In The Country With Dave Woods

BIG TOBACCO AND THE PICKERS  New Album "The King Is Gone" will be released May 12, 2015. Since 2008, Big Tobacco and The Pickers have been bringing their unique brand of traditional country to bar rooms, taverns, halls and festivals around Ontario. Their ongoing monthly residency at Toronto roots institution The Cameron House has gained them a loyal following of country music fans. Regular appearances at legendary rooms like The Dakota Tavern and The Cadillac Lounge have helped develop their gritty live show into what it is today - a glimpse back at the golden age of country music. Their renditions of the classics, along with traditional sounding original material, will make you and your friends want to dance all night & drink too much. From the rich tones of the pedal steel, to the hot licks of the Fender Telecaster, Big Tobacco and the Pickers deliver a new brand of country music, true to old school tradition.  

Country legend JOHN CONLEE's success began in the late 1970s. His first release “Back Side Of Thirty” didn't climb the charts too high. Three more singles also met with a minimum success, although they all charted. But in March of 1978, the label released “Rose Colored Glasses,” a song John co-wrote, which became a huge hit as well as becoming his signature song. In January of 1979, the label re-released “Back Side of Thirty” which went on to become a No. 1 record, and the hits continued. The Conlee hit list includes songs like “Lady Lay Down,” “Friday Night Blues,” “Miss Emily’s Picture,” “Busted,” and “I Don’t Remember Loving You.”  He's been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1981 and was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame in 2006. John has just released an album called Classics 2 - available at iTunes - featuring many of his big hits. His latest single is called "Walkin' Behind The Star."

Dallas Smith British Columbia's Dallas Smith has skyrocketed to the very top of the Country music scene. His 2012 debut album entitled Jumped Right In generated 5 singles in the Canadian Hot 100, including the GOLD selling title-track, garnered five CCMA  Award nominations and was nominated for Country Album of the Year at the 2013 JUNO Awards. Following a slew of sold out tour dates with Florida Georgia Line and Bob Seger, Dallas released 2013's Tippin' Point EP making his debut in the U.S. and setting the bar high while representing Canadian Country music's cutting edge sound. Amassing national appeal, he earned three 2014 CCMA Award nominations including Single, Album and Male Artist of the Year and is the first Canadian country artist to have 8 singles reach the Top 10 at radio in Canada. Lifted - the latest album from Dallas Smith featuring the #1 single "Wastin' Gas" - reunites him with prized producer Joey Moi (Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen).  John Conlee Country legend John Conlee’s success bega

RYAN LAIRD Ryan Laird is a 2-time Canadian Country Music Awards and Canadian Radio Music Awards nominated recording artist. His live show is something special, winning over audiences for over a decade. His new album is called Bigger Than That. In 2014, Ryan helped to found the BiggerThanThat! program. It's a bullying prevention and youth empowerment program. Ryan has traveled all across Canada visiting schools where he shares his life story while offering an entertaining and engaging music concert.  JAMIE WOODFIN Jamie Woodfin hails from the town of Ponoka, Alberta, home of the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame. As a teen, he picked up his first guitar, learned to play the drums and promptly formed a band which he fronted through junior & senior high. In his early 20's, he rediscovered the charm of country music and started following artists who would ultimately become his contemporaries - gifted singer/songwriters like Eric Church, Jamey Johnson and Dierks Bentley. His new single is called "Just Feels Right

BRODY SIEBERT Born and raised in the small farming community of Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, Brody Siebert grew up in a family full of musical talent. He flew down to Nashville in November of 2014 where he recorded three songs. One of the songs titled "Lay It On Me Tonight" came out the gate with lots of hometown support where it spent 4 days as the number one requested song on Saskatoon's 92.9 The Bull and hit number 85 on the Country Mediabase charts in its first month at radio DIRT ROAD ANGELS The five talented, creative and seasoned recording artists that make up Alberta's Dirt Road Angels are: Shawna Lynne, Shila Marie, Danita, Karen Claypool and Dahlia Wakefield. Their brand new album is called Paint The Town Red. It features catchy country rock songs such as the title track, which is their first single; the upbeat and fun song "Make Me Wanna"; they get tender on "Memories" and show their heartwarming side on "Best Friend." All are songs they wrote and performed at their 2014 Canadian Country Music Asso

