Legacy Performers
RIK EMMETT
Toronto – Rock legend, singer/songwriter and lead guitarist of Triumph. Top hits include “Magic Power” and “Lay It On The Line”
RIK EMMETT
As the principal songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist for Triumph, Rik contribution to the group's impressive legacy of songs, includes the hits "Magic Power," which peaked at #8 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and "Lay It on the Line," which reached #13 on the same chart. Triumph's music has continued to resonate with audiences, with their overall combined streams and sales reaching impressive heights. To date, the band has sold over 20 million records worldwide and their music has been streamed over 200 million times across various digital platforms. To date, the band has sold over 20 million records worldwide and their music has been streamed over 200 million times across various digital platforms.
As a solo artist, Rik has also enjoyed significant chart success, with singles like "When a Heart Breaks" and "Big Lie" charting in the top 20 on the Canadian charts. His critically acclaimed album "Spiral Notebook" also made it to the top 10 on the Canadian charts, further cementing his status as a musical force to be reckoned with and a virtuoso guitarist with stylistic range.
Beyond his chart success, Rik's passion for music has also led him to become a dedicated educator and mentor to aspiring musicians and guitarists, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.
With his impressive legacy of hits and passion for music education, Rik Emmet certainly has the magic power of music in him and is sure to continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come. His memoir “Lay It On The Line” (ECW Press/Fall 2023) will lend further insight into an extraordinary career and life.
PAUL BRANDT
Alberta - Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer. One of Canada’s most awarded artists. #1 hits include “I Do” & “My Heart Has A History”
PAUL BRANDT
Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history.
His 1996 debut RIAA certified Gold album Calm Before the Storm went on to sell one million albums internationally, propelled by the #1 single and wedding classic “I Do”. Stateside, his #5 and #1 charting songs “My Heart Has A History”, and “I Do” were the first to chart by a male Canadian Country artist on the US Billboard Top 20 since 1976.
Throughout his remarkable career, Paul has always focused on using his celebrity to help by shining a light on the lives of those less fortunate and has encouraged others to do the same. He has traveled extensively to developing countries around the world to raise awareness for various humanitarian aid organizations.
His 12 career albums have spawned hit singles, multiple Album of the Year awards, gold, platinum, and multi-platinum performances. According to Nielsen BDS in 2020, of the Top 25 Canadian Country songs, 6 were released by Paul Brandt, and his song “My Heart Has a History” is the most played Canadian Country song since the chart began. Paul is also the most played Canadian Country Artist on Country Radio in history (Nielsen BDS). He has had 27 top ten songs at Canadian Radio. His song “For You” (Brandt/Rosen) was selected to promote the 2002 major motion picture We Were Soldiers, and was performed by Dave Matthews and Johnny Cash. In 2015, Canadian Independent Music Association celebrated Paul’s reaching “Road Gold Status” as a top headliner and major box office draw in Canada, and his EP “Frontier” was nominated for Album of the Year at The 2016 Juno Awards. The hit single “I’m An Open Road” from that collection is certified Gold.
In 2017, Paul Brandt was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame & Western Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
His 2019 Canadian “The Journey Tour” featured his most recent radio singles “All About Her” (Top 10 Canadian Country Radio) and “Bittersweet” (featuring Lindsay Ell) continue to speak to Brandt’s enduring impact and influence on country music audiences and industry as he played arenas across Canada. During the 2019 Canadian Country Music Awards, Paul was honoured with the Slaight Music Humanitarian of the Year Award for his accomplishments with his “Not In My City” (www.notinmycity.ca) movement, which seeks to end human trafficking with a focus on preventing childhood sexual exploitation. Recognizing his dedication to ending human trafficking and child sexual exploitation, in November 2019, Elder Leonard Bastien honoured Paul with a Blackfoot name: Buffalo Bull Shield. Over 2020-2022, Paul has been honoured to chair the Government of Alberta’s Human Trafficking Task Force, another first for a Country Musician in Canada.
As a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee award and numerous other national and regional humanitarian nods, Paul is committed to serving those in need through various charitable endeavours including his Buckspring Foundation. A proud champion of The Great Trail, Paul is dedicated to creating and supporting spaces for respectful discussion and fostering meaningful community through his artistic platform.
Paul always strives to surprise and delight with his art and prefers to take the road less traveled. With a passion for story and community, Paul enjoys using his celebrity platform to engage and connect with people in a deep and meaningful way.
When he’s not creating what he calls “stuff the world needs”, he has been known to take on projects to help others do the same. He served as Mount Royal University’s “Storyteller in Residence” at the Bissett School of Business, where he worked with students to create business and social enterprise projects utilizing the Paul Brandt Brand. In 2019, Paul began working with students at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), sharing his celebrity platform and inviting students to join him on his next creative project. He is currently writing and working on a new music project.
Paul lives with his wife Liz and their two children on The Buckspring Ranch in the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains
LEE THOMAS MILLER
Nashville – Song of the Year Award-Winner. Seven #1 Hits (“Whiskey & You” Chris Stapleton and “You’re Gonna Miss This” Trace Adkins)
LEE THOMAS MILLER
Lee Thomas Miller is a songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee.
He earned a BA in Music Theory/ Composition from Eastern Kentucky University where, along with classical composing and arranging, he studied classical violin, guitar, piano and voice. He was inducted into the EKU “Hall of Distinguished Alumni” in 2010.
Lee moved to Nashville in 1991, signed his first publishing deal in 1996 and has been on the radio virtually ever since. To date, he has had 18 top 20 singles with 7 reaching #1 and has earned 13 BMI radio performance awards. His songs have reached radio play in excess of 25 million spins with streaming numbers reaching into the hundreds of millions.
His accomplishments include 3 Grammy nominations, a teen choice award, and 4 different songs being nominated for ‘Song of the Year’ at major industry awards.
He won both a CMA and an ACM award for Song of the Year with “In Color” as recorded by Jamey Johnson. “You’re Gonna Miss This” won Song of the Year at both the ASCAP and NSAI awards and single of the year at the CMA awards.
Miller has also been given 4 “Songs I Wish I Had Written” trophies as voted on by the professional membership of NSAI (the Nashville Songwriter’s Association).
Lee served as President of NSAI for 5 years and is still currently on their Legislative committee traveling to Washington D.C. representing and lobbying for the rights of the American songwriter. He has testified before both houses of the U.S. congress as well as spending countless hours with bureaucrats reaching from the department of justice to cabinet level officials to federal judges. In 2015 he was presented with BMI’s inaugural “Champions Award” for these legislative efforts.
Ultimately, all of this led to the passing of the federal Music Modernization Act changing the criteria for which songwriters are paid in the digital era. Lee was present in the West Wing with the President when he signed it into law.
Miller has had success also as a record producer producing a pair of top 20 hits on recording artist Steve Holy including his #1 record “Brand New Girlfriend”
On a personal note, in 2010 he was awarded the Fatherhood Award from Washington D.C.’s National Fatherhood Initiative and he and his wife Jana received the Congressional “Angels in Adoption” award on Capitol hill in 2015 having adopted 3 of their 4 children.
Lee and Jana have been married 30 years and live in Brentwood, Tennessee with their 4 kids.
