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

Jul 15, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARTIST AWARDS

FANS’ CHOICE AWARD
Gord Bamford
Paul Brandt
Dean Brody
Johnny Reid
Dallas Smith

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
5:01 – Tim Hicks
County Line – High Valley
Gypsy Road – Dean Brody
Lifted – Dallas Smith
Light Up The Night – Jess Moskaluke

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Terri Clark
Kira Isabella
Beverley Mahood
Jess Moskaluke
MacKenzie Porter

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gord Bamford
Dean Brody
Tim Hicks
Brett Kissel
Dallas Smith

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
Autumn Hill
The Boom Chucka Boys
High Valley
The Road Hammers
Small Town Pistols

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
3-2-1 – Brett Kissel
Another Man’s Gold – Dean Brody
Cheap Wine and Cigarettes – Jess Moskaluke
Wastin’ Gas – Dallas Smith
Where A Farm Used To Be – Gord Bamford

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Country Side – Jason Blaine
If You Ask Me To – MacKenzie Porter
Tough People Do – Brett Kissel
Upside Down – Dean Brody
Where A Farm Used To Be – Gord Bamford

SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
Before You Drive Me Crazy
(Written By: Wes Mack, Micah Wilshire, Rick Ferrell, Performed By: Wes Mack)
Country Side
(Written By: Jason Blaine, Deric Ruttan, Performed By: Jason Blaine)
Never Didn’t Love You
(Written By: Walt Aldridge, Michael Pyle, Bobby Wills, Performed By: Bobby Wills)
Upside Down
(Written By: Dean Brody, Performed By: Dean Brody)
Where A Farm Used To Be
(Written By: Gord Bamford, Buddy Owens, Phil O’Donnell, Performed By: Gord Bamford)

INTERACTIVE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Leah Daniels
Tim Hicks
High Valley
Brett Kissel
Twin Kennedy

RISING STAR
Jason Benoit
Lindsay Broughton
Leah Daniels
Lindsay Ell
Tristan Horncastle
Jordan McIntosh
Madeline Merlo
Steven Lee Olsen

ROOTS ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The Bros. Landreth
Tim Chaisson
The Lovelocks
Lindi Ortega
The Western Swing Authority

MUSICIAN AWARDS

All Star Band – BASS
Chris Byrne
Scott Cooke
Lisa Dodd
Justin Kudding
Travis Switzer

All Star Band – DRUMS
Ben Bradley
Stephen Broadhurst
Corbett Frasz
Chad Melchert
Ben Shillabeer

All Star Band – FIDDLE
Denis Dufresne
Shane Guse
MacKenzie Porter
Ali Raney
Tyler Vollrath

All Star Band – GUITAR
Jason Barry
Ryan Davidson
Matt McKay
Mitch Merrett
Darren Savard

All Star Band – KEYBOARDS
Scott Galloway
Mike Little
Bart McKay
Carly McKillip
Dale Wallace

All Star Band – SPECIAL INSTRUMENT
Dave Barber (Banjo)
Shane Chisholm (Gastank Bass)
Shane Guse (Mandolin)
Robin Pelletier (Mandolin)
Tyler Vollrath (Mandolin)

All Star Band – STEEL GUITAR
Darrek Anderson
John Ellis
Smokey Fennell
Doug Johnson
Ed (Peewee Charles) Ringwald

RADIO AWARDS

MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
Dayna Bourgoin – CKKL – FM, Ottawa, ON
Larry Donohue – CFCW, Edmonton, AB
Pat Dubois – CKBL – FM, Saskatoon, SK
Mark Patric – CJJR – FM, Vancouver, BC
Scott Phillips – CKRY – FM, Calgary, AB/CISN-FM, Edmonton, AB

MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM OR SMALL MARKET
Paul Ferguson – CHCQ – FM, Belleville, ON
Cal Gratton – CJVR – FM/CIXM – FM, Melfort, SK/Whitecourt, AB
Jody Seeley – CFXO – FM, High River, AB
Peter Walker – CJKX – FM, Oshawa, ON
Abbey White – CKGY – FM, Red Deer, AB

