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

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #225 w/ Country Star Jason Blaine The Story Behind His Latest Single ‘’The Road That Raised You Up''

Jason Blaine

New Single

‘’The Road That Raised You Up''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #225 w/ Country Star Jason Blaine The Story Behind His Latest Single ‘’The Road That Raised You Up''

At the root of it all, Jason Blaine was born to sing, write and entertain. His love for country music has taken him to the forefront of the Canadian music scene where he has remained for over a decade. With over 12 Top 10 singles in Canada including hits such as “Country Side” and “Friends of Mine”, he has also become a craftsman of hits for other people including Chris Jansen, Parmalee, Petric, Madeline Merlo, Brian John Harwood, and others.

Originally from Pembroke, Ontario, Blaine moved to Nashville in the fall of 2006 with his wife Amy and their three-month-old baby girl. He burst onto the scene in a big way in 2007 with his first #1 hit single “Rock In My Boot” which led to multiple CCMA nominations and paved the way for a string of hit singles and major festival appearances across the country such as Big Valley Jamboree, Boots and Hearts, Dauphin Country Fest, and many more.

Perhaps the biggest game changer came in 2012 when he released the biographical “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore”, which was written for his grandfather. The song was one of his biggest hits connecting with fans of all generations and eventually went on to win CCMA Single of the Year that same year.

In 2020, “Dance With My Daughter’, with over 4.5 Million YouTube views, was featured in a segment of Good Morning America that saw Fathers & Daughters stage backyard prom dances while such special public gatherings were halted due to the global pandemic.

‘’Country star Jason Blaine has written some pretty special music over the years and he shows no signs of slowing down any time soon,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ‘’I had the chance to catch up with Jason to talk about his recent album ‘’Diamonds In The Dessert'', his new single ‘’The Road That Raised You Up'', his nomination for Album of the Year, and his performance at the CMAOntario Awards. I play the entire album and the new single in this interview with Jason. We dive deeper into what the past 20 yrs have meant to Jason and the new chapter in his music career. I have to say, Jason's latest project, his new single and co-writing on several hits for other artists here in Canada and Nashville is the best work he has put out to mainstream radio. I love the new single ‘’The Road That Raised You Up''. We chat about his new single, his celebrity charity golf classic, and special moments in his career. Jason also drops a few tidbits about more exciting new music set to release very soon. The next single will be a special song written about mothers and their sons. This new song is a follow-up to his smash hit ‘’Dance With My Daughter''. I can't wait to hear this!''

To hear my interview packed full of music and stories with Jason Blaine, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #225 w/ Country Star Jason Blaine The Story Behind His Latest Single ‘’The Road That Raised You Up''

Now, a multiple CCMA, SOCAN & CMAO award winner with over 20+ radio hits, six full-length albums, over 12 million digital streams, and Jason still feels like he’s just getting started. Writing full-time within Nashville’s publishing community, Jason resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee with his wife Amy and their four children.
This past summer the next chapter began as he worked on his latest album, ‘’Diamonds In The Desert'' which was produced by Jay Tooke. The project breathed new life while lending itself to what Jason does best; great country music performed by one of Canada’s most distinctive voices, telling stories of home, love, and nights on the town. As a craftsman of songs, Jason found and wrote songs for the project which embody his artistry and moved him into the next season of his career.

With a fresh new single, “The Road That Raised You Up” and much more new music on the way, 2023 is set to be an exciting year.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #225 w/ Country Star Jason Blaine The Story Behind His Latest Single ‘’The Road That Raised You Up''

Jason Blaine - Dance With My Daughter (Official Video)

In between releasing hit songs and co-headling tours with Tebey, Chad Brownlee, and Deric Ruttan, Blaine also found time to start up his annual Jason Blaine Celebrity Charity Golf Classic. Over the past eight years, fellow artists and hockey legends ranging from Dallas Smith, Tim Hicks, and Gord Bamford, to Doug Gilmour and Bryan Murray have all contributed to helping raise over $735,572 for various hometown charities in Pembroke. For more information, visit www.jasonblainecharity.com.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #225 w/ Country Star Jason Blaine The Story Behind His Latest Single ‘’The Road That Raised You Up''

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Music's Journey INTERVIEW #224 w/ Country Artist Brayden King Latest Single ‘’Livin' The Dream''

INTERVIEW #224

w/ Country Artist Brayden King

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #224 w/ Country Artist Brayden King Latest Single ‘’Livin' The Dream''

Brayden King

New Single

‘’Livin' The Dream''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #224 w/ Country Artist Brayden King Latest Single ‘’Livin' The Dream''

Rising country artist Brayden King is “living the dream’ after placing 55th on American Idol this year.

The 22-year-old musician, originally from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, hangs his hat in Lethbridge.

Brayden has been out on tour since May 16th to open a western Canadian tour, which goes all over Alberta and B.C. and ends in Regina on June 3rd with his good friend, country artist Beamer Wigley.

‘’I had the chance to catch up with Brayden to talk about his new music, tour, and being on American Idol,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor In Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine.

“I made a TikTok a few years ago talking about how I would never do this,” King admitted.

