l a i c e p S n o i t i d E
Canadian Country Music Association
Awards 2014
Brett Kissel Nominated 8 times for the CCMA Awards in his hometown of Edmonton
CONTENTS
38
Brett Kissel 8 Nominations for 2014 CCMA Awards!
4
Gord Bamford First Foray with Colorado Country Fans
8
David James Joins the MDM “Road Fam” MacKenzie Porter
10 14 20 21 22 26 28 30
CCMA Awards Nominees 2014 Countrified Canada shares its favorite line from this year’s 2014 Single of the Year nominations Things you didn’t know about the Fan’s Choice Award nominees Country Music Week Activities Favorite CCMA Memories from a few of the MDM “Road Fam” Jiffy Lube Fan Fest Week 2003 Country Music Artists Love Edmonton
Publication Design and Layout by ctothepowerof3.com
Greetings and a warm welcome to the 2014 CCMA Awards special edition of Countrified Canada!
The 2014 Canadian Country Music Association Awards and
Country Music Week are right around the corner. You can take a peek at all this year’s nominees, check out some fun facts about this year’s Fan Choice nominees, find out where your favorite Country stars like to hang out when they are in this year’s host city Edmonton and take a look at all the events that will take place during Canada’s Country Music Week that lead up to Canada’s biggest night for Country music the 2014 Canadian Country Music Association Awards.
We
are honored to have this year’s most nominated artist Brett Kissel grace our cover. We have also featured last years most awarded CCMA Award recipient Gord Bamford. The MDM Recordings “family” shared their favorite Country Music Week memories, we have featured some up and coming Canadian Country artists and much more.
When
I set out to create a digital magazine for Canadian Country music I was inspired by three words that defined Country music for me: music, life and style. Country music is about the music that defines our lives and ultimately the style in which we live our life. Brett Kissel sums it up pretty good when he sings ”Tough People Do”.
Countrified Canada wishes all the 2014 nominees the best of luck on September 7th. Sincerely, Lisa Savill, Editor
Gord Bamford G
ord Bamford has had a phenomenal year since the Alberta based artist took home a leading five 2013 Canadian Country Music Association Awards. At last year’s Canadian Country Music Awards Bamford took home awards for Single of the Year for Is It Friday Yet?, Album of the Year, CMT Video of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year for Leaning on A Lonesome Song, his fifth award was for Producer of the Year, which he shared with American Byron Hill.
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First Foray With Colorado Country Fans
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By Tracey Feist
anada’s biggest country star Gord Bamford chose Colorado’s largest country music festival to introduce his traditional sound to American music fans. The 16-time Canadian Country Music Association award-winning artist kicked off his 2014 Summer Solstice at Country Jam by playing both the festival’s main stage and Jack Daniels side stage at the 22nd annual event held near Mack, CO. Fans who took in Bamford’s show said Bamford “was the best act they’d seen all Country Jam weekend, while others commented on how much he enjoyed Bamford’s stellar band of talented musicians and the group’s focus on playing country music. Tuesday June 24 Bamford teamed up with his record producer, songwriting partner and mentor Byron Hill at the 500 seat PACE Theatre in SE of Denver. Bamford told the audience that night, “Considering no one knows me here in Parker, I’m happy to see all those full seats tonight.” It was an evening of stories and songs, as Bamford skillfully weaved his way through the 90-minute set. Kicking off the evening with his hit ‘I Would
For You’, from the 2004 album Life is Good, Bamford also sung songs from his musical influences Garth Brooks and Alabama. But it was when he belted out Brooks and Dunn’s ‘Neon Moon’ when the audience witnessed Bamford’s powerful baritone; Ronnie Dunn would have been proud.
“Best act they’d seen all Country Jam weekend ...”
One fan said “I was able to see Gord in Parker, Colorado and that is the best music I have heard in a very long time. I am so anxious for you to get more traction here in the U.S. We are in need of good, back to the roots country music. I will definitely be buying all of the CDs and thanks again for a wonderful night!” Bamford chose to share a special song with the fans for his encore when he came back on stage with just his guitar. “I was honored to have Byron Hill here tonight to open the show,” Bamford said of his mentor who wrote George Strait’s first ever number one single ‘Fool Hearted Memory. He then introduced an acoustic version of a new song he recently wrote with Nashville songwriter Phil O’Donnell, who also penned Strait’s 60th number one, ‘Give it All We Got Tonight’.
