Canada’s genre-bending Manny Blu released a country punk version of his original, fan-favourite track “Playback,” found on his debut EP. Paying homage to his first cross-country tour in 2019, this re-release strongly positions Blu as a trailblazer, bringing a new style of country music to stages across Canada this spring on Dallas Smith’s Some Things Never Change Tour.
“I first released ‘Playback’ in 2019 as part of the Leave It Like It Is EP, when I was on my first-ever Canadian tour,” explained Blu. “It’s wild to think how much has changed since then, both for me personally and in the music industry. I wanted to celebrate my growth as an artist by putting out a new version of this track that brings back so many great memories for me.”
Country Punk EP takes Blu’s created vibe to the next level. The EP is now available worldwide on all streaming services here.
Consisting of songs written by Stephen Allbritten, Ryan Pattengale, Jake Olbauhm, David Brown, Matt Lukasiewicz, and Nathan Dohse, Country Punk EP is five tracks of hard-hitting rhythms and Blu’s created way of capturing the lyrical storytelling of country music in sounds of punk rock. This project is extremely special to Blu because he was able to co-produce the project and showcase his originality.
“The Country Punk EP was one that we were able to have fun creating without too much thinking about ‘how it should go’ or ‘what works’ musically” says Blu. “We let the songs be what they should be, what I wanted them to be, and didn’t have to deal with any pressure or restraints from anyone outside the studio. I wanted to make something for me that represented who I am as an artist and the Country Punk lifestyle. We created a vibe for those that don’t fit the mould and invite everyone to enjoy it along with us as we head out on tour.”
This May, Blu will join multi-award winning artist Dallas Smith on the Some Things Never Change Tour. Kicking off in Brandon, MB on May 24, the tour will see Blu visit 24 markets across Canada throughout the months of May and June. Blu will light up the stage every night with performances of his hit recent tracks “Doin’ Fine” and "Train," as well as his single “Valet” feat. Brittany Kennell, which is currently on Canadian country radio.
Three tracks released ahead of the EP, “Doin’ Fine,” Too Bad So Sad,” and “95,” have already been drawing attention on streaming platforms and playlists. Some well-known playlists include: Spotify’s New Music Nashville and Country Rocks playlists, Apple Music New in Countryplaylist, Tidal’s Rising and Rising: Country playlists, CMT’s “The Roundup” playlist, and more. Along with the buzz on his new EP, Blu also announced that he will start 2022 off on tour with Dallas Smith on his ‘Some Things Never Change’ tour in Canada. Others to join that tour will be James Barker Band, Shaun Austen, Meghan Patrick, and JoJo Mason.
To hear my interview with Manny Blu, click on the link below. You are going to love all the stories and news.
With over 13 million streams, 20 combinedCCMA and BCCMA Award nominations, and a new album complete, WES MACK returns with this powerful new single.
Exploring a mixture of soulful lyrics and massively hooky melodies, MACK collaborated on the track with veteran producer Dan Swinimer (Madeline Merlo, Jojo Mason). MACK’s soaring and gritty vocals shine, highlighting his prowess as both a singer and a writer on a track that is his first single as a solo songwriter.
In the last year, MACK co-wrote multiple songs on Tyler Joe Miller’s massive debut album, including the radio and streaming hit ‘Fighting’. He also placed eight tracks in film and TV projects and acted in the new Paramount Plus Series, ‘Guilty Party’, playing opposite megastar Kate Beckinsale. MACK is also set to appear in a new Netflix series premiering this spring.
''WES MACK continues to prove just how multi-talented he is in every aspect of his career evolving as a writer with his killer new single ''Ain't Got You'' off his upcoming 3rd studio album,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host for the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''MACK has been really busy working on many different projects in film and TV. We have a blast talking about acting in some pretty cool projects, his 3rd studio album that he has just wrapped up, his two singles out right now, and more new music in the works. This was such a fun interview with a second one coming in June to talk more in-depth about his acting career.'' To hear my interview with WES MACK, click on the link below. You are going to love it!
To hear my interview with Wes, click on the link below!
