Go Country November

Go Country November Welcome to the Novemeber issue of Go Country Lifestyle Fan Magazine. We believe than fans not only love their country music but they also live the lifestyle that country offers. Whether you live in the city or live in the country you live the country lifestyle including what you drive, what you eat to how you decorate your home. Here are just some of the things you will find in this issue.

4 42 23

Brett Kissel is a family man first country star second. We look at Brett’s life, upcoming tour and why he is the CCMA Fan Choice Award winner.

Find out who is taking a train ride for two weeks with many stops along the way!

The perfect steak according to Chef Zac Brown. Trisha Yearwood talks about first Thanksgiving with Garth plus great recipes

64

13

Ten country artists to watch for 2017 including charted to emerging artists

49

Imagine off roading at 100 MPH. We tell you about it plus much more.

65

Decorate your home like Eric Church. Downsizing? Look at Tiny Homes

Brad Paisley becomes a wedding singer. We talk with Brad about this gig. Cam just got back from her honeymoon and got some great news.

Check out emerging artists, we go to the great outdoors with articles about hiking, snowmobiling which is a fun way to enjoy the winter, Craig Morgan like many other country singers loves hunting and fishing and the outdoors. Steve Harvey’s Favourite Guest happens to be a country singer. We’d love to hear your feedback e-mail us here.

BRETT KISSEL 2016 FAN CHOICE AWARD WINNER

On a sunny day in May 1990 in Flat Lake Alberta a baby boy was born to Brenda and Gordon Kissel. They named him Brett. It was a tough birth because Brett was born with a guitar in his hands. Well that’s not true but six years later Brett’s Grandmother Irene ordered a guitar for him in a Sears Catalogue for Christmas in 1996.

He has not looked back since. Growing up on a cattle ranch in northeastern Alberta (in the Flat Lake region) played a big role in Kissel’s music.

His family operates a successful cattle ranch with Angus and Speckle Park-cross cattle. Kissel’s ranching background garnered him attention in the agricultural and rodeo communities across Canada. Kissel took lessons only for one year in his hometown of St. Paul. Following that year, he never took formal lessons again. Kissel often attended the Freddie Pelletier Guitar Camp, whom he credits for his guitar playing style. During a chance meeting in 1995, Kissel met Alberta country star, philanthropist, and fundraising auctioneer - Danny Hooper - during a school fundraiser

in St. Paul, Alberta. According to multiple interviews, this was Kissel’s first public performance, as Hooper called the youngster onstage to perform his local hit “The John Deere Tractor Keys” in front of a sold out audience. This sparked a friendship between Kissel and Hooper that led to their professional management relationship that started in 2005. At age 12, yes 12 he released his first indie album “Keepin’ It Country” He released three additional independent albums, “By Request” in 2004, “Tried and True – A Canadian Tribute” in 2006 and “My Roots Run Deep” in 2008. Tried and True – A Canadian Tribute and My Roots Run Deep sold a combined 70,000 copies in 2006.

Kissel was nominated for the Chevy Trucks Rising Star Award at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Kissel was 16 years old at the time, making him the youngest CCMA nominee in the history of the awards show.

for four Association of Country Music in Alberta Awards (ACMAs), winning two awards for Rising Star and Single of the Year for Started with a Song. Following his two award wins, Kissel toured across Canada with his first national co-headlining tour called The Young Guns Tour.

The tour had nineteen concerts from Vancouver to Charlottetown with co-headliners One More Girl. Kissel and One More Girl performed in front of thousands of fans across Canada.

It was a young Brett Kissel that got up the nerve to ask Carolyn Dawn Johnson for a dance at a CCMA event that year even though he was underage for this event he attended anyway. Who’d of thought that in 2016 Brett would release a new single featuring Carolyn Dawn Johnson called “I Didn’t Fall In Love With Your Hair” which is the Top download this week so far.

After multiple trips to Nashville since the age of 13, in late 2012, Kissel met with legendary manager Bob Doyle. Doyle immediately signed Kissel to a co-management contract with Louis O’Reilly. Doyle is credited for the discovery of country mega-star Garth Brooks, and still manages Garth to this day. On May 10, 2013, Kissel signed a record deal with Warner Music Canada, His debut single, “Started with a Song”, was released on June 17. It became the most added song at Canadian country radio in its first week, surpassing a record set by Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” It debuted at number 87 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 for the week of July 27, 2013.The music video for the song premiered on CMT Canada on June 27. Kissel’s first album for Warner, also titled Started with a Song, was released on October 1, 2013. Kissel co-produced the album with Ted Hewitt and Bart McKay. “Started with a Song” peaked at the Number One position on CMT Canada’s Chevrolet Top 20 Countdown. The album’s second single, “Raise Your Glass”, was released to Canadian country radio on October 7. The music video was produced by Margaret Malandruccolo.

On January 25, 2014, Brett Kissel was nominated

I worked with Brett in 2014 where he hosted our A Country Christmas radio Special. It was during this time I realized how important family is to Brett. He related a story of how he had performed on Canada day that year and was invited back to the Prime Minister’s home in Meech Lake. He said “ I looked across the lawn and saw my Dad talking with the Prime Minister probably about the cattle business.”

To Brett it is family first and music second. On January 19th 2016 Brett Kissel, and wife Cecilia welcomed a healthy baby girl named Mila Elizabeth Kissel into the world. Brett is constantly posting pictures of him and Mila and wife Cecilia on his social media outlets.

In fact on CCMA night he posted this picture with the following caption “This bombshell though... Stunning. Gorgeous. She’s a rocket. And my rock. Come what may tonight at the CCMA awards, I’m a winner with her.”

The first award that Brett won this week was INTERACTIVE ARTIST OF THE YEAR and there is a good reason for this because he shares his whole life with his fans. Not only does he talk to them via video he shows pictures and talks about his family whether they are on vacation or traveling to a performance somewhere. The second award that Brett won was RECORD PRODUCERS OF THE YEAR with Mickey Jack Cones, Brett Kissel, Bart McKay, Album: Pick Me Up (Artist: Brett Kissel). I used Mickey’s studio here in Nashville to produce a radio special for Exile a few years ago. Mickey is a nice guy and produces Joe Nichols and Trace Akins as well as Brett.

Brett’s album “Pick Me Up” was released in September 2015 peaking at number 7 on the charts. There have been three singles released from this album between September of 2015 and the spring of 2016.

Airawaves was the first single reaching number 1 on the charts followed by Pick Me Up which reached number 6 and Cool With That peaking at 8. Brett just last Friday released his latest single featuring Carolyn Dawn Johnson called “I Didn’t Fall In Love With Your Hair”

Brett has had a great year with performances with Brad Paisley & Chris Young as well as opening Ottawa shows for Garth Brooks.

CISN Country and I put on a special concert for them in their gym. I’ve never seen such bright smiles and I’ve never heard such loud screams. It was an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful to have been able to perform for them.”

Brett won four CCMA Awards this past week including the coveted Fan Choice Award, Male Artist of the Year, Interactive Artist of the Year and Record Producers of the Year along with Mickey Jack Cones and Bart McKay

Brett has also sold out shows across the country and the cool thing is he always picks someone out of the audience that catches his eye and brings them on stage and gives them a Gibson Guitar. Fans love this as you can see from this little girl.

Brett and his family now live in Nashville but spend a great deal of time in Canada. His co-manager is the same person that manages Garth Brooks and has since Garth first started his career.

This past summer Brett traveled back home to St Paul to put on a Hometown Concert to an overflow crowd.

Brett played a special concert for a local school.

Brett wrote the following: “Giving back to the community is an important thing to do - no matter what you do for a living. As an artist, one of the best ways I can give back, is through my music, and yesterday I got the thrill of a lifetime performing for some amazing kids at the Leo Nickerson School in St. Albert. These elementary kids raised over $46,000 for the Hair Massacure fundraiser - which proceeds go to the Make A Wish Foundation and the Stollery Children’s Hospital. So, since they were the school that raised the most money,

If you haven’t see Brett live we recommend you do and you will have a chance this January when he goes on tour called Ice, Snow and 30 Below tour. See the next page to see where you can see Brett close to you.

We hope you pick up his latest single “I Didn’t Fall In Love With Your Hair” which features Carolyn Dawn Johnson.

Visit Brett online at http://www.brettkissel.com/ and follow him all on the social media sites.

Remember Brett is family first and music a a close second.

January 16, 2017 - Brampton, ON - Rose Theatre January 17, 2017 - Windsor, ON - Chrysler Theatre January 18, 2017 - Guelph, ON - River Run Centre January 20, 2017 - Barrie, ON - Georgian Theatre January 21, 2017 - Belleville, ON - Empire Theatre January 22, 2017 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall January 23, 2017 - Ottawa, ON - Algonquin Commons Theatre January 26, 2017 - Liverpool, NS - Astor Theatre

Hawkesbury Civic Centre February 1, 2017 - Moncton, NB - Capitol Theatre* February 2, 2017 - Fredericton, NB - Fredericton Playhouse* February 3, 2017 - Summerside, PE Harbourfront Theatre February 4, 2017 - Georgetown, PE Kings Playhouse

Margo Price Living A Country Song!

Margo Price is fairly new to the country market even though she has been working at her craft for a long time. She says she was really tired of playing bars with nobody there. To understand Margo you need to look at her life.

they briefly lived in the Rocky mountains, and toured the country in a Winnebago with their roots rock band Buffalo Clover, which never took off. Her failures never brought her down. She says “I always wanted to be equal with the boys,” she says. “I never thought it was fair that women couldn’t travel freely She grew up in Aledo, Illinois. When she because it was dangerous. I’d stay by myself was three years old her grandparents lost on the North Carolina coast for a couple of their farm a place where her father worked weeks, with my dog and my gun, and my as well. “The 80s were a bad time for many mom would be terrified. I told her, if I stay farmers,” Price says. “Corporations would home, a lamp could fall on my head. You can’t take over, you’d see signs on the side of the spend your whole life inside because you’re road for AgriGro. Every year, the corn would scared.” She says she did struggle with depresget taller, more genetically modified.” Margo sion even before she got pregnant. She gave was a cheerleader who could do flips all the birth to twins in 2010 Ezra and Judah. Two way down the field but got suspended a lot weeks after their birth Ezra died of a heart at school. At college she would stay home defect. His death kicked off a long, painful, and listen to led Zeplin rather than go to her self-destructive period. “That took me out of spanish and theatre courses. After visiting the game for a while,” says Price, “There were Nashville in her second year of college she times I was feeling so terrible, all I wanted to decided Nashville is where she needed to be. do was drink to forget.” She briefly collapsed, She says she had no plan and when she came spending a couple of nights in jail after a to town she waited tables like many others drunken misdemeanour. Therapy, poetry and before her and met someone who was supJudah gave her the strength to continue. she pose to be a manager. He invited her to his needed a fresh start and a fresh sound she house where he spiked her drink. At 25 at a decided since Buffalo Clover wasn’t going college event she met and married her husanywhere even though they had recorded two band. They lived in a rat infested house oppo- albums. “What I always liked about country site a place called Stop & Rob and she worked music was the stories, the ability to talk about in a catering company called Dream Come very real things like divorce and drinking and True. As Margo says they were so poor, “we death and jail,” she says. “All I want to do is spent the whole winter next to a space heater make a little cash,” she belts, “Cause I worked under a blanket,” she recalls. Sick of the city, all the bad jobs bustin’ my ass.”

Margo decided she was going to go to Memphis and record at Sun Recording Studio.

Yes the same studio that Elvis recorded his first single. The result was her album Midwest Farmers Daughter. Like all artists she shopped it around town and was turned down by no less than 30 labels, Price’s pedal steel player told her that Jack White was a fan. She was invited to Third Man, where an exec handed her a guitar and asked her to record a song straight to acetate. Eventually, she met White. “He shook my hand and he said he loved the album and that it was genuine and it was real and it was good to hear that back in country music,” she says.

Jack has a room in his office he calls The Blue Room and that is actually what they do they record directly to acetate which is really cool.

Price makes clear that she also points to Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings as her biggest heroes. “A lot of times, people say, ‘You’re so much like Loretta or Tammy Wynette,’” says Price. “But I feel kind of like one of the men. I’m like David Allan Coe. I’ve been to prison, man! I think that’s what separated me from the Kacey Musgraves, stuff like that.

There’s not a lot of glitter or girly bows and stuff.” Now her great-uncle is Bobby Fischer, who wrote hits for George Jones, Conway Twitty and Reba McEntire.

She really got her big break when she was invited to be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live.

Times have changed over the last year. As George Strait recently said in an interview

tradional country music is making a comback. The second thing that seems to be happening is that female artists are starting to get their fair share of radio airplay which is a good thing.

The Americana Music Association named Margo Price as their “Emerging Artist of the Year” at their Honors & Awards show on September 27th.