Photograph by Tracey Feist
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“I’ve never played this for an audience before tonight,” said Bamford of the song ‘Old’. “I hope you like it.” Bamford finished out the evening by featuring the musical talent of his award-winning band by playing a
medley of songs from his main musical influence, Merle Haggard. The finale left Bamford’s new USA fans wanting more; and they proved it by sending Bamford off from Colorado with a heart-felt standing ovation. @gordbamford
Gord B a been n mford has omina times t at this ed 6 year CCMA Award ’s s includ ing: Fan’s C hoice A & Mal e Artis ward t of th e Year.
Kathleen Peachey Photography
David James joins the MDM “Road Fam”
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anadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) 2014 Discovery Program Finalist David James is joining the “road fam”, signing with Canadian country music label and distributor MDM Recordings Inc. (MDM). James will be releasing new music in the fall of 2014. MDM will work with James representing him throughout all territories worldwide with current MDM label activity including Canadian representation, with eventual expansion to Australia and Nashville, TN, USA.
“This has been an incredible year! I am thrilled to be a Finalist in the CCMA Discovery Program, and now to join the MDM team is just another monumental moment. I am so proud to be part of the MDM "road fam" and cannot wait to celebrate in Edmonton!” - David James
Winnipeg born and raised, James will be attending Country Music Week in Edmonton September 4 – 7, 2014, participating in numerous events including the CCMA Discovery Showcase on Thursday, September. 4th from 8:30pm - 11:00pm at the Shaw Conference Centre Hall D and walking the "green carpet”.
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David James
MacKenzie Porte by Ronald Palmer
M
acKenzie Porter – the 24 year old singer from Medicine Hat, Alberta and sister of Kalan Porter (2004 Canadian Idol winter) wasn’t’ always a singer. Starting out in the entertainment field as part of her family’s band with brother Kalan, she began studying piano; violin and voice at age four. She moved to Vancouver to pursue a career as an actress. MacKenzie was touted as one of the hottest actors in Vancouver in 2011. MacKenzie had other ideas and broke out her fiddle to the delight of Canadian Country Music fans. MacKenzie then won the 2011 Nashville North Star competition.
“...she began studying piano; violin and voice at age four.” In just over 2 years since breaking out on her own, MacKenzie has been nominated for Rising Star at the Canadian Country Music Association awards in 2013 and in 2014 was nominated for Canadian Country Music’s Female artist of the Year. MacKenzie has opened for Kenny Chesney, Canadian rock band Trooper and Doc Walker. She has also played for the Canadian Prime Minister MacKenzie has developed into a true Country artist and will be a part of country music for a long time. Her self-titled album “MacKenzie Porter” was just released July 29th to iTunes, and is every bit a showcase of MacKenzie’s talent, as much as it is her vision and includes works produced by Canadian Country Music icon Carolyn Dawn Johnson. @countrifiedca
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er
zie MacKen s Porter i or f d e t a n nomi of t s i t r A e Femal is h t t a r a the Ye A M C C s ’ r yea Awards.
MacKenzie Porter Talking to MacKenzie as she gets ready to open for Blake Shelton in Edmonton: It’s been a whirlwind year and here you are opening for the CCMA 2013 Male Artist of the Year Blake Shelton, and Nominated for the 2014 CCMA Awards Female Artist of the Year. Is there a new Album in the works? Well, we just finished my first album a few weeks ago so we will ride with that for a bit. I am going back to Nashville this month to start writing the next one. It’s a continual process. How has your acting career helped with your music videos? I feel comfortable in front of a camera, and I feel comfortable acting so I think that shows in the videos. We like the videos to feel like little short films so I can do the two things I love in one project.
How has your new single been received? I’m so ecstatic about how it has been received. People seem to really love it, choosing it for their wedding, doing covers of it etc. means I did my job, so I’m thrilled.
You’ve now opened for the male country artist of the year Black Shelton, what’s next for MacKenzie Porter? We will tour the album even more. We have many surprises coming, especially in the new year. Next year, I’ll release my next album. I would love to put an album out every year!
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Is there any person or group if you could have perform with you on your next album, who would it be? I would love to do a duet on the next album. I’d like to be with someone unconventional; maybe a pop artist or a folk artist, or maybe just my bro. Thank you to MacKenzie Porter for spending some time with us and sharing her music, we look forward to hearing more, in the future, from MacKenzie. Mackenzie will be appearing during the Country Music week in Edmonton in the CCMA Awards Legends Show, a tribute to Yesterday and Today on Friday, September 5, 2014, at the Winspear Center in Edmonton. Tickets available at Legends Tickets – http://tickets.winspearcentre.com/event/performance/4479. (Note: this show always sells out.) CBC will be showing the Canadian Country Music Association Awards on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 7:00 pm Eastern and a repeat will appear on CMT.