INDUSTRY AWARDS

ALBUM DESIGN OF THE YEAR
5:01 (Artist: Tim Hicks)
(Design Team: Mitchell Nevins Photography: Dustin Rabin)
The Fighters (Artist: Chad Brownlee)
(Design Team: Brandon Heard/Sheila Hash (Mediavandals) Photography: John Fucile/SmackDab Media
Gypsy Road (Artist: Dean Brody)
(Design Team: Mitchell Nevins Photography: Margaret Malandruccolo)
MacKenzie Porter (Artist: MacKenzie Porter)
(Design Team: Shan Designs Photography: Kelsey Porter Photography)
Ramble (Artist: The Boom Chucka Boys)
(Design Team: Brandon Heard (Mediavandals) Photography: Ashley Champagne)

BOOKING AGENCY OF THE YEAR
The Agency Group
The Feldman Agency
Invictus Entertainment Group
Paquin Entertainment Group
Sakamoto Entertainment

COUNTRY CLUB OF THE YEAR
Boots & Bourbon Saloon – Toronto, ON
Cook County Saloon – Edmonton, AB
Cowboys Dance Hall – Calgary, AB
Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall – Calgary, AB
Rock ‘N’ Horse – Toronto, ON

COUNTRY FESTIVAL, FAIR, OR EXHIBITION OF THE YEAR
Big Valley Jamboree – Camrose, AB
Boots and Hearts Music Festival – Bowmanville, ON
Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
Cavendish Beach Music Festival – Cavendish, PE
Dauphin’s Countryfest – Dauphin, MB

COUNTRY MUSIC PROGRAM OR SPECIAL OF THE YEAR
Canadian Country Spotlight – Media BemBem Inc.
The Casey Clarke Country Countdown – Casey Clarke Productions
Chevrolet Top 20 Countdown – CMT
Down East Country with George Canyon – KaromaCS-Media2K
Live At The Edison – CMT

MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Cache Entertainment Inc.
Chief Music Management
Invictus Entertainment Group
MDM Recordings Inc.
RGK Entertainment Group Inc.

MUSIC PUBLISHING COMPANY OF THE YEAR
CCS Rights Management
ole
Royalty Music Publishing Inc.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Canada
Warner/Chappell Music Canada

RECORD COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Big Star Recordings Inc.
MDM Recordings Inc.
Open Road Recordings Inc.
Royalty Records Inc.
Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.

RECORD COMPANY PERSON OF THE YEAR
Warren Copnick – Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.
Mike Denney – MDM Recordings Inc.
Brianne Deslippe – Universal Music Canada
Louis O’Reilly – Big Star Recordings Inc.
Rob Smith – Royalty Records Inc.

RECORDING STUDIO OF THE YEAR
Barrytone Studios – St. Clements, ON
Bart McKay Productions – Saskatoon, SK
MCC Recording Studio – Calgary, AB
Noble Street Studios – Toronto, ON
OCL Studios – Chestermere, AB

RECORD PRODUCER(S) OF THE YEAR
Gord Bamford (Album: Ramble, Artist: The Boom Chucka Boys)
Jason Blaine/ Deric Ruttan (Single: Country Side, Artist: Jason Blaine)
Jeff Coplan (Album: 5:01, Artist: Tim Hicks)
Danick Dupelle/ Tebey Ottoh (Album: Two, Artist: Tebey)
Joey Moi (Album: Lifted, Artist: Dallas Smith)

RETAILER OF THE YEAR
HMV Canada Inc.
iTunes Canada
Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack
Walmart Canada Corp.

RON SAKAMOTO TALENT BUYER OR PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Paul Biro/Shawn Sakamoto – Sakamoto Entertainment
Jim Cressman/ Rob Cyrynowski – Invictus Entertainment Group
Lindsay Ell/Rod Tate – Calgary Stampede
Rob Waloschuk – Performance Promotions Ltd.
Larry Werner – Big Valley Jamboree

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Stephano Barberis
(Video: Undressed, Artist: Bobby Wills; Video: Boat On The Water, Artist: Aaron Pritchett; Video: I Only Smoke When I Drink, Artist: Small Town Pistols)
Harv Glazer
(Video: Where A Farm Used To Be, Artist: Gord Bamford)
Wes Mack
(Video: Before You Drive Me Crazy, Artist: Wes Mack)
Lisa Mann
(Video: Tough People Do, Artist: Brett Kissel)
David Tenniswood
(Video: If You Ask Me To, Artist: MacKenzie Porter)

Sonny Rollins On How Practicing Yoga For 50 Years Made Him A Better Musician

Jul 15, 2015

If you’re a a beginner or advanced yoga practitioner, you’ve probably noticed the benefits of yoga – such as better sleep, better health, improved flexibility, builds muscle strength, a clearer mind. Musicians can easily benefit from any of those changes, which happen almost immediately.

