Canada Country Aircheck Issue 1

Welcome to the very first issue of Canada Country Aircheck Digital Magazine. We will have a new issue each Tuesday with more in depth articles for the Canadian country music industry. We will still have our daily newsletter and the reason for starting a digital magazine format is many have asked for more detailed articles which is something we couldn’t do in our regular daily newsletter.

In this issue we have The Road To London which keeps you up to date as the CCMA Music Week gets closer. WE will have a special issue come out on September 7th with all things CCMA Music Week related. We have our DMDS Report showing the top downloads for last week. Our Cover story is on Emerging artist Lauren Mayell who you will be able to see during CCMA Music Week. In our radio news section we have a list of new singles, Pick Hit of the week, and some very interesting research material. We also have a report from Bridge Ratings which is very interesting and will not only be of interest to programmers but your sales team as well. We have our Indie News bringing you up to date on Indie artists and we have a feature on Dean Young. We will have some syndicated programming ideas for programmers in future issues and we bring you the news from Nashville.

Who remembers RPM Magazine? I do! Each week I would head to their offices to pick up the latest issue to see how my brother’s single was doing. I along with everyone else were always met with a warm welcome from Walt and Stan. We reflect and showcase all that Walt and Stan did for our industry. In fact if it wasn’t for them our industry would not be what it is today. This is an interesting read even if you remember or don’t remember or maybe not born yet you will see how the music industry in Canada evolved and built a star system thanks to RPM Magazine.

We’d love to hear from you. If you are a radio station and you want to share your new adds with other country radio programmers and music directors we’d love to receive them. We are working on having charts in each issue coming soon we hope. If you have interesting news send it to us. If you are a radio station and you are looking for staff send us an e-mail and we will put it in our Opportunities section at no charge. If you are talent and you are looking for your next opportunity send us an e-mail and we will post it free. Artists send us any news you have on your career, photo’s if you are visiting radio stations and make sure we are on your DMDS send list. If you have a story idea send it to us and we will consider all submissions.

You can send all e-mails to us at news@canadacountryaircheck.com We look forward to hearing from you.

DEAN BRODY, HIGH VALLEY, MADELINE MERLO AND JESS MOSKALUKE TO PERFORM ON THE 2016 CCMA AWARDS SHOW The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) unveiled today that Dean Brody, High Valley, Madeline Merlo and Jess Moskaluke will all perform at the 2016 CCMA Awards Show on Sunday, September 11. These are the first acts announced to take the stage in London, ON as part of the 2016 CCMA Awards Show, which will be hosted by Canadian television personality Jessi Cruickshank, and broadcast live on CBC at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) with an encore airing on CMT (Canada) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. “We’re thrilled to be bringing Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards Show to London, Ontario for the first time,” said Don Green, President of the Canadian Country Music Association. “The 2016 CCMA Awards Show promises to deliver two hours of incredible performances, memorable moments and all of your favourite Canadian country stars.”

Country legend and nine-time CCMA Award winner, Dean Brody recently took home his second JUNO Award for Country Album of the Year (Gypsy Road). Brody’s latest single “Bush Party” is now available on iTunes. The track is the first single from his sixth album, due for release October 2016. Dean Brody's hit "Bring Down the House" is the top selling digital single for a Canadian country artist of all time.

After taking home the 2015 CCMA Award for Group or Duo of the Year, High Valley went on to sign with Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville, and have spent much of the last year touring and making their mark on the U.S. Included on “artists to watch” lists by Spotify, CMT (U.S.) and Taste of Country, High Valley is currently charting on U.S. Country Top 40 radio.

2015 CCMA Rising Star Award winner and BC native, Madeline Merlo, is nominated for the 2016 CCMA Female Artist of the Year Award. In April, Merlo released her debut album, Free Soul. Her current single, “War Paint", a touching song about standing up for those in the midst of facing something difficult, has been steadily climbing the charts. 2016 brought Merlo across the country to perform on some of the industry’s most coveted stages, including the Calgary Stampede, Boots and Hearts and Rockin’ River Festival.

Jess Moskaluke is a multiple 2016 CCMA Award nominee, including Female Artist and Interactive Artist of the Year. Acclaimed as the first female Canadian country solo artist since Shania Twain to achieve gold single status (with her hit track “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes”), in 2016 she achieved two Top 10 hits with her respective singles, “Kiss Me Quiet” and “Take Me Home”. A multiple 2015 JUNO Award nominee, she was also consecutively crowned the 2014 and 2015 CCMA Award Female Artist of the Year.

The 2016 CCMA Awards Show will see eight CCMA Awards presented, will highlight a number of special performances and will include appearances by a collection of Canadian personalities and country music acts. Additional CCMA Award Show performers and presenters will be announced throughout the month of August.

CANADA’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST SET TO APPEAR AT COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK’S HURON COUNTY FANFEST

Huron County FanFest A marque event as part of Country Music Week, Huron County FanFest features back-to-back performances by ten of Canada’s brightest country stars, and gives country music fans the opportunity to meet, greet and have their photo taken with their favourite acts at the Huron County FanFest photo wall. Country Music Week and artist merchandise will be available onsite for purchase. Best of all – this is a FREE event.

The star-studded line-up of Huron County FanFest features many current CCMA Award nominees and past winners. Chad Brownlee, who is up for both Album of the Year and Video of the Year will perform, as will Female Artist of the Year nominee, Lindsay Ell. Nominee in the Interactive Artist of the Year category, Tim Hicks will take the stage; and Kira Isabella, who has a nomination in the category of Female Artist of the Year will also be there. Brett Kissel, who has an impressive five nominations for the 2016 CCMA Awards is part of the line-up, as is Wes Mack, who has two nods this year: Album of the Year and Interactive Artist of the Year. Rounding out the list of top country acts is Madeline Merlo, up for Female Artist of the Year; Jess Moskaluke, up for Female Artist of the Year, Video of the Year and Interactive Artist of the Year; The Road Hammers, who have a nomination for Group or Dup of the Year and Deric Ruttan, who is nominated in the category of Songwriter(s) of the Year for his smash hit “Came Here To Forget”.

