Keith Urban Performing at the 56th ACM Awards 2021
The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards were held Sunday night. Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton hosted the event, which was broadcast from iconic locations in Nashville such as the Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Café.
Maren Morris led the way with five nominations and took home the award for female artist of the year. Entertainer of the year went to Luke Bryan, who couldn't attend the show after recently testing positive for COVID-19.
The show featured performances by Lady A, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay and more.
See the full list of winners from the 2021 ACM Awards below…
Entertainer of the year
Luke Bryan — Winner Eric Church Luke Combs Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton
Thomas Rhett — Winner Dierks Bentley Luke Combs Eric Church Chris Stapleton
Duo of the year
Dan + Shay — Winner Brooks & Dunn Brothers Osborne Florida Georgia Line Maddie & Tae
Group of the year
Old Dominion — Winner Lady A Little Big Town The Cadillac Three The Highwomen
New female artist of the year
Gabby Barrett — Winner Ingrid Andress Tenille Arts Mickey Guyton Caylee Hammack
New male artist of the year
Jimmie Allen — Winner Travis Denning HARDY Cody Johnson Parker McCollum
Album of the year
"Starting Over" — Chris Stapleton — Winner "Born Here Live Here Die Here" — Luke Bryan "Mixtape Vol. 1" — Kane Brown "Never Will" — Ashley McBryde "Skeletons" — Brothers Osborne
Single of the year
"I Hope You're Happy Now" — Carly Pearce and Lee Brice — Winner "Bluebird" — Miranda Lambert "I Hope" — Gabby Barrett "More Hearts Than Mine"— Ingrid Andress "The Bones" — Maren Morris
Song of the year
"The Bones" — Maren Morris — Winner "Bluebird" — Miranda Lambert "One Night Standards" — Ashley McBryde "Some People Do" — Old Dominion "Starting Over" — Chris Stapleton
Video of the year
"Worldwide Beautiful" — Kane Brown — Winner "Better Than We Found It" — Maren Morris "Bluebird" — Miranda Lambert "Gone" — Dierks Bentley "Hallelujah" — Carrie Underwood and John Legend
Music Event of the year
"I Hope You're Happy Now" — Carly Pearce and Lee Brice — Winner "Be A Light" — Thomas Rhett featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban "Does To Me" — Luke Combs feat. Eric Church "Nobody But You" — Blake Shelton ft. Gwen Stefani "One Beer" — HARDY ft. Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson "One Too Many" — Keith Urban, P!nk
Hailing from Hamilton ON, the 26-year-old multi-instrumentalist country singer 'Mackenzie Leigh Meyer' has come a long way from her humble beginnings of community theatre and songwriting on the family piano. Emerging into the country music scene with her May 2018 EP “Dive Bar Diva”, up and comer Mackenzie Leigh Meyer is already getting praise for her unique style and enchanting vocals.
Beginning 2019 with aCMA Ontario nomination for “Roots Artist of the Year” and rounding it out with slots at Boots and Hearts, Havelock Jamboree, and Lucknow’s Music in the Fields to name a few, you could say she has been making a lot of ground in a short period of time.
Eager to follow the heat of 2019 with new music, Meyer partnered with esteemed producer Jeff Dalziel (2018/2019 CCMA Producer of the Year) and released her latest single “Before You” in October 2020, and she released her first music video earlier this year 2021. The song was added to Spotify’s “Live Country” and Amazon’s “Breakthrough Country” playlists and has already garnered over 50,000 streams on Spotify alone.
''I had the pleasure of chatting with rising star 'Mackenzie Leigh Meyer' who has such a bright future in Canadian country music, '' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host for the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''Her new single 'Before You' really showcases the subtlety of her unique vocals and highlights just how gifted she is as a songwriter. It is a beautiful ballad that shows off her love of poetry in her approach to this song. I love the story and lyrics behind 'Before You' which is the polar opposite of her incredible song 'More Than A Memory.' My favourite by the way. Mackenzie's new single is a story that comes full circle. A story of love that is built by subtle gestures in everyday life, the emotional and mental support, the stability that builds that perfect friendship and love that is just so easy. The love that lasts a lifetime'' says Cyr.