"One day I woke up to a DM (direct message) on Instagram from an American Idol casting producer. She's like, 'Hey Brayden, I've seen your videos on TikTok and I really like your voice. Would you like to potentially audition for American Idol?' "

King said he has spoken about how he felt the shows are possibly scripted after friends of his had negative experiences with them, he said without getting into details he was against shows like American Idol for a long time.

However, after being approached by American Idol who saw his singing videos on TikTok, King said he realized there was nothing to lose in accepting an invitation to try out for the show.

“When they approached me and said they’d fly me down and pay for everything, I realized I had nothing to lose and I might as well go and try it,” he said.

Before performing for the three celebrity judges, King said he first had to make it past two virtual auditions with executive producers.

After two successful virtual auditions, King said he was then given the opportunity to perform in front of the three celebrity judges at a hotel in Las Vegas.

“I went in and they [the judges] were very kind and we talked for quite a while and then I sang an original song of mine called ‘Down That Road’ and I honestly wasn’t very nervous in the moment,” King said.

“I definitely didn’t prepare in a similar way as I do for a show. When we go to play a show it’s like the boys and I all together smack each other on the backs and we go. Here I didn’t have the boys and there wasn’t a crowd, it’s a totally different performing experience,” King said.

After the audition, King said Bryan, Perry, and Richie got him to bring his father into the room and broke the news that they had unanimously agreed to put him through to the Hollywood round.

“It has been a very cool experience for me and I’m very thankful,” King said. “The coolest part for me has been meeting all the other artists from all these different places in America that I got to meet; it’s been a crazy experience.”

"Katy said, 'Well Greg, Lionel gave Brayden a yes, and I want to give you a yes,' and then Luke said, 'I'm going to give him his third yes.' " King recounted. "And then they all screamed together, 'You're going to Hollywood.' "

He advanced through the first two rounds of “Hollywood Week”, and finished in the Top 55.

‘’All I would say is I don’t think I’ll ever be that nervous again in my life. So for any upcoming performances. I don’t normally get nervous but I don’t know if there will ever be a high-pressure situation quite like that. So it just set me up for I don’t think there will be anything to be scared of going on any stage or doing anything in my career because that was freaky. And I met so many like-minded artists and took away a lot of friends from that whole scenario. it was pretty cool,” he said.

‘’So pretty cool,” he said adding he said he enjoyed the experience.

‘’Brayden King released his new single ‘’Livin' The Dream'' in March of this year.''

“‘It is one of the coolest things in the world, honestly. I never expected this song to do anything like it has been. So It's a real blessing and I’m very thankful,” he said.

“Livin' the Dream was written about a hangover and it’s kind of funny how it comes out with a positive-sounding feel with but a bit of darker undertones in the lyrics. But it is definitely an anthemic sing-a-long song and people have been loving it. I wrote it with a couple of buddies of mine, Drew Shalka and Mark Maclure out of Edmonton just super stoked with how it turned out and people have been loving this one, so it’s a real blessing they have had such a great response” he said.

King gives each crowd a high-energy, hard-hitting performance, and leaves them wanting more. “If you’re looking for a party, I’ll bring it every single time,” says King.

His next single “Bad Night to Be A Beer” is also the name of his new tour.

“I am touring with a full band. We’re having a blast. We started off in Lethbridge on May 16th and headed out to Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton, Grand Prairie, and then into B.C. doing Sicamous, Kamloops, Penticton, Kelowna, and Vancouver. And then we hopped back to my home province. We are doing three shows in Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Weyburn, and Regina to end it off. It’s been a lot of fun,” he said.

His band for this tour includes guitarist Roman Koslowski, drummer Cody Mack and bassist Cam Dougall and co-headliner, B.C. musician Beamer Wigley with whom he will be sharing the band.

King is planning to release a new single every eight weeks probably for the next two years.

‘’Brayden opens up about losing his mother and what this journey has been like without her,'' says Cyr.

To hear my interview with Brayden King, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #224 w/ Country Artist Brayden King Latest Single ‘’Livin' The Dream''

Brayden King - Livin the Dream (Live Acoustic)Brayden King - Livin' The Dream (Live Acoustic)

Brayden King - Bad Night To Be A Beer

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #224 w/ Country Artist Brayden King Latest Single ‘’Livin' The Dream''

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Music's Journey INTERVIEW #223 w/ Award-Winning Country Artist Aaron Allen New Single ‘’Work''

INTERVIEW #223

w/ Award Winning Country Artist Aaron Allen

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #223 w/ Award-Winning Country Artist Aaron Allen New Single ‘’Work''

Aaron Allen

New Single

‘’Work''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #223 w/ Award-Winning Country Artist Aaron Allen New Single ‘’Work''

Award-winning country artist Aaron Allen releases his new single ‘’Work'' a song that anyone can relate to.

A touring musician for more than 20 years, the husband and father now finds himself making the most of every moment and working as hard as he possibly can. The song “Work” is lyrically based around Aaron’s grandfather. Although it mentions Allen’s father, he explains it was his grandfather, not his dad who is the focal point of the song.