Huron County FanFest Performers Please Note: schedule for performance times and photo wall to be announced closer to event date Chad Brownlee Lindsay Ell Tim Hicks Kira Isabella Brett Kissel Wes Mack Madeline Merlo Jess Moskaluke The Road Hammers Deric Ruttan WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2016 Doors Open at 10AM 11AM – 3PM WHERE: Western Fair District Metroland Media Agriplex

Top DMDS Downloads for August 8th to August 12th AUGUST 8TH

AUGUST 12TH

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Aaron Goodvin “Woman In Love” (Warner) The Band Perry “Comeback Kid” (Universal) Florida Georgia Line f. Tim McGraw “May We All” (Big Machine) Alee “Are You Alone” (Wax/DMD Promo) David James “Starts With A Girl” (MDM/Dale Speaking Promo)

Cold Creek Country “Still That Way” (Sony) Ronnie Dunn f. Kix Brooks “Damn Drunk” (Big Machine) Carrie Underwood “Dirty Laundry” (Sony) Luke Bryan “Move” (Universal) Dean Brody “Bush Party” (Open Road)

AUGUST 9TH

Most Added This Week

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Kenny Chesney Feat Pink “Setting the World On Fire”

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Aaron Goodvin “Woman In Love” (Warner) Carrie Underwood “Dirty Laundry” (Sony) Florida Georgia Line f. Tim McGraw “May We All” (Big Machine) Granger Smith “If the Boot Fits” (Sony) The Band Perry “Comeback Kid” (Universal)

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Carrie Underwood “Dirty Laundry” (Sony) Aaron Goodvin “Woman In Love” (Warner) Dean Brody “Bush Party” (Open Road) Cold Creek Country “Still That Way” (Sony) The Band Perry “Comeback Kid” (Universal)

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Cold Creek Country “Still That Way” (Sony) Ronnie Dunn f. Kix Brooks “Damn Drunk” (Big Machine) Carrie Underwood “Dirty Laundry” (Sony) Luke Bryan “Move” (Universal) Dean Brody “Bush Party” (Open Road)

Jason Aldean “A Little More Summertime” Dean Brody “Bush Party” Luke Bryan “Move” Meghan Patrick “Grace & Grit” Washboard Union “Shoy of Glory” Miranda Lambert “Vice” Eric Church holds on to the number 1 spot for the third week in a row with “Record Year” Top Canadian on the Charts is James Barker Band with “Lawn Chair Lazy” at # 6

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE WEEK LAUREN MAYELL Steeped in culture, tradition and landscape magnificence, Calgary is also home to some of the world’s most recognized names in music. Enter Lauren Mayell, who is quickly making a name for herself in the country genre while embodying the warmth and charm that her hometown is.

Born in Calgary and raised in Thunder Bay, Lauren’s entry into country music quickly occurred while accompanying her grandparents – highly sought after musicians in their own right – to their various and many, Eastern Ontario live performances. Encouraged by her “Pure Country” belt buckle-wearing grandfather to sing, Lauren did, and she hasn’t stopped. The songwriting bug also took hold with Lauren working through life in her lyrics.

Through the support and love of her family, the eventual loss of her beloved grandparents, and facilitating a promise in obtaining a University degree, Lauren’s commitment to country music remained unwavering. Her fate, sealed.

Lauren’s bigger than life vocals, heartfelt and poignant lyrics, coupled with a profound stage presence caught the attention of country superstar George Canyon and Calgarybased producer, Graham Sharkey. The two quickly became three, with Lauren recording a 5-song EP under the guise and direction of the always-in-demand gents. This body of work catapulted Lauren into the media, adding live performances to her schedule, all the while deepening her certainty that music is where she belonged.

And belong she does! Nominated for Alberta Country Music Association’s Female Country Artist of the Year (2012, 2014-15), Lauren was also nominated as ACMA’s Fan’s Choice of the Year for 2012 through to 2014 consecutively. Having opened for Brett Kissel, Emerson Drive, Wes Mack, Dean Brody and Dr. Hook, Lauren’s drive and discipline has garnered her additional friends and fans while Nashville music industry executives raise their country eyebrows and declare their interest to align with Canada’s fast-rising female country artist.

Lauren’s current 6-song EP, “I’ve Changed” (Johnny Gasparic /Graham Sharkey/) is well underway with recordings at 2-time CCMA Award Winning Studio, MCC Recording Studio (Calgary). Launching this fall (2016), “I’ve Changed” contains five songs written

by Lauren including the title track. Her fans will undoubtedly come away knowing more about who Lauren Mayell is – a fun, focused, driven, disciplined singer whose vocal prowess soars, a sensitive songwriter with her eye on the circle in the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and always wearing her kindred spirit grandfather’s “Pure Country” belt buckle.

We sat down with Lauren and asked her some questions: 1) Tell us about the making of your debut Single "The Good Guy" - who was it written with - what was the recording process like - etc.

The Good Guy was written by Jesse Lee, Courtney Cole, and Jeff Pardo. The first time I heard it, I instantly felt a connection. The song is about having this perfect person standing right in front of you that you just don’t feel a connection with, no matter how badly you want to. You can’t tell your heart to feel something that just isn’t there. I have been on both sides of the story and it's really difficult. The Good Guy is just a really relatable song, which is what I strive for in my music.

The recording process was extremely rewarding. I worked with MCC Recording Studio with Johnny Gasparic and Graham Sharkey as producers. They played a huge role in shaping The Good Guy and were so great to work with. Finally putting down my first single and releasing it to country radio feels so surreal and is a huge accomplishment for me. I feel like I've been working toward this step for such a long time, and a lot of friends, family and fans have been supporting me and patiently waiting too. (Wink-wink- nudgenudge, Jody Seeley!)

2) What are Lauren’s upcoming plans? Can we expect an album or tour?

I have been working my way across Canada on a radio tour for The Good Guy and I've been playing a lot of shows lately, including 12 shows during the Calgary Stampede and a couple performances at the Big Valley Jamboree. Next up I'll be playing Country Thunder in Calgary August 21! I'm very excited to be a part of Country Thunder this year, with it being the festival's first time in Alberta.

In September I'll be heading to the CCMAs where I'll play a couple showcases and catch up with my Canadian music family. I'm really looking forward to that week. It's so inspiring and I always go home so motivated to keep growing and learning. Catch me on the Sirroma Entertainment's "Diamonds In The Rough Stage" Friday Sept 09 at 10:30 pm at the Delta Armories Hotel, London. The “Diamonds in the Rough Showcases” run nightly from September 08 to September 11 during the CCMA week.

BIG THANKS TO ANGIE MORRIS AND HER TEAM FOR ORGANIZING THIS GREAT EVENT! Following CCMA's I will be continuing my national radio tour into the Maritimes.

I'm releasing another single – “Better Believe” September 13 and working on my full EP to release shortly after. Lots of exciting things in the works this year!

Visit Lauren Mayell online at http://laurenmayell.com

RADIO NEWS

Radio News

Go West Young Man.......And He Did! Country Radio Veteran Joël Lamoureux Is Heading West Joël and his wife Tracy (Radio Sales/Marketing) have both accepted positions with Golden West Radio in Airdrie, Alberta. His new roll will include programming and hosting the morning show by Author] on [Article AIR 106.and 91.5 in Cochrane, AB. Asked if this means Joël is no longer involved in country music he said "I will absolutely still be entrenched in country.

With Blue Eyes Music Promotions continuing to develop and promote country artists to radio and with my extensive friendships with industry and musicians, I will always be involved in country music".

Tracy will take on the roll of selling radio air time at AIR 106.1 and they're excited to have the opportunity to again work in the same building with Golden West Radio.