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Canadian Country Music Association Award Nominees 2014
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ountry Music Week is quickly approaching and that means that the Canadian Country music will break out their cowboy boots and 10-gallon hats for a bit of glitz and glam in Edmonton. Before you had into Edmonton for this year’s Country Music Week and tune into the CCMA Awards here’s a look at this year’s CCMA Award nominees. FANS’ CHOICE AWARD
SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
Gord Bamford Paul Brandt Dean Brody George Canyon Johnny Reid
Bounty (Written By: Dean Brody, Performed By: Dean Brody) Hell Raisin’ Good Time (Written By: Jeff Coplan, Tim Hicks, Casey Marshall, Neil Sanderson, Performed By: Tim Hicks) Mine Would Be You (Written By: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Deric Ruttan, Performed By: Blake Shelton) Started With A Song (Written By: Brett Kissel, Craig Wiseman, Performed By: Brett Kissel) When Your Lips Are So Close (Written By: Gord Bamford, Brent L. Baxter, Byron Hill, Performed By: Gord Bamford)
SINGLE OF THE YEAR Bounty - Dean Brody Started With A Song - Brett Kissel Take The Week Off - Deric Ruttan Tippin’ Point - Dallas Smith When Your Lips Are So Close - Gord Bamford ALBUM OF THE YEAR All Kinds of Crazy - Codie Prevost Crop Circles - Dean Brody Started With A Song - Brett Kissel Throw down - Tim Hicks Tippin’ Point EP - Dallas Smit CMT VIDEO OF THE YEAR 3-2-1 - Brett Kissel Bounty - Dean Brody Duet - Wes Mack ft. Carly McKillip Friends Of Mine - Jason Blaine Got A Feeling - Tim Hicks ft. Blackjack Billy Take The Week Off – Deric Ruttan
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FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Terri Clark Kira Isabella Jess Moskaluke Lindi Ortega MacKenzie Porter
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MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
All Star Band – DRUMS
Gord Bamford Dean Brody Brett Kissel Dallas Smith Bobby Wills
Matthew Atkins Stephen Broadhurst Corbett Frasz Gerard Gannon Chad Melchert Brad Tebble
GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR Autumn Hill The Boom Chucka Boys The Road Hammers Small Town Pistols The Western Swing Authority ROOTS ARTIST OF THE YEAR The Lovelocks Corb Lund Lindi Ortega Jimmy Rankin The Western Swing Authority RISING STAR Lindsay Ell Tim Hicks Wes Mack Jess Moskaluke Tebey INTERACTIVE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Leah Daniels Brett Kissel Jess Moskaluke Johnny Reid Tenille
All Star Band - BASS Lisa Dodd Shane Chisolm Dennis Marcenko Dustin Roy Travis Switzer All Star Band - GUITAR Jason Barry Ryan Davidson Lindsay Ell Matt McKay Darren Savard All Star Band – KEYBOARDS Glenn Baker Scott Galloway Mike Little Bart McKay Carly McKillip All Star Band - FIDDLE Denis Dufresne Allison Granger Shane Guse Ali Raney Tyler Vollrath
All Star Band - STEEL GUITAR Smokey Fennell Doug Johnson Ed (Peewee Charles) Ringwald All Star Band - SPECIAL INSTRUMENT Dave Barber (Banjo) Shane Chisholm (Gastank Bass) Shane Guse (Mandolin) Robin Pelletier (Mandolin) Tyler Vollrath (Mandolin) MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR Cache Entertainment Inc. Invictus Entertainment Group MDM Recordings Inc. O’Reilly International Entertainment Management RGK Entertainment Group Inc. BOOKING AGENCY OF THE YEAR The Agency Group The Feldman Agency Invictus Entertainment Group Paquin Entertainment Sakamoto Entertainment RON SAKAMOTO TALENT BUYER OR PROMOTER OF THE YEAR Paul Biro/Shawn Sakamoto – Sakamoto Entertainment Jim Cressman – Invictus Entertainment Group Lindsay Ell/Rod Tate – Calgary Stampede Rob Waloschuk – Dauphin’s Countryfest Larry Werner – Big Valley Jamboree/ Panhandle Productions @countrifiedca
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COUNTRY CLUB OF THE YEAR Boots & Bourbon Saloon – Toronto, ON Cook County Saloon – Edmonton, AB Cowboys – Calgary, AB Knoxville’s Tavern – Edmonton, AB Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall – Calgary, AB ALBUM DESIGN OF THE YEAR Country Junkie (Design Team: Patrick Duffy/Rob Waymen, Artist: Gord Bamford) Crop Circles (Design Team: Kristin Barlowe/Mitchell Nevins, Artist: Dean Brody) Light Up The Night (Design Team: Sheila Hash/Brandon Heard/ Mediavandals, Artist: Jess Moskaluke) Started With A Song (Design Team: Mary Sue Englund, Brett Kissel, Margaret Malandruccolo, Artist: Brett Kissel) Tin Star (Design Team: Julie Moe/Andrew Robinson, Artist: Lindi Ortega) VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Stephano Barberis (Artist: Gord Bamford, Video: When Your Lips Are So Close; Artist: Dallas Smith, Video: Nothing But Summer; Artist: Dallas Smith, Video: Tippin’ Point) Wes Mack (Artist: One More Girl, Video: Love Like Mine)