Continuing the momentum from the release of her sophomore EP, WE DID, earlier this year, breakout country star SACHA turned heads in New York City with a takeover of the Paramount Times Square billboards, debuting the official music video for “Pretty Please” with CMT. Just weeks after stepping onto the CMT Awards Red Carpet at her first International Awards Show, SACHA is checking off another bucket list moment with the premiere of “Pretty Please”. Fans caught the video exclusively on CMT and CMT Music.
“I’m so humbled by the support I’ve had over the past few years from CMT and especially Leslie Fram,” said SACHA as she reflected on today’s milestones. “From being included in CMT’s Next Women Of Country Class to premiering the most personal piece of work I’ve ever created, I’m truly blown away by everything they have done for me.”
“From the moment we started corresponding several years ago, I could tell SACHA had an acute sense of herself and personal journey,” said Leslie Fram, SVP Music & Talent at CMT. “She has captured everything in a beautiful and cinematic way with this song and video for ‘Pretty Please’ and we are honoured to support.”
The premiere brought SACHA’s fan-favourite track “Pretty Please” to life. Directed by Ben Knechtel, the cinematic video captures a more emotional side of country music’s newest it girl. Grounded by the journey many young girls take towards self-confidence, the video beautifully captures the importance of always believing in ourselves.
“I want this video to reach anyone who feels like they are not measuring up while trying to keep up with today's impossible standards. I want them all to know that their value goes way beyond the reflection of a mirror and that they have the power to no longer allow others to determine their worth,” explains SACHA.
A deeply personal release for SACHA, “Pretty Please” opens a small window into the more vulnerable pages of her story as she reflects back on the barriers she’s had to knock down herself throughout her journey.
“Watching the dancer bring a younger version of myself to life for this video was the first time I ever had to hold back tears on set,” said SACHA of her experience during the shoot. “I couldn’t help but feel like I was talking to my younger self throughout the filming, telling her how proud I am of how far we’ve come. I hope this video can be equally as healing for everyone who sees it.”
SACHA has kept busy since the release of her sophomore EP WE DID in February. Earlier this year the rising star walked her first CMT Awards Red Carpet in Nashville, stealing the show as the “diamond of the CMTAwards” (Entertainment Tonight) and landing on best-dressed lists for multiple publications like Hello! Magazine, US Weekly and Bustle. She was also recently named a SiriusXM Top of The Country semi-finalist and earned nominations for Female Artist of the Year and Rising Star at the upcoming CMAO Awards.
Fans across North America got to know SACHA when she joined the multi-JUNO nominated duo The Reklaws for their viral TikTok hit “What The Truck” last year. Becoming the most-streamed Canadian country song to go GOLD in the streaming era (under 16 weeks), SACHAtook the stage to perform the track to sold-out crowds across the country last summer, including the Calgary Stampede and Toronto’s acclaimed Budweiser Stage as well as a close out performance on the 2021 CCMA Awards national broadcast. In 2021 SACHA also became iHeartRadio’s “Future Star” following the success of her empowering anthem and previous single “Standards” in 2020. Last year she was also named as a member of CMT’s Next Women Of Country Class in addition to having three of her previous music videos appear on CMT (“Cheers,” “Standards” and “What The Truck”). She’ll be heading out on the road across the U.S. in 2022 with Maddie and Tae on the CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour.
With all this just a few years in from her debut on the scene, it’s hard to believe she’s just getting started.
''SACHA has such a special gift as an entertainer and singer-songwriter,'' saysKim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host for the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''I have such respect for an artist that works as hard as SACHA does. SACHA has everything it takes to go all the way in the music industry. Her ability to connect even deeper within herself allows the listener to really understand who SACHA is as an artist. It's pretty magical.''
''I love the stripped-down raw powerful vocal and message she delivers with Pretty Please. It gives me chills when I watched the new music video. Her new EP WE DID is the best she has ever done. I still believe that we are just seeing the tip of what SACHA can do and it's pretty exciting to watch. To hear my interview with SACHA, click on the link below.''
