So we asked all our Photographers to take am minute and submit what they felt was there best 15 shots and we would scale it down to their top 10 from there… We are so thankful for these folks. They make our pages come alive. What is YOUR favourite shot of 2015… Share it over on our Facebook Page
Looking back at 2015
At the end of last year I looked ahead to 2015 and made a bold prediction that it would be bigger with more interviews with bigger artists, more festivals, more events and more contests. I could never have predicted exactly how much bigger the year would actually be.
Ontario – A Hot Bed for Country Music Festivals in 2016
Ok so I think we can officially say that Ontario has quickly become a HOT BED for Country Music Festivals for 2016 in Canada. Seriously its unreal… With nearly 13.8 Million people in Ontario and lets say you take 3% of that population that are ticket buying country music fans. You are looking at just over 380,000 people are looking to buy tickets into an event this summer. The big question is, which one or two are they going to be spending their hard earned cash on?
Pick Me Up – Brett Kissel
So our good friend Brett Kissel has a new video out for his current single Pick Me Up. And we have to say it is a solid effort by Brett and his team. Bringing the Canadian Country Music video world up a level that is for sure. What do you think?
New Country 94 Birthday Bash
So our friends over at New Country 94 had a wee little party to celebrate 1 year on the air in the Nations Capital. And they invited some pretty special friends to help celebrate. Our Sean Sisk was there to cover the night, So here it is… through the eye of Sisk..
AUTUMN HILL
Autumn Hill Perform @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Mike Robins of Autumn Hill performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Autumn Hill Perform @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Autumn Hill Perform @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Autumn Hill Perform @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Autumn Hill Perform @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Autumn Hill Perform @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Autumn Hill Perform @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Autumn Hill Perform @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Autumn Hill Perform @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
BRETT KISSEL
Brett Kissel Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Brett Kissel Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Brett Kissel Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
DALLAS SMITH
Dallas Smith Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Dallas Smith Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Dallas Smith Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Dallas Smith Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Dallas Smith Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Dallas Smith Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Dallas Smith Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Dallas Smith Performs @ the New Country 94 Birthday Bash – Photo: Sean Sisk
Hendrik’s Top Country Artists to Watch in 2016
After reading through Corey’s top 10 artists to watch in 2016 I started thinking of who I would put in that list. There are definitely similarities between my 10 and Corey’s, as you will see. 2015 has been a big year for Canadian country music from the tour perspective with all the major players hitting the road, Dallas Smith started the year with his hugely successful “Tippin’ Point Tour” featuring Sundy Best and now this fall Dean Brody and Paul Brandt just wrapped up their “Road Trip Tour”, Brett Kissel and Jordan McIntosh are currently on the road with their “Airwaves Tour” and Tebey kicks off his “Three’s A Party Tour” with Jason Blaine and James Otto on Friday in Halifax and to cap off the year Tim Hicks is hitting the road with Cold Creek County and Jason Benoit for their “Get A Little Crazy Tour”. Notice something missing? Out of all the tours above only the “Road Trip Tour” featured tomatoes as an added ingredient with Lindi Ortega, Jess Moskaluke, Madeline Merlo and Whitney Rose featured throughout the tour.
So let’s take a look at who I think has the greatest chance of breaking out in the coming year, 2016.
Brett Kissel Parties in Barrie!
Canadian country artist Brett Kissel brought his Airwaves Tour to The Roxy Theatre in Barrie for a high energy night of country music. The near sell-out show comes early in the cross-Canada tour for Invictus Entertainment clients Kissel and supporting act Jordan McIntosh. This show has been on my radar since it was announced a few months ago. Something about Brett Kissel’s music just resonates with me so I was happy when this day arrived. Things are certainly taking off for Brett both personally and professionally. He and wife Cecilia are expecting a baby, due in February 2016. And it’s easy to see why Kissel has found success with his music. The catchy single Airwaves, for which the tour is named, has reached gold status in sales on his Warner Music label and has also enjoyed heavy rotation on country radio. This tour also comes on the heels of Brett’s appearance on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville, a rare honour for any artist let alone a Canadian country performer.