“Dad just sang better and I thought it would be more appealing to a wider audience. My grandfather worked harder than anyone I knew and I respected the hell out of him for that. We grew up in a small town based around factory and farm work. I was a third-generation factory worker at one time before I found my musical path. I feel his work ethic was instilled in me and is what pushed me to this point.”

Sonically, we hear an influence of earlier works such as “Where Music Comes From” and “Can We Go Back” two songs that have performed very well for Aaron. “Work” is a song sure to relate to anyone listening.

Allen says “This is a strong message I felt I had to put in song just incase I live shorter than expected. I want my girls to know anything is possible. it just takes hard work”.

‘’I had the chance to catch up with Aaron Allen to talk about this new chapter in his life and the meaning behind his new single ‘’Work'', ‘’ says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast.

‘’Aaron opens up about the greatest loss in his life, his mother, and the struggles he went through after her battle with cancer. Aaron shares the pain that followed that huge loss and how he turned that time into inspiration through his music and life today. Aaron writes from his heart and feels deeply for those around him in his life. His new single ‘’Work'' reflects that growth and love.''

Aaron shares ‘’I got into music to save my life and writing music is from my soul. I wanted to write to help save other people's lives. I want to share a story that happened to me recently. I was at a concert a few weeks ago and an artist came up to me and said, ‘’You don't know this but your EP Highway Mile saved my life.'' I chatted with him for a while and realized that this was a life-changing moment for him and for me. He said that he had listened to my EP every single day and that it saved his life. That is the reason I started to write songs. It helped me and I wanted to help others. It fulfilled me forever. That is why I am in this because Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen saved my life.''

To hear my interview with Aaron Allen, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #223 w/ Award-Winning Country Artist Aaron Allen New Single ‘’Work''

Three-time CMAOntario Award Winner Aaron Allen burst onto the Canadian Country scene in 2019 and immediately started turning heads with his first single “Where Music Comes From”. A family man, previous tattoo shop owner, and all-around down-to-earth guy, Allen’s writing style of being transparent about stories from his real-life experiences quickly got him noticed and earned him the attention of local industry shakers and fans alike.

Carried by a relatable and genuinely differentiated brand, his ascent was lightning fast by industry standards. Thanks to his partnership with multi-award-winning Producer Jeff “Diesel” Dalziel, which he credits as a defining turning point in his career, Aaron has learned to craft songs that stand out in the Country landscape. After only 3 years of professional activity, Aaron is a mainstay on Canadian Country radio, with 7 of his 8 released tracks securing rotation at various stations in Canada, earning him close to 10,000 spins to date. A notable success that was partly made possible thanks to the steady encouragement of his most dedicated supporters, the editorial curators of Apple Music Canada, who have championed him from his first release. Aaron has been and continues to be featured on 17 different Apple Music playlists since his debut single, including 10 of the 30 Country specific playlists a feat that allowed him to receive over 4.5 million streams through the streaming platform.

A true writer at heart, Aaron Allen wasted no time to leverage these early successes into a flourishing songwriter career, earning his 1st Top 40 record in Canada in 2022 with Warner Music’s David Boyd Janes’ “It Couldn’t Hurt”. Now an in-demand partner on both sides of the border, he wrote over 300 songs in the past year, with collaborators including James Barker, Jimmy Thow, Danny Mirank, and Phil Barton (Brett Kissel, Lee Briten) all the while building an ongoing relationship with Nashville-based Demolition Publishing (Kenny Chesney, Lee Brice, Maddie & Tae). A flurry of partnerships led to his signing by Arts & Crafts Publishing in early 2021 to develop the sync side of his career. Allen landed his first sync with CTV’s Hallmark series “Ride” in April 2023. With clear momentum behind his singular brand, the ear of influential tastemakers, and a top-level team behind him, Aaron has become a mainstay in Canadian Country Music.

Aaron Allen - Highway Mile (Official Music Video)

Aaron Allen - Good Tattoo (Official Lyric Video)

Aaron Allen - Where Music Comes From (Official Lyric Video)

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #223 w/ Award-Winning Country Artist Aaron Allen New Single ‘’Work''

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Music's Journey INTERVIEW #221 w/ Canadian Country Artist Augusta Ray Killer New Single ‘’Your Ex''

INTERVIEW #221

w/ Canadian Country Artist Augusta Ray

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #221 w/ Canadian Country Artist Augusta Ray Killer New Single ‘’Your Ex''

Augusta Ray

New Single

‘’Your Ex''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #221 w/ Canadian Country Artist Augusta Ray Killer New Single ‘’Your Ex''

Since strutting onto the Canadian music scene as a young, bright-eyed songwriter nearly ten years ago, Canadian country/rock artist Augusta Ray has been stopping listeners in their tracks over and over again, with her incredible vocal talent, beautifully crafted songs, energetic, engaging stage presence, and of course; those signature bright red lips.

Augusta has been known to be quite the Vagabond, and has been spending the last few years traveling and sharing her unique country-crossover sound on Canadian, American, European, (and most recently) Australian stages. Her entire life, Augusta has been telling her friends and fans that they can call her “Gus”.

