Here are some of my CCMA Interviews from earlier this month including the likes of Brett Kissel and Aaron Goodvin. These were done a couple days prior to the CCMAs so the awards nominations mentioned are settled and sadly no one took one home. It is always fun to get to speak with established stars like Brett and Aaron about but also so nice to get to meet and talk with up and coming talent giving them some media exposure as well as getting to be apart of their journey in country music. It’s an added bonus making some new friends and contact along the way.
Megan Paige: Is an 18 year old singer songwriter from Alberta. She might be young but youth is not an issue with her talent. This was a spur the moment interview that arose at Media Row so not as much prep was done other than age new song and she was from Alberta.
Kalsey Kulyk: From Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan Kalsey has overcome a lot in her life including battling cancer in High School. She is married with a 1 year old song named Wilder and continues to grow her up and coming career with no fear and plans to keep pushing.
Chris Buck: Chris from the Chris Buck Band is from British Columbia and has had 3 top 40 singles including a top 20 song with Kira Isabella. Chris has a new single and upcoming album.
Karli June: Karli is from Listowel, ON, the town Letter Kenny is based on. Karli is an up and coming artist and is making strides with her debut EP out, she is already working on the one.
Sykamore: Sykamore (stage name) is an up and comer from Alberta with her debut album out and gaining traction after the pandemic caused her momentum to stall a bit. She was named to CMT’s Next Woman of Country Class in 2020, but with the pandemic over with she is back in full force.
Twin Kennedy: I spoke with Julie of Twin Kennedy about the duos success and 2 nominations for the duo and a solo nomination for Fiddle Player of the Year for Julie. The duo saw much critical success for their song with Mallory Johnson “Wise Woman” and will be embarking on a holiday tour.
Shantaia: Shantaia is from just outside Saskatoon and was a finalist in the Top of the Country country. Shantaia saw her first charting success with “Broke to Brand New” peaking at 33 and has her new single “Hung Over You” out now. She looks to build on her recent success of “Broke to Brand New” and being a runner up for the Top of the Country.
Brett Kissel: The 16x CCMA winner and multiple Juno winner discusses his latest single with 98 Degrees, his vodka brand and why he values Fan Choice nominations over the other 3 nominations he had this year.
Devin Cooper: Devin is from just outside Calgary and is making a name for himself here in Canada. Devin was a semi-finalist in the Top of the Country contest this past year using the song which is now his latest single “Underdog.” Devin recent released an EP and is on to the next body of work as he didn’t specify if another EP or full album.
Dustin Bird: Dustin is from Ontario, and has been building up success on streaming services and packs a punch with his latest single “Hating on Love.” The new song about being able to love who you want and that he believes God doesn’t hate on love.
Kelly Prescott: Kelly is fresh off touring with the likes of Alan Doyle and most recently Dallas Smith’s jam packed Something’s Never Change tour. Kelly has her debut EP “Cloud 9” out now which includes her latest single “Convertible.” This is a great conversation which she praises and loves Meghan Patrick.
Katy Hurt: A UK country artist who is just the best to get to know and talk with. Katy has her new single “The Kiss” out now as we catch up and we also discuss her recent “adoption” of a neighbors cat.
Lemon Cash: A brother duo from Ontario, Lemon Cash is gaining notoriety and is seeing more and more success as up and comers.
River Town Saints: RTS is back in full swing and pushing forward after the passing of their original drummer. RTS is fun, energetic and will entertain you with this conversation.
Aaron Goodvin: Aaron discusses his nominations for this past CCMA and what new music he has on the horizon but wouldn’t spill the title of the song …ARHH. It was good to get to talk with someone of Aaron standing and reputation in the Canadian Coutnry Music Scene.
-Everett