Margo also performed on October 19th in Vancouver. Margo appeared in Toronto recently and we found one review from The Exclaim and it reads “Opening up the proceedings on the West Stage Fort York’s downtown Toronto field, Price and her shaggy band emerged looking a bit stunned — a small early-afternoon-on-a-workday crowd and a view of a construction site might have had something to do with it. But soon enough, the cobwebs were gone and her impressive band laid down tight country rails for her fabulous voice to ride. The setlist relied fairly heavily on covers — understandable since Price is a newcomer — but they were well chosen and played. Classic tunes

by Mickey Newbury, Loretta Lynn and Billy Joe Shaver signalled an artist who wants to be associated with the traditionalists, and is holding firm to the cord tethering her to the past.

For their part, this “Urban Roots” crowd was all over it. And with her best original compositions — “Hands of Time,” “This Town Gets Around” — Price reminded us that she’s just getting started.

We highly recommend getting her album.

Who to Wat It is a long and sometimes a hard road in the music business. From the small stages to the major festivals takes putting out great music to building a strong fan base.

Keith Urban once told me when I asked for his advice for newer acts. He said “Play everywhere you can, as often as you can.” Vince Gill told me “Don’t do it for the money or the fame do it because you love it.” Today we feature acts that have seen success in 2016 and acts that are well on their way to the next level.

JESSICA MITCHELL

Jessica went viral when she posted a video of her hearing her single “workin On Whiskey” on radio for the first time. 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. 2016 saw Jessica play all the major festivals and we will hear a lot more from Jessica in 2017.

FAST RISE TO STARDOM FOR COLD CREEK COUNTY Cold Creek County is a Canadian country rock group. Its members are Doug Oliver, Josh Lester, Brandon Scott, Trevor MacLeod and Justin Lester. They were founded in 2013 and signed to Sony Music Canada in 2014. Cold Creek County come by their name naturally.

Cold Creek, which runs through the rolling hills, apple orchards and villages in central Ontario near locations the band members call home. Band members literally cross Cold Creek to get to each other’s

homes. They have released four singles off their debut album all HAVE reached into the top 20 with “Our Town” reaching number 7 “Till The Wheels Come Off ” topped at 15 “Beer Weather” # 18 and “Still That Way” their current single still climbing the charts. They spent the summer playing coast to coast at every major festival. They are currently in the studio recording their next album.

tch in 2017!

FROM PRO HOCKEY PLAYER TO COUNTRY MUSIC STAR! JOJO MASON

Jojo Mason (born February 26, 1990 in Regina, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian country music singer-songwriter. Mason moved to Victoria, British Columbia in 2004 to play hockey at the junior ranks but suffered a herniated disk. Later, he met songwriter/producer Dan Swinimer and worked on developing his vocals.

He signed to Manicdown Productions in 2014 and released his debut single, “It’s All Good”, in early 2015. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Canada Country chart. Mason’s second single, “Good Kinda Love”, was released in November 2015. He signed to 604 Records for the release of his third single, “Red Dress”, in May 2016. 2017 looks bright to say the least for Jojo Mason.

“BOW CHICKA WOW WOW” THE SINGLE THAT BROGHT MEGHAN PATRICK TO STAR STATUS Meghan released her debut album, Grace & Grit, on April 29, 2016. Prior to setting out as a solo artist, Patrick was the lead singer of the popular roots act The Stone Sparrows. The Stone Sparrows released an EP and a full-length album before the members parted ways amicably in 2013 after playing their second Boots and Hearts Music Festival. Since going solo, Patrick signed a recording contract

with Warner Music Canada, and a publishing deal with Olé Nashville. Her debut album, Grace & Grit, was released on April 29. In making this album Patrick worked with producers Justin Niebank (Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes), Vince Gill, Chad Kroeger, Chris Baseford (Nickelback, Avril Lavigne) and Carly McKillip. We are sure 2017 will be a big year for Meghan and well deserved.

JAMES BARKER BAND A PARTY BAND REACHING INTO THE TOP 10 IN 2016 The James Barker Band are from Woodville Ontario and include members James Barker, Taylor Abram, Connor Stephen and, Bobby Martin. Their first single was Lawn Chair Lazy which reached #5 on the Billboard charts. Signed to Universal Music they just released their second single “Just Sayin’” We couldn’t find any bio info on the band. They have been a huge success in 2016 and will continue into 2017.

Here we spotlight five Indie Artists that we feel are set for stardom in the near future. Being an Indie artist is very difficult because all the expenses are out of pocket from recording to releasing to tracking and it leaves little for promotion. Indie artists usually depend on social media and local performances to build their fan baase. We have so much talent in Canada it was hard to choose who we feel will break through in 2017. We chose Andrew Frelick, Lauren Mayell, Adam Karch, Stevie Jewel and Steve Rivers. We plan on featuring more next week.

ANDREW FRELICK MUSIC IS IN HIS BLOOD

Dynamic and determined are just two words that can best describe Halifax, NS born country artist, Andrew Frelick! Growing up in nearby Bridgewater, NS, Andrew is a natural talent delivering rich vocals, country guitar, and a polished live off the floor sound. Rapidly building momentum following artist showcase performances during the 2015 CMA Fest & CCMA weeks, Andrew is making his mark in country music, and is definitely one to watch. It just so happens

that Andrews Aunt is none other than Carrol Baker. Andrew has just released a cool new single “When I Was Little” and will be opening for Carrol in November. The thing that caught our attention is that Andrew is a family man first (just follow him on social media) and music is a close second. Andrew has made a mark in the Martimes and Nashville and we see him breaking nationally across Canada in 2017.

FUN, FOCUSED, DRIVEN, DISCIPLINED SHOWS THROUGH IN LAUREN MAYELL’S MUSIC 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. 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 Calgary-based 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. 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 Wes Mack, Dean Brody and Dr. Hook. Lauren’s current single is “Better Believe”. We believe Lauren will break through in 2017 with national success and a solid fan base.

STEVIE JEWEL SINGER/SONGWRITER MAKING A NAME FOR HERSELF ACROSS CANADA AND USA Brad Paisley once told us to be successful in this business attend one of the Universities in Nashville like Belmont which is famous for turning out stars like Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, Josh Turner and many more. Stevie is in her last year at Belmont and headed for success.

Stevie has performed in NYC, LA, Las Vegas and Chicago this year with great response. She has received radio airplay across Canada and plans are in

STEVE RIVERS

the works to release her music to the US market. With her strong songwriting and singing skills Stevie is one to watch in 2017.

Steve Rivers current song “Where There’s Smoke There’s Whiskey” has officially hit over 70,000 plays on Spotify. As Steve says it’s Canadian made and Tennessee Inspired.

Steve’s album “No Boundries” is now available. This is an album you need in your collection.

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 Worsham. 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 in 2017!

MELISSA HUNT TAKING COUNTRY MUSIC BY STORM! Melissa Hunt standing 6ft, she is as talented, driven and down to earth as she is tall and ready to make her first footprint in Canadian Country Music. Performing live across her home province and the Maritimes she and her support team are preparing to campaign her first single “Smoke and Cinders” release and radio tour. Melissa strives to pave her way into the Canadian country music scene and 2017 is looking bright for Melissa Hunt to breakout across Canada and beyond.

Singer/Songwriter Nicole Rayy

A dynamic and powerful force of musical talent!

Since she began writing music when she was a teenager, the essence of Nicole Rayy’s music has always been, first and foremost, to express herself as honestly as possible. When pressed for musical comparisons to her musical ability, the Oakville, Ontario-born Rayy is reluctant to provide. For as long as she’s been playing music, she has been herself. Comparisons are easy to fall back on, but for Nicole, her music should always speak for itself.

Nicole Rayy first blasted into the Canadian Country music scene in 2012 with the release of her debut EP “Only Everything”. Recorded with award-winning musician, composer, and producer Lance Anderson of Cherry Beach Sound and enlisting the talents of top Country guitarist and CCMA Hall of Fame recipient, Wendell Ferguson, Only Everything was a strong debut for Nicole, showcasing the diverse range of emotion and vocal range through her songs with a subject matter that is personal as much as it is relatable. It wasn’t long after the release of “Only Everything”, that people began to take notice of her talents. Invitations to perform at festivals and venues followed. She has opened for such country music legends as Aaron Pritchett, toured across the nation, and rocked the stage at such events as Manitoulin Country Fest, The Calgary Stampede, and multiple industry showcases throughout Canadian Country Music Week, including this year’s “Rise and Shine” – celebrating female artists, alongside fellow singer songwriters, Alee, Genevieve Fisher, Raquel Cole hosted by Julie and Carli Kennedy. Nicole also has the honour of performing at the World Music Festival in Shanghai, China, for the second year, where Nicole’s music proved to be a hit among the enthusiastic crowds.

Nicole’s latest album is the highly-anticipated Dig, produced at Noble Street Studios in Toronto by renowned Record Producer/Writer and Musical Director Doug Romanow, whose long list of clients include Justin Bieber, Johnny Reid, Chantal Kreviazuk, and the Canadian Country Music Awards. Released in Fall 2016, the album continues in the theme of uncompromising honesty and challenges listeners, as well as Nicole herself, to dig deep down to the emotional core of themselves. From the tale of devoted love that is Follow You Down and the bitter, empowering anthem of Done With This Town, the high energy of Bow and Arrow to the title single Dig, which goes into the desire to get serious and dig past the surface of a relationship, the album showcases Rayy’s tonal range and relatable sentiment perfectly.

With a sound that is distinctly her own and a creative ambition that knows no bounds, Nicole Rayy feels right at home either on a stage or in a recording studio and will never stay put in one place for too long. She will always keep learning, she willl always keep writing, she will always keep singing…

And she will always be herself.

We sat down with Nicole for a Q & A 1) Cam is in China on her Honeymoon. What were you there for?

As always, it was so great to see everyone and catch up. It’s like crazy family reunion that I look forward to every year!

I had the privilege of performing in Shanghai China, for the second time, as part of the World Music Festival 2016.

5) You have a new album “Dig” tell us what fans can expect from the album?

3) I have said for years there is a big market outside of North America for artists to tap into like Australia, England and even France. Do you see China as a big market?

The single Dig is about wanting to dig deeper into a relationship. About needing to go beyond the surface level and really dig into getting to know someone on a deeper emotional level. “Ready to go looking for a diamond in a coal mine, boy you know we’ll find it if we Dig.”

This album is a reflection of my life over the past few 2) What were the audiences like and how did years. I’ve always found it easier to express myself they accept your music? through my music and this new album is like sneaking a page out of my diary. These songs really ‘dig’ With two shows, Sunday evening at the Hub in into my emotions and say exactly what I wanted to Hongqaio and the finale act Monday night at Xinsay. I think listeners can see a lot of growth in my tiandi, I am still on a high from the crowd’s response! songwriter since my first EP back in 2013 and I hope I think I speak for myself and the incredibly talented to always continue to improve my craft. The album, band I had with me, when I say even though we were Dig, tells the story of many different stages of a on the other side of the world, I definitely felt at home relationship, from the beginning stages to the realizabeing up on those stages. The people of Shanghai were tion that it’s over and moving on is the only choice. I unbelievably kind and welcoming. From the packed hope the honesty of the lyrics on this album are what crowds singing along to the cutest young fans express- people relate to, what touches their lives in some way. ing their love for my music, I’m so truly touched by That is why I love making music because music brings their excitement and love for my music in Shanghai. people together; it’s how we know we are never alone This is why I make music to move people and touch in how we feel. their lives in some way and this experience truly touched mine.

6) Tell us the story behind the single Dig

If the crowd’s response in the last two years is any indication, I think China is a huge potential market for country music. With the love and excitement I received in Shanghai I am definitely hoping to return to China in the future to be a part of the World Music Festival again, maybe even do an entire tour of China.

I think other country artists would definitely feel at home bringing their music to China.

4) How was Country Music Week for you in London?

Country Music Week for me this year was one of my busiest yet! I was excited to be a part of many showcases this year including the all woman showcase ‘Rise & Shine’. It was so empowering to be a part of a show featuring such talented woman (Twin Kennedy, Alee, Genevieve Fisher and Raquel Cole).

7)

What’s ahead for you for 2017?

I already have some big plans in the work for 2017.

I’ll have a brand new single coming out at the beginning of the year and will be heading to Nashville this winter to do some more writing. I’m also going to be spending some more time in Winnipeg. I’ve been working closely with many musicians there so it will be great to spend some more time with them and play some more shows in Manitoba.

2016 has been a really great year for my music and I’m looking forward to what’s to come in 2017!

Florida Georgia Line shared an unforgettable night with friends, family and a capacity crowd of fans in their first-ever headline appearance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Thursday Night.

Over the 90-minute set, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley dished out nonstop, high-energy entertainment that included surprise appearances by Backstreet Boys, Nelly and Jake Owen.

Reviewing FGL’s milestone concert, The Tennessean wrote, “Florida Georgia Line is on fire and the soldout, multi-generational audience at Bridgestone Arena Thursday night fanned the flame. … The duo’s energy and charisma stretched to the venue’s furthest points.”

Before the pyro-fueled pair took the main stage, FGL was honored at an exclusive party backstage filled with industry guests. Big Machine Label Group EVP/ BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen presented them with a plaque commemorating 2X PLATINUM sales for their #1 single “H.O.L.Y.” that topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for an astonishing 18 weeks.

