FEATURES
Dayna Bourgoin Since graduating from the Radio Broadcasting program at Algonquin College, Dayna Bourgoin has built quite a career for herself in the country music industry. Starting out in the Promotions Department at Y105 (CKBY) in 1999, she worked her way up to the title of Music Director, and eventually moved on to become the Music Director at CMT – one of the most well-respected country music media outlets in Canada. It didn’t take long before 604 Records (headed by Nickelback’s front man, Chad Kroeger, and attorney Jonathon Simkin) came knocking on her door and offered her an Artist Management position. Now, Dayna is back in Ottawa as the Assistant Program Director and Radio Personality for Ottawa’s New Country 94. We got a chance to catch up with Dayna about her experiences in the industry, the success of Bell Media’s newest radio station, and what country fans in Ottawa have to look forward to in the near future. Growing up in Ottawa, what led you to want to become a radio broadcaster? Music was my passion growing up - listening to it, playing it, writing it, so radio seemed like the perfect fit. I wanted to find a job that I loved going to everyday and let’s be honest… can you really call this gig work? Did you always have a passion for country music? Who were some of your favourite artists growing up? Absolutely! My mom listened to Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson all the time, but high school is where I really found my love of country with Shania, Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn and Garth Brooks. What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment so far? My daughter - she’s beautiful, smart, funny, sweet, and talented. She is what drives me and
14 | February 2015
makes me a better person. How’s that for cheesy answer of the day?
Because we are right in the Byward Market, we bring a much more local aspect to the listeners.
When you joined the team at CMT it took you to Toronto. What did you miss most about Ottawa while you were away? My family! I came home a lot and can now drive that stretch of the 401/416 in my sleep.
Country music is bigger than ever right now. Why do you think that is? It really has become the new rock music and honestly has the best artists. It has this awesome blend of country, rock and pop that is so catchy and fun to listen to. When you go to a country concert at the CTC it’s a full-on rock show with crazy energy and an awesome vibe. When they cut off the alcohol before the main act hits the stage you know it’s a party!
You are now with Bell Media, and have a really interesting dual role there as Assistant Program Director and Radio Personality for Ottawa’s New Country 94. How do you balance the two? Do you prefer being behind the scenes or in the spotlight? It has been a blast helping launch the station. Lots of hours, but so worth it! I definitely prefer behind the scenes. I am trying hard to embrace the spotlight, which is totally out of my comfort zone. During your time at 604 Records, you signed country music artist Dallas Smith. More recently, you had an exclusive concert with Dallas, Kira Isabella and Jordan McInstosh. What was that like? Dallas was an amazing artist to work with. He’s so incredibly talented and so down-to-earth. When we first met, we decided one of the goals was to reach platinum status (80,000 units sold) which he ended up getting for his song “Tippin’ Point.” Watching the success he has had makes me beyond proud. Our exclusive concert with Dallas Smith, Kira Isabella and Jordan McIntosh was amazing! Tickets sold out in less than 6 minutes and we were totally blown away by the response. Ottawa’s New Country 94 has gotten off to a great start. What do you think sets this radio station apart from the rest? New country music is such a hot format that even people who wouldn’t normally listen are checking us out. We’re playing the best new country artists and are definitely attracting a younger audience.
What do you love most about working in the country music industry? The artists are incredible. They are so approachable and tell stories that reflect your own life. It’s amazing watching an artist work so hard, and then seeing it all pay off. There’s nothing better than getting a personal call from Dallas Smith thanking Ottawa’s New Country 94 for helping him get to #1 on the Canadian Country Chart. He also broke a record for the most spins in one week by an artist, which New Country 94 led the charge on. February will also be bringing Nickelback to the Canadian Tire Centre. Did you work with Chad Kroeger often at 604 Records? He worked very closely with certain artists and co-wrote with some as well. I actually only met the guy once. Perhaps he was a little busy touring the world and marrying other Canadian rock stars. If you weren’t a radio broadcaster, what do you think you would be doing? I want to say tour manager, music publisher, or maybe an entertainment lawyer? Yeah I know, all music related. I truly don’t know. @daynabourgoin