Sonny Rollins, the legendary jazz tenor saxophonist and widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians, discusses his 1967 trip to India, where he lived in an Ashram and studied yoga, and how the practice helped him become a better player.

Boy George & Jack Black Sing “Hello I Love You”

Jul 14, 2015

Jack Black and Boy George jam out to The Doors’ classic song Hello, I Love You, accompanied by the Doors’ legendary guitarist Robby Krieger.

The City Of Toronto looking for the music of Toronto artists for 311 phone system

Jul 14, 2015

Music 311 is a new initiative that brings the music of Toronto artists to the 311 phone system.

311 is a simple, three-digit phone number residents, visitors and businesses can use to get information about City of Toronto services or programs, or make a request for service.

People who call 311 are occasionally placed on hold. As part of the Music 311 program callers will hear recorded music from local artists while they’re waiting to speak to a customer service operator.

We are accepting submissions of original music written and recorded by Toronto-based artists for call-hold playback on the 311 phone line.

Eligibility

Music must be original – in other words, you must hold copyright to the recording.
Only Toronto-based artists can apply, which means your official mailing address must be in Toronto. If you’re a duo, one of you must be based in Toronto; and if you’re a band, at least half of your members must be Toronto-based.
Preferred genres are: acoustic, alternative, bluegrass, blues, classical, country, electronic, experimental, folk, funk, hip hop, jazz, pop, reggae, rock, R&B, singer-songwriter, soul, world – including music sung in languages other than English.
Yes, we also appreciate metal, thrash and hardcore, but will choose music we feel is best suited to a broad-based audience and callers waiting on hold.

Artists who participate in the Music 311 program must also adopt the City of Toronto’s Declaration of Non-Discrimination Policy. Music submitted must not stereotype or promote views and ideas which are likely to promote discrimination, contempt or hatred for any person on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation, receipt of public assistance or level of literacy.

How it works

City staff will select tracks to be featured as 311 call-hold recordings for a specified period of time.
Artists whose music is selected for 311 call-hold playback will receive an honorarium of $50 per track and be listed on toronto.ca/music with links to their websites.
By applying to the Music 311 program, an artist cedes rights to the City of Toronto to use the submitted music for the exclusive purpose of call-hold playback on the 311 phone system. By applying, an artist also confirms and verifies that he/she is the legal copyright holder of any and all music submitted.
Submission deadline to be considered for the September-October period of 311 call-hold recordings is August 15, 2015. Submissions will re-open on October 1 for music to be selected for the November-December period.

How to apply

To have your music considered for inclusion as a Music 311 call-hold recording, complete the application form and email it to perform@toronto.ca along with:

bio (approximately 200 words)
1 to 2 photos (jpeg format, hi-res preferred)
1 to 3 songs (must be in MP3, MP4 or WAV format)

Live from City Hall

Live from City Hall is a music showcase series that features local artists performing in the first-floor rotunda of one of Toronto’s most iconic buildings.

Applications for the City Hall performance series may be submitted at any time, but the actual showcases are not scheduled to begin until fall 2015.

Eligibility

Original music is preferred, although we will also consider artists performing covers.
Solo artists, duos and full bands are all eligible. We ask artists who normally use electric guitars/basses and full drum kits to consider a stripped-down format for this program (e.g., acoustic guitars, cocktail drum kits/percussion vs. full kits). The rotunda’s acoustics are extremely “live,” and performances cannot exceed 85dB.
Only Toronto-based artists can apply, which means your official mailing address must be in Toronto. If you’re a duo, one of you must be based in Toronto; and if you’re a band, at least half of your members must be Toronto-based.
Preferred genres are: acoustic, alternative, bluegrass, blues, classical, country, electronic, experimental, folk, funk, hip hop, jazz, pop, reggae, rock, R&B, singer-songwriter, soul, world – including music sung in languages other than English.

Artists who participate in the Live from City Hall program must also adopt the City of Toronto’s Declaration ofNon-Discrimination Policy. Music performed must not stereotype or promote views and ideas which are likely to promote discrimination, contempt or hatred for any person on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation, receipt of public assistance or level of literacy.