''I really believe in Mackenzie's ability to tell a story beautifully in her music as a singer/songwriter,'' says Cyr. ''She really has something special and I know there is a real fire within her as an artist,'' says Kim Cyr. ''I can really relate to her artistry and we had a lot of fun in my interview with Mackenzie. I had to ask my favourite question lately in my Burning Questions portion of the interview and it did not disappoint. You have to hear what happens at the end of this interview. Priceless.'' To hear the whole interview, click the link below.
April 15, 2020 (TORONTO, ON) - Tattoo artist and country singer-songwriter Aaron Allen is back with his best work yet. Allen has released his new single 'Good Place To Start' that was produced by the magic man himself, multi-award-winning Producer of the Year, Jeff Dalziel.
''On the heels of his emotionally charged and nominated EP; Highway Mile, Allen delivers a song that lets the message stand out in front of the music,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''His vocals and sound are unique in this song,'' says Cyr. ''I love the positive message that the lyrics deliver. There couldn't be a better message for the world right now and that message is to take the time to see the little things that bring on the stability that helps you grow and see the best in a much bigger picture called, ''Life.'' ''Sometimes we need to stop all of life's noise and see what is really important. Allen co-wrote this song with Joe Ernewein and Patrick James Clark. I had so much fun interviewing Allen and the stories and laughter just put a smile on your face. You have to hear what a fan-requested from Allen. It is hilarious.'' To hear the whole interview, click HERE.
In one of the toughest and disruptive years in our lives due to a worldwide pandemic, Aaron Allen managed to have one of the best years of his musical career and his star continues to rise.
The future is bright for rising Country Singer/Songwriter Aaron Allen, winner of the 2020 CMAOntario "Rising Star". Aaron was also nominated for "Male Artist of the Year". His latest EP release Highway Mile has accumulated over 3 million streams and has been on countless Apple playlists. Apple Music made Allen the Apple Music Artist of the Week in May of 2020 shortly after the release of his EP Highway Mile. He is also a published songwriter with Arts & Crafts Publishing and is currently having success writing for others. He co-wrote the lead single "It Couldn't Hurt" for newly signed Warner Music Canada artist David Boyd Janes. He co-wrote the song "Can't Stop" released by punk outfit and New Damage artists The Heart Attack Kids in 2020 as well. He has already placed more than a dozen songs slated to be released by other artists in 2021. Allen is just getting started so buckle up and get ready for the ride of this talented singer/songwriter Aaron Allen. Don't forget to tune in to the 2021 CMAOntario Awards.
Sunday, May 30 from 7:00-9:30 pm Ancaster Fairgrounds 630 Trinity Road South
Brett Kissel releases his fifth major-label studio album What Is Life? (LISTEN HERE).
“That age-old question is one that I’ve really focused on and centered around for this next phase of my career and for my life,” says Brett. “And each and every time, the one thought that is always front and center for me, is doing the best we can with what we have and making the most of our lives. I hope that everyone who hears it not just enjoys it, but is also inspired by it.”
Last month, Brett unveiled the first single, “Make A Life, Not A Living,” accompanied by the official music. “Make A Life, Not A Living” set history upon its release, picking up the most adds ever in a single week on Canadian country radio.
Brett recently picked up his fifth career JUNO Award nomination. His chart-topping single “Drink About Me” is nominated in the prestigious Single of the Year category.
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If you’re a fan of country music, you probably already know Brett Kissel’s story – owned his first guitar before he was even in school, released his first album before he could even drive – leading to him becoming Canada’s most dynamic country music artist before he turned 30 years old. The farm-and-ranch-raised artist has 15 top 10 radio singles, 3 #1 songs, and a tractor bucket full of gold and platinum plaques. He set records on his 112-date cross-country tour, played over 20 shows with his hero Garth Brooks, and has won 18 CCMA Awards and 2 JUNO Awards.