Kelley responded by acknowledging that it’s been “crazy, humbling and extremely special to get to this point” and promising “this is our hometown show, y’all, so we’re going to rock it!”

And they did. After opening sets by Kane Brown, The Cadillac Three and Cole Swindell, FGL’s band thundered into “This Is How We Roll” as Kelley and Hubbard descended from the ceiling on two platforms. Throughout the evening, they pumped up their performance with jaw-dropping special effects and scenery: pillars, jets of fire erupting in sync with their

songs and spectacular bursts of steam shooting upward from across the stage. Juxtaposing their typical high-octane vibes, the duo made their way to a separate stage near the back of the venue to perform next to a laid-back campfire and a forest of towering trees seemed to appear from nowhere; a setting that laid the perfect foundation to sing the title track from their newest album, DIG YOUR ROOTS. The full set also included “It’z Just What We Do,” “Round Here,” “Confession,” “Stay,” “Smooth,” “Dirt,” “Get Your Shine On” and their latest chart-rising single, “May We All” featuring Tim McGraw.

They also shared the spotlight with Backstreet Boys on “God, Your Mama, and Me” from FGL’s latest album, an ebullient Jake Owen on “Sun Daze” and Nelly, who helped bring the night to a rousing close on “Ride Wit Me,” “Hot In Herre” and “Cruise.”

At one point, as tens of thousands of fans cheered rapturously for their hometown heroes, Hubbard responded, “Nashville! You sound absolutely amazing!”

Clearly that feeling was mutual.

FGL is deep into their DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR, which continues through 11/17.

Since introducing their breakout vibes in 2012, FGL has earned prestigious honors from the AMA, ACM Awards, CMA Awards, Billboard Music Awards and CMT. Their previous releases – 2X PLATINUM debut HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES and PLATINUM ANYTHING GOES – have attributed to sales surpassing 26 million tracks and more than 3.5 million albums worldwide.

OLD DOMINION EARNS AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATION

We hope you are enjoying our Go Country Magazine. You need to also check out our Go Country online radio station. Here is what you will find on Go Country Radio: Interviews with the stars Star Story can you guess who the Star is?

Advice on how to handle teen problems Lots of great music few commercials Find and support new artists in our Indie programming Coming in December is our A Country Christmas where you will hear your favourite stars talking about their Christmas memories or family traditions or that first gift they got. Lots of stars and lots of great country Christmas music

With ACM, Music Row, ACCA and AIMP Awards already awarded, and two CMA nominations for the The week between Christmas and New Years we invited the upcoming 50th CMA Awards in November in both stars of country music into the studio to reflect on the past the Vocal Group of the Year and Best New Artist cat- year, the music and events all that made 2016 a great year for egories, today Old Dominion earned their first Amercountry music. You won’t want to miss this one. ican Music Awards nomination for Favorite Duo or Group – Country.

Starting in November we will have local weather for each province across Canada.

“Being nominated for an American Music Award somehow makes it seem like there are more people During the winter months we will keep you up to date that know about us than we think,” said Old Dominon travel conditions ion’s lead singer, Matthew Ramsey. “The groups we are nominated alongside are huge acts with a lot of Special contests coming up in time for Christmas fans outside of the country market. To be named in the same sentence as them really shines a light on the and much more growth we’ve seen over the past year. We are beyond proud!”

You can listen on your phone, tablet or desktop Song for Another Time focuses on a couple who knows their relationship is coming to an end, but wants to celebrate one last good moment with one another – strung together by song titles that span the genres. “Song For Another Time,” a singleBillboard suggests “may have emerged at the perfect moment” is nearing the Top 10 with no signs of slowing down.

We are your Canadian national Country radio Station.

Tune in today you won’t be disappointed!

Zac Brown’s Perfect Steak Zachry Alexander Brown was born on July 31, 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was raised on Lake Lanier by his mother and stepfather, a dentist in Cumming, Georgia. The 11th of 12 children. Brown was given his mother’s guitar at age 8, and one of his stepfather’s patients was enlisted to teach him classical guitar. He

completed two years of lessons, but soon after developed a love for bluegrass music while playing with his father and brother on weekend visits. In his midteens, Brown spent almost a year being tutored by a vocal coach from his church in Cumming. In 2002, Brown was traveling approximately 200 dates a year.

Zac shares with us a few tips on cooking that perfect steak. He says these are things he has worked out over years.

“Get a freah cut of steak from the meat store of your choice.

You want to grill it at the highest temperature you can get. and rather then use a 1/4 bag of charcoal use a whole bag.

Cover the steak with a steak rub and a good steak sauce if you like and you don’t have to marinate the meat and in fact I am an anti-marinate guy. The salt that is in most marinates pulls the moisture out of the meat. The sauce you can use as a base and use it after as well” Zac says cook it the way you like rare, medium rare or well done. Let the meat rest a bit before cutting into it. From Southern Fried Chicken and Hearty Brunswick Stew to Farmer’s Fried Green Tomatoes and Revival Peach Cobbler, removable index cards contain 27 of the most coveted recipes by Zac Brown and his friends. This cook book also includes dozens of poems, songs, and stories - both fact and lore - accompanied by images of art, nature, travel and life that illustrate how to make it all happen.

Zac says the sauce he developed works well with steak, pork tenderloin and chicken as well. Zac says he is proud of his steak rub, sauce and cookbook and loves to hear feedback from fans. Get his cook book here In 2004, Brown opened a music club and restaurant with his father in the Lake Oconee area of Georgia, called “Zac’s Place” where the fare was southern-style cooking. A developer bought the restaurant and, in turn, the Zac Brown Band bought a tour bus and began touring full-time, playing rock and country clubs, as well as folk and jam band festivals.

Zac is a chef and loves cooking when not on the road especially BBQ. He has a cook book, steak rub and sauce that is available at retail stores. Zac shared his secrets for the perfect steak with us.

Today when Zac is touring he takes a chef on the road with him and they offer Meet, Great and Eat to fans. Zac has told us one of his influences was Jimmy Buffet and he claims that his hit songs like Toes and Castaway were direct influneces of Jimmy Buffett something he shared with Jimmy when they were hanging out. The Zac Brown Band are touring and headlining major concerts across the USA and Canada as well as major festivals. Zac still calls Atlanta home and when not on the road you can find him there usually in the kitchen or with his BBQ.

Even though we are not an Italian family Italian food was a staple in our home. Today I am going to share our family recipe for both lasagna and spaghetti. They are easy to make and take little time, a key to today’s busy lives. We will start with lasagna.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook time: 2 1/2 hours Ingredients: 1/2 pound of ground beef 1/2 pound of ground pork 1 28 oz can of tomato puree 2 6 1/2 oz cans of tomato paste 1 clove of garlic Italian seasoning Oregano Large package of mozzarella cheese Box of oven ready lasagna noodles In a large pot put in the ground beef, ground pork, tomato puree, and paste. Use the tomato paste cans and add 2 cans of water. Crush 1 clove of garlic, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Simmer on a low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours stirring occasionally. There is no need to brown the beef or

pork as they will cook through in the sauce.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a 8 x 10 glass or metal pan. Put one layer of three oven ready noodles on the bottom layer side by side. You can leave some space between them because they expand a bit. Cover the noodles with sauce and add a layer of mozzarella.

I like mine cheesy. Repeat for two more layers. On the top add extra cheese. Place in the oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted. Once done take out of oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serve with salad and cheese garlic bread.

If you have any leftovers don’t throw them away. Cover and put in the refrigerator once it has cooled down for the next day. When you are ready to eat simply preheat oven at 350 and warm up. Just make sure you don’t leave it in too long. Like a lot of meals this tastes equally or even better the next day.

Speghetti Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time 2 hours Ingredients 1/2 pound of ground beef 1 package of sweet Italian sausage 2 - 28 oz cans of tomato puree 2 - 6/1/2 oz cans of tomato paste clove of garlic Italian seasoning speghetti noodles In a large pot add tomato puree, tomato paste, ground beef, Italian sausage, ( I cut the sausage in two) 1 crushed clove of garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cover and cook on a low heat for two hours stiring occasionally. You can substitute the sausage for other meats. I have used spareribs, pig tails (yes pig tails) pork chops cut up.

Once the sauce has cooked put on a medium size pot 3/4 full of water and bring to a boil. Add speghetti and let cook for 12 minutes or until you can cut a noodle with a fork. The general rule is one hand full of noodles per serving. Strain the noodles and put each serving on a plate and add sauce to the top and put the sausage on the side.

Serve with garlic bread or cheese garlic bread and a caesar salad.

If you have sauce left over you can freese it for another day. You just have to thaw and re-heat.

Thanksgiving with Trisha Yearwood Her first Thanksgiving away from home, the country star discovered that gratitude and tradition can travel far.

I love Thanksgiving and I love hearing stories from the stars. Ms. Yearwood is not only a great singer but a great cook as well with cook books and a TV Show on the Food Network. Here is Trisha describing her first Thanksgiving with Garth and his family.

I’d recently moved to Oklahoma when Garth Brooks popped the question. No, not that one. It would be a while before he got down on one knee and proposed to me in front of 7,000 people. This was a more private request, one that gave me goosebumps nonetheless.

“Honey,” he said one October night, “I’ve been thinking maybe we could do Thanksgiving with my family.

What if I invited them over?”

“That sounds wonderful,” I said. “One more thing,” he said. “Could you do the cooking? You know how to make everything, right?”

“Of course,” I said, trying to project confidence. “I’d love to.” What else could I say? I was proud of my talent in the kitchen—I love it when somebody who only knows me for my singing discovers I can cook too. How could I admit that at the age of 38 I’d never made Thanksgiving dinner on my own?

The holiday was so special for our family that even if I was touring, I made sure to come home. But I just assisted with the feast. Mama and my older sister, Beth, were in charge of the turkey, the sides and the pies. They’d be cooking back home in Monticello, Georgia, and here I was in Oklahoma.

“How many people are we talking about?” I asked casually. “About fifteen,” Garth replied. “Nothing fancy.”

Fifteen people for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings? He made it sound as easy as whipping up a bunch of pimiento-cheese sandwiches.

That night I got on the phone to Mama. How should I cook the turkey, how would I know it was done, what all went into Grandma Lizzie’s cornbread dressing anyway?

“You’re making this way too complicated,” Mama said. “Keep it simple.” Simple? This was a big deal! It was my chance to prove to Garth’s family that I was more than some chick singer. That I could make a

warm, happy home for him and his three daughters.

I didn’t want to blow it. I took out a notebook. “Hold on, Mama, let me get this down. How many hardboiled eggs go into Grandma Lizzie’s dressing? What’s the right ratio of cornbread to white bread?” Then it occurred to me. “Mama, can you just send me the recipe?”

“I would, but it’s not written down,” she said. “It’s all in my head.” I should’ve known. I come from a long line of fabulous cooks, but the knowledge was passed down from generation to generation in the kitchen, not on paper. There are casseroles Mama taught Beth and me to make that she learned from watching Grandma make them for Granddaddy when he came in from working the fields. And Daddy too. He knew his way around the kitchen—and the grill. If there was a fundraiser in town, people would ask, “Is Jack making his Brunswick stew?” or “Is Jack barbecuing the chickens?”

Every recipe in our family has a story. We still laugh about the time Beth put too much ranch dressing in her Super Bowl Sunday cheese ball. My dad renamed it “cheese wad,” and that’s what we call it to this day.

Or the year my career took off and I was looking for Christmas gifts for folks in the music business. Mama made a special batch of her cheese straws. We got a kick out of treating the movers and shakers of Nashville to something that had been made in little Monticello, population 2,000.

Food was how we showed our love. Once I came down with a bad case of the flu in Oklahoma. I swear I wouldn’t have recovered if it hadn’t been for an emergency shipment of Mama’s chicken noodle soup, packed in dry ice (where did she find dry ice in Monticello?).

How was I going to do Thanksgiving on my own? Just the thought of it made me ache for home. “Remember, with the turkey,” Mama was telling me, “exactly one hour at five hundred degrees. Then turn off the oven and don’t open the door till the oven cools. It might be another five or six hours.”

“I got it,” I said, closing my notebook. No one’s ever going to believe this, I thought, least of all Garth.

Sure enough, he looked at me incredulously. “You do what with the turkey?” I explained again. “It comes out perfect and you don’t even baste it. Mama’s been cooking it this way for years. It’s the most tender turkey I’ve ever tasted.”

But what if it didn’t work when I cooked it? Maybe Thanksgiving wasn’t a moveable feast. Even the place didn’t feel right. Garth was living in a bunkhouse while his new ranch house was being built. We’d have to eat at card tables—card tables!

And Daddy wouldn’t be here to lead us in grace and recognize God for the blessings he’d bestowed on us. Would I feel that deep sense of love and connection without holding hands with my family and giving thanks together? “I’ll do the shopping,” Garth offered. Well, that was one thing I wouldn’t have to worry about.

A few days before Thanksgiving Garth set out with my list. Turkey, carrots, celery, onions, beans, greens, potatoes, saltines for the dressing, buttermilk, white bread, cornmeal, eggs, canned cranberry sauce, butter, flour, shortening, sweet potatoes and pecans for the pies—I’d bake those the night before.