WENDELL MOBLEY
Nashville – Multi #1 Hit Songwriter. Hits include “How Country Feels” (Randy Houser) and “There Goes My Life” (Kenny Chesney)
WENDELL MOBLEY
Good chance you’ve heard Wendell’s songs on the radio but if you’ve not heard him sing and play them live and in person you’re missing out! Here are a few; Randy Houser’s ASCAP Song of The Year “How Country Feels”. Rascal Flatts’ “Take Me There”, “Fast Cars & Freedom”, “I Melt”, “Banjo” and “Changed”. Kenny Chesney’s ACM nominated Song of the Year “There Goes My Life” and ASCAP Song of the Year “How Forever Feels”. As well as Jason Aldean’s “Tattoos On This Town”. Wendell also wrote for top recording artists including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, Brantley Gilbert, Joe Nichols, Rodney Atkins, Alabama and Carrie Underwood! He also wrote and sang the Napa Know How commercials. His single “A Little More Summertime" recorded by Jason Aldean is also the latest number one hit.
JAMIE O’NEAL
Nashville – Multi Award-Winning Artist/Songwriter #1 Hits include There is No Arizona and When I Think About Angels
JAMIE O’NEAL
Jamie O'Neal is a Platinum-selling 4 x Grammy nominated country singer songwriter who became a household name in 2001 with her back-to-back # 1 singles, "There Is No Arizona" and "When I Think About Angels." With multiple hits that followed, including "Shiver”, “Trying To Find Atlantis" and "Somebody's Hero," “I Love my Life, + more Jamie’s career caught fire. She earned numerous accolades including an ACM award, Billboard Award, CMA nominations along with Grammy nominations. O’Neal has appeared on The Tonight Show, David Letterman, Emeril cooking show, Craig Kilborn and numerous other national tv shows.
While she has penned most of her own songs, Jamie has also written songs for such notable artists as Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Leann Rimes, Idina Menzel, CeCe Winans (Grammy winning album) and more.
Her voice can be heard internationally in major motion pictures including All by Myself for Bridget Jones's Diary and Bridget Jones’ Baby.
She was also picked to perform with Carrie Underwood when she needed the perfect duet partner for CMT’s 100 greatest duets with ‘Does He Love You’.
Critics raved about the new music from her 2020 album release with Rolling Stone country touting “She hasn’t lost an iota of her powerhouse vocal talent” while People Magazine’s Tomás Mier says “The new rendition of the track ‘There Is No Arizona’ with Lauren Alaina features a vocal-driven, more anthemic sound compared to the 2000 original." American Songwriter's Tricia Despres chronicled how the version with Lauren Alaina "had both singers pushing each other to new heights," while Wide Open Country's Bobby Moore picked the collaboration for their Five New Songs You Need to Hear and characterized the track as "jazz and pop-infused glory." The album features new versions of some of her biggest hits re-recorded as duets with special guests Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride, Sara Evans and John Paul White of The Civil Wars fame. Singles off the album have featured heavily on Spotify Playlists including New Boots, Women of Country, New Traditions Country Heroes and several top Apple Music playlists.
O'Neal spreads Spirit & Joy with the announcement of her debut Christmas album. The album celebrates the cheerful nature of the season, while also honoring the sentimental side of the holidays. As revealed by American Songwriter, Spirit & Joy is Jamie’s first ever 10-song collection of festive favorite Christmas songs and new material like "Christmas," the album opener, written by Jeffrey Steele. O'Neal co-wrote three originals for Spirit & Joy, "Christmas You," "Gulf of Mexico" and "You Were Christmas to Me." Spotlighting O'Neal's "jazz-infused country touch (Wide Open Country)," "Christmas You" was released last year along with "White Christmas," which "turns the arrangement on its head (Taste of Country)."
TIM NICHOLS
Nashville — Grammy Winner - Live Like You Were Dying (Tim McGraw)
TIM NICHOLS
Inducted into the 2017 class of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, award winning songwriter, Tim Nichols, has been writing hit songs and entertaining audiences for over two decades. A veteran in the country music industry, he's become one of the genre's most respected and well liked members. He's known for an easy-going, honest manner, creative lyrics and a comedic banter onstage.
While fans of classic country music appreciate his number one hits for artists like Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Keith Whitley, LeeAnn Womack and multiple others, newcomers are just as thrilled about his recent work. You may recognize songs cut by Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Chris Young or Jana Kramer when he takes the stage in a writer's show. And of course, crowd favourites include record setting hits like JoDee Messina's "Heads Carolina, Tails California", Dustin Lynch's "Cowboys and Angels" and the Grammy Award winning "Live Like You Were Dying" recorded by Tim McGraw. Nichols is a writer, and performer for all ages and never ceases in his quest to move people and touch hearts with his honest lyrics.
When not writing songs or performing, Nichols spends free time volunteering and raising funds for charitable causes such as High Hopes Pediatric Clinic and the T.J. Martell Foundation.
Nichols lives in Nashville with his wife Stacie. They are avid travelers with many of those adventures centering around bringing incredible music to those in far reaching locales.
TEIGEN GAYSE
Kelowna, BC
TEIGEN GAYSE
Growing up in Kelowna, BC, Teigen Gayse was an Olympic bound figure skater when she picked up her first guitar at the age of 13. It wasn’t long before she discovered songwriting as her true passion, which led to several trips to Nashville and pursuing a degree in audio engineering. Her undeniable talent has landed her in writing rooms with several industry veterans, such as Chad Kroeger, Gordie Samson, Jeff Trott, Dylan Guthro, Baker Grissom, Phil Barton, Patricia Conroy, David Thompson and Buddy Owen.
With millions of catalog streams to date and over 40 million TikTok views, Teigen is proving her staying power as an independent artist. Her recent Top 50 single “I Don’t Need A Boy” won Break Out Artist for Acadia Broadcasting and has accumulated over 750,000 streams, with an impressive 36 Million views on TikTok. Teigen began leading the pack of artists to watch with her single “Messed Up” which surpassed 700K streams on its own, while her 2021 single “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love Anymore” has almost 3 million TikTok views. It took home the honour of Trending Track from Stingray Radio, hitting #43 on the Billboard Country Music charts, and amassing over 350,000 streams. Follow up single “Blame the Wine” reached #46 on the Billboard charts.
Recently announced as a semi finalist in the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition, breakout Métis country artist Teigen Gayse steps into her biggest year yet with the release of her brand new single "If You Show Me Yours." Co-written and produced by Chad Kroeger, the crooning country ballad displays a new depth to Teigen as both a songwriter and performer. The emotion of the track radiates from her vocals, with Teigen's distinctive tone and flawless vibrato penetrating the heart of listeners.
COLE BRADLEY
Calgary, AB
COLE BRADLEY
Country singer and songwriter, Cole Bradley, is a making major inroads in the North American music scene. Growing up listening to the likes of Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks, Bradley first graced the stage at the young age of five. Since then, Cole has fostered a passion for performing and sharing his music with others. “As an artist, it is important for me that people connect and relate to my songs,” says Bradley.
Much like Cole himself, his songs are upbeat, positive and full of life. He is a natural entertainer with an infectious energy. His unique vocals and his edgy country sound, make his music fresh and original. Whether he is belting out a rowdy party anthem or a heartfelt ballad, he is able to captivate fans of all ages with his sense of humor, warmth and honest songwriting.
