country's hot new trio New Moon Junction has released their second single as a group 'The Other Side Of Goodbye' that is already charting top 10 downloads on country radio. Hot off the heals of their debut single 'Real Good Kinda Thing', this incredible trio is delivering exactly what country fans have been waiting for with their dynamic harmonies and killer lyrics that bring us all back home.
With a sound that treads the line seamlessly between new and old school country, the Ontario-based trio of Barb Doran, Tamara Maddalen, and Matt Rogers, have come together at the perfect time to spread a bit of much-needed positive energy around.
There was no doubt that their debut single, ‘Real Good Kinda Thing’, was going to be a huge success with country fans across Canada and with country radio. The stories of life are the common thread with these three solo artists and the fans.
The need for some unbridled positivity was a primary factor in getting New Moon Junction off the ground originally, says Doran: “That was the idea right from the start. Typically, my music is quite serious – even depressing at times – but the great thing about the three of us together is that we very much focus on being positive and upbeat.”
Doran, an established recording artist in her own right, had been looking to make a change in recent years. “I liked the idea of an all-female band, but I wanted to do something different, so I was trying to find two men to work with instead.” Having little success finding the right mix of personalities for the project, however, soon after opening the door to both women and men she found Maddalen and then Rogers. “And when I heard their voices I was immediately like, oh my God, it’s them – no doubt,” she adds.
“We’re all passionate about songwriting, but also about serving the song and supporting each other in that process,” Maddalen adds. “There’s no ego here; we all just want to have fun, grow as songwriters, and see where this takes us.”
The first and most important step in establishing a viable musical partnership is finding like-minded individuals, each of whom brought something unique to the mix that challenges and complements the others; and clearly, New Moon Junction has nailed that part of the equation hands down.
All three are ‘musical lifers’, as Rogers puts it, but what they each have in common outside music is just as important as their shared love of writing, recording, and performing. While vocal and songwriting chops counted heavily in finding the right mix of players for New Moon Junction, being established in the music industry was far less important than being established in life. Period.
The commonality between us only deepens our personal and musical bonds and pushes us forward Rogers says: “That really is the feeling all the way around. We have respect for each other and the project and we’re established people who know what it means to work together with others to get things done.”
That fuels their commitment to the project, to the songwriting and recording process, and to what Maddalen describes as their common goal, “To grow as songwriters and singers, push ourselves out of our comfort zones and get better as artists.”
Although as New Moon Junction they’ve written numerous tunes together, given the challenges of recording safely, they wanted to ensure they’d found the ideal track to kick off the process with Multi-platinum selling producer, songwriter, and mixer Jeff Dalziel (Brett Kissel, Jim Cuddy, Lights, Chantal Kreviazuk).
''New Moon Junction brings the authenticity about life and experiences we have all faced with a fresh new sound to country music,'' says Cyr. ''This country trio brings a cool perspective to songwriting and they deliver something truly magical with their harmonies. You are going to love the new single. I can't wait to hear the new music they are set to release in the next few months. If this is any indication of what this trio is capable of, we are in for a real treat in 2022. New Moon Junction is just getting started. Don't forget to check out the fun new music video below.''
To check out my full interview, click on the link below. Don't forget, you can check all the interviews with the artists your love on www.musicsjourney.com. You can also listen to all the podcast interviews on all streaming platforms under Music's Journey Podcast.
Doc Walker is one of the most recognized Canadian country acts of the past two decades, with 21 Top 10 singles and 26 top 20 singles in total, and eight #1 videos on CMT. The Manitoba natives have won 14 Canadian Country Music Awards with over 40 nominees, were nominated for the 2017 WCMA Country Artist of the Year, the 2017 CCMA Recording Package of the Year (Echo Road), and 2018, 2019, and 2021 Manitoba Country Music Awards. The duo has also been nominated for seven JUNO Awards for Country Album of the Year, including a win for their album Beautiful Life in 2009.
Multiple CCMA and JUNO award-winning Country duo Doc Walker is back, with the release of their new single “She Wants What She Wants” via all streaming platforms. The distinct sound of Doc Walker coming through the airwaves is something many Canadian country fans look forward to. The new single came in hot and it definitely doesn't disappoint. The new track is such a catchy tune and it's a story that most females can relate to. It's about learning how to value ourselves and about being strong.
