Canada Country Aircheck June 8th issue

IN THIS ISSUE

The west coast is turning out to be a mecca for country music. This weeks cover story we introduce you to Tommy West Band.

We have lots of new music this week in our listening room, We find out what is happening at the CCMA as we have some cool news on the Road To Saskatoon. Canada’s 150th Birthday is this year and Bonita Mercer has a special song that celebrates this big event.

In the News: We have lots of news to bring you up to date on what is happening in Canada and Nashville including a special statue in Memory of Little Jimmy Dickens and Bill Monroe.

Check out this weeks issue! We’d love to hear your feedback. E-mail us HERE If you have a new release or news about your career let us know.

MEET TOMMY WEST BAND The west coast of Canada is becoming a mecca for country music. With artists like Aaron Pritchett, Jo Jo Mason , Dallas Smith and now we have Tommy West.

As Tom Harrison from the Vancouver Province writes “All of Tommy’s songs are uncontrived; their sincerity believable. They’re what sets him apart.”

Tommy West is proud to release ‘Perfect Holiday’ as his 2nd single to Country Radio on May 29, 2017.

Less than a year ago Tommy committed to a music career and is moving forward, “Tommy West is thinking big and moving fast.” said Tom Harrison from The Vancouver Province on January 29, 2017. An EP will be released within 2017.

Tommy’s first song ‘Test of Time’ hit #3 Most Active Indies by DMDS for 2 weeks in a row, just after release on January 30, 2017.

Tommy West was recently named as Canada’s Up and Comer by Sun Country 99.7FM Country Radio Station, and as Emerging Artist

by Cal Gratton, 105 CJVR Today’s Best Country and XM 105, Melfort, Sask. on Canadian Coast 2 Coast radio program. Tommy West was also a Featured Artist on Country 89, Welland, Ontario on February 28, 2017.

Over the years, Tommy West, member of the CCMA, singer/songwriter, has had fun building a musical career entertaining audiences throughout western Canada. Tommy’s country music style infuses lively dance songs with soulful ballads. His fun and upbeat rhythms inspire along with his charismatic performances are known to ‘liven up’ a crowd and promise an entertaining experience for all music lovers.

Tommy’s sound mixes Garth Books, Zac Brown,

Darius Rucker and with just the right touch of Jimmy Buffet. He has recently been busy in the studio working with Tom McKillip, “one of the most sought after and talented producer/musicians on the Canadian Country Music scene.” (Merritt Herald). McKillip is probably best known as musical director for the B.C. Country Music Awards (BCCMA) and the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) “My music is one of the biggest things about who I am”, says Tommy. “The stories within the songs reflect my attitude about growing up on the west coast.”

‘Perfect Holiday’ is reflective of Tommy’s lifestyle and deep values of family, friends and fun !

Tommy has played numerous corporate conventions, private events, and notable fundraisers including the B.C. Children’s Hospital. In November 2016, Tommy was asked by Jeff Johnson, 2016 BCCMA Producer of the Year, to participate in the ‘Follow Your Heart’ recording, the official theme song for the Variety Children’s Charity, to be aired on Global TV. ‘Follow Your Heart’, the new theme song for Variety Children’s Charity, features notable country stars such as George Canyon, Rod Black, Todd Richard, Becca Hess and more and recently hit Top 5 most downloaded song on Country Radio by Yangaroo DMDS. Click on picture to listen to Perfect Holiday and take it to your next music meeting. This should see strong chart action for Tommy West Band. Visit Tommy West Band Online: www.tommywestband.com facebook.com/tommywestband twitter.com/tommywestband

JACKIE GUY “DAMMED IF I DO” GOING FOR ADDS NOW With Rich McFarlane behind the board, “Damned If I Do” is one of Jackie Guy’s strongest tracks to date with its clever lyrical twists and a hook that will stick in your head for days.

AVAILABLE ON DMDS

CCMA-NOMINATED ARTIST RIVER TOWN SAINTS RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM Ottawa-based fun-loving country group, River Town Saints, have released their debut self-titled album today. With tracks produced by Chad Carlson, David “Dwave” Thomson, Gavin Slate, Jeremy Bortot, this ninetrack album features upbeat, vibrant tracks, reflective of good times, love and life.