Bradley has had the privilege of working with world class producers and writers in Nashville, Los Angeles and Canada and has opened for various country music entertainers including Thomas Rhett, High Valley, LANCO, among many others. Since his move to Nashville in 2016, Bradley has continued to work on the craft of songwriting while playing at local venues including the historic Bluebird Cafe where he made his debut in September 2017 and has played numerous times since, happily returning to play for the attentive audiences for which the The Bluebird is famous. Bradley has also played other prominent venues since his move to Tennessee including the Bridgestone Arena, Whiskey Jam, and the Listening Room Café. In 2020, Cole graduated from Belmont University and shortly after signed his first deal with Average Joes Entertainment in Nashville. The first song released through AJE was produced by Grammy Award winning producer Noah Gordon and was called “Party Don’t Start”. Bradley collaborated with his friends in the NHL to sing along to this single and the video landed him on the NHL Network. In 2023, Bradley plans to tour various parts of the United States including TN, OH, NC, AZ, FL and all across Canada. A new EP will be released in May of 2023 which many agree is Bradley’s best work to date.
DAN DAVIDSON
Edmonton, AB
DAN DAVIDSON
Alberta’s country sensation Dan Davidson has created undeniable momentum in the last few years. With 6 CCMA 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 Bellamy of The Road Hammers). Dan became arguably the indie story of 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 weeks. On just his 2nd release ever in country music – he has a GOLD single.
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).
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 cant forget “Say We Did”, which shows Dan converting his garage into a cardboard version Star Ship Enterprise.
Expanding his fan base internationally, Dan has played shows in China, France, Italy, Hungary and now has shows booked in Spain and other places throughout Europe 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.
Dan’s single “Roll With It” featuring The Road Hammers (Platinum selling, Juno/CCMA award winners), was released in Australia in 2021. On his first international release, he surprised the Canadian and Australian music industry by nearly going top 10 (peaking at #11 on the country charts).
The new release “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” (featuring one of Australias top artists, Hayley Jensen), is out now, and debuted at #7 on the Australian charts.
Through the pandemic Dan has kept VERY busy. Besides producing THREE top 30 singles in rock and country, he has also gotten 2 records worth of material ready for 2022! His recent release “6 Songs To Midnight” debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country charts, and in the first week was noted to have 750,000 streams to date.
SYKAMORE
Calgary, AB
SYKAMORE
“Writing these songs put me through an emotional wringer,” says breakout Nashville newcomer Sykamore. “I was living in a new town and working with new people and going through all this change and self-discovery at the time. Looking back now, I can hear an entire chapter of my life in the music.”
‘Pinto,’ Sykamore’s exhilarating full-length debut, marks more than just a chapter, though. Recorded in Nashville with producer Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson), the album represents both a beginning and an end, the culmination of a remarkable journey and the start of an even more promising one. The songs here are equal parts country and pop, mixing intimate reflection and empathetic storytelling with instantly memorable hooks and sing-along choruses that capture the emotional rollercoaster of youth and young love. The arrangements are eclectic and infectious to match, drawing on everything from George Strait to George Michael as they practically reach out and beg you to hit the highway with the volume up and the windows down. The result is a record all about honesty and vulnerability, about the strength and freedom we can unlock by embracing our truest selves, delivered by an artist who’s learned everything she knows from a lifetime of listening.
“Even before I started performing, music was always a means of escape for me,” says Sykamore. “When I was a kid, I came across this big box of cassette tapes in the basement that had all this amazing stuff like Michael Jackson and Elton John in it. It was like stepping into Narnia. I discovered all of these magical worlds to get lost in.” As much as she fell for classic rock and 80’s pop, Sykamore always considered herself a country girl at heart. Born Jordan Ostrom in a small town outside of Calgary, Alberta, how could she not?
“All those clichés you hear in country songs, I lived them,” she laughs. “My parents met on the rodeo circuit, and I was raised on a cattle ranch. Country was the music of my people, and that laid the groundwork for me when I started writing my own songs.” It didn’t take long for those songs to start garnering some serious attention in Canada. In 2014, Sykamore won the ATB All-Albertan Song Writing Contest, and the following year, she was nominated for prestigious CCMA Discovery Award. Soon, she had her music featured on national television and was sharing bills with the likes of Miranda Lambert and Josh Ritter. Sykamore’s biggest break, however, didn’t come onstage, but rather online, when songwriting heavyweight Rhett Akins came across her music on Twitter. “I read her name, I was curious,” Akins said in an interview. “I saw her face, I was intrigued. I heard her voice, I was done.”
At Akins’ invitation, Sykamore joined the roster of Home Team Publishing (which Akins founded along with his son, country star Thomas Rhett, his manager, Virginia Davis, and Roc Nation/Warner Chappell) and relocated to Nashville in 2018. There, she released her first EP, ‘Self + Medicine,’ which garnered more than a million streams on Spotify and helped land her both a record deal and a spot in CMT’s coveted “Next Women of Country” class for 2020. Nashville, it seemed, was embracing Sykamore in a big way, but privately, she wondered if she was doing the right thing.
“After the EP came out, I had this crisis of identity,” she confesses. “I grew up loving so many different genres that I just didn’t know where I fit in. The more I tried to write other kinds of music, though, the more country everything ended up coming out. It turned out to be the best way for me to realize that I was right where I belonged.” When it came time to record ‘Pinto,’ Sykamore didn’t shy away from dressing those country songs up in ecstatic pop production. Over the course of three separate sessions at Nashville’s Treasure Isle studio, she cut basic tracks live with a full band lineup that mixed 80’s synthesizers with muscular electric guitar and larger-than-life drums. It was a sound Sykamore had in her head ever since she wrote the album’s title track, a soaring earworm that spins a used car into a clever metaphor for new love.
“The Pinto always fascinated me because it was such a disaster of a car,” she laughs. “It had a reputation for exploding and being easily flammable, and I couldn’t help but draw a connection between that and a lot of young relationships, which are so hot and heavy and combustible.”
That mixture of humor and heart is a fixture in Sykamore’s writing, which lives for sly wordplay and subtle winks. The tongue-in-cheek “Local Singles” raises a glass to the unattached, while the stripped-down “California King” cuts a self-absorbed egotist down to size, and the dreamy “Record High” is an ode to the power of music itself. “My whole life, listening to music has been catharsis and therapy for me,” Sykamore says. “I wanted to write a fun thank you to music for being a support system that was always there when I needed it.”
Playful as the record is, it’s also a showcase for Sykamore’s boldly honest self-reflection. The mesmerizing “Where To Find Me” looks at the darkness that can consume us and the loved ones who can save us from it, while the piano-led “Out Of Luck” questions if we ever get a second chance at true love, and the Fleetwood Mac-esque “Go Easy On Me,” which Sykamore penned with songwriting icon Liz Rose (Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood), lays all its cards down on the table for an ex who’s already moved on. “There’s this unspoken rule that women can’t let their guard down,” says Sykamore,
“but that’s just not realistic. I let my guard down all the time, and I wanted this record to show that vulnerability, to show that it’s okay to be yourself and share that with the world. I took Sykamore as my stage name because it’s a tree that’s tenacious and strong and has roots that ground it any weather, and that’s how I want my music to make people feel.”
It’s ultimately that embrace of self that defines ‘Pinto.’ It’s an album unafraid to live in the moment, to take the hurt with the happiness, to appreciate who you are in all your flawed, mixed-up beauty. The record may be a chapter in Sykamore’s life, but her story’s only just begun.