Now, with her newest single YOUR EX out into the world, she’s proved that you can not only call her Gus, but you can ALSO call her a confident, badass young woman who knows how to be an angel, but also a devil when it comes to dealing with an ex-boyfriend.

This song is definitely the latter. To follow up the release of her sad reflective sad girl summer single WASTE OF LIME. Augusta is fully leaning into this next chapter of both her personal life and career, with the release of her newest single, YOUR EX. She says This song isn’t about taking a baseball bat to your ex’s headlights, but rather how sometimes finding happiness is the result of cutting toxicity out of your life, and how THAT is actually the best possible revenge.

Augusta is set to be making her third appearance as a featured songwriter at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe on August 13th, where YOUR EX will make its live debut on an American stage.

‘’There is something so special about country artist Augusta Ray,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Show. ‘’What a gift Augusta is to the world with her killer vocals and songwriting. The one thing about Augusta is that she has never been shy to be vulnerable and genuine in her music. From traveling the world playing music over the last few years and meeting new people, every single day in the process, it would be impossible for no inspiration to come about. For Augusta Ray, life-altering songs are written by going through life-altering experiences, and those experiences are exactly what is behind her single ‘WASTE OF LIME’ and her new release ‘’YOUR EX''.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Augusta to chat about this new chapter in her life and her new music. There are some pretty special moments in this interview that you don't want to miss. To hear my interview with Augusta, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #221 w/ Canadian Country Artist Augusta Ray Killer New Single ‘’Your Ex''

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Music's Journey INTERVIEW #220 w/ Country Trio New Moon Junction Behind The Lyrics Of Their Latest Single ‘’Mind of Its Own''

INTERVIEW #220

w/ Country Trio New Moon Junction

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #220 w/ Country Trio New Moon Junction Behind The Lyrics Of Their Latest Single ‘’Mind of Its Own''

New Moon Junction

Latest Single

‘’Mind Of Its Own''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #220 w/ Country Trio New Moon Junction Behind The Lyrics Of Their Latest Single ‘’Mind of Its Own''

You can call it Luck or Fate, but when 3 music artists find each other, and happen to sound like a Little Big Town & Fleetwood Mac mashup, you call them NEW MOON JUNCTION. After creating a solid base with their first three singles, “Real Good Kinda Thing”, “The Other Side of Goodbye” and “Don’t” (which had critics and fans likening them to Canada’s Lady A), they are poised to release their newest single “Mind Of Its Own” in early 2023. A song about a continued longing for something or someone that you know isn’t good for you.

The Ontario-based group has an amazing creative team of collaborators working with them to turn out songs that hook you with their harmonic, distinct, and unforgettable voices. Their songs are crafted to perfection by Multi-platinum award-winning producer Jeff Dalziel.

So how did these three find each other, especially when they are spread out all across Ontario? “Life has a way of getting you to where you are supposed to be.” says
Brad. The first to discover that they had a unique sound together was Barb and Tamara. “We just really hit it off. It was an instant connection for the both of us!” Barb explains. “And from the very first time singing with Brad.....well we all had goosebumps!”

In addition to singing in beautiful 3-part harmony, New Moon Junction bring spontaneous energy to their live performances and the group has a way of connecting with their fans that keeps them wanting more.

On the cusp of having just signed a partnership with RÊVE MUSIC at the tail end of 2022, New Moon Junction is ready to have a break-thru year, which will leave their fans asking “Was it Luck or Fate?”

‘’New Moon Junction continues to release music that delivers the feels with their latest single ‘’Mind Of Its Own'', says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ‘’Their three-part harmonies are pitch perfect with the real-life lyrics that tell the stories we have all lived. Fans are connecting to the country hot trio because of their relatability in the stories they tell. These are the songs that fans what to hear and New Moon Junction delivers with their live performances. The future looks pretty bright for this country trio. To hear my interview with New Moon Junction, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #220 w/ Country Trio New Moon Junction Behind The Lyrics Of Their Latest Single ‘’Mind of Its Own''

New Moon Junction - Mind Of Its Own

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #220 w/ Country Trio New Moon Junction Behind The Lyrics Of Their Latest Single ‘’Mind of Its Own''

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Music's Journey INTERVIEW #217 w/ 2023 5 x ECMA Nominee Country Artist Jason Benoit Releases His New Album ''Time Traveller'' and New Music Video

INTERVIEW #217

w/ 2023 5 x ECMA Nominee Country Artist Jason Benoit

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #217 w/ 2023 5 x ECMA Nominee Country Artist Jason Benoit Releases His New Album ''Time Traveller'' and New Music Video

Jason Benoit

New Album

‘’Time Traveller''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #217 w/ 2023 5 x ECMA Nominee Country Artist Jason Benoit Releases His New Album ''Time Traveller'' and New Music Video

Toronto, ON – MusicNL Indigenous Artist of the Year, Jason Benoit is celebrating the release of his full-length album ‘Time Traveller' available now. This release marks the completion of his two-part full-length album ‘Time Traveller' and is distributed by Jayward Artist Group (Tebey). ‘Side A’ delivered ‘Shootin’ Me Down’, Benoit’s first Top 50 Billboard Country Canada charting single since 2016.