''It is always amazing to catch up with Doc Walker and it was so much fun to chat and catch up with Chris Thorsteinson to talk all about life, about the new music and everything in between,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host for the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio/host on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio. ''We have all missed seeing one of the best entertainers in Canadian music so when we see the Doc Walker's tour bus rolling in, we are all smiling.''
In this interview, I will take you down memory lane with some of Doc Walker's greatest hits. We talk about life during the pandemic and the dynamics and changes in the music industry today. Chris Thorsteinson shares many stories about the writing of the songs that we all love from their award-winning albums in the past two decades. Chris shares some amazing tales about walking out on stage to receive their first Juno Award and so many more incredible moments he shared with Dave Wasyliw and the band. Chris shares stories about growing up listening to Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. There is no doubt that Bob Seger and Waylon Jennings were big influences for Chris's musical journey and the type of music he wanted to record. Doc Walker is back with their brand new single ''She Wants What She Wants''. To hear my interview with Chris Thorsteinson, click on the link below.
“The idea for the song came to me one morning while I was messing around in the studio. I came across an ‘80s guitar sound and it was like a time machine for me. I started to remember all the great music recorded in the ‘80s and it inspired me to create something similar. The lyrics came from thinking about my three children and realizing that someday my little girl is going to have her heartbroken. It scared me because my job as a father is to protect my children. But I came to the conclusion that life happens and all you can do is try to raise your kids to be strong enough to overcome those situations—and most importantly to have respect for yourself and those around you.” Dave took Chris’ initial demo and reworked it as the song’s producer before handing it over to well-known Canadian producer Eric Ratz for his final mix magic.
(Dave), “We always feel that country music can have some ‘meat on the bones,’ as it is a genre heavily rooted in real-life experiences, trials, and tribulations.”
That attitude has played a big part in Doc Walker’s longevity, along with an overall drive to explore new musical approaches in order to keep their sound fresh. As Dave says, “We just can’t pretend to be something we are not. The fans that have stuck with us I feel have been rewarded with two of our strongest records in recent years, The 8th and Weathervane. And now we can’t wait to show the fans what we’ve been up to!”
As Doc Walker continues to look ahead, they are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of 2001’s Curve, their breakthrough album that spawned the hits “She Hasn’t Always Been This Way” and “Rocket Girl,” both of which remain staples of their live show. Curve garnered the band its first Juno nominations and first CCMA awards, a scenario that has been repeated many times over the ensuing years. Both Chris and Dave point to receiving the 2008CCMA Fans’ Choice Award at that year’s gala in Winnipeg as a particularly significant moment in their lives.
Dave says, “We’ve had a lot of career highlights, from getting to work with so many amazing writers to playing in every province and territory in Canada, and touring Australia three times. And then there are the personal highlights, like meeting Willie Nelson and playing the Whisky A-Go-Go in L.A. It’s all incredible to look back on; opening for Bon Jovi and having Eric Church open for us—something I doubt he’ll be doing again anytime soon!”
Getting back on tour is something Doc Walker has been eagerly anticipating since the world shut down in early 2020. As Chris says, losing that connection with their audience—albeit temporarily—was something he wasn’t totally prepared to deal with. “I think the lack of live shows has given us time to reflect on the last 25 years and reminded me to never take for granted the support we’ve had from our fans. I also realized how much I missed meat and cheese trays backstage! But seriously, the plan has always been to create music that we are proud of and to spend as much time as we can out on the road playing for the fans.”
As for what the future holds for Doc Walker, Dave says he expects something to come together following their new tour since the band has always fed off the energy of playing live. “That’s how everything starts. The more we play together, the more we talk and plan and write and record. The ‘snowball’ gets big quickly. It has been very difficult not having that outlet for the last couple of years. There is now a heightened appreciation for it because it was taken away as abruptly as if someone had turned off a tap. If there is any silver lining, it’s that it’s served as a reminder of just how much we love making and playing music.”