To contact Blue Eyes Music Promotions for all things country music, reach out to Joël directly. blueeyesmusicpromotions@gmail.com

Jay Bedford 1035 The Eagle CKCH FM Adds for this week

Playlist adds …

Luke Bryan … Move … Medium Current Kenny Chesney … Setting The World On Fire … Medium Current Feature play …

Jason Aldean … A Little More Summertime Alee … Are You Alone Florida Georgia Line … May We All LoCash … I Know Somebody David James … Starts With A Girl

Share your radio stations adds by sending us an e-mail each week to news@canadacountryaircheck.com

RADIO NEWS

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Steven Lee Olsen

WOW GREAT NEW SINGLE FROM KEITH URBAN WRITTEN IN PART BY CANADIAN STEVEN LEE OLSEN! I had a chance to listen to Keith

by Name Style

Urban's new single "Blue Ain't Your Color" and I see this as an instant hit. We love it and we love the fact that our Canadian Steven Lee Olsen had a hand in cowriting this single. Keith will be touring Western Canada in September as follows: Vancouver

Sept. 10; Kelowna Sept. 11; Prince George Sept. 13; Calgary Sept. 15; Edmonton Sept. 16; Saskatoon Sept. 17.

RADIO NEWS

IT'S SUMMERTIME

NEW SINGLES Our Pick Hit of The Week

AND TIME FOR

Keith Urban “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

TREVOR DENNIS'S

Alessia Cohle “How Bad”

"SUMMER SONG"

Ronnie Dunn ft. Kix Brooks "Damn Drunk"

Jade Mya “Telescope”

Dean Young "Tennessee Honey" COLD CREEK COUNTY “Still That Way” Scotty James “My Car” Karac Hendriks “Can’t Help Loving You” Granger Smith “If The Boot Fits”

"Summer Song" is a fun song that gives us that special feeling that summer brings out in us.

It is well produced with strong vocals and cool production elements. We recommend that radio stations take a closer look at this single, take it into your music meeting.

I'm sure you will find "Summer Song" will test well with your listeners" Canada Country Aircheck Born and raised in the Cariboo of British Columbia Trevor Dennis now calls the Lower Mainland home. He spent the last 7 years touring Western Canada.

Trevor lived 6 months in Nashville last year

Domino “We Just Did” Brad Battle “Hung Up” Carrie Underwood “Dirty Laundry” The Dirt Rich Band “Your Song” Jade Naraine “You Decided To Stay” Justin Moore “Kinda Don’t Care” Billy Currington “It Don’t Hurt Like It Use To”

RADIO NEWS

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AARON PRITCHETT

Jo Jo Mason with Amanda Lorbetski of Cool 100.1 in Belleville Ontario

Garth is on The Phone Mike McGuire Morning Host on Big Dog 92.7 in Regina with Aaron Pritchett when Aaron was asked to open for Garth by Garth in Saskatoon.

Pictures of the Week Send us your pictures so we can share them. Send them to news@canadacountryaircheck.com

WHO IS THIS?

Brett Kissel and Band at Saskatoon Ex Everybody in Saskatoon was Cool With That on Friday Night at the Ex FAST FACTS

A little Fun: Guess who’s Year Book picture this is. His first name is Kenneth and was born May 3rd 1977. He has a degree in marketing and is from a small town in North Carolina. He started playing guitar and writing songs at just 13 years old. He wrote Terri Clark’s single “The World Needs A Drink”. He is having a record year, was fired by Rascal Flatts as their opening act and replaced by Taylor Swift on that Rascal Flatts Tour. He worked for the Home Shopping Network selling knives over night while pursuing his music career during the day.

While this picture shows him with a smile he never smiles in any of his pictures.

Do you know who it is? Send us an e-mail news@canadacountryaircheck.com

RADIO NEWS

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Moms and Media 2016: the Recap Edison Research has great information and research on listening habits. Each year they conduct major research for country radio that is presented at CRS each February.

In 2016, moms continue their mobile ways, moving further away from computers for media tasks. The smartphone, with its ownership still soaring, is the ‘go to’ device for mom for just about everything. In the latest edition of Moms and Media, the mobile tendencies of mom are clear and more pronounced with a decline in computer usage for common activities such as Internet access.

The decline in computer as a preferred device is illustrated in the tracking data for moms’ online radio usage. This year 39% of moms who listened to online radio in the last week did so via computer, which is down significantly from the 61% that said so in 2015, and an even more dramatic decline from the 70% that reported doing so just two years ago. While computer has consistently faded, the smartphone has become the preferred way, with 70% of moms listening to online radio in the last week via smartphone.

Check out the whole research by going here Next week we will look at the shift in the younger demo away from country music.

AM to FM Promotions is proud to work with Canadian Country Artists, and we are particularly proud to be working alongside Alessia Cohle and Jade Mya!

Alessia Cohle's new single, "How Bad" is at country radio now!

Alessia performed at the Manitoulin Country Fest on August 6th and wowed the crowd.

During the CCMA's, you can see Alessia perform at 11:30 am on Saturday, Sept 10th at the Diamonds in the Rough showcase Visit Alessia online at www.alessiacohle.com

Jade Mya has just released her debut CD, "Heartbreak Country".

The launch of the anticipated album was released nationally with street teams at 6 major cities across Canada The third single from the release, "Telescope" is at country radio now.

Catch Jade Mya at the 2016 CCMA's.

Visit Jade online at http://www.jademya.com/

Andrea Morris AM to FM Promotions

63 Thirteenth Street Toronto, ON M8V 3H3 416-469-1314 cell: 416-527-2967 mailto:andrea@amtofm.com http://amtofm.com

ADVERTISING OPTIONS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Visit Bridge Ratings online at http://www.bridgeratings.com/

Advertising Options in the Digital Age In recent months, Bridge Ratings has been asked by ad agency buyers and advertisers for additional insight into navigating media options for most effective advertising strategies.

With traditional media maintaining its reach and digital media providing improving return on investment data along with location and behavioral tracking, the landscape for advertisers has become more clouded, less effective than previously hoped.

In our new study, "Advertising Options in the Digital Age", we returned to the national field to determine the current size of audio media.

We also invited a number of advertising agencies to form an alliance for the purposes of providing Bridge Rating key input on the most effective advertising platforms for various advertising categories.

Top Advertising Categories In 2014 and 2015, Nielsen provided the most recent information available as to the largest ad categories by spend:

Categories of advertisers ranked by dollar spend. For example: Direct Response Advertisers spent $1.2B in advertising spend in 2014. Pharmaceutical companies spent $3.20B.

“Despite continued digital options, traditional AM/FM radio continues heavy weekly usage and remains an important component of any advertising strategy.� — Dave Van Dyke, President, Bridge Ratings

The Latest Media Consumption Numbers Bridge Ratings conducts quarterly field studies to clarify the current state of audio media. In the most recent quarter of data completed in July 2016, we found:

Margin of Error: +/- 1.7%

From a sample of 3334 persons ages 6 and older, 91% had listened to traditional AM/FM radio for at least an hour in the previous week.

78% spent at least an hour in the previous week listening to some form of on-line radio: on-demand (Spotify, Youtube, etc), Pure Play digital platforms such as Pandora, and digital audio simulcasts associated with traditional radio.

18% of the sample spent at least an hour the previous week consuming a podcast.

The Advertising Alliance of 15 ad agencies were interested in determining two data points: 1. Which of the three audio platforms was most effective for each of the top 10 advertising categories.

2. What were the most effective advertising categories for consumer response by platform. Effectiveness Rating (ER) was based on a consolidated report of interviews with key ad agency buyers rating each medium for effectiveness based on their personal experience.