Songwriter and Recording Artist JAMES HOUSE co-wrote Grammy Nominated Country Song of the Year “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” (recorded by Dwight Yoakam) and CMA Nominated Song of the Year “A Broken Wing” (recorded by Martina McBride) along with another smash hit "In A Week Or Two” (recorded by Diamond Rio). Other artists to record his songs include Tina Turner, Olivia Newton-John, Rod Stewart, The Mavericks and Sara Evans - to name just several. Born & raised in Sacramento, California, James pursued music in L.A. before making the move to Nashville in the late 1980s. Not long after the move, he was signed to MCA Records, where he began a string of chart hits like “Don’t Quit Me Now” and “Hard Times For An Honest Man.”  A switch to Epic Nashville produced the critically-acclaimed Days Gone By album and yielded the top 5 hit “This Is Me Missing You,” and top 20 singles “Real Good Way To Wind Up Lonesome” and “Little By Little.” His latest album is entitled Songwriters Serenade. It features 10 songs co-writt

DANIELLE MARIE Young singer-songwriter Danielle Marie from Cardiff Echoes, Alberta has always had a passion for music. She participated in early music programs and continued with music/band in school until 2011, when she decided to seriously pursue a music career. Heavily influenced by contemporary artists like Ed Sheeran and Adele, Danielle released her first EP in July 2013. While the folk/alt-folk offering attracted much attention – and even hit the #1 local spot on ReverbNation – she was convinced that musically, there was more. A month later, she headed to Nashville with 5 songs in hand, and recorded a full album, ‘More Than Just A Girl’, and shot her first music video.  Danielle's new single "What You Can't Have" is being released April 14th. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ MIKE EDEL Even the title of his latest album "India, Seattle" (released April 14th) feels like a story on it’s own. Victoria’s Mike Edel couldn’t have named

Their musical bond is as strong as their small town roots: Twin Kennedy, comprised of West Coast sisters Carli and Julie Kennedy, have been making music together since they could talk. Born and raised in the small town of Powell River, British Columbia, the sister duo grew up perfecting their sibling harmonies and dynamic live performances, while making their name known throughout their small community as a family band. Growing up in such a musically infused family, it is no wonder that these sisters crafted their sound through a unique fusion of their background in country, folk, jazz and classical music. With years of classical training, including their Bachelors Degrees in Music Performance from the University of Victoria, the sisters have found their home in country music. With Carli on vocals and guitar, and Julie on vocals and violin, these petite powerhouses will fill your soul with joy and warmth through their seamless harmonies and heartfelt songwriting. Having released two EPs - and receiving seve

Alberta's PAUL BRANDT -  the most awarded male Canadian Country Music artist in history - climbed the charts once again last summer with his song Forever Summer. It's another title to add to his long list of hits which include My Heart Has A History, I Do, That's The Truth, Small Towns & Big Dreams and Didn't Even See The Dust.  A former pediatric registered nurse, Paul had a passion for words and poetry early in life, and began to write music at the age of 13. He also had the goal of one day becoming a doctor. While reaching for his medical dreams during his college years, Paul started entering and winning talent competitions, one of which was the Youth Talent Showdown at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. He credits these contests as events that altered the course of his life. Paul returns to In The Country to discuss his latest single called "Nothing" & much more!

FEATURED INTERVIEW: ANTHONY TULLO Oakville, Ontario's ANTHONY TULLO is an accomplished actor/producer/screenwriter and is now adding 'Country artist' to that list of credits. “I always wanted to make music. I was a big fan of Bryan Adams and that gritty vocal style and great songs. But the more I thought about the stronger I felt the lure of country music with a rock edge. I hooked up with some talented and well connected folks and my new album Switching Tracks is the result.” Anthony has starred or co-starred in television and film projects such as “Liberty Street”, “Mutant X”, “The Relic Hunter”, and “Out There with Melissa DiMarco.” He wrote a psychological thriller screenplay called “A Secret Cross” in 2011. “A Secret Cross” got the attention of social media distributor Linda Nelson at Nelson Madison Films in Los Angeles and also won the International Award of Excellence at the Los Angeles Movie Awards in 2012. It was also selected to be a part of the Moving Images Film Festival in Toronto and won Best