It’s no secret that River Town Saints have endured more than most bands could handle in a lifetime. The sudden death of one of the founding members, replacing a lead singer, and just when they had all of that figured out and were ready to introduce the world to River Town Saints 2.0, a global pandemic came along.
River Town Saints have a lot to show for the past few 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, their single Long Time Coming reaching the Top 40 and the Stingray group of stations selecting the single as their Trending Track for June/July 2021.
Known for their energetic live show, rich vocal harmonies, and good times, the Saints are just getting started. Throughout the past two years, River Town Saints have headlined or performed at a number of drive-in concerts including the City of Pembroke, Huntsville, Kirkland Lake, Crooks Rapids Country Fest, Manitoulin Island, Winding Roads Big Brothers/Big Sisters charity fundraiser in Port Perry, the Carp Fair to name a few. They have also been instrumental in assisting in raising over $50,000 for mental health and wellness in Ontario.
“What Ya Doing Tonight” is the latest single from River Town Saints. It is a power-driven single that highlights the band’s incredible harmonies and musicianship. It is sure to have diehard fans singing along and winning over scores of new fans.
River Town Saints have been busy writing and recording with producer Sam Guiana (Silverstein) at Studio 21. Look for the band’s full-length album in 2022.
''River Town Saints are an absolute staple in Canadian country music,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host for the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio/host on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio. ''RTS deliver another hit song with ''What Ya Doing Tonight''. I love the harmonies and the power behind the vocals that Chase Kasner delivers. He has that rich tone with the gritty sound that brings a bluesy-rock feel to every track he sings. It is a very cool song that gives you the good time feels by bringing that stadium anthem background vocals. I absolutely love this song. River Town Saints are riding a high with all the new music they have delivered this year. I can't wait for the new EP in 2022. Life is sweet when the RTS comes up on the radio waves.
I had the pleasure of speaking with lead singer Chase Kasner. We dive into everything RTS. You're going to love it. I always ask the burning questions portion at the end of every interview. Chase has some great answers you don't want to miss, so check out the interview by clicking on the link below.
As the son of a motorcycle shop owner and custom car builder, Devin Cooper’s childhood was filled with opportunities to be creative. Upon exchanging his toolkit for a guitar, Cooper found an unmistakable niche, reimagining the soul of Southern Rock and down-home country. The result is a genre-bending, driven young artist with a world of possibilities.
With the soul of Johnny Cash and the chops of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Devin Cooper’s thoughtful songwriting and thundering live show will leave audiences wanting more. His perfected vocal sneer is full of attitude and delivers on the promise. Offstage, Cooper’s energy is unfiltered positivity and humility – an incredible asset for any musician with ambition.
Devin Cooper's debut single, “Nothing On You”, released in April 2018, received numerous local accolades. Shortly thereafter, he was nominated for Male Artist and Songwriter of the Year (YYC Music Awards); Best Song, Best Video, and Fans Choice (Alberta Country Music Awards), and was the winner of Artist of the Year (Red Deer Entertainment Awards).
2020 began with a sold-out headlining slot in Calgary at the King Eddy. Since 2018, Cooper has performed alongside some of North America’s top talent including Aaron Pritchett, Gord Bamford, and Lou Gramm of Foreigner.
“He’s only 22 years old, and he’s the real deal.” – says Aaron Pritchett.
''Devin Cooper is a jewel here in Canada as a naturally gifted singer-songwriter,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio. ''It is remarkable to see the accomplishments and focus Cooper has. He knows exactly who he is as an artist and his creativity with the vision of what he wants in his music, to the unique sound in genre influences he has delivered in the songs he has released so far, is truly amazing for someone so young. I love the way he sees lyrics and the simplicity of genuine life experiences to vision by capturing and bringing the listener right into the story. People make life complicated. Cooper has a way of delivering the hooks and melodies that capture the simple magic of seeing life through a positive mindset with a silver lining at the end of every day. Cooper knows exactly how to balance work, life, and quality time with family and friends. He is living in the moment and cherishes what he has by creating memories along the way.''
Devin Cooper has been writing a lot of new music for his upcoming debut EP. One of those songs on the new EP is his latest single ''Country Cliche''.