Making a name for herself since the release of her EP The Best Thing in July 2020, SACHA is one of country music’s fastest rising stars. Becoming an iHeartRadio’s “Future Star” following the success of her single “Standards,” SACHA has since been named as a member of CMT’s Next Women Of Country 2021 class and earned her first GOLD single alongside The Reklaws with their viral hit track “What The Truck,” which was the fastest-ever Canadian country song to go GOLD in the streaming era (under 16 weeks).
Featured in major television, print and online press including CMT, Music Row Magazine, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone Country, Billboard and The Boot, SACHA has also appeared on A-list editorial playlists (U.S. and Canadian) on Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Recently named a SiriusXM Top of the Country semi-finalist and a Country Music Awards of Ontario Female Artist of the Year nominee (2022), SACHA has also been the winner of The Next Country Music Star (2016) and has had three of her music videos appear on CMT (“Cheers,” “Standards” and “What The Truck”). She’ll be heading out on the road across the US in 2022 with Maddie and Tae on the CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour. SACHA’s sophomore EP WE DID is available everywhere now.
Her latest single "Broke To Brand New" charted in the Top 40 on the Canadian country radio charts, Nashville based artist Shantaia celebrates the track's success with the release of the official music video, out now. On top of her single's success, Shantaia has been selected as a semi-finalist in the CCMA’s coveted SiriusXM Top of the Country competition as well as the RBCxMusic First Up artist program.
On the video, Shantaiashares: “All the anxiety and stress leading up to shooting this music video was left out on the floor (literally) in the making of this video. Directed by Ryan Nolan, I had the idea to set up my own smash room to physically break things and watch them become brand new again, and Ryan completely jumped on board to bring this vision to life. Funny enough, when we started shooting and came to our first “break”, Ryan asked if I could swing hard enough, and all those years of hitting home runs in softball seemed to really pay off, because it exploded! From there, the video was just so fun to shoot, and it’s also so much fun to watch back and see what Ryan pieced together and created!”
About Shantaia:
With over a million collective streams to date, Shantaia is quickly making a name for herself in the country sphere, having shared the stage with the likes of Kane Brown, Chris Lane, Ryan Hurd, Emerson Drive, and Charlie Major, and performing on some of the top stages such as Nashville's Whiskey Jam, The Listening Room Cafe, Americana Fest, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, and Dauphin's Countryfest. Earning multiple Saskatchewan Music Award nominations, along with an SCMA Award for Emerging Artist of the Year, Shantaia continued her climb to success with her last single "Had A Good Weekend," which landed a placement on CMT, and became her highest-charting single at the time, hitting #54 on BDS Billboard and #52 on Mediabase. She has recently topped that with her fierce anthem "Broke to Brand New" landing at #33 on Billboard.
''Shantaia has something really special and she is proving exactly why with her latest new single ''Broke To Brand New,''' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''Shantaia has everything she needs to take her music all the way in this business. She is such an incredible songwriter and her powerful vocal delivery is amazing. She has her finger on the pulse of Canadian country music and she is already making waves in Nashville. She is one to watch.''
To hear my interview with Shantaia, click on the link below.
The Alberta-born country artist Dan Davidson has created undeniable momentum in the last few years. With 6 CCMA nominations, 10 ACMA awards, a gold record, a #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 2016/2017 as his single “Found” rocketed up the charts and he became the #1 charting indie artist in Canada. It was also the #1 selling Canadian country song for several weeks and went on to become certified GOLD in Canada. He may be only 5 years into his country career, but Dan 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).
Canadian Country artist, songwriter, and producer Dan Davidson recently released his latest EP, Six Songs To Midnight, and for him, it represents a subtle turning point in his professional career for a few different reasons. It further cements his decision to move into country music as a songwriter and performer and it also is the product of a conscious choice to try to reach out to country music fans in a more global way, finding the elements in his music that can cross borders best. The album debuted at #1 on iTunes country music charts. This album is a must to listen to.
Davidson says that this body of work “marks the beginning of a transition into more of an artist that ‘lets the music do the talking.'”