Jason wrote and co-produced the feature track ‘Your Friday Night’, which has the early 90s two-step dance floor sound telling the story of fleeting love and the feeling of being someone’s fun Friday night.

In 2023, the gold-selling country artist broke barriers as the third most nominated artist with an incredible 5 East Coast Music Awards nominations and the most nominations as an Indigenous recording artist. The long list of nominations includes; Album of the Year (for Time Traveller Side A), Solo Recording of the Year (Time Traveller Side A), Indigenous Artist of the Year, Artist Innovator of the Year, and TD’s Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year. Along with that, Jason will be performing at several showcases through ECMA week including the well-respected SOCAN Songwriters’ Circle. The 35th East Coast Music Week will be in Halifax from May 3-7, 2023.

Hailing from the small community of Fox River Island, Newfoundland with a population of 200 people artist Jason Benoit continues to live close to the land often drawing inspiration from his front porch where he can see the Atlantic Ocean or sitting around the fire jamming with friends late into the night.

Benoit has this to say about writing his latest body of work, “The “Time Traveller” album was written by two good old boys sitting around having a few drinks and writing songs in the style of country music we love best. We didn’t even plan on releasing them. Unbeknownst at the time, these songs ended up becoming the album I’d been waiting to release my whole life. I’ve never been more proud of a piece of work and I hope you enjoy these songs as much as we enjoyed writing them.”

Jason’s recent tour history includes direct support for Juno winner Tenille Townes in 2022 plus he has toured across the country with artists like Old Dominion and Tim Hicks.

Jason is scheduled to perform at the SOCAN Songwriters’ Circle on Sunday, May 7 at The Schooner Showroom, Halifax, NS, and is represented by Sakamoto Agency.

‘’I had a fantastic time chatting with Jason Benoit as we dived deeper behind the lyrics of every song on his new full-length album ‘’Time Traveller'', says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ‘’Benoit is something special and learning his history, the love of country music and the role it has played for this humble artist is inspiring. I can understand his love for the land and the pull it has on his soul. The ability to ground you in a way that is hard to explain. Its simplicity is magical and the views are awe-inspiring in its beauty. Benoit has taken us all back in time when life seemed simpler and easier somehow with his throwback to the old-school country in his new album ‘’Time Traveller''. This entire album is incredible and that is why the fans and all of us on the radio are loving it. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did with a deeper look behind the lyrics of every track and listening to the album in its entirety the way it was meant to.''

Check it out by going to www.musicsjourney.com or by clicking on the link below.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #217 w/ 2023 5 x ECMA Nominee Country Artist Jason Benoit Releases His New Album ''Time Traveller'' and New Music Video

Jason Benoit - Your Friday Night Visualizer

Jason Benoit - VHS Official Music Video

Jason Benoit - Time Traveller

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #217 w/ 2023 5 x ECMA Nominee Country Artist Jason Benoit Releases His New Album ''Time Traveller'' and New Music Video

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Music's Journey INTERVIEW #216 w/ Rising Country Singer/Songwriter Griffen Palmer Unveils His Highly Anticipated Debut Album ‘’Unlearn''

INTERVIEW #216

w/ Canadian Country Singer/Songwriter Griffen Palmer

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #216 w/ Rising Country Singer/Songwriter Griffen Palmer Unveils His Highly Anticipated Debut Album ‘’Unlearn''

Credit: Chris Hornbuckle

Griffen Palmer

Debut Album

‘’Unlearn''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #216 w/ Rising Country Singer/Songwriter Griffen Palmer Unveils His Highly Anticipated Debut Album ‘’Unlearn''

The star of NBC’s Songland and Big Loud’s latest prodigy, Griffen Palmer emerges with his debut album Unlearn, a first in-depth glimpse into the Ontarian’s highly-acclaimed lyricism. Having secured writing cuts for the likes of Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, and Mackenzie Porter, there’s a Music City buzz building around Palmer, and with that success comes great expectation.

A chance meeting with mega-hit songwriter Geoff Warburton at a house party opened a dream door for the budding singer-songwriter, forming the basis for this project on which Warburton co-wrote every track. His touch of pop-leaning know-how and melodic mastery adds a layer of incredible mainstream appeal.

Finding solace in music in the early pandemic, Palmer wrote every song on Unlearn with Grammy-nominated songwriter and fellow Ontario native Geoff Warburton. The 10-track album kicks off with “Second Guessing” and jumps headfirst into life lessons, both learned and unlearned, on songs like “By The Way,” “Came Here To Leave,” “How Many Beers,” and the flirty, simmering “Bottles On The Table.”

“Geoff and I met by chance because of a house party in my hometown, his girlfriend (now fiancé) introduced us,” Palmer remembers. “He took a chance and got to know me, which is when we figured out that we both played for the same rugby club, love a lot of the same music, and eventually realized we like writing together. Geoff’s family to me, and this record wouldn’t exist without him.”

“Griff continues to blow me away every time we write,” shares Warburton. “He’s mature beyond his years, and I think so many people will really resonate with his story. I’m so proud of him and these songs, and can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear them.”