While fans were still buzzing about last year’s Now Or Never album, Brett started looking towards his next release, but couldn’t get three words out of his head – What Is Life? The search for something “more” weighed heavily on the country star’s mind and with the new album, Brett Kissel invites fans to take a deep dive with him into songs about love, celebration and gratitude.
''Whenever there is new music by superstar Brett Kissel, we all get excited,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of Music's Journey Podcast. ''Brett's new album 'What Is Life' is a masterpiece of a life's journey that comes full circle for this star. Coming off a very busy 300-day touring year to the stillness of not performing live, Brett had to dig deep to see what his heart and soul already knew. He describes flying from one side of the country to the other and feeling his heart pull to the childhood farm he grew up on and left as a teenager. He swore that he would never miss the farm and focus on chasing his dream to play on the stage playing his music as a successful singer/songwriter. He never knew that life would come full circle and his need to ground his life with balance would come from the land that has been in his family for over a hundred years. Brett's new album What Is Life has something for everyone. Whether you are celebrating love, life, or dealing with facing what hurdles are standing in your way, Brett has delivered some amazing songs on this new project. I get the opportunity to dig into the honesty and vulnerability behind the superstar Brett Kissel, in my recent interview this week. To hear the full interview, click the link below.
Meghan Patrick, Tim Hicks, and Robyn Ottolini Lead In Nominations
April 6, 2021 (TORONTO)
The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the nominees for the 9th Annual CMAOntario Awards, taking place Sunday, May 30, 2021 as a drive-in style event at the Ancaster Fairgrounds in Hamilton, Ontario. Leading the nominations are 15 time CMAOntario Award winner Meghan Patrick, nine time CMAOntario Award winner Tim Hicks, and viral sensation Robyn Ottolini, with five nominations each.
Hosted by Jason McCoy and Beverley Mahood, the CMAOntario Award Show will close out the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend May 28 – 30, 2021. After presenting the first ever, live, drive-in country music awards show in October 2020, CMAOntario is happy to do it all again this year in Hamilton. The CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will acknowledge the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 18 categories.
The Final Nominees for the 9th Annual CMAOntario Awards are:
SINGLE OF THE YEAR “All I Can Do” – Buck Twenty “F-150” – Robyn Ottolini “Girls Like Me” – Meghan Patrick “No Truck Song” – Tim Hicks “Thank Her For That” – Owen Barney
ALBUM OF THE YEAR All Woman – Nicole Rayy Highway Mile – Aaron Allen Jade Eagleson – Jade Eagleson Love Wins – Kelly Prescott The I’m Not Always Hilarious EP – Robyn Ottolini
SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR Callie McCullough, Scotty Kipfer – “After Midnight” Recorded by Callie McCullough
Jamie Appleby, Owen Barney, Alyssa Reid, Dave Thomson, Mike Wise – “Thank Her For That” Recorded by Owen Barney
Meghan Patrick, Jobe Fortner, Ryan Nelson – “Girls Like Me” Recorded by Meghan Patrick
Robyn Ottolini, Mark Schroor, Erik Fintelman – “F-150” Recorded by Robyn Ottolini
Tim Hicks, Bruce Wallace, Jeffrey Coplan – “No Truck Song” Recorded by Tim Hicks
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Elyse Saunders Kelsi Mayne Meghan Patrick Robyn Ottolini Tianna Woods
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Aaron Allen Andrew Hyatt Darcy John David Boyd Janes Tim Hicks
GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR Buck Twenty Jess and Tay The Abrams The Reklaws The Western Swing Authority
FRANCOPHONE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Kristine St-Pierre Les Rats D’Swompe Melissa Ouimet Reney Ray Stef Paquette
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR Buck Twenty Callie McCullough Elyse Saunders Robyn Ottolini Sacha