Yoan Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Yoan Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
So yeah, I was stoked to be covering this event! This show kicked of with French-Canadian artist Yoan, who opened for the Airwaves Tour in Quebec. He was not originally on the bill for this Barrie show, but was certainly a great addition to the night’s entertainment and we’re glad he made the trip to Ontario. Yoan has seen some awesome results of his work, winning season 2 of La Voix (which is the Quebec version of The Voice). And his first solo album released in March 2015 broke sales records (with 35,000 copies sold in it’s first week!) and has been certified platinum. His deep baritone voice and smooth guitar skills were a great way to get everyone warmed up. Yoan was accompanied by the really slick slide guitar playing of Rick Haworth for his acoustic set, and the crowd were very appreciative. We will absolutely be seeing and hearing more from this talented Canadian.
Next up came the introduction for Carleton Place Ontario’s Jordan McIntosh who opened with All About The Girl much to the crowd’s delight.
Jordan McIntosh Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Jordan McIntosh Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
He captured his audience right away and got things heated up by following up with songs Story Of My Life and That Girl. His boyish good looks and non-stop smiles added to his presence on stage. Jordan was a great choice for an opening act, with a great voice and his own unique style. He is enjoying some great exposure and touring experience in advance of his debut record Grew Up In A Country Song, which is slated for a 2016 release. Jordan whipped the crowd up with a strong set, got things rolling and set the stage for Kissel’s arrival. He came back out later in the show, joining Brett on stage for another number. I am definitely looking forward to hearing and seeing more of Jordan in the future, because he certainly has one!
Jordan McIntosh Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
After the break, BAM! Right from the opening chords Brett Kissel owned the rest of the night. This was definitely a country music crowd, and they were immediately right into it and looking for a good time. With lots of western boots, hats and plenty of plaid, they rocked and swayed with beers in hand for a great night of live country music. It was a great venue to see this show, with a good sized stage to give a true concert hall feel, but intimate enough for everyone to feel close to the action with great sightlines. The sound was spot on, and Brett had everyone dancing. The show opened the with I Can Play Guitar as the Canadian Kid immediately connected to his audience. With band mates Matt McKay on guitar, Ben Bradley keeping time on the drum kit, Tyler Vollrath on the fiddle/guitar and Justin Kudding on bass, they entertained us thoroughly and completely.
Brett Kissels Band Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
The boys in Brett’s band Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Things rolled along wonderfully with a set list that provided a nice congruent flow of tempos and moods. Standout songs were 3-2-1 and the obvious Airwaves. And of course everyone loved the Blue Jays game updates and the fact that Brett donned a Blue Jays cap at one point. But memorable moments for me were Brett wading out into the middle of the audience for a couple of songs including an amazing version of Great Day To Be Alive and then taking peoples phones to capture some selfies. He also brought one lucky fan onstage who was celebrating her birthday. He sang with her, and then gave her his guitar, which he autographed for her. Talk about making this girls night! This is an artist who really knows how to connect with his audience. Brett also brought Yoan back out for Good Hearted Woman , and as mentioned did the same with Jordan McIntosh for a medley version of Raise Your Glass. It was a full-on, high energy country music show.
Brett gets into the crowd at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
The tour supports Brett’s Sept 2015 Pick Me Up record, and after leaving Barrie, Brett moves on to other Ontario shows before heading through western Canada to complete the bulk of this Canadian tour. My last comment… GREAT SHOW! Make sure you catch it as they come through your town, you won’t be disappointed.
Scott Burns / @SBurnsimages
Yoan Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Jordan McIntosh Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel salutes the crowd at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Matty MaKay Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel makes a young girl VERY HAPPY at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel makes a young girl VERY HAPPY at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
Brett Kissel Performs at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie on the Airwaves Tour: Photo Scott Burns
What Do The CCMA’s Mean To You?
Well, the Canadian Country Music Association Awards are over for another year. I had the privilege of being on the Green Carpet and had the chance to ask several artists one question. Here’s what I asked and their responses…..
Best of Canadian Country Music Celebrated in Halifax
The Maritimes went country over the last few days as the best of the best of Canadian country music invaded Halifax. The party started early in the week with numerous showcase events put on by various labels and agencies to help showcase their stars and rising stars and it all was capped off with the Canadian Country Music Association Awards, the final of which was held last night at the Scotiabank Centre and aired on CBC Television.
Country Music Week in Pictures
So we have a few folks out in Halifax covering Country Music Week. We have our first load of pictures to post. Here is the first batch from the Kitchen Party on Friday Night. It was a rockin’ night that people on the East Coast won’t soon forget! `