“In the past, I’ve made my mark doing really crazy music videos and almost having a ‘pop-punk of country’ kind of vibe, but I decided to put these 6 songs together on this EP because I felt they really represented a very distinct era of my writing and growth as an artist.”
Kim: Congratulations on the release of your new EP “6 Songs To Midnight,” debuting at #1 on iTunes country music charts, that's pretty damn cool. What has this EP meant to you and how have you spent days building up to this release?
DD: “It’s been wild! The record debuted at #1 on the Canadian iTunes country charts – so that’s super validating for me. Over the last few weeks leading up to this release I’ve been spending a lot of time on the phone with Australian radio stations actually! 2 of the tracks on this record have been big singles down there for me – including my first top 10 song there ‘Roll With It’ featuring The Road Hammers. I was hard at work running contests for fans to win advanced signed physical copies and planning my release party, which is a collaboration with Ferrari of Alberta!”
Kim: You have released several of the songs on this new EP that are amazing tracks. How did you decide what tracks made it onto this ep, and can fans expect to hear the songs that maybe didn’t make it onto the project?
DD: “I decided to put these 6 songs together on this EP because I felt they really represented a very distinct era of my writing and growth as an artist. The songs have the classic Dan Davidson ‘get drunk and fall in love’ type song, but there also is this theme of ‘keeping a smile on your face no matter what kind of hell life throws at you – which was accidentally a great message for us all during the last couple years!”
Kim: This EP marks the start of a new chapter for you in your music. Tell us about that...
DD: “Well I think this record sort of marks the beginning of my transition into more of an artist that ‘lets the music do the talking.’ In the past I’ve made my mark doing really crazy music videos and almost having a ‘pop punk of country’ kind of vibe. I just want to do my best to not repeat myself, challenge myself as an artist, and elevate to that international larger than life type act.”
Kim: What is the biggest difference for you in your songwriting from when you first started writing to where you are now?
DD: ''I was kinda skeptical about co-writing in my earlier days. I always thought the collaboration made an artist lose a part of their creative stamp. But the more I did it the more I realized that you aren't losing a percentage you are gaining a percentage. You are unlocking perspective when you hear someone's idea of what you wrote or sing something written. It always leads to something else. That's the beauty of it all. That's a real lesson I have learned over the years all my best stuff comes from being open to letting my ideas change and metamorphosis as they bounce off and through people.''
Kim: Has your style changed and your approach to songwriting?
DD: ''Ya, I think so. In the early days, it was very music-based. It was all based around guitar riffs or just a feeling you know. That was coming more from a band perspective. As I moved into Dan Davidson, the writer, it was more about the lyrics, I suppose. And more about clever ways to tie up choruses and interesting melodies that people haven't thought of before. I like thinking of different ways to spin things on their head. It was a way of looking at 30,000 feet at songwriting than looking at it from a ground-level thing which used to be my mentality.''
Kim: Do you find it harder to write for the band than for country music?
DD: ''No, I think country is harder. There are way more rules writing for country music. Everything needs to be more clever, more familiar, and more digestible than indie rock or folksy stuff. You can do whatever you want. You can write a formulaic song but there is a level of acceptance out there and angular songwriting. Even in rock, you can push the boundaries even more. It's not that I don't like writing country songs. It is that it's just more strategic when you write a country song. And you also know right away when you have written something good. You know this could be a hit kinda thing.''
It is always a good time when I am chatting with Dan. This EP is a must to listen to. Dan has some exciting shows lined up for 2022 in France, the UK, and Australia. Dan Davidson has some new music coming out in May. I can't wait and I have a feeling it is going to be his best yet. Stay tuned...
To hear my full interview with Dan Davidson, click on the link below.
Expanding his fan base internationally, Davidson has played shows in Beijing, China, and Tours, France. He then went on to play in Milan and Budapest to film a music video for his single “These Are My People”. The idea for the music video came about when Dan discovered on YouTube that people from all over the world are line dancing to his songs. He has now played over 200 shows across 7 countries (including a record-breaking 120 show tour with Brett Kissel on the most extensive tour in Canadian history).