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR “All I Can Do” – Buck Twenty “Broken Boys” – Nicole Rayy “Girls Like Me” – Meghan Patrick “No Truck Song” – Tim Hicks “Where I’m From” – The Reklaws
FANS’ CHOICE Andrew Hyatt Jade Eagleson James Barker Band Meghan Patrick Steven Lee Olsen Tebey The Reklaws Tim Hicks
RECORD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Dustin Olyan – Callie McCullough, Twin Kennedy, Mallory Johnson Jeff Dalziel – Aaron Allen, David Boyd Janes, River Town Saints Mark Schroor, Erik Fintelman – Robyn Ottolini, Alexa Goldie, Cory James Mitchell J. Richard Hutt – Jamie Warren, Sean Hogan, Jessie T, Tianna Woods Shawn Moore – Ben Hudson, Matt Teed, Emily Clair, Evan Farrell, Emily Kate
ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR Kelly Prescott The Abrams The Good Brothers The Redhill Valleys The Western Swing Authority
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET) CHKX KX 94.7, Hamilton CIKZ COUNTRY 106.7, Kitchener CJKX KX 96, Oshawa CKDK COUNTRY 104, Woodstock CKKL PURE COUNTRY 94, Ottawa
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (MEDIUM MARKET) CFCO COUNTRY 92.9, Chatham CHCQ-FM COOL 100.1 FM, Belleville CJQM COUNTRY 104.3, Sault Ste. Marie CKQM PURE COUNTRY 105, Peterborough CKXC COUNTRY 93.5, Kingston
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (SMALL MARKET) CFDC COUNTRY 105, Shelburne CHAW COUNTRY 103, Little Current CHVR PURE COUNTRY 96.7, Pembroke CICX PURE COUNTRY 106, Orillia CJDL COUNTRY 107.3, Tillsonburg CKYY COUNTRY 89, Welland
MUSIC INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR Amanda Kingsland, Country 92.3/Rogers Communications Dave Woods, In The Country Randy Owen, Radio Host/Personality Steve Coady, Warner Music Canada Tommy KW Lam, Reve Music Group Inc.
THE COMPASS AWARD This recipient is based on a combination of Nielsen Audio On-Demand Streams, Album Sales, Digital Song downloads, and Airplay Spins metrics along with statistics for Facebook, Instagram and, Twitter. The artist, duo, or group with the largest overall outcome of said metrics during the applicable period will be deemed the recipient.
THE HOLLY & STEVE KASSAY GENEROUS SPIRIT AWARD This award recognizes a person who has dedicated their time and efforts above and beyond the call of duty. It acknowledges that demonstrated passion and dedication play an integral role in the continued development of the organization and its initiatives. The recipient of this award is determined by the award Sponsor in consultation with the CMAOntario Board of Directors.
Voting for the awards is restricted to CMAOntario members, with the exception of the Fans’ Choice award, which is open to both public and membership voting. Eligible members will have the opportunity to vote on the final ballot as of today up until April 19, 2021.
Music fans can cast their votes for the Fans’ Choice award beginning on April 19 until May 7, 2021, at www.cmaontario.ca/awards/voting.
Performers, ticket details, and additional events from the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend will be announced in the coming weeks.
The CMAOntario Awards are presented by Slaight Music.
CMAOntario Award Show Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 7pm Ancaster Fairgrounds 630 Trinity Road South, Hamilton Tickets On Sale April 19, 2021
CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend May 28 – 30, 2021 Hamilton, Ontario www.cmaontario.ca
Jordan Hart debuts his brand-new video for Only Pieces of the Truth, the single was released today via Believe Digital and all streaming services. Hart is a singer-songwriter from Alberta, now based in Toronto, ON. The single is an emotive, mid-paced, and gentle song with gloriously sweeping arrangements and the video features a beautiful dance performance expressing our desire to communicate but failing to do so. It was directed by Julia Hendrickson (Justin Nozuka), produced by Lucy Cameron, and choreographed by Lauren Runions.
Said Hart. ‘’The central character realizes that all he wants to do is be vulnerable and that he is “holding all the cards, wishing you could see inside his walls.” But even still, and especially because the stakes are so high, he can’t bring himself to take the first steps forward toward repairing the relationship (“staring at your door, I’ll never knock”).’’