Advertising Effectiveness By Category & Media Platform “This study is the first of its kind to pinpoint budget distribution for the best platforms for reaching specific advertising categories.�

How to read: For the automotive category, Traditional radio garnered the highest effectiveness rating by the Ad Agency Alliance with an average rating of 9.1.

Quick-serve restaurant advertising received the highest rating by the Alliance with 6.4 average rating.

The interesting point to follow with the above chart is that despite multiple advertising platforms, traditional radio has been quite effective for consumer response to the advertising for a majority of these categories, with on-demand streaming and podcasting delivering success in very specific ad category silos. This denotes significant progress for these nascent digital audio platforms.

Bridge Ratings President, Dave Van Dyke notes: "The experience of the ad buyers in the Alliance is that it has taken time for return on investment and consumer response on streaming and podcast platforms to begin to show traction. Nonetheless, this study is the first of its kind to pinpoint the best platforms for reaching specific advertising categories".

Platform Effectiveness

Advertising effectiveness rating by platform. This chart displays the advertising effectiveness ratings as determined by our Advertising Agency Alliance.

The above chart answers the questions put to us by the Ad Agency Alliance: How effective is each audio platform at delivering effective consumer response for the top ten advertising categories.

Podcasting's strengths are: Quick-serve restaurants, Motion Picture and Direct Response.

Streaming's advertising effectiveness points to: Auto Dealership, Quick-serve restaurants, Automotive and Auto Insurance Traditional radio: Automotive, Telephone services, Auto Dealerships and Department Stores Together, these three audio platforms provide a blueprint for buyers of advertising. Knowing which platform is most effective at consumer response allows an ad buy to be constructed that focuses on each platform's strengths.

How much of the advertising budget should be spent on each platform is purely a function of the goal of the campaign and the product or service.

One thing is clear, as usage of traditional audio platforms maintains its ability to reach consumers, digital advertising options offer different effectiveness based on strategy. This new study reveals that AM/FM radio, on-line streaming and podcasting can be utilized effectively in a combined three-pronged approach which captures most consumers depending on the product or service.

Based on the data in this report, Bridge Ratings has created a model which takes into account each ad category and each consumer target.

Advertising budgets should be adjusted with each category in order to take advantage of the greatest impact. Visit online here

THE STORIES BEHIND THE MUSIC In this article we bring you the stories behind the songs or the making of the songs as we interview the stars. We feature new music and the stars telling us about the song, video or album in their own words.

First up is Kenny Chesney with Setting The World On Fire. This single is the top add in Canada this week with 12 stations adding the single.

Kenny shares with us what the song means to him: “At its core, I believe ‘Setting The World On Fire’ captures that unique moment when the ‘like’ turns into ‘love.’ And within that I think it captures the energy when you realize everything in your life is about to change and there’s really nothing you can do about it. I also think it captures all urgency that can come with that.”

We also asked Kenny how he chose Pink: “After I recorded ‘Setting The World On Fire,’ and after I lived with it for a little while, I realize I needed a woman’s voice to be in the song with me, and Pink’s voice holds so many feelings. When I hear her sing, I hear joy, I hear want, a bit of toughness, and a little bit of hurt. To me that’s the mark of a great singer, and a great vocalist…someone that can make you feel all those things at once, and I’ve always really respected her and loved her singing, and I guess it’s because when I hear Pink sing, I truly believe what she’s saying to me.”

Miranda Lambert talks about her new single “Vice”

We asked Miranda why “Vice” is the first single: “No one’s heard music from me in a while and this felt like the perfect song to lead off with because it’s still me just being who I am.”

Miranda tells us about Vice: “I just hope that everybody that hears it can kinda feel like they’re not on an island. That we all have things in our life that aren’t necessary pleasant to talk about, but this song is just honest as you can get about emotions, and letting raw emotions live where they live until you move on to a happier place. It’s kinda the cycle of life, we can’t all be sunshine and roses everyday and sometimes when we’re not we find things that make us feel better at the moment and that’s what a vice is.”

Ronnie Dunn Damn Drunk

Ronnie Dunn has a new single out featuring Kix called “Damn Drunk”. Just outside of Nashville Ronnie lives on a farm. He turned the barn into a Man Cave of sorts with a complete recording studio. When not on the road he spends his time there. We asked Ronnie does he have any hobbies or is it all about work: “No, I don’t have a hobby, I need one. Music’s it. I’d be more well-rounded if I had one, I can’t find it. Golf, that golf thing doesn’t appeal to me. Working this job, for me, I’m a one-trick pony, but it’s like having three jobs. If you’re a songwriter, that’s a full-time job. If you’re a performer, that’s a full-time job touring and everything that goes with that. So, I’m plenty busy”

Eli Young Band “Saltwater Gospel” is the first release off of Eli Young Band’s forthcoming album, which they are currently working on.

We asked what the ocean means to them: Mike Eli – “I know for me, I mean, you look at the ocean, you realize how small you are in this world. I think that the ocean is a lot of unknown. I think it’s a scary, beautiful place and being able to witness it, to be out there with it, and to be able to get into the water, you kind of feel like there’s something much bigger than you out there.”

The Eli Young Band it’s been a little over two years since Eli Young Band released their last album, 10,000 Towns. They also took a little time before releasing their new single, “Saltwater Gospel” off their new album, but the guys say they weren’t just sitting around doing nothing. Mike Eli, explains “The new record’s been done for a while, we finished it back in February and so it was one of those things that over the last year while we were working on the record, it was more about finding the right moments to write music and find the right songs.”

Each week we will feature new music and the stories behind the songs. As an artist if you have a new single out make sure we receive it and tell us the story behind the song. You can e-mail us at news@canadacountryaircheck.com

Indie News

Domino Releases New Single

BILLY RAY CYRUS NEW MUSIC “THIN LINE”

Rarely does one find four individuals, all coming from various backgrounds able to gel together creating a harmonious group. Together; Domino has mastered this by honing their harmonies to near perfection, which explains the melded cohesive sound projected on their new EP “Ghost”.

Having redefined their brand and sound so unique; one might say it could be comparable to a Fleetwood Mac embellished with country music.

Domino has numerous ACMA (Association of Country Music in Alberta) nominations in their belt. All garnering top 5 placements in all categories: Group, Album, Song, and Fan’s Choice by their peers. For the 2015 ACMA awards this group was named Group of the Year and garnered the prestige title of Fan’s Choice. “We are extremely humbled

and honoured to have been chosen to receive Group of the Year and the Fans Choice awards at the ACMAs this year! From our peers to our fans…We are eternally grateful!” stated Domino after receiving the wins.

Being selected on a CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) ballot for their song writing on the single “2:15” was a huge milestone and statement towards not only their song writing ability but recognition across Canada.

Domino’s new single “We Just Did” is at radio now. Check it out

Throughout the course of nearly three decades, Billy Ray Cyrus has achieved international success as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, and philanthropist. He has sold millions of albums, charted 35 singles, 16 of which are Top 40 hits and continues to receive critical acclaim as an actor, writer, and executive producer in film and television.