Recently Davidson has been writing for/with Hailey Benedict, Prairie States, Robert Adam, Mariya Stokes, Tim Hicks, W3apons, The Congregation, Chad Brownlee, The Standstills, and so many more. As a songwriter, he has had top 40 songs in 3 genres now and continues to keep the creative momentum rolling alongside his artist career. Lots more to come...
Blindspot
Don't Judge a Beer by the Label (Live at the Warehouse Studio)
Role Models - Dan. Davidson (Official Video)
Roll With It (Ft. The Road Hammers) - Official Video
Really Shouldn't Drink Around You (Featuring Hayley Jensen)
Jamie Warren is generally regarded as the most awarded independent country vocalist in Canada (Junos, CCMAs, OCMAs). Over his 35-year career he has released 54 singles, many of them hits. He’s also known as a great songwriter and if you’ve ever seen him perform live, maybe a comedian!?
Jamie has been awarded multiple Junos, CCMA’s, and Ontario Country Music Awards in his career with 62 singles from 9 studio albums, including a Greatest Hits album in 2004.
Jamie’s latest single “Heart Comin’ Around” is the third song released from his next studio album. This is his 62nd release in total and will be found on his upcoming 10th CD; the follow-up to “The Secret To Life”.
''I had a blast chatting with Jamie Warren about his latest single "Heart Comin' Around'' a song about a guy trying to pick up a girl in this fun tropical vibe tune with some cool hook lines, production angles, and arrangements,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Show. It's always such a good time talking with Jamie about all the new music he has been doing. We chatted about crushing the 2 records he wanted to write before he hit the age of 60, his latest 3 singles of his upcoming 10 studio album, and an exclusive sneak peek at his brand new single ''Gonna Make Ya Wanna'' coming out in May that you don't want to miss. The song was co-written by singer-songwriter Carrie DeMaeyer and produced by Rick Hutt. This is a cool summer rockin kind of song you are going to love. To hear it, click on the link below!
Jamie lives in Kitchener Ontario, Canada, but was raised in Hanover Ontario where he pursued an adolescent dream of playing professional hockey in the NHL…with music as a background distraction. When he realized that his natural abilities for singing and playing guitar might make it easier to attract the attention of girls, he hung up his skates. Songwriting was a logical progression for a sensitive guy who wrote poetry and short stories throughout his high school years.
His interest in music was likely genetic since his mother sang and played piano and his father played guitar and mandolin. Jamie had piano lessons at age 5 and guitar lessons at age 8. By the time he was 10 years old, it was tradition for the Warrens to entertain after Saturday night euchre games (a Canadian card-game institution) in their smoke-filled basement. His earliest musical influences were whatever his parents listened to on the radio and the only thing his parent’s radio seemed to play, was country music. To this day he’s still a huge fan of Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette, and Patsy Cline. Later in high school, his best friend’s older brother exposed him to celebrated vocal groups like The Eagles, America, Poco, and CSNY. Jamie has always had an appreciation for Texas singer-songwriters like Radney Foster, Lyle Lovett, and Rodney Crowell.
Jamie attended Conestoga College to study Broadcasting. His goal was to become the youngest general manager of a mid-market radio station, but he emerged instead with a desire to sing for a living. What changed his mind? Jamie won a regional talent show at London Ontario’s Western Fair which sent him to Memphis Tennessee for an international competition where he placed second. Jamie then stayed in Memphis, while he worked a one-year gig at Libertyland Theme Park as an entertainer. He still feels a connection to Memphis, the city that kicked off his career.
Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #145 w/ Country Artist Mackenzie Leigh Meyer Her Latest Single ''Dial Tone'' Sassy Anthem You Just Can't Forget!
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
New Single
''Dial Tone''
Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #145 w/ Country Artist Mackenzie Leigh Meyer Her Latest Single ''Dial Tone'' Sassy Anthem You Just Can't Forget!