On June 14, 2014, Canadian eventer Jordan McDonald suffered a fatal injury while competing at the Nunney International Horse Trials held at Southfield House, Whatley, Frome, Somerset, GBR. This tragic loss inspired Jordan’s sister, Shannon, who performs as Shanna Lynn in the country music duo known as Georgia Rain, with Damian Marshall (her husband), to record a rendition of his favourite song. A self-taught guitarist, Jordan loved “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkel. Shanna Lynn fondly recalls the times he would play it and ask her to sing along. She didn’t know the words then, but she is pleased to sing it for him now. “This was the hardest recording we have ever done. [It] tugs at the heart strings…very bittersweet for me,” said Shanna Lynn, “but I know he’s listening.” The song is now available on itunes. Proceeds will go towards keeping Jordan’s dreams and goals alive through his wife, Shandiss, and their horses. Visit www.rememberingjordanmcdonald.com - Story from Horse-Canada.com. Tune in to hear

On this episode I welcome Nova Scotia's Kevin Davison ("When Those Sirens Are Gone") & Ontario's Maddy Rodriguez ("Fascinated"). Each artist will chat with me about their music career, latest news and will share their current radio single. Live from Ontario and heard around the world, In The Country with Dave Woods has been broadcasting online since March 2009. 

Born & raised in the small Alberta Peace Country town of Hines Creek, music found DUANE STEELE early on. He fondly remembers parties at his parents' home with everyone sitting around singing and playing various instruments. As teenagers, Duane and his cousins started a band spending summers and weekends playing for weddings and community dances. In 1984, Duane's professional career began, fronting the band Rock 'N' Horse. Their album Highways was released in 1991. Despite top 20 singles, non stop touring, and a Juno nomination for Country Band of the Year Rock 'N' Horse disbanded in 1993. Duane took this opportunity to pursue his goals as a recording artist and songwriter, landing a publishing contract with Warner Chapel in Nashville.  In 1995, a showcase at Canadian Country Music Week in Calgary resulted in his signing a recording contract with Mercury Canada. Duane's solo debut album "PO Box 423" was released in February 1996 and saw his first three singles go Top 5 on the Canadian Country Charts, inc

JAKE MATHEWS was born and raised in a northern Ontario town immortalized by Stompin’ Tom Connors for its wild Saturday nights. He couldn’t have known it then, but one of his early memories foretells his country music future. “When I was 14, I traveled to Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto and entered this booth where you could record the song of your choice,” recalls the laid back Sudbury-born singerand songwriter. “I sang Randy Travis’ song "I Told You So" and after I recorded it, they played it over the loudspeaker while I hung around with my friends.” Now calling Calgary home for the past 18 years, Jake has enjoyed great success at radio with numerous top 20 hits such as “If I Had It My Way”, “Beer Necessities”, “Kings For A Day”, “Time After Time”, “I’m Gone” as well as others - and has received several Canadian Country Music Award nominations. Jake has had over 50 of his songs recorded by artists in Canada and the US. Most recent cuts include 2 songs on Gord Bamford’s current album Country Junkie an

It's time for another visit from Country artist MICHELLE WRIGHT! She has just released a brand new single to radio called "Laugh A Little."  Michelle was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2011. Her long list of country hits includes “Take It Like A Man”, “He Would Be Sixteen”, “One Good Man” & “Nobody’s Girl”. Fans raved about Michelle’s Songs From The Halls Tour 2012. This full band presentation featured many of her award-winning hits, plus a diverse collection of songs from members of various Halls of Fame, whose music – country, pop, soul and rock – has inspired Michelle throughout her career.  Her 2013 album entitled Strong – featuring the title track anthem – found Michelle co-writing on 10 of the 11 tracks. Originally from Ontario, she moved to Nashville in 1991 and has made it her home ever since. Michelle is excited to share new music with all of us this year. 