Hart reached out to Julia Hendrickson after being impressed by her work on Justin Nozuka’s past videos. The video was filmed in an old, abandoned mansion in Toronto. The concept of the video was to explore the line between the purely natural and slightly distorted or manipulated. The dancers wore little to no makeup and were dressed very simply as to contrast beautifully against this forgotten space that was once such a grand statement of human presence.
‘’The mansion’s decaying paint and old wood make it feel like space is being reclaimed by the natural world,’’ said Hart. ‘’The natural light that quietly exposes the dark abandoned rooms reminds me of our profound impermanence in the face of the vastness of the environment that surrounds us.’’
In 2019, Hart embarked on a 100-day straight busking challenge in Toronto, through thunderstorms and snowstorms he played on. Every Sunday, 100 percent of the money he raised was donated to L’Arche Canada, an organization that helps create communities that support people with intellectual disabilities. Since then, he has secured a record deal with Believe Digital and All Points (based out of the UK). The momentum from his daily busking also culminated in a sold-out show at the Great Hall in Toronto and his career streams also increased by over a quarter of a million. As a featured artist, his work with Lucky Rose on the song ‘’Lost’’ has accumulated over 15 million streams across all platforms and the track was top 30 at CHR Canadian radio. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his debut EP, out now.
''Pop artist ''Jordan Hart'' has built his career through his live performances and honing his brilliant artistry and vision as a singer/songwriter,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of Music's Journey Podcast. ''Hart describes his debut video for his single Only Pieces of the Truth as a connection to his heart and soul. His vision moves you and connects you emotionally to that feeling we all can find hard to face and allow ourselves to be and that is vulnerable. The dancing in the video drives home that message with softness and the love that is expressed between the two dancers. You can feel the love that can be so strong but can be broken with the walls we build around ourselves that we feel are protecting us but in truth are robbing us of the compassion of what love can bring into our lives. You can't feel love completely or understand it without allowing yourself to be vulnerable a hundred percent of the way. I love this video and the visionary artist that Hart has become. Hart shows his emotive vocals and lyrics to this brilliant song,'' says Cyr.
To hear the full interview, click on the link below.
Country, rock, and Americana singer/songwriter and INXS founder delivers an adventurous full album with limited-edition, animated picture disc vinyl LP
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Prolific songsmith and country and Americana singer/songwriter Andrew Farriss released his self-titled debut album on March 19th, 2021. Taking fans around the world on a journey through nature, history, love, and cultural spirituality, Farriss has put his whole heart into this work of art and has come up with nothing short of a masterpiece.
Farriss shares his genuine talents as he shifts into genres that encapsulate all he stands for. Inspired by adventure, exploration, and more, the complete album is now available to download and stream on all digital platforms. With the lead single and music video release of “Run Baby Run” and another album track, “Good Momma Bad” premiering on Cowboys & Indians, there is no containing the potential of this stellar work.
“One of the reasons many people have warmed to country music, is that it isn’t just happy songs,” says Andrew. “It is the sad songs; it is the gritty subjects that some genres of music won’t go near. That is something that attracts me as a songwriter. I don’t want to chase what train everyone else is on, I want to stay true to what I do as a songwriter, and keep a frontier sense of freedom. When I was putting the album together, I steered away from cliches, plus I wanted to put my own personality in it. If my album doesn’t sound like anyone else, then that is good.”
When creating this project, Andrew Farriss left no stone unturned. It was imperative to make a vinyl record like no other that reflects and provides not only a listening experience but a visual one as well. The vinyl, an original work of art in itself showcases a translucent record that comes to life with moving characters and breath-taking animation once it hits the turntable. The cover offers a classic “Western” feel that brings back the traditional qualities that albums once had, yet maintains a fresh new image to keep every collector wanting more.
“As well as digital, I was passionate about wanting my album released on vinyl as I think the music on vinyl is tangible - physically attractive with the right artwork. To me this is important in the current digital music avalanche,” beams Farriss.