Brought to life by studio master/producer Joey Moi, the set of Palmer/Warburton one-two punches shows off their knack for crafting ultra-catchy hooks with heartfelt appeal, with Palmer’s sharp, crystalline vocal serving as a critical anchor throughout.

“Second Guessing” was the debut single that showcased what we all already knew about Griffen Palmer and the hip is real for a reason with his release of the highly anticipated debut album ‘’Unlearn'', says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ‘’It marked the beginning for this rising singer/songwriter. Palmer has paved his own path in country music thus far. Now with a team like Big Loud backing him as an artist/singer/songwriter, fans can expect more incredible things from this Canadian artist.''

‘’I had the chance to chat with Palmer to talk about his rise as a songwriter and now as an artist with his debut album ‘’Unlearn''. Palmer talks about his quick rise from songwriter to artist since Songland and how being vulnerable is something he just understands. He shares the stories behind the lyrics and music for all ten tracks that I play in their entirety for this interview.''

To hear the interview with Palmer, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #216 w/ Rising Country Singer/Songwriter Griffen Palmer Unveils His Highly Anticipated Debut Album ‘’Unlearn''

From the moment Palmer sang it on NBC'S Songland, it was clear that “Second Guessing” was a hit country song. Palmer’s knack for songwriting is obvious, and he has the vocals to back it up. The love song is a confident portrayal of what it feels like to be with the right person.

“That since I met you, I // I ain’t spent one second guessin’ // Lord knows I’ve tried // ‘Cause I’ve had my heart broken in every direction // Too many times // But I saw the rest of my life with one look in your eyes // I’m confessing // That I ain’t spent one second guessin'”

Palmer released Unlearn‘s powerful, retrospective title track along with its accompanying performance video. Vulnerability on full display, Palmer voices his most personal lyric yet, juxtaposing the journey to “unlearn” beliefs about love and relationships born from his formative years growing up in a divorced home, against the hope and discovery of finding out what love can look like in a relationship all his own.

“This one meant a lot to me when we wrote it, and that feeling grows for me every time we play it,” Palmer shares about the title track. “It’s a song that I really needed when I was younger, so I’m hoping that people out there that feel like I did when I was a kid might hear it now. I just hope it makes them feel understood.”

Griffen Palmer - Unlearn (Performance Video)

‘’It’s been a bit of an interesting process that I don’t think is typical for a first album because we’ve had so long to work on it. I moved to Nashville four years ago but I knew Geoff before then when I was working a restaurant job back home before I was doing this professionally. We really just had four-plus years of creating songs and gathering different types of sounds and ideas. By the time the record and the A&R process were here, we had to narrow down hundreds of songs. The world was our oyster at that point and it was just about picking the songs that felt right or felt unique, or unique to me at least. It was overwhelming at first but I feel good about what we’ve done.''

‘’You really have to just take yourself a step back and listen to them as if you were listening to them for the first time. Some of them are ones you’ve written within the last few months that are fresh in your brain, and some of them are years old. Putting them up to each other objectively is kind of tricky but that’s where a great team around you comes in with Joey Moi, my producer, and my management who helped A&R the project. Everyone has their favourites so when I bring them to the table, it starts to make a bit more sense.''

‘’It’s just fun as an artist to try different things, especially when it’s your first project. You don’t really know how everything’s gonna go or how everything is going to be perceived so it’s a chance for you to just try something different and try something new and go from there.''

Palmer and Warburton’s songwriting partnership has also led to outside cuts like Keith Urban‘s “Polaroid,” and standouts from The Band Camino, Chelsea Cutler, Lily Rose, Jade Eagleson, and more.

Palmer is currently on the road this spring nationwide supporting label-mate Lily Rose‘s 2023 headline tour.

Unlearn Track Listing:

‘’Second Guessing'' (Griffen Palmer, Corey Crowder, Ester Dean, Andrew DeRoberts, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Shane McAnally, Ben Simonetti, Ryan Tedder, Geoff Warburton)
‘’25 To Life'' (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
‘’Unlearn'' (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
‘’Put Me Through Hello'' (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
"By The Way'' (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton, Jordan Reynolds)
‘’Small Town After All'' (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
"Came Here To Leave'' (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
‘’Late To The Party'' (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
"How Many Beers'' (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
"Bottles On The Table'' (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #216 w/ Rising Country Singer/Songwriter Griffen Palmer Unveils His Highly Anticipated Debut Album ‘’Unlearn''

Griffen Palmer - 25 To Life (Official Music Video)

Griffen Palmer - Second Guessing (Official Music Video)

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #216 w/ Rising Country Singer/Songwriter Griffen Palmer Unveils His Highly Anticipated Debut Album ‘’Unlearn''

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Music's Journey INTERVIEW #215 w/ Platinum Selling Canadian Band Faber Drive Goes Country Single NEVER GONE!!

INTERVIEW #215

w/ Platinum Selling Canadian Band

Faber Drive

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #215 w/ Platinum Selling Canadian Band Faber Drive Goes Country With Single NEVER GONE!!

Faber Drive

New Single

‘’Never Gone''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #215 w/ Platinum Selling Canadian Band Faber Drive Goes Country With Single NEVER GONE!!