Margaret Malandruccolo (Artist: Dean Brody, Video: Bounty; Artist: Brett Kissel; Video: Started With A Song; Artist: Deric Ruttan; Video: Take The Week Off) Troy Niemans (Artist: Bobby Wills, Video: If It Was That Easy) Sean Smith (Artist: Jason Blaine, Video: Friends Of Mine) MUSIC PUBLISHING COMPANY OF THE YEAR CCS Rights Management ole Royalty Music Publishing Inc. Sony/ATV Music Publishing Canada Warner Chappell Music Canada RECORD PRODUCER(S) OF THE YEAR Gord Bamford/Byron Hill (Album: Country Junkie, Artist: Gord Bamford) Jason Blaine/Scott Cooke (Album: Everything I Love, Artist: Jason Blaine) Ted Hewitt/Brett Kissel/Bart McKay/Ben Phillips (Album: Started With A Song, Artist: Brett Kissel) Joey Moi (Album: Tippin’ Point EP, Artist: Dallas Smith) Deric Ruttan /Luke Wooten (Album: Take The Week Off, Artist: Deric Ruttan)
RECORDING STUDIO OF THE YEAR
COUNTRY FESTIVAL, FAIR, OR EXHIBITION OF THE YEAR
Barrytone Studios - St. Clements, ON Bart McKay Productions - Saskatoon, SK Big Valley Jamboree – Camrose, AB MCC Recording Studio - Calgary, AB Boots And Hearts Music Festival – Studio Down Under - Abbotsford, BC Bowmanville, ON Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB RECORD COMPANY OF THE YEAR Craven Country Jamboree - Craven, SK Dauphin’s Countryfest – Dauphin, MB MDM Recordings Inc. Open Road Recordings Inc. MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEARSony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc. MAJOR MARKET Universal Music Canada Warner Music Canada Jon Best/Mike Uhrich - CFQX-FM, Winnipeg, MB RETAILER OF THE YEAR Larry Donohue - CFCW, Edmonton, AB Pat Dubois - CKBL-FM, Saskatoon, SK HMV Canada Inc. Mark Patric - CJJR-FM, Vancouver, BC iTunes Canada Scott Phillips - CKRY-FM, Calgary, AB/ Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack CISN-FM, Edmonton, AB MusicMax Walmart Canada Corp. MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEARSECONDARY MARKET COUNTRY MUSIC PROGRAM OR SPECIAL OF THE YEAR Tim Day - CKGY-FM, Red Deer, AB Paul Ferguson - CHCQ-FM, Belleville, ON Canadian Coast To Coast - CJVR-FM Jody Seeley - CFXO-FM, High River, AB Canadian Country Spotlight - Syndicated KT Timmermans - CFRM-FM, Little CMT Presents: The Next Generation - CMT Current, ON Gord Bamford: Christmas In Canada - CMT Peter Walker - CJKX-FM, Oshawa, ON Live At The Edison - CMT @countrifiedca
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MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR- MAJOR MARKET Jon Best/Mike Uhrich - CFQX-FM, Winnipeg, MB Larry Donohue - CFCW, Edmonton, AB Pat Dubois - CKBL-FM, Saskatoon, SK Mark Patric - CJJR-FM, Vancouver, BC Scott Phillips - CKRY-FM, Calgary, AB/CISN-FM, Edmonton, AB MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR- SECONDARY MARKET Tim Day - CKGY-FM, Red Deer, AB Paul Ferguson - CHCQ-FM, Belleville, ON Jody Seeley - CFXO-FM, High River, AB KT Timmermans - CFRM-FM, Little Current, ON Peter Walker - CJKX-FM, Oshawa, ON *On-Air Personality(s) of the Year (Major Market), On-Air Personality(s) of the Year (Secondary Market), Radio Station of the Year (Major Market) and Radio Station of the Year (Secondary Market) are submission-based awards. The submissions are juried by a nation-wide panel to determine the winner in each category. There are no nominees in these categories. Winners will be announced during Country Music Week in Edmonton this September. *The winners of both Top Selling Album of the Year and Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year are determined by sales. There are no nominees for these categories. Winners will be announced during Country Music Week in Edmonton this September. *The winner of the CCMA Discovery Award is decided on by a jury of industry professionals onsite at Country Music Week each year. The winner will be announced during Country Music Week in Edmonton this September.