In addition to earlier hits like “A Little Bit Goes A Long Way”, “Cherry Bomb” and most recently “Bonfire” which went Top 10 at Country Radio, the record includes new songs such as “I Hope You’re Driving”, about driving in anticipation to meet up with a love interest, and “Hungover It”, a song that laments hitting the bottle a little too hard and attempting to turn over a new leaf upon waking up with ‘nothing to show for it’. The band also released their newest single to country radio just two days ago – “Woke Up Like This”, an incredibly catchy, uplofting song that will have fans pressing ‘repeat’ constantly and reflecting on their own memories. The single, also featured on this album, is going for adds now.

River Town Saints hail from Ottawa, comprised of five friends from Ottawa, Chris Labelle, Chris McComb, Jeremy Bortot, Jordan Potvin and Daniel DiGiacomo. Their first single, “A Little Bit Goes a Long Way” landed them on many “Artists to Watch Lists” for 2016, and they have since reached more than 1 million streams of their singles on Spotify. And was

that prediction ever right - since then, the band has been nominated for the CCMA Award for Rising Star of the Year and they are currently up for five CMAO Awards.

The group recently thrived while out on tour opening for country legend Kip Moore and Tim Hicks. The summer will be busy as they prepare for performances at Red River Ex (MB), Trackside Music Festival (ON), Lucknow Music in the Fields (ON) and more. You can catch them at the 2017 CMAO Awards, where they are nominated for five awards, including Fans’ Choice. Some Upcoming dates include: Jun 10 CMAO Market Square London, Canada Jun 22 Red River Ex Winnipeg, Canada Jun 23 Ciderfest Stoney Creek, Canada Jun 24 Celebrate Springwater Minesing, Canada MORE INFO Jul 01 Canada 150 Downtown King St Kitchener, Canada

Alee “Bad Habit” Alee releases a radio friendly catchy single called Bad Habit.

This could be the single that breaks Alee not only in Canada but just may open the doors in Nashville.

We all have a …BAD HABIT …or two...

But don’t let YOUR Bad Habit be missing out on a summer smash!

We all know her. We all love her.

She’s put in the work. She’s toured the country. She’s got the talent. She’s earned the accolades. And now she’s got the song.

The title track from her debut full-length release, ‘BAD HABIT’, is the up-tempo, toe-tapping summer jam you’ve been waiting for from Alee.

She’s come a long way since ‘Moonshine’. Helping pave the way for fellow Canadian women across the country.

Friendly Reminders: ~ ‘Bad Habit’ has almost 100k streams already! ~ ‘Bad Habit’ was co-written with Tavish Crow (Carley Rae Jepson ‘Call Me Maybe’) and Dan Swinmer (Madeline Merlo, Jo Jo Mason) ~ Performing at BOOTS & HEARTS (main stage) this summer ~ 2016 CCMA Rising Star nominee ~ 2x ACMA Female Artist of the Year winner ~ Album credits also include: Dave ‘Dwave’ Thompson (Lady A), Bruce Wallace (Dierks Bentley) and Phil Barton (High Valley)

JUST IN TIME FOR CANADA’S 150TH BIRTHDAY! Bonita Mercer with Gary Hooper “I Wouldn’t Take A Million Dollars (For A Single Maple Leaf)” In honour of Canada’s 150th Birthday, Bonita Merceris happy to release “I Wouldn’t Take A Million Dollars (For a Single Maple Leaf).

Hailing from Monetville, a small town in Northern Ontario, she is a Canadian gal thru and thru. Her mother is from the Manitoulin Island and her father is from Codroy Valley, Newfoundland.

Her latest radio offering “I Wouldn’t Take A Million Dollars (For A Single Maple Leaf)” was originally recorded at RCA in Nashville in 1970 by Gary Hooper. Bonita was so impressed with Gary’s version of the song that she invited Gary to participate in this session. (You’ll hear him reciting on this track).

The song was penned by Roy Payne and was recorded at Sideman Studio’s in Oshawa Ontario, under the direction of Doug Deveaux.

Jeremy Dallas “Under the Radar” Jeremy Dallas is an Alberta based artist with small town roots. Originally from Prince Edward Island, this young entertainer has been turning heads of both industry and venue owners alike. Jeremy’s debut single comes to radio today June 5th 2017

Drake Jensen & Patrick Masse Drake Jensen - born and raised in Cape Breton, NS and currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario is back with his latest effort - “Go Your Own Way”.

“Go Your Own Way” sends a message of inclusivity and equality to country music fans of all ages. Along with Vancouver’s own Patrick Masse, Drake and Patrick spin a melody that encourages you to “Go Your Own Way”.