Listen to “Good Momma Bad” premiered on Cowboys & Indians HERE.
Listen to, “With the Kelly Gang” premiere
Building anticipation, Andrew previously shared three singles from the debut. “Come Midnight,” released in 2019, has continued to build a strong following since it first received radio airplay. “Good Momma Bad,” released at the start of 2020, solidified Andrew’s new musical direction and garnered further acclaim. His latest single, “Run Baby Run,” hit airwaves in March 2021. Prior to COVID-19, Andrew’s solo debut was initially flagged for release in March 2020. However, that was put on hold for 12-months. In that time, Andrew released a five-track EP, ‘Love Makes The World’, that spawned two hit singles, the title track which recently took the #5 spot on the Australian country chart, and “All The Stars Are Mine.”
''Andrew Farriss is one of the most accomplished and exceptional artists in rock history,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief of NOW and THEN Magazine and host of Music's Journey Podcast. Farriss's skills as a songwriter/producer are showcased in this unique visual storyboard of a collection of songs that bring his artistry to life in his self-titled debut album. ''It is a masterpiece,'' says Cyr. Here are some of the questions I asked Andrew Farriss in my interview with him.
I felt an instant and heartfelt connection to this song, and as a songwriter myself it pushes all the right buttons.
2. If you could step into the shoes and mind of any artist past or present, who would it be and why?
Farriss - Bob Marley & The Wailers. Bob was a true master and communicator - a genius.
Love what that group of people achieved, love the Reggae music, love the songwriting, love the attitude to life, and conviction of faith.
After Bob passed, my band INXS was doing another major US tour and Ziggy Marley and the Wailers came out on tour with us for 3 months during the KICK tour.
Later down the road, I recall Ziggy showing me Bob’s bible, as a treasured possession.
I hope they are all well and in good health.
Love to all.
3. What is your biggest life lesson so far?
Farriss -
Treat others as you’d like to be treated, never lose a great opportunity to keep your mouth shut.
You need good food and clean water and shelter.
You can't eat a smartphone.
4. When you want to shut out all the noise and stress of the world, what is your favorite thing to do?
Farriss - Read books. Think of positive things in life. Take a gentle walk, if possible with a loved one or friend - find a peaceful location. Eat pistachio nuts.
5. What is your most useless talent?
Farriss - I know how to repair a flat tire with a vulcanizing kit.
When it came to penning the tracks for the album, Farriss had looked within and through personal experience, writing a collection of songs that bring to life stories of outlaws, freedom, cowboys, love, and paints vivid imagery of gun-slinging bandits, Australian history, and international cultural spirituality. With no INXS touring plans in the immediate future, and an abundance of original material in his songbook, Andrew has now launched a solo career that sees him taking aim at the country and Americana; and this is only the beginning.
“I love writing songs and telling stories that hopefully resonate with people. I have not followed any trends or formulas creating these songs. What I have written and recorded is different. I like different, different is good."
Andrew Farriss is a creative, versatile, award-winning artist embarking on an adventure to present his individual talents to the world. Not only did Farriss co-found the iconic INXS mentioned above, but he was also the main songwriter, played the keyboard and guitar, and sang backup vocals for the band. His hard work has paid off as the group went on to be nominated for Grammy, Brit, MTV Music, and ARIA Awards. He alone won producerof the year at the ARIA Awards and has written songs for various albums that have gone triple platinum. Native to Tamworth Australia, Farriss now splits his time between his home country and Nashville, Tennessee. Farriss frequents the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville and makes a highly anticipated yearly appearance at Tamworth’s Country Music Festival in Australia. Nothing can stop Farriss’s creativity and this album is a roadmap of the numerous feats he has achieved.
50/50 is a unique take on a love song. It's a love song about you (the listener), versus a breakup song about two people. This homage to self-esteem is timely as taking care of your own emotional needs became paramount in 2021, Kayla reflects on this on her latest track 50/50. As Kayla explains “Sometimes you need to show yourself some love, even if it means hurting someone else."