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer is one of the most unique up-and-comer’s in country music today - armed with incredible vocal stylings that reflect her country, folk, and pop influences, captivating talent, authentic lyrics, and strong presence. Meyer’s debut E.P “Dive Bar Diva” garnered her a CMA Ontario nomination for “Roots Artist of the Year” at the 2019 Awards as well as a spot in the Top 7 of Canada’s famed Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. Her latest single “Dial Tone”, an audacious tell-it-like-it-is anthem, has accumulated just shy of 300,000 streams on Spotify alone and is Mackenzie's second single to appear on both Spotify and Amazon editorial playlists. Whether it’s her velvety vocals, or unapologetic lyrics, when Mackenzie Leigh Meyer sings, people listen.
After spending 2019 touring the EP at festivals like Boots and Hearts, Havelock Jamboree, and Lucknow’s Music in the Fields to name a few, Meyer headed back into the studio to create new music. In October 2020 she debuted dreamy-love-ballad “Before You” produced by Jeff Dalziel (2019 CCMA Producer of the Year), who had invited Meyer to work with him after hearing the song at the CMA Ontario’s Demorama event in 2019. The song landed Meyer on her first two editorial playlists (Spotify - Live Country / Amazon - Breakthrough Country) and has garnered over 29,000 views on the accompanying music video.
''Mackenzie Leigh Meyer is back with her latest sassy single "Dial Tone". This single is produced by CMAOntario Producer Of The YearJeff Dalziel,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. Mackenzie's music has evolved to show the different sides of her with this fun track ''Dial Tone'' that will rent space in your head with the catchy lyrics and production that will draw you in right from the start.
Check out my interview below to hear Mackenzie define "Dial Tone", reveal her sacrifice to chase her dreams in the music industry & share her opportunity to work with world-class producer Jeff Dalziel. All that & much more - new music coming soon.
Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #145 w/ Country Artist Mackenzie Leigh Meyer Her Latest Single ''Dial Tone'' Sassy Anthem You Just Can't Forget!
OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
PERFORMANCE REEL:
Music's Journey Podcast INTERVIEW #145 w/ Country Artist Mackenzie Leigh Meyer Her Latest Single ''Dial Tone'' Sassy Anthem You Just Can't Forget!
ANNIKA is a storyteller. She is an accomplished musician, vocalist, and songwriter known for her soulful vocals. Her voice transports audiences through a musical journey, filling spaces in our hearts and souls with a rich, nuanced emotion.
ANNIKA’s ability to capture audiences comes not just from her musical charisma, but from a refreshingly authentic and often comedic personality, which has powerfully engaged and entertained audiences around the world as part of the CCMA-nominated ‘Leaving Thomas’ duo, and now, as a highly anticipated solo artist.
ANNIKA is taking a new musical direction since moving on from the country-pop duo by releasing her first full-length solo album, Stand Still. The project is a departure from her previous work and showcases a more mature, introspective ANNIKA, highlighting her talents as a musician, specifically as a piano player. The project will be broken down into two EPs and one deluxe album, delivering a total of 14 tracks.
“After reviewing all the songs I'd written over the past two years, it just became clear that I needed to record a full album based in the singer/songwriter genre. It's where my heart is right now and I feel it is what is most authentically me as an artist and as a woman.” Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and inspired by artists such as Elton John, Carole King, and Alicia Keys, ANNIKA’s new sound combines her love of country songwriting with heartfelt piano playing and melodic vocals. With her upcoming single, “The Death Of Me,” ANNIKA is taking a page out of Shania Twain’s book and kicking things up a notch by combining classic country with a twist of pop.
"I love this song because it shows a sassier side of me. It’s bluesy, playful, soulful, and energetic. Although the title is “The Death Of Me,” there’s a lot of life in the song!" The most powerful music comes from a songwriter who can take listeners on a stirring journey, and this is where ANNIKA delivers, revealing raw emotion in her lyrical content and vocal performances. She co-wrote all 14 songs on the project, most of them with her JUNO award-winning husband, Spencer Cheyne who also produced the project. This dynamic musical duo who share a love and passion for music also just welcomed their first child, Levi, in July 2021.