Cyrus stars in a new comedy television series on CMT called “Still The King". The show’s premiere was the highest rated original series on CMT ever and averages 4.5 million viewers each week. The show was picked up by CMT for a second season. “Thin Line” is featured in the season finale of Still The King.

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Washboard Union These guys are fun and entertaining and shouldn’t be missed if you are attending the CCMA Awards Show.

CCMA AWARDS Wes Mack Wes Mack multi-nominee in the categories of Album of the Year and Interactive Artist of the Year, will have the crowd rocking.

SHOW COUNTDOWN CONCERT For all the die-hard Canadian country music fans, the CCMA

by Name Style and London Host Committee have orchestrated a CCMA Awards Pre-Show experience to optimize the historic event of London, Ontario hosting Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards Show for the first time. Before the 2016 CCMA Awards Show goes live, before Canadian celebs strut their stuff down the John Deere Green Carpet, the CCMA Awards Show Countdown Concert will get fans rocking with a line-up stacked with 2016 CCMA Award nominees. Make a day of the festivities with the CCMA, and head down to Talbot Street to partake in the excitement on Sunday, September 11

Female Artist of the Year nominee, Lindsay Ell; Roots Artist of the Year nominees, The Lovelocks; multinominee in the categories of Album of the Year and Interactive Artist of the Year, Wes Mack; Rising Star nominees, River Town Saints; multi-nominees in the categories of Group or Duo of the Year, Roots Artist of the Year, Rising Star and Video of the Year, The Washboard Union, and nominee in the categories of Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, Bobby Wills will all take to the stage to get the party started in advance of the 2016 CCMA Awards Show.

3

INDIE ARTIST DAN DAVIDSON Can you make it as Indie Artist?

You have the raw talent, a great song, high quality production and a great team that believes in your music and you can break through. Kelsea Ballerini came out of nowhere with her first single and made it to the top of the charts with her first single.

JoJo Mason is another who had never been heard on radio and again made it big in the last year. Dan Davidson FOUND success with his first country single and he is the definition of an Indie artist.

Alberta’s newest up and coming country sensation Dan Davidson exploded onto the Canadian country scene in 2016 with the release of his second single “Found” (Cowritten by Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers). Dan became arguably the indie story of 2016 as his single “Found” rocketed up the charts and he became the #1 charting indie artist in Canada. By June 2016, “Found” reached #26 on the charts and was the 9th highest charting Canadian song in the country.

The future is bright for Davidson. Already in only 2 years of being involved in the country music scene, his name is right up there on the charts with some of the top artists in north America – and he has found a way to do it 100% indie. Dan is new to the country scene, but is far from “green” in them music industry. He spent 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

“FOUND” Is at 21 this week on the charts and has been on the charts for 16 weeks! like Bon Jovi). On the advice of a couple long time friends (who happen to be top selling Canadian country artists), Dan decided to start focusing on his new country project. Dan’s sound came together as he started writing and working on music with Toronto producer Jeff Dalziel (Alee, Andrew Hyatt, Autumn Hill, Brett Kissel) and the two spent the better part of a year developing an EP that’s characteristic of Dan’s love of “good time” music.“ I love country music because it’s not about being cool, it’s about feeling something.

It’s about having a good time and connecting with people. Country fans love live music, and are loyal to the artists they love. You can catch Dan sharing the stage in 2016 with artists like John Pardi, The Washboard Union, Kira Isabella, Beverly Mahood, George Canyon and many more! Not a bad start!

4 AMANDA RILEY

Jessica Mitchell is “Workin On Whiskey”

New Single “Your Worst Hangover” Amanda Riley gained nationwide popularity as a finalist on CMT’s “Big In A Small Town”, and has shared the stage with Aaron Pritchett, Charlie Major, Deric Ruttan and Dean Brody.

Artists to Watch This Fall Each week we will focus on new artists to watch T

New Single “Sleep Without You” “The fan club is called ‘Caliville’, the reason for that is it’s just obviously a blend between California and Nashville, and I had to come up with the name for a publishing company and that one popped into my head and the second I said it out loud, I knew that it was just a cool thing.”

The landscape of country music has made a huge change in a short period of time. If you remember a year ago we had a radio consultant say there was no room for female artists on country radio. Bro country was the thing and even though over half of country music fans are women the feeling was that females did not want to hear female artists.

The demographics have changed with the younger audience moving on and the focus is now back on the 25 plus age demo. And females are back on the charts.

Jessica Mitchell “Workin’ On Whiskey”

COUNTRY AUDIENCE

52% Female

48% Male

Country-folk songstress Jessica Mitchell is, at heart, a storyteller – an open book.

Based in Toronto, and Nashville TN, she has spent the last decade digging deeper into her artistry, focusing on writing new music and crafting her richly unique sound, which has lead her to become country music’s best kept secret. When listening to Mitchell’s music, she makes it very easy for you to latch onto her inviting melodies and the genuine, soulful nature of her words. The rich tone and hopefulness in her voice grabs you and pulls you in – and once the song is over, you can’t help but feel as though you have personally connected with her on a deeper level.

Jessica is nominated for CCMA Roots Artist Of The Year . Her single Workin On Whiskey is one of those songs you want to play over and over again.

STEVE RIVERS IS AN UPCOMING RECORDING ARTIST & SONGWRITER WHO IS TURNING HEADS IN THE COUNTRY MUSIC SCENE! Current Single "Where There's Smoke There's Whiskey"

Steve’s influences – country, southern rock, Americana, and blues – give his music a fresh and exciting sound that country music fans are gravitating to! Established as one of the most exciting new artists in country music today Steve Rivers continues to perform on many notable stages in both Canada and the US making him a rising entertainer sure to watch out for!

With a live show of high energy and excitement, Steve’s reputation has led him to open for national acts such as Eli Young Band, Frankie Ballard, Trace Adkins, Parmalee, Eric Paslay, Gregg Allman, Josh Thompson and Charlie Worshaw

Keep us posted as to what is happening with your career. Send us your new releases any news you may have or pictures of you visiting radio stations. You can e-mail us at news@canadacountryaircheck.com Make sure you also submit your CCMA pictures to us as well.

We look forward to hearing from you. Canada Country Aircheck is a new Digital Magazine that we publish once a week. Share our magazine and if you are not on our mailing list it’s free to join.

Canada Country Aircheck publishes a daily newsletter and in fact we are the only country music industry focused daily newsletter.

NEW MUSIC FROM DEAN YOUNG “TENNESSEE HONEY�

Dean Young hails from Ontario, Canada and is blessed with a voice that has been described as "sunshine that should be bottled". Growing up around a musical family had him performing on stage at the young age of 3. Like most people, Dean has endured his share of life's twists and turns. Thankfully he's been able to use these in a positive manner and draw on them while enjoying his craft of songwriting. Country music continually draws his heart as that was the foundation of his youth.

Tennessee Honey is the first new single released by Dean from his upcoming country album. This is a song about lasting love; emerging from a summertime romance. Produced by the multi-award winning Jason Barry of Barrytone Studios, this song is sure to get you rockin', clapping and feet stompin' and he hopes you enjoy it!