Garth’s girls would help set the tables and serve the food. But I was going to do all the cooking.

I spent almost all Wednesday in the kitchen, chopping, prepping, baking, studying my notes. By the time I took the pies out of the oven, it was after midnight. I could put in the turkey now.

“Where’s the turkey?” I asked Garth.

“Wait till you see it,” he said. He opened the door to the freezer and proudly showed me the rock-hard bird. “Garth, it takes days to thaw a turkey! We’ll never be able to eat this one tomorrow.” Even if I stood over it with a hairdryer all night. I sank down in a chair, trying not to burst into tears. “Where are we going to find a turkey at this hour?”

“Don’t worry, Miss Yearwood,” he said (he likes to call me that). “The grocery’s open twenty-four hours.” I didn’t wait for Garth. I jumped up, grabbed my purse and ran to my car. I wasn’t about to let him get the turkey. Who knew what he’d come back with?

I got to the store and dashed to the meat department, praying they wouldn’t be sold out.

There in the cooler was a beautiful fresh turkey, the very last one. Triumphantly I carried it to the checkout. Back at the bunkhouse, I preheated the oven

to 500 degrees. I prepped the turkey the way Mama told me and put it in the oven. The last thing I did was put duct tape across the door and write “Do Not Open.”

Thanksgiving morning I cooked the beans and greens, whipped up the mashed potatoes, and, yes, I took the turkey out of the oven. It looked as good as Mama’s. I couldn’t resist taking a sliver of white meat and popping it in my mouth. Mmm, tasted as good as Mama’s too!

Next, the pan juices went into the gravy and, of course, Grandma Lizzie’s famous dressing. Soon everyone was gathered around the tables. “Shall we pray?” Garth said. He took my hand and, on the other side, I held his brother Jerry’s. We bowed our heads.

“We are so grateful today for all the blessings you’ve brought us,” Garth said. “For our family and friends, for the chance to get together...” The last thing I heard him give thanks for was “the food we eat and the hands that prepared it.”

My hands. And really, those of everyone who had taught me what good cooking was all about: Mama and Daddy, Grandma Lizzie and Beth. I felt connected to them as deeply as ever, connected by the love that makes you want to give the best of yourself.

I didn’t need to prove myself to Garth’s family. All I had to do was open my heart (and my kitchen) and share that love with them. “Amen,” we said and dug in. “This is the most delicious turkey,” said Jerry.

“How did you cook it?” I looked at Garth. “It’s a family secret,” I said. “I’d be glad to tell you…”

You can imagine that Trisha hasa a very busy life with a heavy touring schedule with Garth and when not on the road she is taping her Food Network show. She is a great cook and loves to cook. I recommend getting one of her cookbooks.

Garth and Trisha are now hiring staff for their record label Pearl Records and I am sure we can expect new music from both including a Christmas Album.

Slowing Cooking takes hours..........But little time and effort on your part There is nothing like coming home when it is cold out and smelling a nice warm soup cooking and better yet sitting down to eat that soup. We have three recipes today for Split Pea Soup and Cheesy Potato Soup.

Cheesy Potato Soup

Split Pea Soup

This is a crowd pleasure for those Saturday or Sunday afternoon football games.

Prep Time 5 min Total Time 2 hours 35 min

This is a classic and has been called a real stick to your ribs kind of supper.

Prep Tim: 10 min Total Time 6 hours 10 min Ingredients 1 lb dried green split peas 2 cups diced ham 2 carrots chopped 1 onion chopped 2 stalks of celery chopped 2 cloves garlic 1 bay leaf salt and pepper to taste 6 cups of chicken broth 1/4 cup of chopped parsley (for garnish) Add the split pea to the slow cooker in a single layer and top with layers of the ham, carrots, celery and garlic. Add the bay leaf and salt and pepper to taste the pour the chicken broth over the mixture and do not stir. Cover and set the slow cooker on high. Cook until the split peas are falling apart about 5 or 6 hours.

Serve in bowls garnished with the fresh parsley. Refrigerate any leftovers. This serves 8.

Ingredients 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chucks 6 cups chicken stock divided 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus more for garnish 1/4 cup chopped scallions salt and ground black pepper 1 cup sour cream green onions and bacon crumbles for topping Combine the potatoes and 2 cups of stock in the slow cooker. Set on high and cook until the potatoes are tender about 2 hours.

Transfer about half of the cooked potatoes and stock to a food processor. Process until smooth. Put the potato puree back in the slow cooker, and add the shredded cheddar, another 2 cups of chicken stock and the scallions. Continue cooking until the cheese melted about 20 - 30 minutes. Add additional chicken stock if the texture is thicker than you would like.

Season to taste.

Just before serving add the sour cream and stir in to blend. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with cheddar, green oinions and bacon crumbles for garnish.

Refridgerate if there are any left overs.

Beef & Vegetable Soup This soup is customizable making it easy to add your favourite vegetables.

Prep Time 25 Minutes Total Time 7 hours Serves 6 Ingredients 2 Tbsp butter 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat cut into cubes 1 onion chopped 6 cloves of garlic, minced 6 cups of beef stock 1 cup of green beans cut into 1 inch pieces 1 cup of diced zucchni 1 cup of diced cauliflower 2 Tbsp of minced basil leaves 1/2 tbsp minced thyne leaves Use a large skillet over a medium-highheat and melt the butter. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches to avoid crowding the skillet if needed) and

cook until beef is browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add the onions to the skillet and cook until they are softened about 10 minutes, Add the garlic and cook fragrant, another minute. Transfer the onions and any rendered beef fat to the slow cooker.

Add the beef stock to the slow cooker, set the heat to high and cook until the beef is very tender (safe internal temp 160F) about 6 hours. Add the green beans, zucchini and cauliflower and cook until vegetables are tender about 3045 minutes. I prefer carrots and tomato instead of cauliflower.

Just befor serving, stir in the basil and thyme.

Have a loaf of French Bread and enjoy. Refrigerate any leftovers.

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST LAUREN MAYELL Calgary’s ACMA multi-nominated Lauren Mayell (Female Country Artist of the Year and Fan’s Choice Award) has played over 100 shows in two years and opened for Brett Kissel, Emerson Drive, Dean Brody, Wes Mack, Cory Marquardt and Dr. Hook. She recorded an EP produced by George Canyon & Graham Sharkey in 2015. Since then she has had numerous co-writes including notable Nashville songwriters (Marty Dodson, Bruce Wallace, and Billy Falcon).

Lauren and Charlea drop by Country 105 in Thunder Bay.

I have interviewed Dierks Bentley several times and always with him was Jake. In fact Jake appeared on TV several times and was a celebrity.

Well Lauren has her friend on the road with her as well. Her Friend is called Charlea. Here are some photo’s of Lauren, Charlea while she visited radio stations. Here is Lauren at Cklq Q-Country in Brandon MB

When Lauren releases her current EP “I’ve Changed”, -produced by Johnny Gasparic, Graham Sharkey and Cory Churko 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 and fans will no doubt get to know Charlea as well.

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

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.

first time we connected instantly. We started talking about our pasts and learned we have had many similar relationship experiences. It was an amazing writing session with a lot of laughter that formed “Better Believe” to be a playful take on a relationship gone wrong that an audience can easily identify with.

3) What your upcoming plans for the remainder of 2016 and 2017? Can we expect an album or tour?

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-nudge-nudge, Jody Seeley!)

I have a few shows booked over the next few weeks that I’m very excited about! I feel very lucky to be opening for Meghan Patrick October 22 at Cowboys in Calgary. This one will be a fun “Girls Night” of country music (which also happens to be the name of a song on my upcoming EP!)I’m finishing up my first official EP this fall. I’m so proud to have co-written a couple songs with Terez Goulet, Aaron Pollock and Cory Churko. In early 2017 I’ll be releasing two more songs from my EP, which will of course be followed up by another radio tour! I’ve already met with 32 stations this year across Canada so I’m really looking forward to visiting more stations in the next few months.

Otherwise, I’ve been busy writing songs for my next EP which will release next year and I’ll have more shows being announced in the coming months. Keep an eye on www.laurenmayell.com and my Facebook and Twitter pages for those updates!

2) Tell us about Better Believe!

4) How can people buy your singles and EP?

My second single -”Better Believe” was released on September 13th during my Maritimes radio tour. It was an absolute blast being able to see all the beautiful places on the east coast that I had never been to before!

The radio stations were also very welcoming.

“Better Believe” was co-written with Vee Lasher from Nashville and has become one of my favourite songs I have written so far.

When I met Vee for the At XL Country 96.9 - Moncton

ITunes Google Play Visit Lauren Mayell online at http://laurenmayell.com

KELLIE PICKLER DUBBED STEVE HARVEY’S “FAVORITE GUEST” Steve Harvey had fiery country artist and star of CMT’s I Love Kellie Pickler, return Tuesday, Oct. 11 to recap having “one of his favorite contestants” on Family Feud and discuss a favorite app and most recent tattoo celebrating her and her husband, Kyle Jacobs’ marriage.

During the interview, Harvey played the viral clip of Pickler’s appearance on Family Feud, where the country-music charmer was so excited she scared the chatty host speechless, before sitting down with her. After watching the clip from CMT’s I Love Kellie Pickler showing the Platinum-certified “Best Days of Your Life” singer getting a meaningful tattoo — her wedding date in Roman numerals on her

forearm in Jacobs’ handwriting — the bubbly Dancing With The Stars winner explained how she likes the feeling of getting tattoos.

After purposefully calling her Kellie “Pichler” to poke fun at his recent name-announcement mishap, Harvey hilariously segued into discussing the Dictionary.com app that helps Kellie and Steve with the pronunciation and definition of new vocabulary.

The two larger-than-life personalities took turns taking a stab at different words while the live audience erupted with laughter. The comical talk show host wrapped the interview by calling the southern personality his “favorite guest.”

VISIT STEVIE JEWEL ONLINE

Sign up for Stevie’s e-mail list, follow her on social media, purchase her music and see where you can see Stevie’s live shows.

TEBEY CO-PENS NEW JUSTIN MOORE SINGLE “SOMEBODY ELSE WILL” Having spent his summer hitting the festival circuit, there is no slowing down this fall for Tebey. Between a Coors-sponsored tour, new single and international writing credits, Tebey has officially joined the major leagues of Canadian country music.

Already an internationally acclaimed songwriter, Tebey is celebrating the release of Justin Moore’s newest single “Somebody Else Will.” Following Moore’s #1 hit “You Look Like I Need a Drink,” the new track was co-written

by Tebey along with Nashville heavy hitters, Kelly Archer and Adam Hambrick.

With his summer hit “Lightweight” becoming a Sirius XM/The Highway Find and his underground track “Holladay Inn” featured in Spotify’s Wild Country playlist, Tebey is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to releasing new music. Tebey kicked off the new season with the release of the title track off his EP “Old School.” Co-written with Kylie Sackley (cuts with Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Randy Houser) and fellow Canadian Danick Dupelle (Emerson Drive), “Old School” is a hook laden, nostalgic track packed with pop culture references for the 90’s kids and beyond. The EP Old School reached the Top 10 on the iTunes Country Chart and entered the Soundscan country chart in the Top 30.

New music in hand, Tebey hit the road for the

First Come, First Served tour in partnership with Coors Banquet. The tour kicked off on October 13th in Oshawa, he will be performing at intimate venues across Ontario, giving fans the chance to win their way in through local radio contests. Newcomers Endless Summer will kick off each evening’s festivities.

It’s fair to say the 29 year-old, Nashville based singer/songwriter has told some fine stories over his career – in a variety of genres and with artists including country superstars Big and Rich, Canadian pop star Shawn Desman, and international boy band phenom One Direction.

While his ample talents as a multi-genre songwriter make him well-suited to do so, more than anything, his desire to is rooted a love of performance he’s nurtured since first taking the stage at the Burlington, Ontario, church he attended with his family as a child. “That was the first place I actually got up the courage to get up and sing, but I never had any doubts about working in music. I always felt it’s what I was meant to do.”

Visit Tebey online http://tebeymusic.com/

DOLLY PARTON TO RECEIVE WILLIE NELSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DURING “THE 50th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” AIRING LIVE ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK NOV. 2 The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award is for an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music. The Award was established to recognize an artist who has achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, record sales, and public representation at the highest level. The artist receiving this Award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre throughout a course of years that have proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike.

“Dolly epitomizes the very definition of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “She is a trailblazer who continues to enchant and captivate fans around the world, from her latest No. 1 album, to her sold-out tour, and numerous television projects.

She is a treasure and deserving of this industry acclaim for her undeniable contributions to the success of Country Superstar Dolly Parton will be the 2016 Music, today.” recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Previous recipients of the Willie Nelson Achievement Award, which will be presented Lifetime Achievement Award include Willie during “The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” airNelson (2012), Kenny Rogers (2013), and ing Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8:00 PM/ET) on the Johnny Cash (2015).

ABC Television Network live from Nashville.