There are many things that come to mind when you hear the phrase “country cliche”, but a cool, country-rock vibing song isn’t one of them...or maybe it may be. Regardless, country singer Devin Cooper keeps things both hilariously stereotypical (with his lyrics) and uber-catchy–while proving his musical depth, especially when it comes to the guitar–in his latest single that oozes care-free summer vibes.
“Country Cliche” takes many of the preconceived notions of living a simple country life and turns them into an anthem meant to help listeners celebrate the simplicity of just having a damn good time.
DEVIN TALKS ABOUT THE SONG:
If you can’t sit down and laugh about some of the things you do, then you’re probably taking life too seriously. Country Cliché is as much of a joke as it is literally the truth. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since I’ve been back home to hang with my buddies, the same small town country things are happening every weekend: parties by the lake, ripping around town with your buds, shotgunnin’ cheap beer, and staying as far away from the city lights as possible. So, call it a joke, call it a cliche, but it is what it is, and if you’re from a small town or the country, you know what I’m talking about.
Cooper's story is pretty cool...to hear my interview with country artist Devin Cooper, click on the link below! You're going to love it...
Devin Cooper has been honoured to be a contender for the 2021 CCMALive Innovation Award for my charity event, @RideToRememberYYC in support of @alzcalgary.
For everyone who is a CCMA member, thank you for considering “Ride To Remember” as a place for your vote. This nomination is for every family who has ever lived with, seen, or known someone who has had Alzheimer's. Music is such a positive force in helping folks who are living with Alzheimer's. This event creates awareness and raises funds that bring music programs into homes where folks with Alzheimer's are living.
Thanks to all of the sponsors who make this event possible, for your consideration, and for your continued support as we head into our 3rd year hosting of this event.
The Making Of Good Things: Devin Cooper
Devin Cooper - Good Things (Live Acoustic)
Devin Cooper - Nothin' on You (Official Music Video)
Devin Cooper - Last Time Last (Live Acoustic)
“ENCORE” is available everywhere now!
ANNIKA's new single ENCORE. Co-writers for this amazing new single are (ANNIKA, Spencer Cheyne - Mixer Aaron Pollock, Devin Cooper, and Chris Yurchuck), my producer (Spencer Cheyne), and the musicians (@russellbroom@kuddstagram@brendanwaterskeys and Spencer Cheyne) for making this song possible!
Thanks for bringing this song to life and delivering a world-class performance on it, Annika and Brett Kissel.
To check out my full interview, click on the link below. Don't forget that you can check all the interviews with the artists you love on www.musicsjourney.com. You can also listen to all the podcast interviews on all streaming platforms under Music's Journey Podcast.
Cowboy’s Last Ride is a metaphorical account of a man who lives a life he loves, at the cost of love. It is a descriptive modern-day cowboy song that will pull at your heartstrings, all the while painting a canvas in your mind of his journey.
As you listen to the story, you feel his passion and his pain. You learn about the cost of his choices.
Beautifully produced & arranged by multiple award winner Bart McKay, this song will resonate with many. Not just the cowboys.
Toronto, ON - ''Ricky Duran is such a phenomenal human being, a world-class singer-songwriter, and musician, '' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, host of the International Music's Journey Podcast, and radio host on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio. ''There is so much more to his story and it was an honor and pleasure to interview Duran.''
Duran started his musical journey at the age of 6 when his father gave him his first guitar. Duran's father was a musician playing the music scene in Boston. Duran started learning guitar by playing every chord in a song until he had it down perfectly.
''Duran's ability to hear music in the way he does and his ability to interpret the lyrics with the soul and depth that he does is pretty special,'' says Cyr. ''That can't be taught and I believe it's something you are born with.''
Duran's journey playing live music starting after he finished college at the age of 21 yrs. of age. Duran built a strong following in Boston, Massachusetts, and then he had his big break when he decided to move to Texas to chase his musical dream. It was there that he had the opportunity to audition for NBC's The Voice.
''I wasn't expecting my journey on The Voice to turn out as well as it did. It was pretty surreal. I don't think anyone who goes on the show expects to get anywhere near being in the finale. I remember standing on the stage on finale night with the last 3 contestants and we all looked at each other and said, ''I can't believe we have the opportunity to be here on this incredible stage doing something we love.''