Canadian Platinum Selling Punk-Pop Band Faber Drive / Dave Faber have thrown their hat into the country genre releasing their first ever country single ‘’Never Gone'' and country fans are loving it!

‘’I had the chance to sit down with Canadian Juno-nominated Founder Dave Faber / Faber Drive, to talk about his journey in music from the beginning to where he is today,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ‘’Faber has one-of-a-kind killer vocals that are instantly recognizable and I was so excited to hear the new single. After hearing it, I knew that Faber Drive/Dave Faber has found a new home in country music. I am really loving it!''

Dave Faber gets vulnerable with me in this interview opening up about the trials of being a musician on the road, his love for family and keeping faith as his center, and the sacrifices made along the way to be successful in the music industry. There have certainly been some amazing times, stories, great music, some hard lessons, and an unbreakable bond of brotherhood along the way. Now, Faber Drive has started a new chapter with the new single NEVER GONE.

The members of Faber Drive consist of lead vocals Dave Faber, drummer Seamus Oneill, lead guitarist Jordan Pritchett (JP), and bass guitarist Jeremy “Krikit” Liddle.

There are some deep roots and love that comes naturally to Faber Drive with country music. After playing classic country covers live for years (like Fishin In The Dark, Low Places, Folsom Prison), Faber Drive finally decided to write, record and release their 1st country single NEVER GONE.

‘’It was a ton of fun working with our longtime friend/producer Jason Van Poederooyen aka JVP (Nickelback, Keith Urban, Hinder). We are very excited to release our 1st official country single and can't wait for the world to hear a piece of our new chapter.''….says lead singer Dave Faber about the project. Lead guitar/bgs Jordan Pritchett is also the son of Canadian country legend Aaron Pritchett.''

There is a lot of excitement building up to hear the new music that Faber Drive has been working on. If this new single is an example of what's to come in this new chapter, country fans are in for some kick-ass country music from this Canadian Platinum-selling band.

Faber talks about the transition from successful artist to manager for his son Issah Faber, also known as Powfu, and his daughter Patience. Both artists have had great success in their careers so far. Powfu has now hit 1.4 billion streams on Spotify and is set to tour the UK.

‘’It is amazing to see them both have a love for music and pursue their own careers. I have made a lot of mistakes along the way in my own career and I hope I can help them navigate their music journey.‘’

To hear my interview with Dave Faber, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #215 w/ Platinum Selling Canadian Band Faber Drive Goes Country With Single ‘’NEVER GONE''

FABER DRIVE - NEVER GONE

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Music's Journey INTERVIEW #214 w/ CCMA Nominated Country Artist David James's Latest Single ‘’Let Her Go'' Music Video

INTERVIEW #214

w/ Country Artist David James

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #214 w/ CCMA Nominated Country Artist David James's Latest Single ‘’Let Her Go'' Music Video

David James

Latest Single

‘’Let Her Go''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #214 w/ CCMA Nominated Country Artist David James's Latest Single ‘’Let Her Go'' Music Video

Multiple CCMA Award-nominated artist David James shares the official music video for his latest single ‘’Let Her Go'' (MDM Recordings Inc./Universal Music Canada). With an impressive 19M collective streams to date across all songs, the latest track and video offer a unique perspective on what it means to hold on to the ones you love. Directed by Ryan Nolan, the video showcases James in a third-party role panning from scenes in a bar with subtle dialogue between the country artist and a couple, to stunning scenic views where he shares his perspective on the relationship. The single released last year, once again finds James joining forces with award-winning producer Danick Dupelle as he channels a new and evolved sound.

About the new video, James shares ‘’''Let Her Go' is so impactful for me. The lyrics are powerful, the story is relatable, and visually capturing and displaying those sentiments in the right way was incredibly important to me. When Ryan Nolan (Director) decided to drag us to a random ski town in New Mexico to film, I knew it was going to be something special. The visuals he captured are quite simply stunning, and his direction services the song so that it brings it to life in a whole new way. I've always thought a well-executed video has the ability to enhance the impact of a song for the listener, bringing to life in their mind the story, lyrics, and meaning in a whole new way, and Ryan has done just that.''

David James - Let Her Go (Official Music Video)

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #214 w/ CCMA Nominated Country Artist David James's Latest Single ‘’Let Her Go'' Music Video