Better Believe Single by Lauren Mayell on Apple Music itunes.apple.com Listen to songs from the album Better Believe Single, including “Better Believe.�

Buy the album for $0.99.

Songs start at $0.99.

Free with Apple Music subscription.

Life Is Good For

Growing up Dallas Smith had a real passion for music however he was reluctant to pursue his dream because he was a shy guy. He faced his fear and with his friends they started a band and played cover songs. Dallas was born and raised in Langley BC and lists his influences as Zeppelin, Alice in Chains, The Beatles, Reba and the Judds.

He signed his first record deal as the lead singer of the rock band “Default”. They recorded and released four albums and have sold more than a million albums. Their biggest single was “Wasting My Time”.

A few artists from the rock genre attempted a career in country music like Brett Michaels from Poison but for most success evaded them in the country music field. It has been a different story for Dallas Smith. Remember his influences were The Beatles, Reba and The Judds. With Reba and The Judds as

influencers it was an easier transition for Dallas to move from the rock world into country and he was met with open arms. Listen to Dallas’s songs and the way he delivers them and one can see country music is his home. He sings with passion and his lyric’s are ones that listeners can associate with.

It was in May 2012 that Dallas released his solo debut album Jumped Right In a project that netted a GOLD single, 5 CCMA Award nominations and a JUNO Award nomination for Country Album of the Year. He followed with the infectious Platinum-selling single “Tippin’ Point” and dominated the Canadian Country charts with songs like “Lifted” and multi-week #1 hit “Wastin’ Gas.”

Dallas is the only Canadian male country artist to spend multiple weeks at the top of the Country Airplay Chart in the Nielsen BDS era for single “Wastin’ Gas.” Piling on the accolades, Smith is the 2015 JUNO Award winner for Country Album of the Year (LIFTED), and the CCMA Award winner for Album of the Year (LIFTED). Rolling Stone Country praised, “Dallas dialed up the amplified noise” during his set at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas, marking him as “one of the weekend’s most familiar faces.” The seasoned performer has also been on The Huffington Post’s radar as one of 15 Country Artists To Watch, highlighting his ability to draw crowds of more than 25,000 fans.

Here is some interesting facts on Dallas • #1 Mediabase most played Canadian on country radio in Canada for 2014 and 2015 • #1 BDS most played Canadian on country radio in Canada for 2015 • #1 Canadian country artist on the BDS Top 50 All Format Artists chart for 2015 • 3 singles in the BDS Top 25 Canadian Country Songs chart for 2015 (Wastin’Gas, Lifted and Cheap Seats) • 2 singles in the Mediabase ‘2015 Country Chart’ (Top 50 overall, includes international) (Wastin’ Gas and Lifted) • Only Canadian Country Artist to have all of his charted songs peak in the top ten (current total is 12 songs) I have spent a virtual weekend with Dallas. I have spent time watching his video’s and listening to his new album “Side Effects”. Produced by studio ace and long-time collaborator Joey Moi (Florida Georgia Line, Chris Lane), “SIDE EFFECTS” features 12 tracks, penned by some of country music’s most popular songwriters including The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston who has written #1 songs for the likes of Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. The album showcases Smith’s incredible range and confirms this is an artist who knows which lane he wants to be in – pushing forward and soaring ahead. Earlier this year, Smith released the infectious single “One Little Kiss” which soared to #1 on the iTunes digital country singles chart upon its April 22nd release and reached Top 5 at Canadian country radio. The

new single (and Smith’s first ballad), “Autograph” delivers unparalleled vocals from one of the best voices in Canadian country music – appealing to audiences far beyond the boundaries with sonic layers and a stadium sized voice that flourishes on the edge of global superstar. His new single “Autograph” was the Top DMDS Download/all formats and #1 Mediabase Top Add – all formats.

Dallas tells us “Autograph” was originally intended for the last album, “Lifted” but Keith Urban had dibs on the song. He was so happy when Keith didn’t record it and it became available for him to release. He shared a chuckle with Keith when he played the song on the Urban tour dates. This is one of my favourites from the album and I can see why it was chosen as a single. I am sure this single will quickly find its way to the top of the charts. Dallas currently has the #1 selling record in the country (all genres) on iTunes.

SIDE EFFECTS Track listing 1. Only One You 2. Side Effects 3. Sky Stays This Blue 4. Tab With My Name On It 5. Autograph 6. 50/50 7. Kids With Cars 8. Hoods And Tailgates 9. One Little Kiss 10. I’m Already Gone 11. Sleepin’ Around 12. Twelve Pack Soundtrack

DALLAS PERFORMS ON THE CP HOLIDAY TRAIN

Starting on November 26th Dallas gets on the CP Holiday Train in Montreal and travels across Canada ending on December 17th in BC.

You can check the schedule to see when the CP Holiday Train will be in your area http://www.cpr.ca/ holiday-train/schedule-canada

“We are very excited about this year’s CP Holiday Train and are encouraging all event attendees to bring healthy, nutritious food items to the shows,” said Pam Jolliffe, Interim Executive Director, Food Banks Canada. “For the last two decades, CP has played an integral role in raising essential food for the holidays and in raising awareness of hunger-related issues.” ​

Visit Dallas Smith Online

Every pound of food and dollar raised at each stop stays with the local food bank to help feed those in need in that community.

www.DallasSmithMusic.com http://twitter.com/DallasSmith facebook.com/dallassmithmusic

ROLAND CORRIGAL EP “SMALL TOWN LIFE” COMING NOVEMBER 11TH Roland Corrigal’s life has been steeped in live country music from the beginning. It is no surprise that he upheld this tradition throughout his life playing with his family and various other bands. Now he is pursuing his passion by performing his own original music and working with producer Rich McFarlane of Mosaic Music on his first studio album. His first single to Canadian country radio, “My Pretty Girl,” reached #8 on the DMDS most active indies chart. Besides his passion for music, Roland, born and raised in northern Saskatchewan, has dedicated himself to his community as a former structural fire captain and air search and rescuer. Now he gives back to the community with his music, providing entertainment at community functions and hosting an acoustic jam night.

Roland’s blend of the old and new styles of country

music is sure to please listeners far and wide.

Roland posted on Facebook “I’m excited to announce that my EP “Small Town Life” will be released November 11th!! I’ve been working on this project for some time now and I’m proud to say it’s done. Huge thanks to producer Rich McFarlane for all his work and to the musicians that contributed as well. It’s a great mixture of classic and contemporary sounds.

The album will be available on all of the digital music stores you can think of! Also, I will be releasing a single to Canadian Country radio called “I Don’t Wanna Fight No More”. Listen for it! Thank you for your support! I can’t wait for you to enjoy the music!”

Visit Roland online http://www.rolandcorrigal.com/

LA TO NYC TO NASHVILLE STEVIE JEWEL A STAR IN THE MAKING! When you want to be a doctor you go to medical school. So it just makes sense if you want to be an entertainer you learn all you can about the music business by attending a top entertainment school. And that is exactly the route that Stevie Jewel has taken.

Many of the top country stars have taken this route. I remember asking Brad Paisley what advice he would have for someone wanting to get in the entertainment business and he said “Go to a great school like Belmont, learn as much as you can and meet as many people as you can because most of those people will be part of the career you have in the music business.”

Ontario born Stevie Jewel is Katy Perry meets Country with a twist of Southern Rock. Multi award winning and Grammy nominated before she turned 20, Stevie has performed at The White House, Country Music Week leading up to the CCMA Awards, and all over the U.S. to great acclaim. A graduate of The Las Vegas Academy for the Performing Arts and the Atlanta Music Academy, Stevie’s powerful storytelling and stunning vocal presence highlight her unique

artistic identity which connects her to her audience across the globe. Stevie’s single “BAD HABIT” scored extensive airplay on CBC Radio in Jewel’s homeland of Canada in 2016. Currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, Stevie is finishing her last year at Nashville’s premier music school, Belmont University.

She is collaborating with Nashville’s Alisters like Country Hall of Famer Tom Douglas (LADY ANTEBELLUM, TIM MCGRAW), and writer/ producers JODI MARR ( CAROLE KING, RICKY MARTIN) and Will Edwards ( Dexter, Burn Notice, The Sopranos.) and she is now working on a new release. In 2016 Stevie has performed in major centers like Los Angeles, New York City, Las Vegas, Nashville, Chicago and leaves her audiences wanting more with each performance. Go Country sat down with Stevie for an exclusive interview.

Go Country: In the past we have interviewed Brad Paisley who attended Belmont and I asked him his advice for people who want to get into the music business. He said that attend a University like Belmont and meet as many people as you can because a lot of these people you will end up working with in the business. How has you experience been at Belmont?

I’ve had an incredible experience at Belmont. I completely agree with what Brad said, some of my friends have already signed publishing deals and it’s so exciting to be able to grow with your peers.

Go Country: Do they teach you all aspects of the business at Belmont?

Yes, I’ve taken classes that cover everything from being an entrepreneur to copyright law.

It’s so useful, because it’s all important when you get into the real world of the music industry. Knowing how royalties work, what an advance is, and how it impacts you is crucial to making good decisions in regards to your songs and work as an artist.

Go Country: This past year you have made live appearances in New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas and LA. Tell us about some of these performances and where you played.

My favorite place of that tour was New York City, while I also loved Chicago, I love the energy of NYC, and Rockwood Music Hall is such a fun venue to play.

I’ve performed in LA and Vegas multiple times and that’s always great too, especially to be playing iconic venues like The Mint.

Go Country: Do you write all your own material and if so do you draw from your own experiences?

I write most of my own material, because it pours out of me. It would be nearly impossible for me to write without somehow drawing on my personal experiences, but my favorite part about writing is the ability to tell the story however you want. We’ve all had that moment an hour after a conversation and thought, “If

only I’d said this!” and songwriting gives that opportunity!

Go Country: Your latest single is called “Bad Habit” tell us the story behind the song!

We were talking over ideas and then somehow the words “bad habit” were said and we knew right then, that was the idea for the song! The whole thing was finished in less than two hours and when one of my producers, Will Edwards, heard the song he said, “That’s a hit!”.

Go Country: What’s coming up for Stevie Jewel?

My team and I are about to start working on a full album!

I’ve released several singles and now I’m so excited to be working on an album. We are also working on live dates and you can find the full schedule of live performances on my website, http://www.steviejewel.com Go Country: How can people follow you online?

I love connecting with fans! I’m usually on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram sharing photos and just chatting about life and music! I also blog about touring, creating music, and what’s like to be a musician!

We recommend you follow Stevie Jewel, she is a star in the making. Catch her live performance we promise you won’t be disappointed. Look for her single “Bad Habit” a must have song for your collection.

DISTRACTED DRIVING A SERIOUS PROBLEM We have all seen and maybe some of us have done it from answering the phone to eating because we are in a hurry or maybe even doing other things as we drive. This is not only dangerous it could be deadly.

We checked with the RCMP web site and the Insurance Bureau on stats and suggestions. Distracted driving is a form of impaired driving as a driver’s judgment is compromised when they are not fully focused on the road. Distracted driving qualifies as talking on a cell phone, texting, reading (e.g. books, maps, and newspapers), using a GPS, watching videos or movies, eating/drinking, personal grooming, adjusting the radio/CD and playing extremely loud music. Even talking to passengers and driving while fatigued (mentally and/or physically) can be forms of distracted driving. The legal impacts of distracted

driving can vary depending on the circumstances. In some provinces, a person can be fined up to over $500 and can lose up to 4 demerit points. Each province and territory in Canada has different laws regarding cell phone use while driving, as it is the number one cause of distracted driving in young adults. There are special circumstances under which it is safe to use a cellular device.

If you see a hazardous driver swerving or driving erratically, safely pull over with your hazard lights on and call 9-1-1. Gather as many details as you can, including the direction in which the car was going, the street it was on, and the make and model of the vehicle. Knowing the licence plate number can help too.

Nearly 3 out of 4 Canadian drivers admit to driving distracted. You are 23 times more likely to crash if you text while driving. Scary stuff and it is not just the youth that do this. I have seen so many people trying to text and drive and I ask my self is it really that important to possibly cause a serious accident. You can also be heavily fined. See the chart to see what distracted driving could cost you in your province. http://www.ibc.ca/qc/auto/risk-management/distracted-driving The London Health Science Center in Ontario, Canada recently shared a heart wrenching story of distracted driving that profoundly affected a family in 2009.

Josh, a popular and talented man young man was in the prime of his life, a life which was cut short in an instance because of distracted driving.

When a young life is lost on the road, it often becomes statistic added to the relentless death toll that is road traffic crashes. However, we know that behind every single life lost, the human tragedy is unquatifiable. Every day over 1000 young people are killed on the world’s roads and these deaths are more than just a number, they are brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, friends and loved ones.

Josh’s Story was recently shared with us by the London Health Science Center (LHSC) in Ontario Canada. Josh’s Story has been captured in video and recalls the heartbreaking accounts, the moment when Josh was killed on the road because of distracted driving.

The video recalls the moment in poignant conversations with friends and family.

The devastation that is left behind when a young person is killed on the road is the key focus of the film.