Countrified Canada
shares it’s favourite line from this year’s 2014 Single of the Year nominations
Bounty - Dean Brody Shannon, why'd you run with me? She said, "What was I supposed to do boy? Just watch you leave? You'd have broken my heart You'd have haunted my dreams Your love, boy, is all I need Your love, boy, is all I'll ever need.” Started With A Song - Brett Kissel When you're 17 you never felt something that strong And you can’t help but sing along Take The Week Off - Deric Ruttan Hey, you never ever know Where the road will lead you When you learn how to let go? Tippin’ Point - Dallas Smith God was showin' off when He made you Sweet sun shinin', honey and some Daisy Dukes It's hot as hell the way you shake that tailgate You make me wanna holler at the moon When your Lips Are So Close - Gord Bamford Girl I wanna reach right out, wrap you in my arms right now, Never let go, never let go Cause I just gotta taste you baby, You know it drives me crazy, To be so far away when your lips are so close @countrifiedca
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Things you didn’t know about the Fan’s Choice Award Nominees Johnny Reid Gord Bamford Paul Brandt Dean Brody George Canyon
Johnny’s song “A Little Taste of Home” was featured in a Tim Hortons commercial. Preformed at the first Gord Bamford Foundation Charity event out of the bed of a pick up truck.
Paul received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Lethbridge in 2009.
Dean has a tattoo on his arm that says “La Violencia del Amor – Oscar Romero” Spanish for “the violence of love”.
In addition to acting George is a great photographer.
Watch the Canadian Country Music Association Awards on CBC Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 7:00 pm EST to see who the Fan’s picked!
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anadian Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Awards make up a four day conference and celebration culminating in the nationally broadcast CCMA Awards. Country Music Week is one of the largest music events in Canada each year with a combination of activities for both community and industry attendees including showcase opportunities for newcomers, educational seminars and an all day Fan Fest that delivers Canada’s stars to the community. Here is a complete look at all the events that make up this year’s Canadian Country Music Week: CCMA SONGWRITERS’ SERIES (4 DAYS) Thurs. Sept. 4 - 1:30pm-4:00pm Citadel Theatre, The Club Lounge Fri. Sept. 5 – 4:00pm – 6:30pm Citadel Theatre, The Club Lounge Sat. Sept. 6 – 1:30pm-4:00pm Citadel Theatre, The Club Lounge Sun. Sept. 7 – 12:00 pm-2:00 pm Citadel Theatre, MacLab Theatre It’s impossible to ignore possibly the greatest aspect of country music and what makes it such a resonant genre - the songwriting! The Songwriters’ Series celebrates the penning of original tunes and introduces you to some new and familiar faces behind the music we love. This four-day, acoustic performance series is sure to inspire and evoke some strong emotions in all of us. So stop by for a listen and you’ll surely be glad you did. The Songwriters’ Series presents non-established songwriters selected by a national jury process as well as some established songwriters and features some of our best talent in the field of songwriting. The final event in the series features master class songwriters from both sides of the border in a guitar pull setting.
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CCMA DISCOVERY SHOWCASE Thurs. Sept. 4 - 8:30pm-11:00pm Shaw Conference Centre-Hall D Of course, what country music event would be complete without hearing from a few of our up and coming stars? The CCMA Discovery Showcase brings together 6 of our county’s most promising talent selected through a rigorous, nationwide jury selection process and the intensity of the method pays off well in the impressive acts that rise to the top! For many artists, this performance opportunity is all it takes to open the door to a record or management deal and this is your opportunity to witness their emergence. Just one of Country Music Week’s talent showcases, the CCMA Discovery Showcase promises entertainment, great music and a few surprises along the way. CCMA LEGENDS SHOW: A TRIBUTE TO YESTERDAY AND TODAY Fri. Sept. 5 - 7:00pm-9:00pm Winspear Centre This event is new to Country Music Week and is in its second year being tested out in Edmonton for the second year in a row because it is a market with a devoted legends radio station demonstrating support for the format. Held at the Winspear Centre, this night will pay tribute to the Canadian country hits of the 70s and 80s with legendary artists (Hall of Fame inductees) performing alongside current stars of the format and up-and-coming artists all performing traditional Canadian country music. The evening will be hosted by Danny Hooper and will feature performances by Eddie Eastman, Ray St. Germain, Gary Fjellgaard, Bev Munro, Brett Kissel, Michelle Wright, MacKenzie Porter, Hey Romeo, Wendell Ferguson, and Ralph Murphy Tickets are now on sale at the Winspear Centre Box Office, and online at www. winspearcentre.com.