With a powerful lyrical message and an upbeat and refreshing new country sound, Drake Jensen continues to break ground in Canada with his career message of love and empowerment within his carefully crafted country song.

May 30th 1.

Lee Brice “Boy” (Warner) 2.

Amanda Sadler “Cross My Heart” (Indie/B. Martineau Promo) 3.

Samara Yung “Fireproof” (Indie/Pitbull Promo) 4.

Doc Yates “Hometown” (Indie/L. Tutty Promo) 5.

JoJo Mason “Something To Wrap My Heart Around” (604/Manicdown/R. Chubey Promo) May 31st 1.

Lee Brice “Boy” (Warner) 2.

Dean Young “Get Your Country On” (Indie) 3.

Madeline Merlo “Motel Flamingo” (Open Road) 4.

Kenny Chesney “All The Pretty Girls” (Sony) 5.

Tommy West Band “Perfect Holiday” (Easy Hours/Last Tango Promo) June 1st 1.

Kim Ray “Shot Of Whiskey” (R.M.R. 2.

Lee Brice “Boy” (Warner) 3.

Jason Benoit “The Moonshine” (JV/Sony) 4.

Kenny Chesney “All The Pretty Girls” (Sony) 5.

Dean Young “Get Your Country On” (Indie) June 2nd 1.

Jason Benoit “The Moonshine” (JV/Sony) 2.

Lee Brice “Boy” (Warner) 3.

Steve Oriet “Diggin On You” (Indie) 4.

Tareya “Summer Wheels” (Indie/Sharp 9 Promo) 5.

Dean Young “Get Your Country On” (Indie) June 5th 1.

Leaving Thomas “Best Adventure” (MDM/Dale Speaking Promo) 2.

Danielle Bourjeaurd “Lakeside” (Indie/RPMpromo) 3.

Lee Brice “Boy” (Warner) 4.

Cold Creek Country “Homemade” (Sony) 5.

Tareya “Summer Wheels” (Indie/Sharp 9 Promo)

NUMBER 1 SONG THIS WEEK BRETT YOUNG In Case You Didn't Know Second week at # 1

Top Can Con Songs JAMES BARKER BAND Chills Number 3 AARON GOODVIN Lonely Drum Number 8 ROAD HAMMERS Crazy About You Number 13

New On The Charts JOJO MASON Something To Wrap My Heart Around Number 49

Most added Single This week DALLAS SMITH Sky Stays This Blue moves from 29 to 20

Top Canadians to Watch DALLAS SMITH Sky Stays This Blue JOJO MASON Something To Wrap My Heart Around COLD CREEK COUNTY Homemade

Available On DMDS Now!

2017 CCMA SPOTLIGHT PERFORMANCE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA)® congratulates the following acts who have been selected to participate in the 2017 CCMA Spotlight Performance Contest. Thank you to the Provincial Country Music and Provincial Music Industry Associations from across Canada, mentioned below, for their work in selecting one country music act/artist to represent their province.

Our 2017 CCMA Spotlight Performance finalists are: British Columbia Country Music Association: Rollin’ Trainwreck Facebook: Rollin’ Trainwreck| Twitter: @rolltrainwreck | Instagram: @rollintrainwreck Website: RollinTrainwreck.com

Music New Brunswick: Tyler Deveau Facebook: Tyler Deveau Music | Twitter: @tdeveaumusic | Instagram: @tdeveaumusic Website: TylerDeveau.com Music Newfoundland and Labrador: Mallory Johnson Facebook: Mallory Johnson Music| Twitter: @maljohnsonmusic | Instagram: @maljohnsonmusic Website: malloryjohnsonmusic.com Music Prince Edward Island: Julia Dunn Facebook: Julia Dunn| Twitter: @juliadunnmusic Website: JuliaDunn.ca