Josh’s friends recall the moment where they heard that ‘Josh was gone’ and the moment where they heard that the reason behind Josh’s death was because he reached for his mobile phone while driving.

This split second of distraction caused Josh to ‘end up in a ditch’ and cause injuries that tragically cost his life.

In the hope of preventing such instances happening to other families, Josh’s parents hope to raise awareness of his story so as young people are aware of the speed in which a life can be taken because of distracted driving. LHSC say, “A moment of distraction led to a personal tragedy for a local family. We all make decisions, every day, sometimes the consequences of those decisions can be so final. This is Josh’s Story. We hope that this video makes you think twice before reaching for a phone or texting while driving”. Watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFPke9gBybc

What You Can Do To reduce distracted driving?

Driving always requires your full attention. Here are some distracted driving solutions provided to help make your drive safer: Plan Your Route – Planning your route should occur before getting in the car so you have a good handle on where you’re going and how you’re going to get there.

Plan how much time you’ll need to reach your destination, road closures to avoid and best time to leave.

If you will be using a GPS system, program your route prior to starting the car. If your GPS can call out the turns, you should have it set to do so. Have the volume set so you can hear the instructions and do not need to glance down to view the GPS.

Passengers – Passengers in your vehicle is a common distraction, as a result, graduated licensing (in some provinces) limits the number of passengers that are allowed with a younger driver. Advise your passengers to be quiet if a risky situation arises on the road; your attention will be less on the road if you’re talking/listening to them. Silence will also help when deciding what the safest actions to take are.

had looked away from the road 3 seconds prior to the crash.

Having passengers in your car differs from talking on the phone because the person on the other end of the phone will not know when to be quiet as they are unable to spot any safety risks.

OneTap was built to help end distracted driving. It does this by automatically silencing texts and notifications on your phone, and by letting you know when your friends and family are behind the wheel, reducing the number of distractions while they drive.

Eating and Drinking – It’s best to avoid eating and drinking while driving. If you need to take a drink, wait until you are stopped at a red light.

Music – Music should never be so loud that you would not be able to hear a siren, or the screech of brakes from another vehicle.

Personal Grooming – Do your personal grooming at home, not while driving a vehicle.

Secure Objects – Place any items like purses, backpacks and coats in the trunk or safely tucked behind the seat on the ground so they will not go flying if you have to brake in an emergency. Items that are flying around may distract you from the road. For example, items that are falling out of your purse might grab your attention and your instinctive reaction may be to reach for the things that are/went flying.

Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to cause injury.

Even when drivers use a hands-free phone, they are less aware of the traffic around them. They tend to react more slowly to a critical event or worse — they may not detect the danger at all.

A study found that in 80% of collisions, the driver

There’s an App for that! We checked online and found an App called One Tap which we will spotlight here.

There are several apps and we recommend to check them all out. I persoanlly turn my phone off or just don’t answer.

Driver Mode Manual or Automatic You set the app to driver mode with a single tap, or let your phone detect when you’re driving and enter driver mode automatically.

Set Your Drive Time Enter your drive time or destination and OneTap will let people know when they can expect you to call them back.

Passenger Mode If you’re riding shotgun, just tap the “Passenger” button to use your phone as normal and not be listed as “Driving” to your OneTap contacts.

Manage Distractions If someone calls or texts while you’re driving, OneTap for Android blocks the alert and automatically replies with a message letting them know you’ll get in touch when you reach your destination.

Visit online to find out all the features http://www. getonetap.com/ Apps are great but you have to use them. Teach your teens the dangers of distracted driving.

Ram Reveals New Rebel TRX Concept – 100-mph Off-road Pickup Rips With 575 Supercharged Horsepower Ram, America’s off-road truck leader, today introduced the Ram Rebel TRX concept. Rebel TRX is a 100-mph off-road machine with 575 horsepower – the most powerful half-ton truck the company has ever built. Ripping over pavement at speeds greater than 100 mph is an experience, but the Ram Rebel TRX concept hits triple digits in an off-road environment with the help of a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8.

“Ram Truck heads to the 2016 State Fair of Texas with a host of product news plus a new concept that pickup fans will truly appreciate – the Ram Rebel TRX concept was built specifically for this event and solidifies Ram Truck’s position as the off-road pickup leader,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, FCA – Global. “With 575 supercharged horsepower and a suspension system built to withstand an all-day hammering, the Rebel TRX concept can devour the roughest terrain at more than 100 miles per hour and never look back.”

The rapidly beating heart of the Ram Rebel TRX concept is a powertrain marvel. A 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI with 575 horsepower, the most powerful Ram 1500 the company has ever built, lays the groundwork of expectation.

Mated to the TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission, new calibrations were used for the engine, transmission and drivetrain to optimize the expected high-speed off-road driving cycle.

The Ram Rebel TRX concept uses Ram’s 4x4 Performance Control System with a BorgWarner 44-45 transfer case. The system employs different modes of operation: Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-road and Baja.

The Ram Rebel TRX concept uses a standard Ram 1500 front axle with an open differential and custom CV half-shafts to handle the wider track dimension. The spindles are moved forward to make room within the fender wells for the aggressive 37-inch tires.

In the rear, a Dynatrac Pro 60 axle spools power through an electric, selectable locker to 35-spline, 1.5-inch axle shafts. The locker is available in all modes and commits both rear wheels to traction at the same speed, spreads the torque load and maximizes the tractive effort (power put to the ground) in full-throttle maneuvers.

Engineering The Ram Rebel TRX has an exterior design that radiates focused aggression, which is only trumped by what lies under its skin. The concept was built around suspension and frame prerequisites. Equally important was adapting as many systems from the standard Ram 1500 as possible to ensure durability and proper function.

The high-strength steel frame structure of the Ram Rebel TRX is virtually unchanged when compared to a standard Ram 1500. The frame uses low-torsion attributes that increase durability, stability and handling precision.

A 40 percent increase in suspension travel and 37inch tires contribute to incredible ground clearance.

This combination allows the TRX concept to overcome surface obstacles at high speed.

The front suspension incorporates custom-built upper and lower A-arms with special attention to caster and camber angles during suspension cycling.

Overall, front- and rear-wheel travel is increased to more than 13 inches from the standard 9 inches. The front load is managed by a state-of-the-art, adjustable, performance coil-over shock with internal bypass. The result is a smooth ride over smaller bumps, and when the bumps become mounds, the reaction speed and heat dissipation is unbeatable, softening the impact on occupants and maintaining the tire-to-ground contact.

The Ram 1500 uses an exclusive, best-in-class link coil rear suspension system that shares basic architecture with the fastest off-road trucks in desert racing. The frame’s hard points for the five-link suspension system are unchanged and allow the rear axle travel to span up to 13 inches, while standard rear-wheel travel on the Ram 1500 is 9.25 inches. New 2.5-inch bypass shocks use factory upper and lower shock mounts.

The standard rear coils are swapped for performance springs located in the factory-spec positions.

To provide incredible stopping power, the factory hydraulic-boost compensation unit enhances brake pedal feel and performance during emergency stop events. Baer brakes six-piston monoblock calipers mounted to 15-inch rotors equip the front. The rear uses six-piston calipers with 14-inch rotors.

High-speed off-road truck racing teams commonly use a 37-inch tire for its height and durability.

Tires with 37 inches of height, 13.5 inches of width, aggressive treads and 10-ply design are assigned the task for Rebel TRX. The Rebel TRX concept also features custom beadlock wheels from Mopar.

Beadlock wheels provide additional tire-holding strength by pinching the outside of the tire to the rim. The Rebel TRX carries two complete spare tire and wheel packages. Tools and jack are located in custom, lockable storage between the wheels in the bed.

Design Although it is clear that the line and color combinations are borrowed from the popular Rebel and Power Wagon models, the Ram Rebel TRX has a much more chiseled look.

Three letters burst clear of a Power Wagon-inspired grille spelling “RAM” in body-matching black and red. Out of necessity, the bold, scooped grille allows a fire-breathing supercharged engine to cool with additional air flow.

Composite flares help compensate for a six-inch increase in track width and gave designers another location to mark their signature. A lower brush guard is forged in steel and up to the “rock knock” test.

To clear the roots-style blower mounted atop the HEMI engine, the Rebel TRX uses a hood based on the taller Ram Heavy Duty design. The raised fender height matches shoulders to chest. A drone’s-eye view exposes bright LED clearance lighting and the acute hour-glass body lines as they dive back into the doors only to pop back out in the back, enabling rear tires to firmly tuck into the wells. The side of the Rebel TRX leads your eye to enormous five-inch, side-exit exhaust ports integrated within a fulllength rock rail for added body/sill protection.

Closing out the rear of the truck, a large “Ram” badge in Matte Black is borrowed from the Rebel and covers the tailgate. A custom rear steel bumper with integrated skid plate and tow hooks matches capability features on the front of the truck.

When traversing rough terrain at high speeds, seating is important. The interior design team chose suede with accent mesh cloth inserts to cover the rear bench and front buckets. The suede inserts provide tremendous grip to clothing. The front seats integrate lateral support upper bolsters with embroidered logos. All four seats are strapped with six-point harnesses, further fixing occupants to their proper locations.

An open upper glove box with elastic straps holds a sturdy TRX-labeled bag with color matched tools. A seven-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) display cluster features muddy tracks and TRX badge graphics. The same graphics fill the screen on an 8.4 Uconnect. To record TRX’s accomplishments, a custom camera mount is located at the rear-view mirror.

The center console matches efforts on the instrument panel and includes a new polystable shifter trimmed in black suede and Header Red stitching. Designers re-trimmed the Rebel TRX armrests with solid

Header Red accent stitching and wrapped the upper bolster in suede to keep arms in place. Nylon-strap door pulls are embroidered with “Release.”

A sport bar covered in black anodized paint provides anchor points dedicated to the six-point harnesses and spans from B-pillar to B-pillar – formed to allow maximum possible seat travel.

The Rebel TRX interior floor trades carpet for black rubberized coating. Black all-weather mats from Mopar reduce foot slip when foot-to-pedal placement is crucial.

One look at the Ram Rebel TRX concept and its intentions are clear — a 575-horsepower off-road machine with the ability to clear miles of desert in the blink of an eye.

We as Canadians don’t need to learn how to drive in the winter but it is alwas a good idea to be reminded of driving in winter. some of us have already had snow this year. So here we go.

Winter driving can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when conditions are snowy or icy. If road conditions are dangerous, consider making alternate travel arrangements or postponing your trip until conditions improve.

Follow these steps to keep yourself safe and collision free during the next few blustery winter months.

Step 1: Make sure that your vehicle is prepared for winter driving.

Winter tires are a good option, as they will provide greater traction under snowy or icy conditions.

Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car, along with possible emergency items such as a lightweight shovel, battery jumper cables, and a flashlight.

Make sure that mirrors, all windows, and the top of your vehicle, are free of snow or frost before getting onto the road.

Step 2: Drive smoothly and slowly Don’t make any abrupt turns or stops when driving.

Doing so will often cause your vehicle to lose control and skid. Driving too quickly is the main cause of winter collisions. Be sure to drive slowly and carefully on snow and ice covered roads.

Step 3: Don’t tailgate.

Tailgating becomes much worse in winter weather.

Stopping takes much longer on snowy and icy roads than on dry pavement, so be sure to leave enough room between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Step 4: Brake before making turns.

Brake slowly to reduce speed before entering turns.

Once you have rounded the corner you can accelerate again.

Step 5: Learn how to control skids.

When skidding, you actually need to go against your natural instincts and turn into the skid and accelerate. Doing so transfers your vehicle’s weight from the front to the rear and often helps vehicles to regain control.

Step 6: Lights On. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

Step 7: No Cruise Control.

Never use cruise control if conditions are snowy, icy, or wet, because if your car hydroplanes, your car will try to accelerate and you may lose control of your vehicle.

Step 8: Don’t “pump” the brakes.

If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock breaking system (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes. Apply constant pressure and let the system do its work.

Step 9: Pay attention.

Manoeuvres are more difficult to make in the snow.

Be sure to anticipate what your next move is going to be to give yourself lots of room for turns and stopping.

I always keep blankets, ice scraper, windshield washer, shovel, salt, flashlight and snacks in the trunk. You never know when you are stuck somewhere with no cell service.

Make sure you get your vehicle tuned up, put winter tires on and drive safely.

It’s obvious if the weather is too bad don’t go out. Stay home and with the internet and all the tools we have you can work from home or you can just sit by the fireplace.

I have always been a van guy since I had my first one in the 90’s. I travel alot on my own and with the family and I have always enjoyed the space that a van gives you. Today we will look at the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. As technology changes today’s vehicles are safer.

The Chrysler Pacifica are now testing the Google’s self-driving technology. So lets look at the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

Delivering unparalleled levels of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling, the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica redefines the minivan segment.

As the original creator of the minivan more than 30 years ago, FCA US LLC has transformed the segment with firsts – notching 78 innovations through the first five minivan generations. With the introduction of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica, FCA adds 37 minivan firsts to its portfolio for an unprecedented total of 115 innovations in the segment.