ABOUT DAVID JAMES: Following his 2014 signing with MDM Recordings Inc., David James has consistently delivered. The 2016 release of his debut EP ‘Songs About A Girl” garnered the Manitoba native two CCMA Award nominations including a nod in the ‘Rising Star’ category, his debut performance at the highly celebrated Boots and Hearts Music Festival, and a Canadian Radio Music Award nomination for ‘Best New Group or Solo Artist: Country’. His 2017 sophomore album Downtown Kids, spawned James’ first and second Top 15 hits and most successful singles to date with ‘Sun Set On It’ and the title-track earworm, and he was nominated for four Manitoba Country Music Association Awards including ‘Male Artist of the Year’. In 2018, James dropped ‘Cars, Girls, & The Radio’ and hit the road in 2019 as the featured guest on Aaron Pritchett’s “Out On The Town” tour, stopping in over 50 cities across Canada before wrapping in the fall of that same year. ‘All The Time’, released in the summer of 2019, became James’ fastest climbing song on radio to date, boasting over 2.5 million collective streams. The companion video debuted on CMT in the U.S. as part of their ‘Next Up Now Program’, and later that year James was awarded ‘Male Artist of the Year” at the MCMA Awards. His EP If I Were You dropped in the spring of 2020 and that September, he partnered with Genevieve Fisher to reimagine the track ‘Then There’s You’, transforming his solo recording into a smooth duet that highlights both artists’ sparkling vocals. The Top 30 bop ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’ was James’ first release in 2021 and the soundtrack of spring, and his release ‘That’s The Life’ dropped late last year with a traditional radio version, and a unique version created in partnership with True North Sports & Entertainment and The Winnipeg Jets. Now with a combined 19M streams and climbing across all songs, David James has been working on new music with producer Danick Dupelle and showcasing an evolved sound across the single ‘Wreck My Weekend’ and most recent release ‘Let Her Go’.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #214 w/ CCMA Nominated Country Artist David James's Latest Single ‘’Let Her Go'' Music Video

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Music's Journey INTERVIEW #213 w/ Country Singer/Songwriter Shantaia An Artist To Watch With Her Exciting Debut Album ''Exes and Friends''

INTERVIEW #213

w/ Country Songstress Shantaia

Hosted by Kim Cyr

Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #213 w/ Country Songstress Shantaia An Artist On The Rise With Her Exciting Debut Album ''Exes and Friends''

SHANTAIA

Debut Album

‘’EXES AND FRIENDS''

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #213 w/ Country Songstress Shantaia An Artist On The Rise With Her Exciting Debut Album ''Exes and Friends''

Nashville based, Saskatchewan-born artist Shantaia is proving why she is one of the Canadian country's most exciting exports with the release of her debut full-length album Exes and Friends. Whether it's a breakup song to move past an ex or a party song to dive into a night with your best friends, the 10-song concept album is filled with an anthem-ready track list to set the perfect mood.

‘’Shantaia is a very serious contender in country music with the release of her debut full-length album ‘’Exes and Friends'','' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief, radio host, and host of the International Music's Journey Show. ‘’ ‘’Shantaia can compete with the best of them on Canadian country radio right now. She is that good! She can really write a storytelling song and her powerful vocals deliver all the feels to carry you right into the lyrics of the song right along with her.''

‘’I wanted to take a rare opportunity for the fans to hear the whole album by playing it in its entirety in this interview. Shantaia takes us on a journey behind the lyrics of each song… and a glimpse inside the life experiences of this songstress. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.''

To hear my interview with Shantaia, go to www.musicsjourney.com or click on the link below.

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #213 w/ Country Songstress Shantaia An Artist On The Rise With Her Exciting Debut Album ''Exes and Friends''

Shantaia stepped into a new era of her career in early 2022 with the release of “Broke To Brand New,” which garnered over a million streams across platforms and awarded Shantaia her first Top 40 radio hit, peaking at #33 on the Mediabase charts. She continued the momentum throughout the year with her anthem ready follow up “Hung Over You,” and placed as a top three finalist in the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition, showcasing in front of top industry players during the CCMA Country Music Week. Both tracks received critical acclaim from the likes of Taste of Country, CMT, EARMILK, and CBC among others.

Exes and Friends see some of the strongest and most authentic songwriting from Shantaia yet. "I started working on the album and the concept over two years ago, and have put my heart and soul into this record," she shares. "It represents a new chapter, or era, if you will, of myself as an artist and a songwriter, and I’m so proud of everything it’s done for me already! I hope it can do something for you too.”

Working with producer Grady Saxman, Shantaia collaborated with a collective of co-writers to create a record that spans the spectrum of emotion. From the heart-wrenching yearning of ‘Best Yet,’' and the definity of current radio single ‘’Know You'' on the Exes half of the album, to the nostalgic and celebratory anthems, ‘’Curfew'' and ‘’Damaged Goods''that highlight the Friends half - Shantaia displays her incredible versatility as an artist. Bonus Track ‘’Know You (Piano Version)'' and ‘’Had A Good Weekend (Acoustic Version)'' showcase the raw talent behind her powerhouse vocals.

EXES AND FRIENDS TRACKLIST
1. Curfew
2. Broke To Brand New
3. Had A Good Weekend
4. Know You
5. Damaged Goods
6. Hung Over You
7. Best Yet
8. Exes and Friends
9. Know You (Piano Version)
10. Had A Good Weekend (Acoustic Version)

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #213 w/ Country Songstress Shantaia An Artist On The Rise With Her Exciting Debut Album ''Exes and Friends''

Shantaia - Know You Official Music Video

Shantaia - Hung Over You Offical Music Video

Shantaia - Broke To Brand New Official Music Video

Shantaia - Had A Good Weekend Official Music Video

Music's Journey INTERVIEW #213 w/ Country Songstress Shantaia An Artist On The Rise With Her Exciting Debut Album ''Exes and Friends''

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