ALAN FREW
Toronto — Grammy nominated, Juno Award winning, multi-platinum Singer/Songwriter, Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone) & Someday (Glass Tiger)
ALAN FREW
Alan Frew is a multi-platinum selling songwriter, public speaker and author of the best-selling book ‘The Action Sandwich-A Six Step Recipe to Success by Doing What You’re Already Doing’. His work with Glass Tiger has garnered him five Juno Awards, a Grammy nomination and five Canadian Classic Awards in recognition of songs that have been played in excess of 100,000 times on Canadian Radio. Additionally, he co-wrote, ‘I Believe’ (the theme song for CTV's coverage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games) performed by singer(s) Nikki Yanofsky and Annie Villeneuve ( en Francais). The song became an iconic hit with Canadians from all walks of life who helped it reach the status’s of 5-times platinum and in doing so, it made Yanofsky the most “downloaded” Canadian artist at that particular time. Alan also co-wrote the title track from Johnny Reid’s Juno-Nominated album “Fire it Up”, which was, coincidentally, also recorded to platinum status in Germany, by the legendary singer, Joe Cocker. Frew has toured with massive headlining artists including, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner and Fleetwood Mac. He also loves to support, visit and perform for the Canadian Armed Forces and their allies and has done so, many times in far-off reaches such as Bosnia, Israel, Egypt, Oman, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Never one to “settle” Alan is presently working on a new book, a movie script, and a pilot for a potential new TV show. He splits his time between his homes in Toronto and Italy. You can find him on his Instagram show FREW the Looking Glass : @alan_frew
CHRIS DESTEFANO
Award-Winning singer/songwriter for #1 hits including Carrie Underwood's "Good Girl", Rascal Flatts' "Rewind", and Jason Aldean's "Just Getting Started". Chris is also a 3x CMA Triple Play Award winner
CHRIS DESTEFANO
A native of Mt Laurel, New Jersey, Chris DeStefano is a singer/songwriter, producer/mixer and multi-instrumentalist. Chris began singing at a very early age in the acclaimed Academy Boys Choir of Philadelphia. At age 13, he acquired his first guitar and remembers writing his very first songs shortly after. Driven by his passion for music and knack for picking up new instruments, DeStefano’s talents lead him to Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music where he studied film scoring.
Upon graduating, DeStefano followed the natural migration for many aspiring film score composers and moved to Los Angeles, California. However, what he discovered in LA was not the soundstage, but his gift for songwriting and producing. Setting his sights on the Country Airplay chart, Chris began splitting time between LA and Nashville, collaborating with some of Nashville’s hottest songwriters and artists. The transition was seamless and in early 2012 Chris charted his first country single with Jana Kramer’s “Why You Wanna” which peaked at #3 on the Billboard chart. Right on the heels of this success, DeStefano achieved his first Country chart topper #1 with the song “Good Girl” recorded by Country superstar Carrie Underwood.
Chris' #1 songs include Carrie Underwood ("Good Girl”, “Little Toy Guns”, “Smoke Break”, “Something in the Water”, Super Bowl LII and 2018 Olympic Games Theme Song “The Champion"), Dan + Shay (“From the Ground Up”, “Nothin’ Like You"), Jason Aldean (“Just Gettin’ Started”), Billy Currington (“Hey Girl”), Brett Eldredge (“Don’t Ya”), Luke Bryan (“That’s My Kind of Night”, “Kick the Dust Up"), Miranda Lambert (“Somethin’ Bad” [w-Carrie Underwood]), Chris Young (“Losing Sleep”), Morgan Evans (“Kiss Somebody”) and Rascal Flatts (“Rewind”), Tyler Rich “Leave Her Wild” (XM The Highway #1) and Chase Rice ("Eyes On You").
ACCOLADES AND NOTEWORTHY:
- 3x CMA Triple Play Award winner.
- 3x Award Winning Projects - Carrie Underwood - “Something in the Water”, “Somethin’ Bad”(w/Miranda Lambert) and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” Album.
- Formed Winsongs Publishing along with Kirby Smith in 2018 to develop songwriters and artists, signing hot young talents Emily Shackleton and Eric Van Houten.
- Has the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors of NSAI.
- Recently graduated from the FBI Citizens Academy 2018.
- Currently an active Emergency Backup Goaltender for the NHL/Nashville Predators Hockey Team (2019-2020 Season).
JEFF TROTT
Award-winning writer of If It Makes You Happy & Everyday is a Winding Road (Sheryl Crow)
JEFF TROTT
Award winning, singer-songwriter Jeff Trott has been a key member of the Nashville music community.
He has played in bands such as Wire Train, World Party, Pete Droge and Tears For Fears in addition to launching a solo record in 2001“Dig Up The Astroturf”. However, Trott's name is probably most recognizable among fans of Sheryl Crow, as he has co-written some her biggest hits including "If It Makes You Happy” "Everyday is a Winding Road” “A Change” "My Favorite Mistake”and “Soak Up The Sun”.
Also, Jeff was awarded Songwriter of the Year by BMI in 1998.
More recently he has collaborated with Aaron Lee Tasjan, Devon Gilfillian, Jillian Jacqueline, Lucie Silvas, James Mercer (of The Shins) The Brummies, Brandy Clark, Randy Houser, Clare Dunne andco wrote New West artist Andrew Combs’ latest single “Save Somebody Else.”
Trott has also established himself as highly respected producer,producing two songs for Stevie Nicks on the soundtrack of Practical Magic. More recently he produced and wrote songs for the 2019 Hootie and The Blowfish record “Imperfect Circle,” Aaron Lee Tasjan's album "Karma For Cheap" as well as producing albums and songs for Sheryl Crow for the album “Be Myself and recently a song on “Threads”.
JESSI ALEXANDER
Nashville — Award-winning Songwriter. Hits include The Climb (Miley Cyrus) and I Drive Your Truck (Lee Brice)
JESSI ALEXANDER
Established Singer/ Songwriter, Jessi Alexander, is the writer of some the chart topping hits on country radio. Alexander has penned five #1’s including “I Drive Your Truck” recorded by Lee Brice which won Song of the Year from the 2013 CMA Awards, 2014 ACM Awards, and 2013 NSAI Awards. Additional #1’s which include Blake Shelton’s “Mine Would Be You” and “Drink On It”.
Alexander’s career skyrocketed with her song “The Climb”. Miley Cyrus recorded the song and it soon became the anthem for her box office hit “The Hannah Montana Movie” and won the 2009 MTV Movie Awards ‘Best Song From A Movie’.
In June 2020 she celebrated a #1 with Scotty McCreery’s “In Between” with co-writers Scotty McCreary, Frank Rogers and Jonathan Singleton, becoming the second-greatest ascent to the top in the Billboard Country Airplay chart’s 30 year history. Also in 2020 Jessi released “Decatur County Red”. The collection finds Alexander at her most honest and vulnerable, looking back on her humble Tennessee roots and tracing her remarkable journey through heartbreak and joy, pain and reconciliation, disappointment and triumph.
KIM MITCHELL
Multi-platinum, Juno Award-winning Rock icon and inductee of the 2021/22 Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame
KIM MITCHELL
Kim Mitchell is a Canadian rock icon who has sold more than 1.5 million records in Canada, earned 17 Juno Awards nominations, and, in 2021, was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Mitchell is one of the most well-known and peer-respected Canadian guitar players and an acclaimed singer-songwriter who has written many classic rock anthems including Go For Soda, Rock N Roll Duty, Patio Lanterns, I am a Wild Party, Easy To Tame and All We Are. These hits have become part of the Canadian musical landscape and earned Mitchell three Juno Award wins for “Male Vocalist of the year”, “Album of the year”, and “Most promising Male Vocalist.”