“The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is truly a no-com-

promises minivan, giving customers everything they need or want,” said Timothy Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands, FCA - North America. “We started from the ground up to design the most technologically advanced minivan, which offers bold styling, class-leading ride and handling, and unmatched fuel economy, with the Pacifica Hybrid delivering up to 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in city driving.

The all-new Chrysler Pacifica was thoughtfully designed and engineered to provide unsurpassed levels of comfort, convenience, technology and functionality, making it the perfect combination for modern families.”

The all-new Pacifica is engineered and executed to deliver a “vault-like” interior environment with low levels of wind noise, road noise and related vibration/ harshness characteristics. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is standard on all models to further heighten the Chrysler Pacifica’s refinement factor during a comfortable daily commute or an extended road trip with family and friends.

You want space? The Chrysler Pacifica boasts the largest interior volume in the segment, with clever storage, available eight-passenger seating, and – a requirement with all generations of FCA minivans – the ability to fit an 8 x 4-foot sheet of plywood.

Powertrain The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan features a choice of two powerful, efficient and advanced powertrains – the segment’s first hybrid vehicle, and the next generation of the award-winning Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine, which is mated to a segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Pacifica Hybrid, the industry’s first electrified minivan, will deliver an estimated range of 30 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power from a 16kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. In city driving, it is expected to achieve an efficiency rating of 80 MPGe based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

The pivotal technology behind the all-new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is its innovative electrically variable transmission (EVT).

Designed by FCA US, the device features two electric motors, which are both capable of driving the vehicle’s wheels.

On the Chrysler Pacifica gasoline models, the latest iteration of the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, along with unsurpassed fuel economy (28 miles per gallon on the highway). Enhancements such as two-step variable-valve lift (VVL), cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) and innovative weight-reduction strategies boost the engine’s efficiency and performance, all while preserving the smoothness that remains a hallmark of the Pentastar brand. For added fuel efficiency, engine stop-start

(ESS) technology is a standard feature on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (late availability).

Design Featuring the face of the Chrysler brand, the allnew Chrysler Pacifica has a sculpted exterior with athletic proportions. A fast silhouette and sophisticated, fluid-like surfacing deliver a level of style not found in the minivan segment. The Pacifica’s sliding door track lines are hidden under the rear-quarter side glass, making them virtually indistinguishable. With its long wheelbase, wide track, low ground clearance and available 20-inch wheels, the Chrysler Pacifica appears planted, with a capable stance.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid features a unique front grille pattern and wheel design, as well as distinctive badging, differentiating it from the rest of the Pacifica lineup.

The thoughtfully designed and beautifully crafted interior mixes high-tech elements with a sculpted, muscular feel. With horizontally drawn features, the interior’s spaciousness is amplified, and the linear elements keep the eye moving throughout the cabin. The available tri-pane panoramic sunroof, with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof over the first two rows and a fixed glass pane over the third row, adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

The Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid are available in 10 exterior paint colors that accentuate the vehicle’s surfacing: Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Molten Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Velvet Red Pearl Coat, Jazz Blue Pearl Coat, Dark Cordovan Pearl Coat, Tusk White Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat and Silver Teal Pearl Coat

Safety and Security The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica showcases the latest in advanced safety and security technology, offering more than 100 standard and available features. Available for the first time on the all-new Pacifica is the Surround View camera, which uses four cameras positioned around the vehicle to provide 360-degree views, including a bird’s eye perspective of the vehicle and its surroundings. Other advanced features include: ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, which uses ultrasonic sensors to guide the driver into parking spaces Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Hold, which maintains the distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it, and can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop under certain circumstances. Forward Collision Warning-Plus deploys the brakes to alert the driver if an impact appears imminent, and assists with driver response LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus leverages electronic power steering (EPS) by delivering a torque input to alert and assist the driver with corrective action Other standard and available features include Blindspot Monitoring, ParkSense rear park assist with stop, ParkView rear backup camera, electronic stability control and electric park brake. As part of FCA US’s ongoing efforts to proliferate advanced safety and technology, the Pacifica’s all-new body structure features the use of additional high-strength steel.

equipped vehicle of its kind, offering an all-new Uconnect Theater entertainment system, 7-inch full-color driver information display, 8.4-inch touchscreen, acclaimed Uconnect Access and an array of other features.

With the all-new, class-exclusive Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, passengers can watch movies, play built-in games, connect personal devices to surf the Internet and stream content throughout the vehicle via two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens.

The available KeySense programmable key fob places limits on speed and audio volume, mutes the audio when front seatbelts are not buckled, prevents the disabling of certain features like Forward Collision Warning-Plus and ParkSense rear park assist, and allows blocking of SiriusXM Radio channels.

and movie listings

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica features the available easy-to-use Uconnect 8.4 system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, integrated voice command, and Uconnect Access, which keeps drivers and passengers connected with helpful information, such as fuel prices

For audiophile-quality sound, the Chrysler Pacifica comes standard with six speakers and Active Noise Cancellation. Premium audio systems, either a 13-speaker Alpine system or a 20-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, are also available.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is loaded with comfort and The Chrysler Pacifica also boasts up to five seating po- convenience features, including Keyless Enter ‘n Go, sitions that will accommodate LATCH child safety-seat remote start, and heated and ventilated seats. Other installation – a capacity unsurpassed in the segment. notable features include segment-first handsfree sliding doors and liftgate, which are operated by making Technology and Convenience a kicking motion under the sliding door or bumper to The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is the most technologically open the sliding doors or liftgate.

For added convenience, the available Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum powered by RIDGID provides easy access to all corners of the vehicle. The Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, a hallmark of FCA US minivans for more than 10 years, has been redesigned for added ease of use, and the addition of the all-new Stow ‘n Go Assist feature helps to further simplify the process. With the press of a button on the B-pillar, the front seat moves forward to allow the second-row seat to be stowed into the floor tub. Once the seat is stowed, pressing the button again moves the front seat back to its starting position. In addition, the Easy Tilt second-row seats allow for easy access to the third row, even with an empty child seat installed in the second row.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is available in five models.

The Chrysler Pacifica is now available in dealer showrooms, with the Pacifica Hybrid arriving in the second half of 2016.

BUILT IN CANADA The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is built at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

The base Pacifica Touring L will start at $45,740, while the midrange Touring L Plus will fetch $48,740. In Limited trim, it starts at $52,995, and with options, pricing will climb closer to $60,000. However, spec-forspec, the Pacifica remains competitively priced while being the most technologically advanced minivan on the market.

We think the investment is well worth it especially for families on the go or for people that travel a lot and this would make for a great Band Van to travel from gig to gig.

TALKS TO THE STARS Go Country sat down with Brad Paisley. Brad shared the story of how he ended up showing Tyler Farr the video for “Today” and then ended up singing at Tyler’s wedding. “Tyler was out on the road with me all summer, and we became really good friends. Anyone that knows Tyler will tell you, it is impossible not to love Tyler Farr, and we had a lot of fun times out on the road and towards the end of the tour I had this song and video done, and he came on the bus, and wanted to see it. So, I sat him down, and I said ‘I don’t know if you’re ready for this one what you’re about to do in a couple weeks,’ which was get married. Cause the video obviously has so many of the proposals and got the highlights of your life…and he’s going to be an emotional mess.

I know Tyler, I mean, he’s the kind of guy that’ll cry at the drop of a hat if it’s emotional…and he did. When he saw the video he said ‘I don’t even want to ask what I what I really want to ask right now because I know it’s not…I don’t know, it’s asking too much,’ so I said ‘what?’ He said ‘would you sing that at my wedding,’ and I said ‘of course’ and I was really honored to be there and do that for them.” Check out Brad’s new single “Today”. Listen for Brad on Go Country Radio!

Speaking of weddings, Cam just got back from her honeymoon and she tells Go Country she got some great news “I landed back from Tokyo and Bali and I’ve been off social media for a second to try and enjoy my honeymoon but, I woke up to the news that I have been nominated for Favorite Female Artist-Country, for the AMA’s which is so exciting. I’m really grateful to be chosen for this. It means a lot, it’s all genres so it’s really exciting to represent country music, which means a lot to me too, and I’m so excited to see you guys there at the awards.” Cam talks about her upcoming Burning House tour. ““Burning House tour is coming up, think it starts the 27th at Joe’s in Chicago. It’s going to be insanely awesome.

We’re doing rehearsal starting later this week, and we get to do our own backdrop, and lights so I wanna do it right for you guys.” Listen to our interview on Go Country Radio

ERIC CHURCH’S JOURNEY EMULATED IN HIGHWAY TO HOME The Highway to Home Collection, an original furniture line created by Eric Church, is now available at RoomsToGo locations and additional select retail outlets. The collection was inspired by Church’s love of the road and exploration of the world combined with family traditions and the comforts that allow the most important adventures to happen…the ones in our homes.

On Church’s 2006 debut album, Sinners Like Me, the man The Washington Post would later call “a born balladeer,” bore his worst fears in the lyrics of the autobiographical album cut, “What I Almost Was,” reminiscing, “Yeah, I moved on back home and came awful close / To being some son-in-law to some CEO / Coulda been a corner office, country club, suit and tie man / Answerin’ to no one but her and him.” It was an ode to the life he relinquished when choosing to pursue a career in music instead of claiming his role at the booming family furniture business in Granite Falls, N.C. Soon after his move to Music City, a certain Music Row publisher’s advice that he should “just pack it up and move back home” ultimately had the singer/songwriter questioning his decision.

Church persevered, shortly thereafter landing a record deal proving the naysayer wrong. Three albums later he cemented his first of many No. 1 hits along with his first of seven GRAMMY nominations with his watershed release, Chief.

But throughout that long journey from a man with a dream to one of today’s musical superstars, Church always stayed connected to his roots. His songs often reflected his upbringing and his observations of small town life in North Carolina. Traveling the world with his own family, he discovered the need to keep the sanctity of home was very important as home had always fed his art and grounded it in reality. Through this dichotomy, the idea for a venture that would combine his family’s history in the furniture business along with his touring enterprise was born.

“Staying connected with my roots has always been important to me andHighway to Home is a natural extension of my family heritage,” says Church. “My dad was in the industry. My first job was in a furniture plant, so yes, it is in my blood.

Eric says “This project is truly about building a home around those experiences and memories that make up our lives.”

Highway to Home features four collections: Heartland Falls, Silverton Sound, Arrow Ridge and Hickory Canyon. Named after fictitious places that represent destinations along his journey, the collections range from a nostalgic mix of arts and crafts to urban-industrial to eclectic all with a touch of rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Highway to Home will include bedroom, dining room, occasional and upholstery pieces, as well as accent pieces that range from classic to those that are distinctly Church. Highway to Home is not a music-based collection, but instead, founded on the life experiences Church has gained as he travels from venue to venue. Just like Church’s music, the first four distinct collections of Highway to Home cannot be categorized into one style.

“Highway to Home is about the journey home----the ultimate destination,” said Pulaski Furniture President Page Wilson, Church’s partner in this now-realized venture. “This is not necessarily about Eric’s songs or performances, but instead founded on the adventures and experiences of a traveling musician through the eyes of a creative writer as he travels the world from show to show and home again.”

Church has designated a portion of the proceeds from Highway to Home to be donated to JDRF through his Chief Cares foundation. JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes research.

Church, who has personal ties to diabetes through family members, is committed to combating this disease that strikes all ages.

Highway to Home is available at select retailers nationwide. For additional information visit: ericchurch. com/highwaytohome.

TINY HOMES THE NEXT BIG THING I like having a lot of space to roam around in and I’m not sure I could ajust to the hottest thing right now which is Tiny Homes. I can see that they would be attractive if you are alone or your family has grown and you are now empty nesters. It would take quite an ajustment I would think if you are use to having lots of space. If you have some land and you are only home to sleep, eat and relax a bit this might be perfect for you.

There is a company called Tiny Heirloom out of Portland OR. I am sure they would come to Canada to design and build your home. Tiny Heirloom are seen on TV on DIY Network and HGTV. They specialize in building pure custom tiny homes. Custom is a very misused word in the tiny home industry – it should never be confused with “customizing” – which is building off of an existing concept or plan. That’s not their style. At Tiny Heirloom each one of their custom tiny homes literally starts with a blank page. They work closely with all of their clients to customize their Tiny Heirloom exactly how they desire.

Each custom Tiny Heirloom is a unique and custom creation in itself. But it goes far past the aesthetic design. The quality of construction is equally, if not more, important to them as the design and overall look of all their custom tiny homes.

From the way they build it to the construction materials

they use, they go above and beyond to assure that each Tiny Heirloom is second to none.

As the first defense against natural elements we pride ourselves on creating a tight envelope that will stand up to harsh conditions. Cedar siding on exteriors which not only saves weight but stands up to weather better than other traditional wood siding. To top it off, roofs are all standing seam metal roofs. It sheds rain, reflects heat and ignores snow and ice. With a life span longevity second to none it is suited in every climate. The metal roof is made with 100% recycled material. You can see that on the opposite page.