Working with Marty Martino (Honors, Down With Webster) and her A&R team, the result is one of Kayla’s strongest tracks to date and showcases her dynamic vocal range.
Reflecting on what she wants fans to take from the song Kayla says “Lots of people will hear this song and think it's just about a spoiled relationship, but to me, it's so much more than that. It's about recognizing that you deserve better than what you're being given. It's about removing unwanted toxicity from your life.”
Since the 2017 release of her debut single “Carnival Hearts” (which went on to stream over 5 million times) and its follow up Top 10 single, the anthemic “What You’re Made Of,” Kayla continues to impress with her talent and determination to spread positivity with her words and music.
''Kayla Diamond has a very unique way of presenting this love story,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief of NOW and THEN Magazineandhost for Music's Journey Podcast. ''50/50 (Slaight Music/Pheromone/Cadence): The new single from the Toronto pop singer/songwriter has burst out of the gate, notching the Top Indie Add on the DMDS/Yangaroo chart this week. This song has a powerful message that can be taken in many different life situations. It is what I love about it. The message to self-love, to recognize when a relationship is toxic and that instead of staying in something that just isn't good for you. Kayla opens up about her recent marriage Talia Hershon and the special love they have for one another. I have a chance to ask some cool questions to them both. To hear the full interview, click on the link below.
This song is a culmination of Don's personal goals, career efforts and continued growth as an artist. The song was written by some of Don's personal songwriting icons, Charles Kelley (Lady A), Simon Wilcox, Gordie Sampson and Tawgs Salter. The timing for this song has perfectly aligned as Don is on an upward trajectory with this song looking to be the catalyst to push him to the next level. The song also features Canadian Country star, Jess Moskaluke on background vocals.
About Don Amero
An engaging storyteller, singer-songwriter and performer, three-time JUNO Award nomineeDon Amero has been tirelessly touring, performing and speaking across Canada for the last decade, earning the respect and attention of the Canadian Music industry and fans alike. With a proven ability to effortlessly and genuinely connect with his audience, Amero’s talents have been much sought after, and in early 2019 he became a part of the MDM Recordings Inc. roster. Amero, who is of Cree and Metis heritage, has been recognized for his advocacy work within Indigenous communities and beyond, including his participation as a youth mentor for the Winnipeg Jets and True North Youth Foundation’s ‘Project 11’. An avid public speaker, Amero created the ‘Music Is Medicine’ workshop, presenting the impact and power music has mentally and physically, and this year was named the first ever advisor and Chair of the CCMA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
''Canadian Country Artist ''Don Amero'' reminisces about life and what is really important to him during this past year,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host of the International Music's Journey Podcast. ''Amero's new single 'Ýou Can't Always Be 21' featuring back vocals with Jess Moskaluke, has such a refreshing feel-good vibe to it. We all can use that about right now.'' Listen to the full interview HERE.
TORONTO, ON. (March 17th, 2021) — Hot off the celebration of her second Canadian #1 single (“wAnt me back”), Calgary’s Lindsay Ell has earned her career-first JUNO Awards nomination. Earning a coveted spot in the Country Album of the Year category, Ell’s nomination highlights the success of her sophomore album, heart theory, and its ability to connect with audiences globally.
“I am incredibly proud to be a Canadian touring internationally and building my career around the world, but there is something about being nominated for my firstJUNO Award ever that is truly so special," said Ell. "I am thrilled and honoured to stand alongside my fellow Canadian artists who I look up to and cannot wait for the JUNO Awards in May!”
Earning more than 23 million Canadian streams, Ell was the first Canadian female artist to earn a #1 single in more than a decade in 2017 with her chart-topping single “Criminal.” Following the success of this release, Ell went on to win two CCMA Awards, became a CMA and ACM Award nominee and earned her first #1 in the US alongside Brantley Gilbert with “What Happens In A Small Town” in November 2019. This remarkable achievement made Lindsay the first Canadian artist to earn this status since 2007 and the first Canadian female artist since 2003.