Niagara resident Dean Young was born and raised in Port Colborne, Ontario Canada. Blessed with a voice that has been described as "sunshine that should be bottled", Dean has had musical interests since early childhood. Growing up around a musical family, Dean was performing on stage at the young age of 3. His father Bazil Young, a well known local Country musician, radio host and DJ (CHOW & CHLM and also on the "Ramblin' Lou's Radio Show as guest host with brother Wally Young - "The Young Brothers".) had Dean showcasing at square dances. Although Dean's father had him learning guitar at a very young age, by the age of 15 Dean's interest in musical instruments turned to playing the drums. He quickly caught the attention of the local music circuit and was soon playing drums while singing, both backing and lead, with numerous bands in Ontario Canada. (New York Minute, 21 Plus, White Frost, The Limit etc). Dean also enjoys playing acoustic guitar and percussion. His musical influences are mainly Country and Rock.

As a teenager, Dean & his family suffered the profound loss of his Mom to Cancer. And shortly after, his family was stricken with another great loss when his older brother passed away. With his 2 older siblings already living on their own, this left just Dean and his Dad at home. Their shared love of music strengthened their relationship and helped them through these difficult times.

Dean held a factory job for over 22 years while maintaining his musical interests into adulthood. It wasn't until more recent years that he took the initiative to leave the steady factory job and make his music first; a move that made him step outside his comfort zone in providing for his young family. Unfortunately, not too long after this decision, his wife and children became very ill with what they later learned to be Lyme disease and "co-infections". Their household

dropped from 2 person income generating to one. Many of the day-to-day household duties fell on Dean's shoulders during the next few years. He's had to weigh work priorities/time very carefully. The family is thankfully, in a more stable position now as Dean continues to pursue his career in music, and works diligently toward the release of his debut original country album. Song writing has always been a part of Dean's life and although his writing covers many genres, it's country music that continues to draw his heart as that was the foundation of his youth.

In 2011, Dean released a country tribute album titled, "Young Country". This album was recorded in literally one day at Bobby Lalonde Studios in Vankleek Hill, ON while his family was visiting his elderly father in Quebec. Featured on the album are his Dad, Bazil Young, sister Maureen Young, cousin Dougal "Dougie" Trineer and Bobby Lalonde. The compilation is dear to the hearts of Dean's family, as these were songs they'd grown up listening to Bazil perform.

Dean has performed on a local, national, and international level, to audiences ranging from 400 to 60,000 and shared the stage with acts such as REO Speedwagon, Gretchen Wilson, 38 Special, Collective Soul, Train, Jewel, The Belamy Brothers, and is looking forward to being a part of the opening act for Styx in 2016. He has been blessed in the decision to pursue and share his love of music, and while performing for audiences across Canada, the USA, Japan, Bermuda and Mexico, fans prove to him every day that sharing his gift on a grander scale is the right decision; and he is very grateful for that.

Visit Dean online at http://www.deanyoungmusic.com/ Listen now by clicking on the link and then take it to your music meeting. Melisa Hodges is handling tracking and you can reach her at 289-321-0826

KELSEA BALLERINI EARNS GOLD WITH TOP 10 SINGLE "PETER PAN"

As country star Kelsea Ballerini finished her performance and walked off of the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage last night (8/10), the Black River Entertainment artist was surprised by her label team with a GOLD plaque for her Top 10 and climbing hit, “Peter Pan,” to recognize the official RIAA certification of over 500,000 sales and streams in the U.S. alone.

Additionally, the single has over 17.5 million streams on Spotify worldwide.

Another “mountaintop moment” in her record-breaking career, “Peter Pan” is Ballerini’s third single to be certified GOLD off of her critically acclaimed debut THE FIRST TIME following “Dibs” and the now PLATINUM-certified “Love Me Like You Mean It.”

THE BAND PERRY DEBUTED NEW SINGLE "COMEBACK KID" ON THE CITI CONCERT SERIES ON TODAY LIVE FROM THE 2016 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES FRIDAY

ERIC CHURCH REVEALS 2017 HOLDIN’ MY OWN TOUR MINUTES BEFORE TAKING RED ROCKS STAGE

Canadian dates include Tuesday, February 28: London, ONT Budweiser Gardens Thursday, March 2: Toronto, ONT Air Canada Centre Friday, March 3: Ottawa, ONT Canadian Tire Centre Saturday, March 4: Montreal, QUE Bell Centre Tuesday, March 7: Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre Thursday, March 9: Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre Friday, March 10: Edmonton, AB Rexall Place Saturday, March 11: Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome Tuesday, March 14: Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena

GARTH BUILDING PROMOTION TEAM FOR HIS PEARL RECORDS

We want to build a team worthy of Garth, the biggest tour on the planet and the music that's coming in the fall," says Mandy McCormack, VP/Radio Promotion & Marketing Strategy for Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

McCormack is charged with hiring a full promotion team for Pearl Records as its founder Brooks readies a solo album and a Christmas duets album with Yearwood. According to The Tennessean, Brooks is lining up a streaming deal with "one of the biggest partners in the world" and his GhostTunes service may be merged into another company.

Garth has a marketing degree and he has used that well during his career, He has come a long way in a little time from not liking the Internet to using Facebook with weekly chats and now aligning with a major streaming service.

DIERKS BENTLEY TO KICK OFF NFL SEASON OPENER Capitol's Dierks Bentley will perform during the 2016 NFL Kick Off Presented By Hyundai, airing Sept. 8 on NBC-TV and the NFL Network at 7:30pm ET. Bentley will be featured throughout the pre-game show along with One Republic from Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. The season opener pits the Denver Broncos against the Carolina Panthers - a rematch of Super Bowl 50.

RISING STAR CHRIS LANE’S DEBUT ALBUM GIRL PROBLEMS

Big Loud Records breakthrough artist Chris Lane’s sizzling debut album GIRL PROBLEMS is too hot to handle on its release day. On sale August 5, the genre-defying stunner offers jaw-dropping falsetto vocals with a modern R&B-meetscountry twist. Lane’s irresistible “Fix” is currently approaching the coveted #1 spot at country radio and has already surpassed a whopping 22 million streams on Spotify and 4.5 million views on Vevo.

Just like pop megastar Selena Gomez who recently called “Fix” her favorite song, the insatiable media can’t get enough of Lane. Stellar reviews are stacking up as they’re craving more: “Whether it’s his sultry falsetto or R&B rhythms, he makes each song unabashedly his and it is this originality that can only further his success within the ever-changing genre.” – Sounds Like Nashville

“He's a huge Nineties country fan, listing Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Tim McGraw among his heroes. But he also channels pop icons Justin Timberlake and Backstreet Boys on the album, which is full of grooveheavy, dancefloor-ready tunes.” – Rolling Stone Named after the distinct thread of romantic obsession throughout the project, GIRL PROBLEMS was produced by studio ace Joey Moi (Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen) Share A Once In A Lifetime African Music Safari With Michelle Wright

treat her fellow travelers to private shows, six in total, around the campfire, aboard a private sunset cruise on the Zambezi and other unique locations. For true lovers of wildlife and magical destinations this is a once in a lifetime journey.