CCMA AWARDS PRE-SHOW Sun. Sept.7 - 1:00pm-3:00pm Rexall Place The CCMA Awards John Deere branded Green Carpet will attract nominees, performers and presenters and national media. In 2013, there were over 35 media outlets present on the carpet including, print (photographers), television, radio and online. Bigger than that is the Fan Zone which in 2012 and 2013 attracted over 6,500 screaming fans excited to see their favourite stars as they arrived at the broadcast. We will be celebrating with these early arrivers with a pre-show festival in the parking lot of Rexall Place. We are bringing in a portable stage, performers, an all-star host, merch vendors and a photo booth to capture all the memories. Hope to see you there! CCMA AWARDS PRE-SHOW Sun. Sept.7 - 1:00pm-3:00pm Rexall Place The CCMA Awards John Deere branded Green Carpet will attract nominees, performers and presenters and national media. In 2013, there were over 35 media outlets present on the carpet including, print (photographers), television, radio and online. Bigger than that is the Fan Zone which in 2012 and 2013 attracted over 6,500 screaming fans excited to see their favourite stars as they arrived at the broadcast. We will be celebrating with these early arrivers with a pre-show festival in the parking lot of Rexall Place. We are bringing in a portable stage, performers, an all-star host, merch vendors and a photo booth to capture all the memories. Hope to see you there!
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CCMA AWARDS GREEN CARPET Sun. Sept. 7 -3:00pm-4:30pm Rexall Place Come and check out who’s who and on their way to the CCMA Awards Broadcast as they walk the infamous ‘Green Carpet’ into Rexall Place. Nominated artists, performers and presenters will take to the Green Carpet for media interviews, photos and opportunities to greet fans. Access to the Green Carpet is limited and only accredited media will have access to artists and celebrity presenters for interviews and photos. However, fans are encouraged to come on down and cheer for the artists they love as they take their glamorous walk in to the venue by lining our FanZone walkway. CCMA AWARDS BROADCAST Sun. Sept. 7 -5:00pm-7:00pm Rexall Place The final installment in our series of Awards ceremonies is also the biggest; the televised CCMA Awards Show brings together the most current names in Canadian country music for an evening full of award presentations, star performances and special guest presenters with lots of ‘moments’ to remind you of what you’re celebrating. Catch a glimpse of your favourite stars as they attend the ceremony or take the stage to perform and hopefully accept an award. This is the moment everyone has been waiting for, so take a seat and enjoy the show! This event is open to the public, with tickets available through all Ticketmaster locations.
Favourite CCMA Memories from a few of the members of the MDM “Road Fam” Bobby Wills My greatest CCMA memory is playing the songwriters showcase in 2012 and having a full house singing “Show Some Respect!!” It was a first for me, and a moment I won't forget. @BobbyWillsMusic Jess Moskaluke My favourite CCMA moment was having the opportunity to honour a man that I've always looked up to, Charlie Major. Being able to watch his face as some MDM artists re-covered his songs is something I'll never forget. I'm sure I will have many more favourite memories to come! @jessmoskaluke David James Last year was my first CCMA Week. I remember sneaking into the Gala dinner (yeah... I didn't have a ticket), and kinda hanging out at the back of the room. I just wanted to be there, and experience it. Then I saw Wes Mack accepting the Discovery Artist award, and I pledged that the following year I was going to be back, only this time I'd be nominated for that award. It’s cool where hard work and believing in yourself can take you. @real_davidjames @countrifiedca
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Learn more about your favorite “Road Fam” artists at mdmrecordings.net Chad Brownlee My favourite CCMA memory would have to be when I accepted the rising star award in 2011. I had thank yous written out on a sheet of paper but with the mic in one hand and my award in the other I had to do it off the cuff with that red light staring me straight in the eye! But it all worked out because I just spoke from the heart. A moment I'll never forget! @ChadBrownlee
The Lovelocks
@HeyLovelocks
Our favourite Country Music Week memory is our 2013 performance at the CCMA Songwriter's Café. We were an unknown band at that point with no music released and it was a huge honour for us to be selected. This year we are a top 6 Finalist in the CCMA Discovery Program and our debut EP has been out since February. What a year it's been.
Mike Denney I have enjoyed so many awesome moments, but my “favourite CCMA moment” actually happens every single year – getting to spend time with the road fam all together and watching our artists perform. @mikedenney
Jiffy Lube
Fan Fest Week 2013
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Fans share their favorite pictures from last year’s JJffy Lube Fan Fest!