Duran describes what it was like getting ready to go out on stage to perform in front of the world.
''I think it's pretty normal to be really nervous before going out on a stage like that I like to take a moment before performing to get in the zone. I like to really feel the lyrics and understand what I need to do to make that moment count like it's my last.''
Duran remembers the advice Coach Blake Shelton shared with him before his performance on the finale night on season 17 of The Voice. He told me to deliver the lyrics so that every word is believable. If I could do that then that was exactly what fans would feel when I sang the songs chosen for the finale. I have always remembered that ever since. I chose my songs wisely.
''My interview with Ricky Duran was very special,'' says Cyr. ''There is very unique and really special about this young artist that I picked up the moment I saw him perform River in the blind auditions on The Voice. The standing ovation he received with that four-chair turn was exactly what we were all feeling cheering and watching it all from around the world. I feel even stronger that there are no bounds to what Duran can do in the music industry. He is gentle in his spirit and has a deep love of what music and lyrics can bring to someone's life. He is special beyond words. I hope that fans can hear the beauty in his music and find hope in what it's like to fight through the toughest moments in life like his sisters and Duran have done.''
Duran and his family lost both their parents far too early in life and that journey can be the toughest to get through without pain and darkness. Duran shares his candid feelings about losing his father in 2012 to suicide and the darkness that surrounded that tragedy. That kind of loss is very personal and a topic that is extremely difficult to talk about. He lost his mother too a few years later. That kind of pain and loss can bury you.
''I wanted to talk more openly and unfiltered about his feelings about losing his father and what that dialog was like inside his mind and heart,'' says Kim Cyr. ''I think it is critical to talk more in-depth about what each personals journey was going through something like this. The pain is real, the circumstances in the personal stories of each individual can help someone out there that doesn't know what to do with those feelings of anger, or abandonment that comes with this type of loss. There is a flood of emotions that hit at different times. Some hit all at once. It can be pretty overwhelming and without a support system in place, a person can feel lost and trapped in that pain for life. The more raw the conversation, the more hope people have to understand what works and doesn't work for those who have lost someone to suicide.''
To hear my full interview and the beautiful music by the incredible Ricky Duran, click on the link below.
We can help by supporting Suicide Awareness Month and take action to provide hope to those who need help today.
Talk is cheap, but Ricky Duran takes action in suicide prevention this September during Suicide Awareness Month. From teaming up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, to releasing an extremely personal song about his father who passed from suicide, Duran is determined to make a difference, not just stand on the sidelines.
Best known as the runner-up in The Voice’s seventeenth season, Ricky Duranwon fans over with his story and roped viewers in with his incredible voice and stage presence. Always transparent, Duran shared that not only did his mother pass from breast cancer in 2018, but his father also passed from suicide just prior. On September 17, he is sharing one of his most personal songs, “Waiting On You.”
“‘Waiting On You’ is a track I wrote from my father’s perspective," says the timeless artist. "In a way, I think I wrote this song as a therapeutic letter to myself that I wish I had received before his passing.”
"Waiting On You" is available now, and is available on all streaming platforms. For a full calendar of events and for additional information on how you can help, visit www.iamrickyduran.com and follow him on social media @rickyduran on Instagram and @Iamrickyduran on Facebook.
This is the time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. In addition to shifting public perception, I want to use this platform to shine a light on this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
To check out my full interview, click on the link below. Don't forget that you can check all the interviews with the artists you love on www.musicsjourney.com. You can also listen to all the podcast interviews on all streaming platforms under Music's Journey Podcast.
Back At It is a fitting title for this new EP as The Road Hammers had taken a bit of a hiatus before releasing some new music and now, they are back in a big way. The new EP is classic Hammers with some new twists, packed with some surprise guest appearances.
The Hammers release music only when the time is right. They have always been very strategic in their new music releases. After being on a hiatus during the lengthy pandemic break, the band hit the stage at the Calgary Stampede for their first live performance. The Road Hammers were among artists like Dean Brody, Aaron Pritchett, Jess Moskaluke, Brett Kissel, The Hunter Brothers, The Reklaws, Devin Cooper, and more playing the Calgary Stampede’s raucous Nashville North stage.''