Association of Country Music in Alberta: Trevor Panczak Facebook: Trevor Country | Twitter: @trevorpanczak | Instagram: @trevor_panczak Music Nova Scotia: Website: TrevorTown.com Tj King Facebook: Tj King | Twitter: @tjkingmusic | Instagram: @ Saskatchewan Country Music Association: tjkingmusic | Kelsey Fitch Website: TjKingMusic.com Facebook: Kelsey Fitch Music | Twitter: @kelseyfitch | Instagram: @kelseyfitchmusic HOW TO VOTE: Website: Kelsey-Fitch.com Beginning Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. ET, CLICK HERE to access the CCMA Spotlight Performance Manitoba Country Music Association: online voting poll. To vote, simply click the link and select Ryan Keown the finalist that you would like to see perform during Facebook: Ryan Keown Band | Twitter: @ryankeown1 | PotashCorp Country Music Week 2017 in Saskatoon, Instagram: @ryan_keown Saskatchewan. The finalist that receives the most votes on Website: RyanKeown.com the poll by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 16, 2017 will win one performance spot during PotashCorp Country Music Country Music Association of Ontario: Week 2017. Please note: only (1) vote per IP address will Bed Hudson register with the online polling system - so make your one Facebook: Ben Hudson Music | Twitter: @benhudsonmu- (1) vote count! Again, voting is NOW OPEN and will sic| Instagram: @benhudsonmusic close Friday, June 16 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Website: BenHudson.com

AVAILBLE NOW ON DMDS

THE JUDDS SET TO RELEASE ALL-TIME GREATEST HITS ON JUNE 30TH Together, Country Music icons Wynonna and Naomi Judd made musical history throughout their career receiving eight Gold and eight Platinum records, selling over 20 million albums and scoring twenty Top 10 hits between 1984-1990. Now, Curb Records is excited to bring fans the ultimate collection of those years together. The Judds - All-Time Greatest Hits will be released on Friday, June 30 - and will feature each of the classic hits that helped to make them a household name on Country Radio in the 1980s and 1990s.

“Some things continue to get better with time, like fine wine and the Judds music,” says Naomi Judd. “I’m so proud that our music has stood the test of time. It makes my heart smile when I turn on Country Radio and I can sing along with our hits.”

The twenty-one song set will feature each of the duo’s top ten hits, as well as “You Can’t Go Home Again (Flies On The Butter),” a recording from 2011. Beginning with the classic #1 hit “Mama, He’s Crazy” in 1984, and continuing through 1991’s “One Hundred and Two,” the duo established a career that will stand with one of the top duets in Country Music history. Fourteen times the duo topped the Billboard Country Singles chart, and each of their five studio albums were certified Gold or Platinum.

Along with their sales and airplay success, The Judds also dominated the awards shows like no artist before their time. Starting in 1984, the duo netted nine CMA Awards, including a run from 1985-1991 as either

Vocal Duo or Vocal Group of the Year. Their trophies also include the 1985 Single of the Year “Why Not Me,” which is also included on The Judds - All Time Greatest Hits. They also won seven straight trophies from the Academy of Country Music - and the 2013 Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. Their award collection also includes five Grammy awards. The Judds were the subject of a 1988 CBS TV-Special called Across The Heartland, a 1995 NBC mini-series based on Love Can Build A Bridge, the best-selling novel written by Naomi, and a 2011 reality series, The Judds, on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Track Listing: 1. Mama He’s Crazy 2. Why Not Me 3. Girls Night Out 4. Love Is Alive 5. Have Mercy 6. Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days) 7. Rockin’ With The Rhythm Of The Rain 8. Cry Myself To Sleep

9. Don’t Be Cruel 10. I Know Where I’m Going 11. Maybe Your Baby’s Got The Blues 12. Turn It Loose 13. Give A Little Love 14. Change Of Heart 15. Young Love 16. Let Me Tell You About Love 17. One Man Woman 18. Born To Be Blue 19. Love Can Build A Bridge 20. One Hundred And Two 21. Flies On The Butter (You Can’t Go Home Again)

AVAILABLE NOW ON DMDS

HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM UNVEILS LIFESIZE STATUES OF MUSICAL ICONS LITTLE JIMMY DICKENS AND BILL MONROE Two of the most profound musical innovators in country and bluegrass music will forever remain part of the Soul of Nashville with the installation today of life-size statues of Little Jimmy Dickens and Bill Monroe at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

The Ryman, which is recognized as the Soul of Nashville, was founded as a beacon of hope for the faithful; it has become an international symbol of cultural significance drawing millions of people to Nashville to find their own inspiration in the wood pews under the famed stained-glass windowpanes.

The bronze likenesses were commissioned by the Ryman Auditorium in recognition of the 125th Anniversary.

Sculpted by artist Ben Watts, the lifesize statues took one year to create. Little Jimmy Dickens’ statue is adjacent to the landmark statue of riverboat captain Thomas G. Ryman on Fourth Avenue.

The replica of the Father of Bluegrass Music Bill Monroe is located near the Fifth Avenue driveway.