The framing of each tiny home is an element in construction that should never have any compromises. If choosing traditional timber we make it a point to not skimp when it comes to important aspects like weatherproofing and structural integrity. Don’t use any particleboard (or OSB) which is prone to swelling and crumbling. If using steel, work closely with the best companies to assure your tiny home doesn’t just benefit from the weight savings of steel but that you’ll also have the highest quality framing construction that money can buy.

15 Best-Life Secrets Tiny House Dwellers Know We got this article from HGTV and thought we would share some information with you.

Your stuff should multitask as much as you do.

Radical downsizing may be a daydream for most people — but the intrepid folk who live in itty-bitty homes have a thing or two to teach the rest of us about living the good life and making the most of what we’ve got.

Sweat the small stuff.

You might not be in the market for a Murphy bed that folds up into the wall, but who couldn’t make use of some clever under-the-stairs storage or an ottoman that doubles as a coffee table?

A simple color palette is your friend.

Spell out a clever phrase with bathroom tile. Splurge each week on a bouquet of fresh flowers for the kitchen counter. Tuck favorite figurines on each shelf of a bookcase. As tiny houses and the people who love them demonstrate, little things can have a big impact.

Square footage ain’t nothin’ but a number.

It’s far simpler to shuffle furnishings from space to another when the hues you’ve chosen are part of the same family; wildly differing colors and motifs, on the other hand, can make your home feel disjointed (and perhaps a wee bit like a hotel with room themes.)

Make the most of outdoor space.

Whether you’re in a downtown studio apartment or a one-room cabin in Montana, your home’s footprint doesn’t have to prevent you from living large; with a bit of strategic thinking (and a well-constructed loft bed, of course), any space can feel like a palace.

Tiny house dwellers treasure details like rooftop decks and front porches because their interior spaces are limited — but those spots are just as lovely for those of us who don’t eat breakfast three feet from where we sleep. Outdoor living room, anyone?

Personal space is a state of mind.

Go easy on your roommates.

Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a room of one’s own, à la Virginia Woolf, for producing art (or, you know, taking luxurious bubble baths, or assembling complicated model train sets)? In close quarters, your home office or reading nook might have to do double duty as the kitchen table or guest bedroom — but with a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones or a favorite throw blanket, you can make it yours.

Whether you share one room or twelve, going to bed angry is a lose-lose proposition. Of course, the stakes are a little higher in a tiny house, since getting kicked out of the sleeping loft means having to curl up on the kitchen floor.

Make your bed (beautiful.)

Your home doesn’t have to dominate your expenses.

Most of us spend between a third and half of our income just putting a roof over our heads; 68% of tiny-house dwellers, on the other hand, have no mortgage at all. It’s easy to get sucked into believing you need the biggest home you can afford, but thinking small can free up funds for other priorities (like that backpacking trip you’ve always wanted to take.)

Make a list (and check it twice.)

Tiny house dwellers are grocery-shopping strategists because they simply can’t store impulse purchases and bulk pantry items. Thinking like they do and limiting yourself to what you need minimizes waste and keeps your wallet from getting too roomy, as it were.

Bedrooms are often the last places we bother to furnish; after all, who’s going to see them? Even if you don’t live in a space where your sleeping spot is visible to one and all (or even just dinner guests who need somewhere to stash their coats), you owe it to yourself to furnish it with care; after all, you see it all the time.

Less home means less home improvement.

Almost anything can be a home.

Shipping containers, vintage trailers, trees — if it’s big enough for a welcome mat, it’s big enough to be a tiny house. That really puts “necessities” like walk-in closets in perspective, doesn’t it? (Technically, some walk-in closets are probably big enough to be considered tiny houses.)

For DIY pros, the projects that come with home ownership can be a delight. For everyone else, there’s an undeniable appeal to being able to paint the entire house (or pay someone else to paint the entire house) over the course of a single weekend.

Surround yourself with your favorite stuff (and curb the rest).

Invest in basics that are pretty enough to display.

Like Marie Kondo, the bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, tiny house dwellers limit themselves to possessions that “spark joy.” Take a page from their books, so to speak: If your stuff isn’t serving a purpose or making you smile, is there really room for it in your life? Sorry, dusty old bowling trophies.

Since hidden storage is at a premium, many tiny house dwellers keep things like dishes out in the open — and choose pieces that brighten the corners they occupy. Bigger-house dwellers should follow their lead, no?

Open space is a luxury.

An interior that’s stuffed to the gills can be more than a little exhausting. Unoccupied areas, on the other hand, are a breath of fresh air.

Tiny homes are not for everyone so make sure you do your homework. See if you can find some that are in your area and go and visit them.

Also look on TV to see if you can find any shows on Tiny Homes. You will see how they are built and how much or little room you have. This is serious downsizing so you won’t have many places to leave things lying around. One thing you may consider is having a tiny home as a cottage. A reasonable way of having a place to go on weekends andwho knows maybe you will get use to it and move to the cottage.

Go to http://www.hgtv.com/shows/tiny-house-bigliving/ to learn more about tiny homes

CRAIG MORGAN SINGER/SONGWRITER & OUTDOORSMAN I got to know Craig just after he had his first single “Almost Home” out. Like many country artists like Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner and Craig they all enjoy hunting and fishing. Craig has his own TV show “Craig Morgan’s All Access Outdoors,” There is no one like him.

Craig Morgan’s resume is one of the most varied and impressive on earth – TV host, outdoorsman, soldier, sheriff ’s deputy, EMT, adventurer, motocross racer, farmer, family man, and country music star.

All parts of his life come together on his television show, “Craig Morgan’s All Access Outdoors,” on Outdoor Channel. Having earned multiple nods at the Golden Moose Awards, the show is true to its name as Morgan throws open the doors on his life – both on stage and in the field.

Whether he’s entertaining screaming fans at sold-out shows, motocross racing or bowhunting big game, his life is high-octane and his schedule is unrelenting. The hit reality show gives viewers an all access, backstage pass to Morgan’s travels as he and his crew pursue big thrills and big laughs across the globe in a quest for the ultimate adventure. Each week, he is joined by fellow country music artists, as well as some of his warrior buddies, and motocross celebrity friends.

“I’ve got a renewed energy and I do believe this next chapter in my life is going to be the best yet,” says Morgan as he gears up for the seventh season of his award-winning show

Craig was born in tiny Kingston Springs, Tennessee, the son of a bass-playing father whose work gave him behind-the-scenes views of classic country stars like Vern Gosdin, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, among many others. At ten, he sang the national anthem during a school field trip to Nashville in front of a crowd that included Minnie Pearl--who told him, “Son, someday you’re gonna be a famous singer.”

An avid and lifelong outdoorsman, he began his career as an 18-year-old EMT. He then served ten years in the U.S. Army, where he traveled much of the world and took up performing and songwriting, winning military contests in both. He moved to Nashville after leaving the armed forces, and was employed as a contractor, a sheriff ’s deputy and a Wal-Mart assistant dairy manager as he pursued music. He was singing demos when he was signed to his first label deal, thereby launching his hit-filled career.

On the music front, his career continues to thrive as evidenced by his latest album, A Whole Lot More To Me, featuring the singles “I’ll Be Home Soon” and “When I’m Gone.”

“As a country singer, we sometimes get stereotyped as nothing but trucks and tailgates, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to us,” he says, summing up the album. “I want people to hear this record and go, ‘Wow, there is a whole lot more to these country folks.’”

ENJOY THE WINTER It’s cold outside and lots of snow. You can be a couch potato or you can get the family together and enjoy the snow. In fact plan a holiday in the snow rather then heading south. We decided to do an article about tours you can take at Whistler, BC.

will leave you truly speechless.

Departs: 4:30pm Duration: 3 hours Cost: $169 single riders – $125 per person sharing (Driver Collision Coverage Charge $20 + 5% GST)

Blackcomb Mountain Safari – 3 HOUR Whistler Snowmobile Tour Be thrilled by the sensation of driving or share this mountain experience with your family as you embark on a classic apres tour to 6000ft. Escape the winter shadows as you meander through old growth forest at dusk, then onto the mid-mountain playground on your way to the charming Crystal Hut. Enjoy a warming treat then step out onto the deck of the rustic alpine cabin and enjoy the views, overlooking Whistler Village as the last light of the day slips behind the snow covered peaks of the Coast Mountain Range.

Panoramic mountain grandeur, spectacular sunsets, rich alpen glow and the natural beauty of Whistler

Callaghan Cruiser – 3 HOUR Whistler Snowmobile Tour Journey through the pristine Callaghan Valley to the historic NorthAir Goldmine site for a fabulous introduction to the backcountry. Follow wide, winding trails to an open play area. Experience the perfect mix of easy riding and spectacular scenery ideal for first time snowmobilers and families!

Cost: $159 single riders – $119 per person sharing Kids under 12 ride free (1 per paying adult) (Driver Collision Coverage Charge $20 + 5% GST) Go to https://www.canadianwilderness.com/snowmobile/ to view videos and see other rides available.

Someone once said: “Walking is easy. As long as the same leg isn’t used twice in succession, nothing much can go wrong.”

They were right on that one! Walking is a gentle activity - set your own pace, and you can walk comfortably with little risk of injury. It’s a great activity for people of all ages and abilities!

It’s so accessible, too. With a good pair of shoes and clothing to suit the weather, you can head out the door.

Walking is pleasurable, relaxing, and good for you, too! Regular walking will strengthen your heart and lungs, improve circulation, assist with weight control, tone your muscles, and keep your bones strong. Get

into the habit of walking and you’ll soon look better, feel better, and feel better about yourself.

9 Good Reasons to Hit the Trail for the Health of It! Promotes weight loss Prevents heart disease Decreases high blood pressure Improves & maintains mental health Slows the aging process Prevents osteoporosis Prevents and controls diabetes Improves arthritis Relieves back pain

Make sure you watch for our next issue of Go Country. We will have gift ideas for country music fans, plus we will tell you who has new Christmas albums coming out. We will have some cool Christmas decorating ideas and we will go into the kitchen and give you some recipes that you can serve for family and friends get togethers.

Decorating your Christmas tree or outdoors decorating sometimes makes us go overboard. Like the Griswalds. We are working on some ideas that will make everything look great but without all the work and expense. I remember when I was a kid each year my father would make angels our of wood, decorate them and hav Christmas music playing in the background. We will also take you on a tour of Nashville during the Chriistmas season and take you to places like the Opryland Hotel who start working on decorating in July as they get ready to turn on thousands of lights and decorations on in mid November. It is a

site to be seen.

We are working hard on finding the unusal gifts for that person that has everything. We will visit with some of the biggest stars in country music and find out what they do at Christmas or what their favourite Christmas memory is and we will find out what their family tradition is today.

E-mail us and tell us what your family tradition is or maybe you want to say Merry Christmas to someone you won’t see this year and we will publish your message. Do you have a special recipe or decorating idea you want to share with our readers? E-mail us and we will feature you in our December issue. Send us pictures as well. You can e--mail us here.

Also in this issue we will look back at 2016 and see talk with the biggest stars about their music, events and things that made 2016 special for them.

STEVE WARINER SET TO RELEASE HIS 20TH STUDIO ALBUM, ALL OVER THE MAP, OCT. 28 For his 20th studio album, four-time GRAMMY Award winner Steve Wariner knew he had to do something really special.

When All Over The Map began coming together, it became clear just what that would be.

The 12-track album evolved into a remarkable tribute to the Grand Ole Opry member’s influences, both living and deceased, in addition to a celebration of his lineage.

While packed with acclaimed guest musicians, the set — to be released Oct. 28 on SelecTone Records — artfully showcases Wariner’s own musical talents. In addition to producing the album, he plays guitar, upright bass, drums and both pedal and lap steel, as well as singing on seven of the songs. (The other five are classic instrumentals.)

Wariner also penned 10 of the tracks.

A touching tribute to late mentor Chet Atkins, titled “CGP,” takes its name from the coveted title Atkins bestowed on Wariner: Certified Guitar Player. On the track, Wariner enlisted the talents of the only two other living musicians to have earned the same title from Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles.

The album also includes “When I Still Mattered To You,” a song Wariner wrote with Merle Haggard on a cruise ship in 1996 but had never previously record-

ed.

Close friend Ricky Skaggs, who Wariner won his first GRAMMY with in 1992, is featured playing mandolin on “Down Sawmill Road.” Other celebrated musicians featured on the album include: Musicians’ Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Duane Eddy (“Nashville Spy-Line”), GRAMMY Award winner Eric Johnson (“Meanwhile Back In Austin”), Greg Martin of The Kentucky Headhunters (“Way It Goes”) and Jack Pearson (“Drop Top”).

But it’s Wariner’s own family that provides the bulk of the inspiration for the album, which was 20 months in the making. Throughout the creation of the album, Steve relied heavily on his son Ross, who lives in New York, for advice and consultation on the technical production aspects of the album. He wrote the Western swing tune “Mr. Roy” as a tribute to his musician father, and “Down Sawmill Road” is named for the Kentucky road where his mother grew up. His GRAMMY-nominated son Ryan Wariner wrote and plays on the track “The Last Word.”

Steve is a great guy and this sounds like a great album.

Check it out.