For more details and to book your trip please visit Michelle Wright Music Safari

Fans Enjoy Nashville Pokemon Bar Crawl

This is a cool idea and a great way to raise money for charity.

Pokemon players enjoyed a bar crawl in downtown Nashville.

It was a way for people to hunt Pokemon, listen to live music, and grab some food and drinks.

In July of 2017, one of Canada's most recognizable and award winning voices, recording artists Michelle Wright will travel to southern Africa for two weeks packed with amazing sight and great music - and you can come along.

Beginning on July 6 you will view some of the most amazing wildlife at a private and exclusive lodge before heading to Cape Town to check out some incredible sights like Table Mountain and Robben Island. Then it's off to Victoria Falls for four nights to view one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Michelle will travel with the group every day of the two week tour to share in all of the experiences. She will also

Plus, they were able to help raise money for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

One man visiting Nashville from New York said it was the perfect way to spend his first day in Music City.

The Pokemon crawl included a free tank top, drinks, and a Pokemon costume contest.

The RPM Story Imagine if you will what you would do if you are a country entertainer in Canada in 1964 and there was no Can Con ruling, few radio stations would play your music and there was no internet. You would have a difficult time making a living with music as a career choice. I once asked Jerrod Niemann who was his influence. His response was simple everyone influenced his music because while he may have been influenced by Garth Brooks he knew Garth was influenced by Chris Ledoux, George Jones, Merle Haggard and so on. So Jerrod’s answer made sense. Without RPM Magazine I doubt our country music industry or in fact the Canadian music scene would be as strong as it is today. I remember in the mid to late 70’s going into the RPM offices weekly to pick up the recent issue to see where my brother’s song was on the charts. Walt and Stan always made time to talk.

We found this article in the Canadian Library and Archives and thought we would share it with you.

RPM, 1964-2000: The Conscience of Canada's Music Industry

By Richard Green, Director (retired), Music Division, Library and Archives Canada It is now hard to believe, with the success of Shania Twain, Sarah McLachlan, Gordon Lightfoot, Bryan Adams, Blue Rodeo, Rush, Avril Lavigne and countless other artists, that there was a time when EnglishCanadian popular music was rarely heard on the radio or promoted by Canadian record companies. Yet in the 1960s, Canadian music was regarded with indifference and Canadian recording artists were forced to turn toward the United States to establish their careers. In his 1964 Toronto Telegram article entitled "Canada Has A Booming Record Industry (But Only Because It's 95% American)," Jerry Ross wrote: "We have so many good records available to us from the States that there's really not much point in doing a great deal of recording up here." This feeling was common in large parts of the broadcasting and music industries. One person who did not agree with that sentiment was Walt Grealis.

Walt Grealis Walt Grealis was born in Toronto on February 18, 1929. His father was a Toronto firefighter and his family roots were a mixture of Irish, Spanish and Cree. In 1947, after attending Central Commerce High School in Toronto, he joined the RCMP and, by 1952, was a member of the Toronto police force. In 1957 he changed careers, first working as a sports director and social host at a hotel in Bermuda, then doing sales and promotion for O'Keefe and Labatt's breweries. His promotion skills led him to the music industry. In 1960 he started in the music business with Apex Records, the Ontario distributor for Compo, an early Canadian record company that today has evolved into Universal. He later joined London Records, where he worked until February 1964, when he established RPM as a weekly trade magazine.

From the first issue on February 24, 1964, to its final issue on November 13, 2000, RPM was the bible and, in many respects, the conscience of the recording industry in Canada. Walt Grealis was the moving force behind RPM, and his contribution to Canada music has garnered him many awards. In 1984 the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and

Sciences - organizers of the Juno Awards a ceremony he initiated - created "The Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award" for individuals in the music industry who have helped to advance Canadian music. He was named as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1994. In 1999 he was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, another organization he helped establish. In the fall of 2000, faced with changing advertising policies that made continuing virtually impossible, Walt Grealis chose to bring RPM to a close.

In 1994 Grealis was asked if he ever regretted leaving the police force. His reply was "No, not at all. How boring to be a policeman at 65 years of age. At 60 they would have turfed me out to pasture. Here I am at 65 and still part of a young, exciting industry. I think I owe the industry a great deal because it has provided me with a lifestyle that most people would never come close to acquiring" (RPM, Vol. 59, No. 6, February 28, 1994). On January 20, 2004, Walt Grealis passed away at the home of his long-time friend and partner, Stan Klees, after a three-year struggle with cancer.

RPM: Records, promotion, music RPM's pages fully document 36 years of the music industry in Canada. In its pages can be found information about recording studios and changes in radio formats and programming ideas. RPM documents the emergence, growth, merger and dissolution of various large and small record companies and follows the evolution of formats from the 45-rpm disk, through the LP, the 8-track and the cassette, to compact discs.

From concerts to MuchMusic to the Web, from the British invasion to rap and hip-hop, RPM covered it all. It provides a unique perspective on how the Canadian music scene has emerged from the indifference of the 1960s to become a multi-million dollar industry with recognizable stars. Walt Grealis, and RPM itself, were major catalysts in that evolution.

RPM actually came about because of a misunderstanding. Grealis was attending a meeting with Harold Moon of BMI and Buffalo radio personality George "The Hound" Lorenz. Talk turned to a tip sheet - a publication designed to alert radio station programmers of potential new hit records - that Lorenz published and how Canada could use a tip sheet of its own. Lorenz thought it meant using his publication. Walt Grealis interpreted it as a sign that he should start a publication to promote Canadian music. To Grealis it seemed strange that he "was part of the Canadian music industry but [he] wasn't promoting Canadian talent" (RPM Vol. 59, No. 8, February 28, 1994, p. 8). He decided that a change had to be made. He asked an old high-school friend, Stan Klees, who was also in the music business, how much it would cost to publish a small weekly trade magazine.

Advised that it would cost $500 a week, Grealis put the idea aside until Klees came up with the idea of taking a legal-size page, mimeographing it, and then folding it to create a four-page publication.

On February 24, 1964, the first 500 copies were sent out free-of-charge. With time, the format of the magazine changed. Advertising started to cover the costs and RPM went from being a tip sheet, listing Canadian recordings with a little commentary and editorializing, to a full-fledged glossy trade magazine with charts, national reports, articles on musicians and complete coverage of the industry. RPM was more than just a trade magazine. It was a powerful force in the industry.

Stan Klees Stan Klees, Grealis's colleague, shares the responsibility for many of RPM's innovations.

Born in Toronto on April 29, 1932, Klees had been involved with music since his youth.

He played accordion professionally as a child and was a disc jockey at CHUM Radio when he was 16. Eventually he went to work at London Records. In 1963 he started his own label, Tamarac. Then in partnership with Art Snider, of ACT Records, and Duff Roman, of Roman Records, he founded Red Leaf Records. Red Leaf had a major hit in 1965 with Little Caesar and the Consuls' recording of "My Girl Sloopy." Despite some success, Klees' records were coming up against a wall of indifference; many radio programmers felt that a Canadian record could automatically be trashed without listening to it, because it was, by definition, inferior to the American product. Good EnglishCanadian artists, it was assumed, would follow the traditional route, pioneered by Guy Lombardo, Paul Anka and countless others, and find success in the United States, before they would receive recognition at home.