The iconic brick building, which is on the national registry of historic places, rose to prominence first as Nashville’s largest venue for civic gatherings and later for attracting national touring shows including the biggest names in music, theater, and entertainment including Katharine Hepburn, Harry Houdini, Bob Hope, the Ziegfeld Follies, and countless others including Presi-

dent Theodore Roosevelt.

The Ryman became the home of the Grand Ole Opry in 1943, and the world of broadcast entertainment changed forever as the live radio and TV show brought the likes of Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Minnie Pearl, Elvis Presley, Marty Robbins, and Hank Williams to the stage and into living rooms around the country. The program’s 31-year Ryman ignited the growth of country music.

Dickens and Monroe were instrumental to that burgeoning popularity.

Dickens was born James Cecil Dickins, but was world famous as “Little Jimmy.”

He was known for his humorous novelty songs, his small size (4’11”), and flashy wardrobe, but his contributions to country music were far greater than his diminutive stature. He started as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1948 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983.

Little Jimmy Dickens was a beloved fixture at the Opry, on stage and backstage. He passed away on Jan. 2, 2015.

Before his death, he was the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Dickens recorded many novelty songs including “Country Boy,” “A-Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed,” “I’m Little but I’m Loud,” and his biggest hit, the No. 1 “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.” His song “Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)” inspired Hank Williams to nickname him Tater.

Over the years, Dickens made appearances in music videos by close friend and fishing buddy, fellow West Virginia native Brad Paisley. Along with joining on bonus comedy tracks on several of Paisley’s albums, Dickens also joined Paisley and his CMA Awards co-host Carrie Underwood in several show monologues. Upon Dickens’ death in 2015, Paisley lamented the loss of his hero and “the best friend a human being could ask for” and has performed numerous tributes to Dickens’ life and career.

“This was a man who was honing his craft before Hank Williams, who we sort of credit as the father of modern country music in many ways,” said Paisley during the unveiling today.

“He saw everything in those decades that he stood on that stage, like Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn and Garth Brooks. By the time Jimmy left us, he had become the Grand Ole Opry.

On a night that he wasn’t there, you were cheated out of something and he knew that. He realized when he was well enough to do it, he went. He knew that he owed it to the younger generation that wanted to see him, it was another lesson in how you entertain people. He gave them everything that he had on that stage and in this building for many many years. So I think it’s really appropriate that he’s going to be one of the statues that’s a permanent reminder of what we should be in this building.”

was strong, he was powerful. I don’t know any person who could have withstood, pushed through and made it like him. He had music in his veins. It was the thing that pushed him so much. It wasn’t just to make a living. It was to get something out of him and take to people that he loved, and that was the fans that loved this music. I have traveled all over the world into places you would think that bluegrass music would never make it to ... and you meet someone there that actually plays the music. So this music has totally gone around the world.”

The Father of Bluegrass was a gifted player, singer, and songwriter. The genre takes its name from his band, the Blue Grass Boys, named for Monroe’s home state of Kentucky. Monroe’s performing career spanned 69 years before he died on Sept. 9, 1996 - just shy of his 85th birthday.

Monroe formed the first edition of the Blue Grass Boys in Atlanta, Ga. The band eventually featured more than 150 performers including Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt. In October 1939, Monroe successfully auditioned for a regular spot on the Grand Ole Opry impressing Opry founder George D. Hay with his energetic stage performance - he soon started recording and developing what would eventually become his signature style with fast tempos, instrumental virtuosity, and musical innovation. His recordings have become classics including “Blue Grass Breakdown,” “My Rose of Old Kentucky,” and Monroe’s most famous composition, “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”

Monroe, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970, remained a mainstay at the Opry. There he settled into a role as a musical patriarch influencing generations of young musicians including Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Speaking on behalf of Monroe was Ricky Skaggs, whose own career was heavily influenced by the mandolin player. Skaggs was only six years old in 1960, when he first got to perform on stage with Monroe and his band at the high With a $14 million renovation in 2015, the Ryman is school in Martha, Kentucky. widely considered one of the finest performance venues in the world hosting performers from all genres of music.

“I don’t know if you ever get another Bill Monroe in a Today, the Ryman draws artists from all corners of the century,” said Skaggs. “There’s not a lot of people that globe eager to experience the thrill of walking to the front I know of who could be cited as creating a whole new of the stage to perform. genre of music, but he did. He had the ear to hear it, the talent to play it and the heart to keep it alive because he