Canadian country Countrified Canada asked Canadian Country artists what was their favourite thing about this year’s Canadian Country Music Week’s host Edmonton.
Paul Brandt
@paulbrandt
@countrifiedca
Most people don’t know that the first place I played when I returned to Canada after signing a record deal and moving to Nashville was Edmonton. I opened a show for Pam Tillis, and the reception was overwhelming. I’ve always had a special connection to Edmonton, and the fans are amazingly supportive. Flash forward to September 14, 2011, when we performed a benefit concert at the Winspear Centre for The Build It Forward Foundation in support of the town of Slave Lake following the Slave Lake fires. Fans in Edmonton turned out in droves (along with amazing support from across all of Alberta), and made it an unforgettable night. More than $175,000.00 was raised that night, and Edmonton was a huge part of that evening’s success. Funds raised went to help re-build the Slave Lake Public Library. The Town of Slave Lake decided to “Built It Forward” and funneled some of the funds to help earthquake victims in Haiti.
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aRtists
e ov
l edmonton
Hey Romeo
Darren Gusnowsky
Meat, The Next Act, MRKT, Corso 32 are all great restaurants. Hitting the River Valley on the bike is always great. Craft for great choices in beer. The Black Dog, The Druid and Richards Pub for jams, open mic nights and great live music.
Stacie Roper
I love hitting the parks in Edmonton and the walking trails especially the trails by Snow Valley ski hill. It feels like you’re not even in the city. As far as favorite restaurants I love Yianni’s Taverna and DaDeo New Orleans Diner and Bar on Whyte Ave!
Rob Shapiro Cafe Rista in West Edmonton makes a serious Americano, Central Social Hall on 109 St downtown is a good time, across the street, Kyoto has fresh sushi and a great vibe! Craft downtown has a great patio and too many choices for beer! Next door to the Craft is 100 across from the Westin, and it has great cocktails.
@heyromeo
Lindsay Broughton
e v edmonton o l When I find myself in Edmonton with a few hours to spare (which is VERY rare may I add) I have a “secret” spot where I like to hang out and relax. I’ve always been an outdoorsy, active person and don’t get me wrong I love my malls. I couldn’t pass up a sweet deal on a pair of shoes if my life depended on it!!! HOWEVER, when I have spare time in Edmonton (and deals aren’t starring me square in the eye) my most favourite spot to hang out and relax is Elk Island National Park. I know, probably not what you expected but Elk Island has to be one of the coolest most amazing places I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. I had heard about how cars could drive in and Buffalo would completely surround your vehicle through a friend, so being the daredevil that I am, I decided to check the park out for myself. My friend wasn’t lying. It was early August a few years ago when I had my first visit to Elk Island and I have never seen so many Buffalo in my entire life. They roam so close to your vehicle you could literally reach out and touch them!! It’s one of the most peaceful, relaxing and amazing things I have ever seen and I make sure to visit Elk Island anytime I find myself with some time to kill in Edmonton. I highly recommend taking some time and seeing the park for yourself if you ‘re looking for something to do. @LindsBroughton
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@jordanmcintosh
Tenille
For shopping in Edmonton, I love Bamboo Ballroom, The Red Ribbon and the Edmonton Long and McQuade stores!
Jordan McIntosh
Last year I ended up at a coffee shop called “Credo Coffee� - great food and the staff were all so awesome! Of course the West Edmonton Mall is pretty sweet, I always make sure to get over there at least once.
@_tenille
@codieprevost
Codie Prevost
One of my favourite places to go when in Edmonton is Whyte Avenue! There are so many cool shops and restaurants to check out. The band and I always make a point of stopping there when passing through Edmonton!
Small Town Pistols West Edmonton mall is a must see of you haven’t ever in your whole life. But bring some comfy shoes. Maybe even a bathing suit. Your wallet. :)
@SmTownPistols
Tres Carnales for eats!!!! Mind blowing great Mexican food and a cool hang!!!
Cowboy Troy The Ranch Roadhouse is always the best time in Canada.