In 2018, Kim got together with his friends The Barenaked Ladies to record a new version of his Max Webster hit Diamonds Diamonds. Max Webster, and this track in particular, is cited by the band members as being a huge influence for them as musicians. The resulting song and accompanying video were released in 2019. The song and accompanying video were released in 2019 through Ole Media (now Anthem Entertainment)
In 2021, Kim Mitchell dropped his latest album, The Big Fantasize (El Mocambo Records)
This release came together as the result of Kim working with his close friend, Grammy award winning producer Greg Wells (Keith Urban, Adele, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Twenty One Pilots, Michael Bublé), who is also a former band-mate, having been the touring keyboardist for Kim Mitchell’s Rockland tour.
On top of maintaining a busy nationwide touring schedule, Kim also hosted the fan favourite radio show, aptly named The Kim Mitchell Show on Toronto’s popular Q107. Kim’s show ran for 11+ years and became one of the most popular, listened to and highest-rated radio shows for any afternoon drive DJ in Canada.
Kim and his band of accomplished musicians can’t wait to get back to live music and look forward to bringing some much needed cheer to cities and festivals across Canada this summer 2022. Look for Kim dates across Canada for the summer of 2022.
MADDISON KREBS
Okotoks, AB — Canadian Country’s Rising Star. Great new single, Dreamer Kid
MADDISON KREBS
There’s a classic timelessness and a sense of poise to Maddison Krebs that you won’t often find in someone of her era. The 25 year old singer-songwriter, native to Southern Alberta, has spent the last 3 years in Nashville honing her musical abilities and song-craftsmanship with intention to create depth, meaning, integrity, and love behind her music. Upon experiencing Maddison Krebs’ music, persona, and performance, you might consider Lana Del Ray with a nod to Dolly Parton. She will leave you feeling moved; as though you, yourself experienced each and every emotion channeled through her songs firsthand. It will inspire you to somehow share that experience and create a meaningful shift in the world around you.
“A clean, simple and classic tone that sounds as if it comes from country music’s beginnings.” - Calgary Herald
“Maddison Krebs has one of those voices you listen to and instantly feel like you've known her your whole life.” - PopDust
Maddison has worked with some of the music industry’s best producers and songwriters including Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks) and Tony Martin (Tim McGraw, Keith Urban). Her single “Real Real Thing: hit Top 40 on the Radio Disney Country Chart and her 2019 self-titled EP gained notable recognition. She has performed at major venues and stages across North America including: The Bluebird Cafe, Canadian Music Week, The Listening Room, Big Valley Jamboree, Folk Alliance International, The Calgary Stampede, amongst many more. And in 2015 she was one of six across Canada nominated for the Canadian Country Music
Association’s Discovery Program. Currently, she has been selected as one of the Top 12 for the prestigious Alberta artist development program: Project Wild where she has the opportunity to win over 100k to go towards her career. Check out her newly released single called, DREAMER KID available on all streaming platforms.
Maddison Krebs is spending this year crafting the songs that will make up the body of her next highly anticipated album.
MARC JORDAN
Toronto — Multiple Platinum Artist/Songwriter - Marina Del Rey (Marc Jordan) and Rhythm of My Heart (Rod Stewart)
MARC JORDAN
Marc was born in Brooklyn NY son of singer Charles Jordan and grew up in Toronto Canada. In 1978 Marc was signed to Warner Music in Burbank California by Steely Dan Producer Gary Katz. Jordan spent 16 years in LA writing songs for and with Diana Ross, Chicago, Kansas, Manhattan Transfer, Kenny Loggins, Amanda Marshal, Amy Sky, Bette Midler, Natalie Cole, Roch Voisin, Canadian Tenors. Shawn Colvin, Sheena Easton, Olivia Newton John, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Josh Groban, Cher and Rod Stewart including the world wide #1 hit Rhythm of My Heart. Jordan has won numerous ASCAP, Juno, Socan and Smooth Jazz awards over the years. His songs have been on 35 million CD’s and he has recorded 16 CD’s of his own material which gave us MARINA DEL REY, SURVIVAL, CHARLIE PARKER LOVES ME and SOUL ON SOUL which was a duet with wife AMY SKY. Yet Jordan has always loved singing the American song book. The great songs of the mid 20th century and so finally he’s made that leap. On his new cd “BOTH SIDES “Jordan recorded with the Prague Symphony. Songs like “THE NEARNESS OF YOU” and “WHAT ARE YOU DOING THE REST OF YOUR LIFE” are sprinkled in with Joni Mitchel's “BOTH SIDES NOW” and Lou Reids master piece “WALK ON THE WILD SIDE”. Featuring Randy Brecker on trumpet this cd is both cool and modern and Jordan's voice drifts above it all with some of his best vocal performances ever.
NEIL OSBORNE
Vancouver — Lead Singer of 54•40 - Hits include I Go Blind and Ocean Pearl
NEIL OSBORNE
As lead singer and chief songwriter of 54•40, Neil Osborne has achieved critical acclaim, released more than a dozen albums and weathered the fickle music business for more than three decades. He is known primarily as a rock musician but is also an accomplished producer often taking the production reins of 54•40 albums and is also a songwriter of amazing depth and clarity.
54.40’s body of work is impressive. After thirty years in the musical trenches, the band have varied their sound and earned proven commercial success via impressive record sales from thirteen studio albums, numerous greatest hits packages and a double live album. “One clue to 54•40’s longevity lies in their ability to make music that has a distinctly individual sound yet covers many styles - tender ballads, fiery rockers, provocative political songs, self-confessed lyrically banal romps.” Kerry Doole reported in Impact.
As a songwriter Osborne has penned such fabulous signature 54•40 songs as ‘I Go Blind’, One Day In Your Life,‘One Gun’, ‘Since When’ and ‘Ocean Pearl’’ which have crossed from the realm of rock to a broader base. His lyrics range from the most politically astute observation to the most innocent love song and everything in between.
Neil Osborne has been very active participant in the overall production of every 54•40 album. Osborne has produced several albums for other artists, most notably the award winning Small Glories, Cara Luft, Vince Vaccaro, Hearts and Wires, Paloma, Jets Overhead, Kandle (his daughter). Neil is currently wrapping up production for one of his side projects A Family Curse.
TEIGEN GAYSE
Chetwynd, BC — Popular, BC-born, singer/songwriter. Recent singles and Country Music Chart hits include “I Don’t Wanna Fall in Love Anymore” and “Blame the Wine”
TEIGEN GAYSE
Teigen Gayse is a Metis singer-songwriter whose music is fresh and familiar, hitting on deep and relatable topics. She grew up in Chetwynd, BC. A small town of 3000, affectionately known as “Little Prairie”. Music was her escape from the forestry, oil & gas, mining and ranching environment she was surrounded by. This singer/songwriter’s lyrics and melodies are catchy. Gayse’s sweet, raspy voice delivers a fun, effervescent sound that draws her audience in and explains the undying support of her hometown always believing that she was “going to make it”.
After moving to Kelowna to pursue an audio engineering degree and continue her music aspirations, Teigen recorded “I Don’t Want to Fall In Love Anymore” which was quickly recognized by Stingray Radio and recently won their Trending Track competition. Teigen released her debut album during the pandemic which presented major challenges. With a tough spirit and immeasurable moxie, Teigen stuck to her path and continued to write and record new music for radio, and fans she’d amassed on social media, music streaming platforms and TikTok. The proven commitment resulted in that same song. “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love Anymore” registering on the Billboard Country Music charts top 50.
Teigen hopes her musical journey will inspire girls everywhere to chase their dreams. To step into their power and take life by the horns.