“It is very special that my producer and co-writer is also my husband and life partner. We have a unique connection because we share a life together, and the final result of the album is truly a combined effort. Not only did Spencer bring his production chops to the table, as he does with every project, but he brought his heart. He was able to really bring my vision to life as an artist.”
Taking a page out of Shania Twain’s book, ANNIKA is kicking things up a notch by combining classic country with a twist of pop. “The Death Of Me” is energetic, bluesy, and showcases a lighter, sassier side to ANNIKA.
"I love this song because it shows a sassier side of me. It’s bluesy, playful, soulful, and energetic. Although the title is “The Death Of Me,” there’s a lot of life in the song!"
ANNIKA - The Death Of Me (Official Music Video)
As a classically trained pianist, violinist, and vocalist, ANNIKA has performed around the world, from bustling cruise ship piano bars, to national television as a Top 11 Canadian Idol finalist, and even hosting the Calgary Stampede Grandstand show with a combined audience of over 200,000 people. Her performance highlights include playing “In The Round” at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee (2017), the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, New York (2017), and headlining MTV’s anti-trafficking event, “Freedom For Others” in Bangkok, Thailand (2014). Apart from creating music and performing, ANNIKA’s passion is travel – she has visited over 80 countries to date.
ANNIKA is poised to be Canada’s next breakout female artist as her fans wait in anticipation to hear her new music, and to see her fun and refreshingly quirky personality back on stage.
ANNIKA is hosting an EP release show at the King Eddy in Calgary on May 6 – tickets are currently only available to her mailing list subscribers (on sale to the general public this Friday, April 1)…in only 3 days the show is already over 50% sold.
Brayden Lowe will be opening for ANNIKA and she will also be featuring her friend and co-writer Aaron Pollock in the show.
Sometimes things come together really fast and you can’t stop them once they start rolling, and that’s the story of Smoke & Ashes in a nutshell.
The new Canadian country music duo describes their coming together as a match thrown on gasoline, ever since their first songwriting session in April 2021. And, just a few months later, the pair had released their first single, ''High On Sunday'', and recently released their second single ''Ya Gotta Live'' while preparing to release their debut EP later this year.
Smoke & Ashes is the partnership of industry veteran (musician, singer, writer, producer, and more) Pete Lesperance and the 2020 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards’ Rising Star winner, singer-songwriter Aaron Allen.
If any of you are fans of great guitar playing, Pete Lesperance (who also produces, records, mixes and co-writes all of Smoke & Ashes' music, as well as being a session player / touring musician for artists including Washboard Union, Dan Davidson, Michelle Wright, Tareya, River Town Saints, Jessica Mitchell, Dustin Bird, Chris Labelle, Aaron Allen, Jim Cuddy, Alee, Lennon & Maisy, etc)....….posted an impromptu video clip last week which has received 3711 views....and has Pete showing off his beloved new Jason Barry model B-Bender, Telecaster-style, Cithara custom guitar….and also whipping off the insane solo for “Ya Gotta Live'' https://www.instagram.com/p/CY9uoLihKVp/
Sharp 9 Music team members; Jeff Dalziel and Justin Kudding (whose combined credits include multi CCMA awards, multi CMAO awards, multi-Juno nominations, platinum and gold records) contribute performances on Drums and Bass respectively on "Ya Gotta Live" and the 2022 Q2 EP release "High On Sunday".
Calgary’s breakout country rocker and multi 2022 Country Music Alberta Awards nominee Devin Cooper is kicking off the year with his debut album 'Good Things' and new single “Back Pocket.” Hot on the heels of the fan-favorite and the album’s title track “Good Things,” this single confidently paves the way for what is to come this year from Cooper. Good Things is available today on all streaming platforms.
Written by Devin Cooper and Drew Gregory and fuelled by a driving drum beat and unforgettable harmonies, “Back Pocket” celebrates the power found in partnership. “After we wrote this song I really understood that anything is possible when you have the right person in your corner,” said Cooper of the new single. “It’s true that a good solid relationship allows you to literally take on anything and I hope that when people hear this song the first thing that comes to mind is someone who has been there for them, through the highs and lows.”