@cowboytroy
Jason Blaine The Ranch Roadhouse, where I shot scenes from my “Friends of Mine” video that features Gord Bamford, Chad Brownlee, Deric Ruttan and Jason McCoy. The video is nominated for this year’s CMT Video of the Year. @jasonblaine
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e v lo edmonton Gord Bamford Makado for Sushi every chance I get; Rexall Place to watch my Oilers play and I stop at a Booster Juice pretty much every time I drive past one. @gordbamford
Aaron Pritchett The Muttart Conservatory
@aaronpritchett
Clayton Bellamy
of the Road Hammers Favorite place to eat- The Next Act Best Place to hear the blues - Blues on Whyte Favorite kids Zone - WEM Water Park Best place to shop - Mars and Venus Whyte Ave @claytonbellamy
e v edmonton o l Lindsay Ell I definitely have some favorite places in Edmonton that I love to visit whenever I’m in town. One, would definitely be the river valley. I always love going for a run by it or even just looking at it from my hotel room. It’s so peaceful, and is a part of south downtown that I’ve always loved. The second spot that is always a must for me would be the Remedy Cafe. I tried an almond milk chai here years ago, and now regardless of my schedule, always ask if we have time to stop by when I’m in town…I can’t get enough of them! @lindsayell
Jimmy Rankin "There are so many Maritimers in Edmonton - so it's like a little bit of home. I love playing at the Winspear Centre - it's a beautiful venue with amazing acoustics and I have great memories of playing with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra there.” @JimmyRankin
This will be the 8th time that Edmonton has hosted the CCMA Awards Ceremony since the awards started being handed out in 1982 @countrifiedca
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ns
C
u t a l r a g tio no
to all Nominees & Winners of the 2014 CCMA Awards
from your friends at and
W
ith 8 nominations, Warner Music Canada recording artist Brett Kissel leads the list of artists nominated at the 2014 Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Brett recently premiered the music video for his latest single, “Tough People Do,” the fourth single off his major label debut album Started With A Song. It was announced that Brett will open for Brad Paisley on a 14-date coast-to-coast Canadian tour, starting October 2 in Victoria, BC. Countrified Canada was thrilled that Brett was able to take the time out of his busy schedule to speak to us about leading the nominations at this years 2014 Canadian Country Music Association Awards. How does it feel to be this year’s most nominated CCMA nominee? "As you can imagine, it feels amazing to be riding into this year's CCMA Awards as the most nominated artist. I've been attending the Canadian Country Music Association Awards for over 10 years, and it's an incredible honour to be recognized by my friends and mentors in the business.”
“... its an incredible honour to be recognized by my friends and mentors in the business.” If you could choose just one category to win which would mean the most to you? "Truthfully, this is the most common question asked by media, friends, family, and fans. Even though it's been asked a number of times, it's honestly too tough to pick just one award, since they each represent an important part of my career. However, the nomination for Male Artist of the Year is special simply because it's something I've always dreamed of being nominated for - and even winning one day."
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Brett Kissel
@BrettKissel
Is it extra special to you that this year’s CCMA Awards are held in Edmonton which is closer to home for you? "Don't get me wrong, having 8 nominations would be incredible regardless of the host city. But, nothing is more exciting than sharing this night with friends and family, in my backyard, in Edmonton! (And also because some of the biggest country fans and best party people are from Edmonton!)" Tell us about your musical journey from Flat Lake, Alberta to this year’s most nominated CCMA Award nominee: When did you start singing? “There’s a VHS video somewhere of me, as a toddler, singing O Canada, into a turkey baster - pretending it was my microphone. So it’s safe to say that from an early age - I was always singing!” First Instrument? “My first instrument is the guitar. It was in 1996 - from the SEARS catalogue.” First song you learned to sing? “I think it was “John Deere Tractor Keys” by Danny Hooper or “Clearly Canadian” by George Fox.” First concert that you played? “It was 1998, and I played the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo Cowboy Poetry Gathering. I sang 2 songs. Got paid $25.” How important of a role did your family play in your success? “I have to give my family a significant amount of credit when it comes to my success in the business. Even though I now have a record label, management, road managers, and a full time band - back in the early days - my Dad was the bus driver, my Mom was the manager, my Grandpa was the life coach, and my extended family were the fan club.” @countrifiedca
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What is in store for Brett Kissel fan’s post CCMA Awards? "I am thrilled to be going out on tour with one of my all-time favourites - Brad Paisley. He's one of the best entertainers around, and words truly can't express just how pumped I am to be hitting the road with him - across Canada!"
“But nothing is more exciting than sharing this night with friends and family, in my backyard, in Edmonton!”
What is your fav place in Edmonton, and why? (can be favourite place to shop, their favourite coffee shop, anywhere) "Being a local boy, there are many spots in Edmonton that I love. Here's a random list:" BEST RESTAURANT - Hardware Grill. Best place. Period. BEST MUSIC STORE - Myhre's Music. Best place. Period. BEST MALL - West Edmonton Mall. What's not to love? BEST PLACE FOR ENTERTAINMENT - Rexall Place. Nothing like watching an Oilers game at Rexall!
l is e s s i K t t Bre ted for a n i m o n s 8 award ear ’s at this y ds. war CCMA A