On a recent visit to Farmhouse Vineyards in Texas, Teigen was inspired to write her new single, “Blame The Wine” which can be heard on country radio and all streaming platforms.
BRYAN POTVIN
Nova Scotia — 8x Juno Nominated Singer/Songwriter - Lead Singer of The Northern Pikes - Hits include She Ain't Pretty
BRYAN POTVIN
Bryan Potvin is best known as a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and founding member of The Northern Pikes, the iconic Canadian rockers from Saskatoon. Bryan’s love of music began early. In the summer ‘75, at the age of 12, he worked on a potato farm in Victoria, B.C. to earn enough to buy his first guitar, a Japanese Mann Les Paul Standard. When his family moved to Saskatchewan, he worked part-time throughout high school to feed his guitar lesson and record-buying habits. Some things never change...
The Northern Pikes formed in the winter of 1984. In 2019, they released their 14th album, Forest of Love. In 2020, they will release a roots version of their 1990 smash, Snow in June. The band has also just completed a new album for release in 2021.
In addition to the Pikes, Bryan worked as A&R Manager for Mercury Records Canada from 1994-2000. He released two solo albums: Heartbreakthrough (2001) and Heartbledwhite (2013). In 2014, He formed a new musical partnership with singer/songwriter & guitarist Kevin Kane of The Grapes Of Wrath (now also a member of The Northern Pikes). The duo released a full-length album entitled Kane & Potvin (2016). Over the last twenty-plus years, Bryan has also composed regularly for film and television.
Bryan is currently enrolled in Boston’s Berklee College of Music’s bachelor degree program, and hopes to graduate in 2022. He lives in beautiful Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, with his wife Kate.
DAVE RAVE
Hamilton, Ontario — Lead Singer of Legendary CDN Rock Band Teenage Head - Hits include Some Kinda Fun & Let’s Shake
DAVE RAVE
Songwriter Dave Rave, lead singer for noted Canadian punk band Teenage Head, dubbed “Canada’s Nick Lowe”, has rocked the world from Hamilton, Ontario all the way to Russia. New York City-based, Rave can lay claim to being the first Canadian artist (The Dave Rave Group) signed to a Russian label (Melodiya). Teenage Head crashed onto the Canadian music scene with a couple of riotous appearances at the Last Pogo show at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern in 1978. At that city’s Ontario Place in the summer of 1980, Teenage Head was touring their gold breakthrough album, Frantic City. The event was over-sold and resulted in the Toronto Punk Rock Riot. That same summer, the band opened Heat Wave, the all-star punk/new wave festival at Mosport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, in front of a crowd of 100,000. Along the way, Rave has worked with some of the music world’s elites including producer Daniel Lanois (U2, Peter Gabriel); alternative rocker, Alex Chilton (Box Tops, Big Star); Paul Hyde (The Payola$), on a North American tour called The Grand Song Caravan in the early 2000s; and ECMA winners/Juno nominees, The Trews, co-writing the band’s single, “I Can’t Say” with legendary producer, Jack Richardson (The Guess Who, Bob Seger). An enduring creative relationship with former band-mate Lauren Angelli has resulted in three Agnelli/Rave albums. In 2007 he released his second jazz-pop album, the Grammy short-listed, In the Blue of My Dreams, with Mark McCarron. In 2009, besides playing the Grey Cup and doing three tours of Europe, he worked with The Trews on the song “How’s Everything” for their Top 10 DVD. His 2010 album, Live with What You Know, resulted in the U.S. Top 40 hit, “Anne Marie.” Rave is currently finalizing the release of his latest album, Essential, due out this fall.
GORD BAMFORD
Alberta — Multi Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, #1 Hits - Dive Bar & When Your Lips Are So Close (Gord Bamford)
GORD BAMFORD
Alberta-raised Gord Bamford, stands as one of the most decorated artists in Canadian country music with an impressive 26 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards, multi JUNO nominations and the only two-time winner of Nashville’s Country Music Association (CMA) Global Country Artist of the Year award.
It is his distinctive sound and songwriting ability that defines Gord Bamford as one of country music’s best neotraditional artists. Like so many others that have come before him, Bamford is just not an overnight success. He has spent the better part of the last 20 years honing his craft & working hard to get where he is today.
Bamford's highly anticipated 10th studio album Diamonds in a Whiskey Glass is set to release early 2021. His last album Neon Smoke, was released in early 2018 containing the smash #1 chart topper Dive Bar and follows his Tin Roof album, winner of the 2016 CCMA ‘Album of The Year’. Tin Roof, nominated for the 2016 JUNO Country Album of The Year, follows the Juno Nominated Country Junkie album and it’s #1 hit song ‘When Your Lips Are So Close’. He is a 3-time CCMA ‘Male Artist of the Year’
Gord is a man who believes with his whole heart in giving back. The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation has generated over $4 million since its inception in 2008 for children’s charities such as the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, numerous children’s hospitals across Canada and
MusiCounts. That humble, likeable approach is what continues to draw legions of new fans to Gord Bamford's legacy.
JESSICA MITCHELL
Toronto — Award Winning Singer/Songwriter - Somebody Gonna Get Hurt (Jessica Mitchell), Courage (Celine Dion) and Workin' on Whiskey (Trisha Yearwood)
JESSICA MITCHELL
Singer-songwriter Jessica Mitchell has been lauded as ‘country’s Adele’ and likened to Sheryl Crow, and much like them, her genre-bending vocals and tone are universally appealing. She is, at heart, a storyteller– an open book, inspired by the raw honesty and storytelling nature of the genre. Mitchell’s much anticipated debut album Heart of Glass, was released May 11, 2018. She has spent the last decade travelling between Toronto and Nashville, collaborating with top-notch songwriters, focusing on writing new music and crafting her richly unique sound. The record embodies powerful and soulful melodies and lyrical brilliance, while showcasing Mitchell’s vocal talent in the purest of forms – and the result is utterly and heart breakingly beautiful.
Over the course of the last two years, Mitchell has toured with iconic names across varied genres, including; Kiefer Sutherland, Royal Wood, Ron Sexsmith, Terri Clark, Bonnie Raitt. In 2018, she hit the road on a cross-country tour with Canadian icon, Johnny Reid, which is soon be book ended with tours alongside Glass Tiger and Dean Brody, on his Dirt Road Acoustic Tour. All roads have led to her first-ever solo tour which kicks-off in Calgary on November 14, and includes legendary venues such as The Great Hall in Toronto.
Mitchell’s “Workin’ on Whiskey” was the top added song to radio at the time of release. 2016 and 2017 were ground-breaking years for the rising star, which saw Mitchell snag a coveted Guild Sponsorship, take to the stage at major festivals, and honour Neil Young with a Tribute at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala at Massey Hall.
Mitchell believes that pain and loss are oftentimes at the heart of every relatable piece of music. As she puts it, “You’ll never see the light until it’s completely dark, and it got dark for a while.” After losing her mother to a long battle with cancer, Mitchell had her own epiphany about what kind of artist she wanted to become. Her hope is that by sharing grief, and other personal experiences through her music, she will forge genuine bonds with her audience. When listening to Mitchell’s music, she makes it very easy for you to latch on to her genuine, powerful lyrics – while making just anyone realize they are not alone.
CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON
Alberta — Multi-Award Winning Singer/Songwriter - Single White Female (Chely Wright), Complicated (Carolyn Dawn Johnson), Georgia (Carolyn Dawn Johnson)
CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON
Just four short years after making the 60-hour drive from Vancouver, BC Canada to Music City U.S.A., Carolyn Dawn Johnson scored her first chart-topping hit as a songwriter when Chely Wright took “Single White Female” all the way to No. 1. The success then led to publishing deals and cuts with several other artists including Patty Loveless, Mindy McCready, Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis, SheDaisy Lila McCann, Suzy Bogguss, Linda Davis, Jo Dee Messina & more. Johnson was named Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year in 2000 by Music Row, and has continued to wear that title well as one of Nashville’s most loved and respected songsmiths.
After inking a record deal with Sony’s Arista Nashville in 2000, Johnson produced music of her own with the release of her debut album titled Room With a View. The critically acclaimed project spawned the Top 5 smash “Complicated,” as well as other hit singles such as “Georgia” and top 10 “I Don’t Want You to Go.” Albums to follow included Dress Rehearsal in 2004, her independently released Love & Negotiation in 2006 and Love Rules in 2010. Johnson also criss-crossed the country on many high-profile tours as the opening act for the likes of Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban.
In addition to the side work with other artists, Johnson has earned elite titles such as the Canadian Country Music Awards - Producer of the Year in 2004 and 2009 for her hand in producing many Canadian-based projects.
“I do a lot of things, but it always comes back to the music and the songs. It’s time to share some of those again with my audience. Music is truly what makes my world go round.”
Carolyn is currently writing, recording and touring with the acoustic band JD & The Straight Shot, based out of New York, with plans to record another album of her own on the horizon.
DEANNA M.
Fan Favorite X-Factor UK 2018
DEANNA M.
Maybe it’s something in the Caribbean water that's producing music's newest hottest stars and songs. Hailing from the small Caribbean island of Anguilla, Deanna jumps right in the fray with her stunning performances at X Factor UK. With outstanding comments from all judges, to becoming a fan and media favourite while garnering major press, Deanna sang her heart out and made it to the final stages of the show.
Like most fairy tales Deanna was at home, a regular island girl, hitting the beach, texting with friends and singing for family when the industry came calling. A heavy hitter showcase in Anguilla organized by music industry giants Ivan Berry and Max Gousse, brought many senior music executives, and thereafter many trips to Los Angeles and Toronto to work with multi-platinum and Grammy Award winning producers, songwriters and music executives, led her on the right path.
Deanna is currently songwriting and recording for her debut album. Deanna created an amazing catalogue of songs when she inked a publishing deal with ole, one of the World’s foremost music publishers and rights management companies, which handles the likes of Timbaland and many others.
Deanna is currently an independent recording artist, songwriter and entrepreneur with hopes of showcasing her God given talents to the World.
DERIC RUTTAN
Ontario — Grammy Nominated Songwriter/Recording Artist - Mine Would Be You (Blake Shelton) and That's How I Wanna Go Out (Deric Ruttan)
DERIC RUTTAN
Deric Ruttan is a Grammy-nominated, Nashville-based singer/songwriter and a Canadian country music artist. The writer of multiple #1 country songs, Deric was raised just outside Bracebridge, Ontario, on land where his great grandfather made moonshine in the 1930’s. It was the perfect backdrop for the singer/songwriter, who grew up listening to everything from CCR to Gordon Lightfoot to Johnny Cash. After touring with several country bar bands, Deric moved to Nashville, where his unique outlook and delivery attracted the attention and praise of songwriters Don Schlitz, Steve Earle, and Steve Bogard. Deric has had over 70 songs recorded by other artists, including cuts by Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Justin Moore and David Nail to name a few. Bentley’s chart-toppers “What Was I Thinkin’”, (Billboard #1), and “Lot Of Leavin’ Left To Do” (Radio & Records #2) are Ruttan co-writes, as are the Eric Church hits, “Guys Like Me” and “Hell On The Heart” (Mediabase #8). Since signing with THiS Music/Warner Chappell, Deric’s songwriting star has continued to rise. In November 2013, he celebrated a multi-week #1 song when “Mine Would Be You”, recorded by country superstar and The Voice judge Blake Shelton, was a three-week number one (Billboard) for the artist. “Mine Would Be You” was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, and an ACM Award for Song Of The Year. In June 2016 Deric celebrated his second Blake Shelton #1 hit with the introspective “Came Here To Forget”. In July 2016, MCA Nashville’s David Nail took the Ruttan summer anthem “Night’s On Fire” to #10 on the Mediabase chart, and in April of 2017 Deric celebrated his 4th #1 country single when Jason Aldean took his song “Any Ol’ Barstool” to the top of both the Billboard and Mediabase country charts. In May 2019 Mercury Nashville duo Maddie & Tae released the Deric-penned song “Die From A Broken Heart” as their latest single to country radio. An ASCAP (8x), SOCAN (10x), CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) (2x), and CMAO (Country Music Association Of Ontario) (5x) award winner, Deric has headlined 4 of his own coast-to-coast tours in Canada, where he has had 11 Top 10 singles as an artist, and 2 #1 videos on CMT. He is currently in the studio recording music for a new EP. He lives just outside Nashville, TN with his wife Margaret.
GARY O’
Toronto — Juno Nominated Singer/Songwriter - Back Where You Belong (38 Special)
GARY O’
“To say that music has been a huge part of my life, would be an understatement.” That’s what Canadian singer/songwriter GARY O’ would tell you. Son of a famous bandleader, he was raised on a strict diet of Ray Charles and The Beatles and the great melodies that came from that music. Great influences for a future songwriter. Before venturing out on his solo career, GARY was an accomplished session guitarist and toured North America with the very first Beatle clone band (Liverpool), which became the Broadway hit “Beatlemania”. First attempt at writing a song resulted in the radio hit “Easy Love” for the band Aerial.
Becoming a solo artist, he landed international record deals with both Capitol Records (L.A.) and RCA Victor (N.Y.). Those two albums resulted in several hit singles for himself and many of those tunes were cut by other artists. GARY O’ is probably most known for the hit ”Shades of 45” which went top 20 in Billboard Magazine. Dick Clark was quoted as saying he thought it was one of the most interesting tracks he’d heard since Sgt.Pepper. Other hits from those albums included “Get It While You Can”, “All the Young Heroes”, “I Believe in You” and “Call of the Wild”. He also had Top 20 hits with “ .38 Special” (Back Where You Belong) as well as covers with several other major artists.
GARY O’ is still active in the Canadian music industry today.
GAVIN SLATE
Toronto — Juno Award Winning Singer/Songwriter - Keep it Simple (James Barker Band)
GAVIN SLATE
Gavin Slate is a Juno Award winning songwriter from Toronto, ON and currently living in Nashville, TN. He has co-written 11 Gold Certified singles, 17 Top 10s and two #1 songs for artists including The James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Jade Eagleson, Tim Hicks, Kira Isabella, Cold Creek County, Sons of Daughters etc. In addition to this, he has also had songs placed as an artist himself in TV shows including NBC's Rookie Blue, ABC's Saving Hope and most recently had his song featured in the holiday campaign for Stella Artois.
LIZ RODRIGUES
Toronto — Singer/Songwriter - Courage (Celine Dion) and Won't Back Down (Eminem)
LIZ RODRIGUES
Toronto - Singer/Songwriter - Courage (Celine Dion) and Won't Back Down (Eminem)
Chart-topping Canadian songwriter Liz Rodrigues, who has six songs on Celine Dion’s new album, Courage, has also written multiple songs for Eminem and countless other popular music artists. The versatile topliner takes a more personal approach for relationship and emotional based adult-contemporary pop lyrics, but looks outside for the storytelling style required in most hip hop. A singer long before she became a writer, Liz is also the voice on the demos.