In 1971 Stan Klees joined the staff of RPM as a designer and eventually became a "special projects consultant." Klees' design and organizing capabilities were essential in ensuring that RPM would have a major impact on the Canadian recording industry. In 1995 Stan Klees was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

Grealis and Klees wanted to make RPM into something more than just a trade magazine and the Canadian music industry into more than a United States branch plant. Their goal was to create a star system for Canada and a Canadian industry that could stand on its own. The Canadian recording industry can attest to RPM's contributions: The Canadian Independent Record Production Association, started by Stan Klees in 1971, is now a leading industry voice for Canadian record companies and the MAPL logo (for Music composer, Artist, Production - recording location, Lyrics - lyricist) designed in 1970 by Stan Klees for use on his Tamarac label has become an accepted industry standard for indicating Canadian content. RPM helped with industry promotional events such as the Maple Music Junket, the Canadian presence at MIDEM (MarchĂŠ International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale) and the Canadian Music Week, which started as an RPM industry get-together called Three Days in March. RPM also helped establish the Canadian Country Music Association, which had its roots in the 1975 creation of the Big Country Awards and the Canadian Academy for Country Music Advancement. RPM was also responsible for the publication of various industry directories. For the public at large, RPM's biggest impact was in the establishment of national awards and ceremonies to honour top Canadian artists, and as a champion of Canadian content regulations.

Juno Awards From the very beginning RPM recognized that handing out awards would raise public awareness of Canadian music and musicians. Initially they created an annual readers' poll. (In 1964, the first year of the poll, the first top male vocalist was Terry Black, the top female singer was Shirley Matthews and the top vocal instrumental group was The Esquires.) In 1969, RPM started work on its own awards ceremony. In February 1970 the first RPM Gold Leaf Awards were presented at a ceremony in Toronto with singer Diane Leigh as the first recipient. The award, a stretched metronome-shaped walnut trophy was designed by Stan Klees. Stan's mother made sandwiches for the ceremony. In 1970, following the announcement of Canadian content regulations by Canadian Radio-Television Commission (CRTC) chairman Pierre Juneau, the name of the award was nicknamed Juno. In 1975 the awards were televised for the first time and were produced by CBC-TV. An advisory group, the Canadian Music Awards Association, was formed to improve the production quality of the show. This group was the foundation of the current Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), which took over full control of the Junos in 1977. The Junos are now recognized as the major event for English-Canadian artists on Canada's music calendar.

Canadian Country Music Awards In September 1973 RPM held its first Big Country Weekend, a series of meetings for the industry and country music artists. An awards ceremony was added in 1975. This association evolved into the Canadian Country Music Association, which decided in 1982 to hold its own nationally televised annual awards, the Canadian Country Music Awards.

Canadian content regulations Perhaps RPM's most significant contribution to Canadian music was as a leader in promoting Canadian content (Cancon) regulations for radio. RPMknew that, if there was to be a star system in English-speaking Canada, it was essential for Canadian records to be played on Canadian radio. Recordings were being produced in Canada prior to Cancon regulations but they were usually made for an older audience or for a specific niche market. Not many featured the kind of music popular with the nation's youth. Rock-and-roll programming in Canada followed the lead of American sources such asBillboard, Cashbox and the Gavin Report. If Canadian discs were added to a station's playlist, they were usually by local musicians, with a limited reputation, for a regional audience. Few thought nationally.

Canadian musicians shared this regional approach: "it is obvious that many of the groups across Canada are either too busy selling themselves to their local audiences or just don't care about the rest of the country until, that is, they are left out of the picture at a time when they think the whole world should know of their existence" (RPM's reply to a reader, Vol. 6, No. 7, October 10, 1966).

Initially RPM did not push for Canadian content regulations: "RPM felt that a soft policing by the broadcast industry alone would bring about the necessary musical nationalism" (Vol. 4, No. 7, October 11, 1965). To facilitate this "soft policing," the Maple Leaf System (MLS) was created in 1969 with Walt Grealis as coordinator. The idea was that 12 radio stations from across the country would review Cancon singles every week and then select ones to be given regular airplay and promotion. The system fell apart when the stations didn't follow through and actually play the records. In a series of articles in the fall of 1969 analyzing the state of Canadian content recordings, RPM concluded that if MLS was to work, it "would have required courage on the part of the members and stations involved and unfortunately Canadian radio has been capable of very little creativity and courage." On November 24, 1969 Grealis resigned from his MLS position. MLS limped on until 1973 when lack of interest brought it to an end. By then, Cancon had moved to a new level.

A series of 10 articles that began on April 20, 1968, written by Stan Klees, started a heated debate on the pros and cons of legislated Cancon. RPM recommended that 25% of programming be 100% Canadian: "production, creation, performance and control." The discussion, which still continues among broadcasters, musicians, and record companies, took a decisive turn when the issue was picked up by the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) and championed by its chairman, Pierre Juneau. On January 18, 1971, regulations requiring most Canadian radio stations to play 30% Canadian recordings came into force.

The charts Our current concept of charts - a regularly produced numbered listing of popular recordings, based on sales, air-play or popularity polls - was established in 1940 by Billboard, the American trade magazine first published in 1894. There were lists of popular songs for sheet music and recordings published before 1940 but they were never organized in a systematic, seemingly impartial, fashion. By 1964, the rock-and-roll era and the burgeoning teen market had made chart position an artist's dream and a crucial part of getting a record played on radio stations across the country and prominently placed in the nation's record stores.

Radio stations that programmed for the youth market usually compiled their own weekly chart, publishing it in the local newspaper or distributing copies to area record stores. The CHUM chart, issued weekly by Toronto's dominant rock radio station (1957-1986) was perhaps the most influential of these charts. A Canadian chart that used sales figures and tracked radio play on a national level did not exist.

Early issues of RPM did not feature a chart. Instead they posted play lists of a few radio stations from across the country. On September 1, 1964 RPM introduced a new national chart, the "Top 40+5." From that point, charts became an essential part of RPM. The "Top 40+5" evolved into Canada's first "Top 100" in March 1966.

Over the years more charts were added as the music industry grew. These included LPs, country singles, country LPs, MOR (middle of the road), adult contemporary, CDs, videos and annual compilations. By the time publication ceased in 2000, there were ten charts compiled from sales figures, radio and television play, and discussions with record companies and retailers. In its 36 years of publication, RPM published over 9000 charts. They prove the accuracy of Pierre Juneau's 1971 prediction that "‌the prophets of doom, the messengers of mediocrity, will be overwhelmed by the new generation of competent, creative, confident artisans," a statement that appeared in almost every subsequent issue of RPM.

Though the chart information changed over the years, most provide song or album title, record company, issue number of the recording, position on the chart, the previous week's position and number of weeks on the chart.

Cancon titles since 1971 can be identified by the MAPL logo. Searching the charts gives people the opportunity to trace the careers of their favourite bands, research specific songs and test their memory.

Together the charts provide a comprehensive picture of the changing musical tastes of English-speaking Canada and the evolution of the Canadian recording industry.