Ell will celebrate her career's firstJUNO Award nomination with the release of her next single, “good on you,” which went to radio on March 10th. This single will continue to build Ell’s international success story. It also confirms Ell’s presence on three international charts: Canada, the US — where “wAnt me back” continues to climb — and the UK — where “Hits me” was recently added to BBC Radio2’s B-List and premiered by Bob Harris.
Kicking off 2021 as an official CMA Foundation Ambassador, Ell will continue to create interactive opportunities for youth through music education while connecting with fans via social media, her online guitar course (Playing wELL with Lindsay Ell) and a handful of upcoming, socially-distanced shows.
''Lindsay Ell spoke about the evolution from track #1 to track #12 and going through the seven stages of grief in order,'' says Kim Cyr, Editor in Chief for NOW and THEN Magazine and host for Music's Journey Podcast. ''Through shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance, it’s all there. Anyone who has experienced any kind of personal trauma, loss, heartbreak has been there, and these songs follow that journey. One step at a time.'' ''I love Ell's answers for my burning questions portion of the interview,'' says Cyr. Listen to the whole interview HERE.
Lauded as “one of the most exciting and talented young artists in country music” (Forbes), Lindsay Ell is a triple threat: accomplished musician, unique vocalist and awe-inspiring songwriter. The Calgary native learned to play guitar while traveling with her father to country-bluegrass camps as a young girl. Ell honed her craft as a musical stylist and songwriter after being discovered by BTO and The Guess Who’s Randy Bachman (“American Woman” / “Taking Care of Business”) who discovered her at the age of 13. The multi-instrumentalist was soon touring alongside the likes of Luke Bryan, Buddy Guy, and Keith Urban. Ell also shared the stage with the distinguished country group, Little Big Town, along with other powerhouse female artists in one of the biggest moments of the 2019 CMA Awards where she was also nominated for Musical Event of the Year. Ell’s nominations do not stop there. She has been nominated for New Female Artist of the Year in both 2019 and 2020, in addition to her 2020 ACM nomination of Music Event of the Year. Ell also won 2020 CCMA Interactive Artist or Group of the Year for the second year in a row. These wins and nominations are well earned after Ell exhilarated audiences as part of Keith Urban’s Graffiti U World Tour, Brantley Gilbert’s Not Like Us Tour, and Brad Paisley’s Weekend Warrior World Tour. Ell’s first full-length album The Project debuted at No. 1 on the Country Album Sales Chart and was named Billboard’s “Best Country Album of 2017. “What Happens In a Small Town,” Lindsay’s duet with Brantley Gilbert, claimed the top spot at country radio, marking her first No. 1 in the US. She has two No. 1 singles under her belt in Canada. Her new single "wAnt me back" is out now from her critically-acclaimed sophomore album, heart theory.
JUNO AWARD NOMINATION IN COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR CATEGORY
NOMINATION FOLLOWS SUCCESSFUL RELEASE OF SOPHOMORE ALBUM HEART THEORY, ELL’S FIRST US #1 (“WHAT HAPPENS IN A SMALL TOWN”)
AND SECOND CANADIAN #1 (“WANT ME BACK")
A Message from Lindsay
Three years ago I sat down with some girls who were victims of rape and sex trafficking. We bonded after sharing our stories together in a way that you could only really feel in that room that day.
That day, I decided that I want to be a place of comfort and empathy for younger girls and boys who have experienced sexual abuse or trauma in their childhoods. I want to be able to talk to disenfranchised youth and help them become more aware of themselves so that they can avoid putting themselves or their friends in situations that would lead to these types of abuse. I want to be able to speak to adults who have been through something similar to my story, to let them know that it is not our past that defines our future, but it is what we decide to do with it that does.
Difficult times in our life don’t make us who we are, but how we learn and act from them does.
When we stand up for what we believe in and use our voices in the power of love and forgiveness to others, I truly believe we have the power to heal each other and heal the world. Love, Lindsay
Keith Urban Performing at the 56th ACM Awards 2021
Andrew Farriss Ticket Information 