WYNN VARBLE
Nashville — 2019 Nashville Songwriters Association - Songwriter of the Year, Waitin' on a Woman (Brad Paisley) and A Little More Country Than That (Easton Corbin)
WYNN VARBLE
Wynn came to love country music at a very young age. He discovered his father’s collection of classic country albums. He even traded his big brother’s “Grand Funk Railroad” for a copy of Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John”. He still has a scar to prove it. Around the age of 14 a neighbor named Ned Smith showed him a few chords on an old guitar. As soon as Wynn learned a few chords, he began to write his own songs. Wynn says Willie Nelson taught him the rest from the “Red Headed Stranger” album.
After many years of playing in honkytonks, bars and feed store parking lots; he decided to make the move to Nashville. His first radio single was “Fit To Be Tied Down” by Sammy Kershaw. Since then he has had dozens of hits including three number ones…all three were nominated as Song Of The Year by either CMA or ACM and sometimes both. Those songs are: “Have You Forgotten” by Darryl Worley, “Waiting On A Woman” by Brad Paisley, and “I’m A Little More Country Than That” recorded by Easton Corbin.
Wynn received Nashville Songwriters Association’s Songwriter of the Year Award in 2009.
Wynn has three songs on the new Garth Brooks CD “Man Against Machine”, including the current hit single, “Mom”.
Wynn made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2011. He has appeared on reality shows and currently has a weekly spot on the Joey and Rory Show on RFD TV.
Wynn still writes songs everyday and tours extensively. His latest CD “Freak Show” has just been released. It is available on ITunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.
Wynn is currently with BMG Music Publishing.
BOB DiPIERO
Nashville — Hall Of Fame Inductee - Blue Clear Sky (George Strait) and Southern Voice (Tim McGraw)
BOB DiPIERO
Since his first #1 in 1983, Hall of Fame Songwriter Bob DiPiero has been responsible for an uninterrupted string of country music hits. One of Nashville’s most prolific and consistent songwriters, Bob possesses a humble drive to keep learning and stay relevant. He has had over 1,000 songs recorded by other artists, countless hit singles, and an astounding 15 #1 hits. His songs have been featured in TV shows, commercials and movies. Among his countless awards are 50 BMI Million-Air honors, multiple Songwriter of the Year awards and 2 consecutive Triple Play awards for 3 #1 songs within a 12-month period. In 2007, Bob was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville’s Walk of Fame. In 2014, the Country Music Hall of Fame honored Bob with their prestigious “Poets and Prophets Series: Salute to Legendary Songwriter Bob DiPiero” and the Country Music Association also presented Bob with the CMA Chairman’s Award. On November 7, 2017 Bob DiPiero received yet another incredible honor when BMI presented him with their prestigious Icon Award celebrating his outstanding career achievement and honoring his unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers. This remarkable accolade leaves no question that Bob DiPiero’s career has truly been iconic.
JIMMY YEARY
Nashville — CMA and ACM “Song of the Year” Winner, I Drive Your Truck (Lee Brice)
JIMMY YEARY
Jimmy Yeary has been writing songs in nashville for 25 years. After a short period in 2001 with Atlantic records as an artist, jimmy decided to focus all of his attention on songwriting. Jimmy has quickly become one of Nashville's most sought after songwriters, with 8 top tens, 7 of which have reached #1.
Some of his hits include, Anywhere With You, by Jake Owen. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright, by Kenny Chesney and David Lee Murphy. He also was a writer on the 2013 CMA and ACM song of the year, I Drive Your Truck. Jimmy is currently enjoying the success of Tim McGraw’s most recent number 1, I Called Mama. Jimmy is married to Sonya Isaacs Yeary, of the award winning gospel group, The Isaacs. They live in Hendersonville, TN with their 3 kids.
PAUL McGUIRE (Host)
Toronto — Award Winning Broadcaster - The Paul McGuire Show
PAUL McGUIRE
A pop-culture junkie, Paul McGuire spent his childhood devouring movies, TV, comic books and music. Inevitably, he chased a career in the entertainment industry. A few commercials gigs and small TV roles paved the way for a hosting job on a children’s game show that aired on “Canada’s Nickelodeon,” YTV. Paul moved on from YTV to work at Canada’s largest network, CTV, as host and producer of Canada’s first entertainment magazine show, ENow.
In 2005, he joined CMT Canada where he worked for 12 years hosting the network’s weekly two-hour flagship music show, The Chevy Top 20 Countdown. He also hosted CMT’s original interview series, One 2 One, where he interviewed the hottest names in country music, including Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, Lady Antebellum, Reba, Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean.
In addition, Paul became a co-host for ET Canada, a post that continues to this day. Paul has traveled across North America and Europe for ET Canada reporting on music, television and film and is regularly seen anchoring the show alongside Cheryl Hickey and the other studio hosts.
In 2017, Paul was invited to create original content for the YouTube channel owned by ole Media Management, one of the largest independent music publishers in the world with offices in London, New York, Los Angeles, Nashville and Toronto. In conjunction, Paul launched Paul McGuire’s Country Countdown that can be heard weekly on 21 Stingray radio stations across Canada.
Currently Paul hosts a series called Always A Leaf on Leafs Nation Network. The show features long-form interviews with some of the greatest players that have ever donned the legendary Maple Leafs uniform, including Doug Gilmour, Curtis Joseph, Wendel Clark and Paul Henderson.
Paul was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and grew up in a suburb of Toronto. Today, Paul lives in the city with his wife and two young boys. He continues to host and emcee live events and awards shows across the country.
He also owns a drum kit.
CASEY CLARKE (Host)
Kelowna, BC — Multi Award Winner and Host of The Casey Clarke Show
CASEY CLARKE
Casey Clarke started his career in 1989 in Westlock AB working on 1370 CFOK from there a stop in Whistler/Squamish at Mountain FM then over to Vancouver to work for The Satellite Network's "Country Coast to Coast " channel.
Casey made the leap to television by joining CMT (Country Music Television) in 1997 as their Music Director then shortly after became a host on the network. Casey spent the next 16 years at CMT in various roles including Director of Programming and Production to hosting various programs and specials one of which was as the long-standing host of "The Chevy Top 20".
Casey launched Canada's longest running national daily syndicated country program "the Casey Clarke show" in 2008 followed two years later by the weekly "Casey Clarke Country Countdown, both shows continue today.
Multi CMA, CCMA and BCCMA winner Casey with his wife Suzanne and daughters Maggie and Macey call Kelowna, BC home.
VALERIA TAIT (Guest Host)
VALERIA TAIT
Valeria Tait is a long time resident of the Okanagan and, as the former General Manager and winemaker at Bench 1775, a founding sponsor of 97 South Song Sessions. Tait has been a strong supporter of the performing arts, hosting numerous live events combining music and wine culinary experiences. Tait has also been active in the community as a board member of the Penticton Art Gallery. When the producers of the 2021 festival were considering who might fill the 2nd host spot, Val’s name came up instantly. “Val is an energetic, enthusiastic music lover and a natural with a crowd. Her support of this event has been beyond incredible from day one.” said Robin Ott, President of 97 South Holdings Inc. “Val is the perfect fit for the Guest Host role and we couldn’t be happier that she accepted the challenge.” This year’s festival is Val’s first live music event hosting gig.