''Playing hard and bringing the rock, it’s kind of what we do,” McCoy says.
''It also fits into the general feel-good, party vibe of the EP, which also includes Stay Wild, a celebratory, mid-tempo duet with Tim Hicks, and All My Friends, which had Jason McCoy, Clayton Bellamy, and Chris Byrne recruiting a gang of notable singers, including Terri Clark, Dan Davidson, Jason Blaine, Cory Marks, Aaron Pritchett, and Big Sugar’s Gordie Johnson, to collaborate on a hard-rocking ode to hanging out with your pals on a Friday night.
On the EP release, lead vocalist Jason McCoy shares,
“I think we all want to get ‘Back at It’ – back to traveling, new adventures, and back to live shows! The new EP is classic Hammers with some new twists, packed with some surprise guest appearances. We can’t wait to share this with y’all!”
The lead track and first single released, “The Boys Are Back At It,” (written by Deric Ruttan, Jason Blaine, Clayton Bellamy) is the one that wants to get you on your feet and pump your fists – to “turn it up and throw down.
“All My Friends” (written by Jason McCoy, Clayton Bellamy, Chris Byrne, Dan Davidson) is a collaborative track featuring vocals from Terri Clark, Dan Davidson, Jason Blaine, Cory Marks, Aaron Pritchett, and Gordie Johnson. It’s fun to listen to and very upbeat. You’ll want to “kick it up” and hang out with all your friends to “make some noise” when you hear this one.
All My Friends
“Give’r” (written by Jason McCoy, Tim Hicks, Pavel Dovgalyuk) was the track out at country radio on August 10 and it’s 2:32 of pure enjoyment. Kicking up your heels to this one is a must! To hear this one at live performance would just get the crowd taking “it over the top!
The Road Hammers - Give'r
“Stay Wild” (written by Jason McCoy, Clayton Bellamy, Chris Byrne, Tim Hicks, Jeff Coplan) features TimHicks and is a bit more laid back. The harmonies between Hicks and The Road Hammers are flawless. It’s great to hear Hick’s voice on this track. It’s one that you’ll want to listen to over and over again.
Stay Wild
“Down Down Down” (written by (Jason McCoy, Clayton Bellamy, Chris Byrne, Dan Davidson) brings you right back to that southern country rock that the Road Hammers are known for. The banjo playing in the background makes this a classic Road Hammers tune. You can definitely party down to this song.
“Hillbilly Disco” (written by Jason McCoy, Clayton Bellamy, Chris Byrne, Jeff Coplan) features Meghan Patrick. This one was released on July 23 and for those of you that lived in the disco era … well … let’s go right back to the ’70s. It’s disco with an updated twist. For those who didn’t, this tune will make you understand why disco was so popular and why the dance floor was always packed!
Back At It Track List:
The Boys Are Back At It (3:03) All My Friends (3:03) Stay Wild (feat. Tim Hicks) (3:20) Down Down Down (3:35) Give’r (2:32) Hillbilly Disco (feat. Meghan Patrick) (2:37)
''Back At It'' is an EP that will be playing on everyone's playlist for a very long time. It is going to be hard for fans to pick a favorite between these 6 tracks. I feel there is a hockey rally anthem that is going to be played this winter from this killer EP. You need to hear it all and you decide what your favorites are.
''The Road Hammers are Canadian country royalty and a staple in live music here in Canada,'' says Kim Cyr.
I had a great time talking with Jason McCoy for this interview. To hear the full interview, click on the link below.
Exclusively available ON TAP at Sawback Taproom... Hammer Down, tip it up! Summer ‘21 is about to get a whole lot tastier.
To check out my full interview, click on the link below. Don't forget that you can check all the interviews with the artists you love on www.musicsjourney.com. You can also listen to all the podcast interviews on all streaming platforms under Music's Journey Podcast.
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Photo Credit Melanie Heyst 
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🔥⚡️HUGE NEWS!!!⚡️🔥 JoJo Mason is throwing a Live and Intimate EP Release Party at The Roxy!! Tickets are first come first serve and they are LIMITED!! 
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