The gig: How it works

City staff will select artists from the pool of submissions received.
Performances will begin in fall 2015 and take place on weekdays at approximately 4:30 p.m. Gigs are 40 to 60 minutes long.
The venue provides a PA system, mics with stands and cables, a stage, and an audio tech (sound person) to set up and mix during performances. The venue does not provide any amplifiers, instruments or drums.
All artists chosen to perform will receive an honorarium of $200 per show (regardless of how many musicians perform) and will be listed on toronto.ca/music with links to their websites.

Keep in mind that the rotunda isn’t a regular venue for music, so there’s no “built-in audience.” You may find it a bit like performing in a shopping mall or an office building lobby – but it’s a very visible space. And if you’re selected to play, you’re welcome to publicize your performance and invite your own audience down to City Hall.

How to apply

To be considered for the Live from City Hall program, complete the application form and email it to perform@toronto.ca along with:

bio (approximately 200 words)
1 to 2 photos (jpeg format, hi-res preferred)
1 to 3 songs (MP3 format or links to online content)

Thom Yorke Performs “High And Dry” In Pre-Radiohead Band Headless Chickens

Jul 14, 2015

An early performance of the song that was recorded by its author, Thom Yorke, a few years later on Radiohead’s album, ‘The Bends’. Thom was playing with Exeter University band Headless Chickens during term-time, a band which included – among others – Simon Shackleton and John Matthias.

Well played, Ant-Man marketing team, well played.

Jul 14, 2015

97.5-CIOE- FM Looking For Submissions of East Coast Music and New Hosts For All East Coast Program!

Jul 14, 2015

In maximizing the opportunity to expose and feature East Coast music and its artistry across all musical genres, 97.5-CIOE-FM has committed to block programming 2.5 hours per day Monday through Friday, in addition to producing several special music based programs that will focus on both established and new and emerging East Coast artists from all Atlantic regions.

These two combined initiatives will result in nearly 30 hours per week of East Coast Music on 97.5. With respect to the 2.5 hours per day block programming, 97.5 is looking for a series of hosts with an intimate knowledge of East Coast Music and its performers who are interested in hosting or co-hosting live one or more mornings per week (9:30 – 12 noon Monday to Friday).

In addition, to fill nearly 30 hours per week of East Coast Music, 97.5 is asking artists to make available to the station new and existing music from their respective artists in order to enhance our music library and remain current with each performer’s body of work.

Want to host or share your music with CIOE? Please contact Jim Robson, Chairman by email at jimrrobson@live.ca or call the station at 902.252.7975.

Want to have your CD added to the CIOE library? Send copies here:

97.5-CIOE-FM
11 Glendale Avenue, Suite 3
Lower Sackville, NS
B4C 2S8

Music Nova Scotia Award Nominations Now Open

Jul 14, 2015

Music Nova Scotia is now accepting applications for music and industry award nominations for the 2015 Music Nova Scotia Awards until Monday, July 27 at 5:00 p.m. ADT. No extensions will be given so all applications must be in on time. You must be a Music Nova Scotia member in good standing at the time you apply. To submit an application for an award nomination for any category, please visit http://nsmw.ca.

Please click the following link to read the 2015 Music Nova Scotia Awards Manual and ensure your submission(s) fulfill the criteria required for your nominee. The cost to submit is $30, HST included.

To learn more, please visit www.nsmw.ca or contact Lisa Stitt by email or by calling 902-423-0291.

Elvis out of his mind and at the peak of his powers at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, 1970

Jul 13, 2015

Polk Salad Annie is a 1968 song written and performed by Tony Joe White, with lyrics describe the lifestyle of a poor rural Southern girl and her family. Traditionally, the term to describe the type of food highlighted in the song is polk or poke sallet, a cooked greens dish made from pokeweed. Its 1969 single release peaked at Number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Elvis Presley picked up the song, he recorded it, and it was re-released on several albums, but this live performance is just amazing.

Roger Waters ‘The Wall’ Official Trailer Is Out And Looks Stunning

Jul 13, 2015

Roger Waters, co-founder and principal songwriter of Pink Floyd, fuses the epic and the personal in Roger Waters The Wall, a concert film that goes well beyond the stage. Based on the groundbreaking concept album, Roger Waters The Wall could be called a concept film: it’s a state-of-the-art show that dazzles the senses, combined with an intensely personal road trip that deals with the loss Roger has felt throughout his life due to war. On stage and now on film, Waters has channelled his convictions into his art and his music. With Roger Waters The Wall, Waters—together with his fellow musicians and his creative collaborators—brings audiences an exultant ride of a rock and roll concert, and delivers an unforgettable, deeply emotional experience.