Found on the debut album is also “Good Things,” the single that gained Cooper’s industry attention early in 2021. Debuting as the #1 Most Played Song on Sirius XM 171 CBC and sitting at over 10K streams and counting, the writing of this track is what inspired the remainder of the album, slated for release in the Spring. “As soon as we locked ‘Good Things’ I knew the direction I wanted to take this debut album,” explained Cooper. “It felt important to ground this record in what is true to me — working hard, taking your time to accomplish something, enjoying the process, and looking forward to what's next.”
Good Things Track Listing
Side A
Good Things (Devin Cooper, Alexandra Adamoski, Manning Rothrock)
Country Cliché (Devin Cooper, Spencer Cheyne, Bradley Saunders)
Back Pocket (Extended Version) (Devin Cooper and Drew Gregory)
Want Me (Devin Cooper, Andrew Peebles, David Borys)
Side B
Good Things (Live Acoustic)
Country Cliché (Live Acoustic)
Back Pocket (Live Acoustic)
Want Me (Live Acoustic)
''The new single 'Back Pocket' that is off Devin Cooper's debut album Good Things was produced by Juno Award-winning producers, Spencer Cheyne and Justin Kudding. Devin Cooper’s execution and momentum prove he is a truly gifted artist coming into his own.
I know how hard you have been working to produce this incredible body of work for your debut record, Good Things. It must feel so go to have a body of work coming out for the first time to let everyone know what you are all about.
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I know how personal this album is for you. What does this record mean to you now that it's out there for the world to hear?
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I know in 2020 you were writing a ton for this debut album and spent some time in Nashville writing, then covid it…tell us about picking the songs for this album?
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Do you have a favorite on the album?
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You got to work with the help of Juno Award-winning producers, Spencer Cheyne and Justin Kudding on this album…it doesn’t get much better than that. They are geniuses in the studio. What was it like working on the creative approaches in sounds and the instruments, the rifts for this song, and the entire album? It is all killer by the way!
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I always have fun with the Burning Questions portion of the show. Check out my entire interview with Devin Cooper by clicking on the link below
In addition to today’s release, Cooper has been busy taking part in Project WILD, an intensive artist development program based out of Alberta. Earning a coveted spot in the program’s fifth and final class, Cooper is competing with some of Alberta’s most recognized independent country artists for one of three major prizes and will take to the stage for his Project WILD Artist Showcase alongside fellow program participants Alex Hughes, Robert Adam and Drew Gregory on February 25. Winners will be announced live on March 26 on WILD 953.
Having spent the past three years traveling between Nashville and Calgary, writing songs and performing over 350 shows across Canada, Cooper has taken the time to develop and discover his voice as an artist. At just 25-years old, the Alberta native has already garnered numerous local accolades. Cooper was named Artist of the Year at the Red Deer Entertainment Awards in 2018 and just this month landed 2022 Country Music Alberta Awards nominations for Horizon Male Artist of The Year, Interactive Artist, and Community Spirit Award.
ABOUT DEVIN COOPER
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. Devin broke out onto the Canadian country music scene with his first single “No Chasing You,” released in April 2018 to numerous local accolades. Shortly thereafter, he was nominated for Male Artist and Songwriter of the Year (YYC Music Awards) and was the winner of Artist of the Year (Red Deer Entertainment Awards).
Since 2018, Cooper has performed alongside some of North America’s top talent including Aaron Pritchett, Gord Bamford, and Lou Gramm of Foreigner. Gearing up for his debut record release in spring 2022 (March 25), Cooper has released five singles to date. Most notably, "Good Things," the lead single and title track of the record, was released in March 2021. Just days before making his debut on the Nashville North Stage at the Calgary Stampede in July 2021, Cooper released his second single, "Country Cliche," to all streaming platforms. The newest single ''Back Pocket'' and his debut album, “Good Things,” are available everywhere now.
Photo: Jason Myers 
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