With over 25 hit singles and 12 CCMAs in the past two decades, DOC WALKER's Chris Thorsteinson and Dave Wasyliw have seen it all - but at the end of the day, they know what - and who – is ultimately important. That’s What I Call Love, a romantic tribute to their wives, follows the top ten single Put It Into Drive, the summer jam Shake It Like It’s Saturday Night and the catchy That’s How I Like It - all from their latest album called The 8th. Manitoba's Doc Walker called on fans to submit family and love-inspired photos, giving other families and couples a chance to share their love. The pictures are featured in the lyric video for That's What I Call Love. “Our music speaks to the pride we have in our roots, and the gratitude we have to the fans,” says lead singer Chris Thorsteinson, “and that is the most important thing. At the end of the day, all we want to do is write a record that we love, and that we know our fans are going to love and want to sing along to.”

Described as having "a voice stolen from angels", TIA MCGRAFF first stepped into the international spotlight on a CBC TV special with Johnny Cash and June Carter. Johnny was so impressed with Tia, he invited her into June's dressing room to introduce the two. Johnny Cash wasn't the only one who recognized this shining star. Soon the likes of Randy Bachman (BTO), Dan Hill (Celine Dion), Andrew Gold, and countless others, were inviting Tia to write and record with them. Tia's most recent album is called Break These Chains and was produced by her co-writer/husband Tommy Parham. The rootsy melodies and honest lyrics have been produced with such integrity that listeners feel they are listening to something hauntingly familiar and refreshingly real. Perhaps it's because Tia’s influences include lyrical genuises like Joni Mitchell, Patty Griffin, and Mary Gauthier, or because she has drawn from the stories of those who have touched her heart. "Break These Chains is maybe her finest work to date. Sometimes by album

With a blend of Country and Pop/Rock backgrounds, AUSTIN BELLE is equipped with the perfect combination of well-written songs and two talented artists. Lead guitarist and songwriter Jesse Wainwright hails from the hit-making, award-winning rock band State of Shock, lending his musical skills and incredible stage presence to the group. Jesse is balanced by lead singer and songwriter Stacey McKitrick. Together, they create a new sound that can only be described as magical. Along with a talented backing band, their catchy songs and energetic stage show leave audiences wanting more. Combined, they have had the opportunity to perform with notable acts Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Great Big Sea, and more. Their debut EP is called Just Drive featuring the latest single Back Where We Belong. Barrie, Ontario Country artist AMY ROSE entered her first singing contest Barrie’s Promenade Days at age 5. That was when her parents realized their daughter had talent to sing. She began to enter other

Whether as a solo artist or in a duet with with Helen Cornelius, JIM ED BROWN never fails to make magic with a song. But, any discussion about the career of Jim Ed would have to begin with the years he spent singing with his sisters Maxine and Bonnie as The Browns. Recording together for well over a decade, the trio put together a catalouge that included “Lookin’ Back To See,” “I Heard The Bluebirds Sing,” and their iconic 1959 crossover record “The Three Bells.”  Looking back on that family blend of harmony that brought him to the dance, Jim Ed says his singing with his siblings never really had a beginning point. It was just something that always was a part of life, growing up in Sparkman, Arkansas. “We started singing when we were young kids. I lost my little brother when I was nine years old, and I remember he and I sang together. We would listen to Daddy’s old battery operated radio. If it was a clear night, we might be able to pick up the Grand Ole Opry,” he recalls.  Jim Ed's easy going nature and mo

HEATHER BALLENTINE is a country girl right down to her roots. Raised in Arkansas, she has been singing and writing songs her entire life. Thanks to her father’s love of retro music, her early influences included Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Buddy Holly. During University, Heather began modelling and was selected for the Catalina Swimwear campaign, which featured her in advertisements and on the runway. She placed top-ten in the Miss Arkansas Pageant, andwas the overall swimsuit winner, which assisted in paying for her education. After graduation, Heather was cast to star as “Ado Annie” in Discoveryland USA’s production of “Oklahoma”. Performing 6 nights a week, for 3 straight months in a sold-out amphitheatre, gave Heather a taste of stardom. She packed up a U-Haul and moved to LA to pursue her music, acting, and modelling career.In LA, Heather met musicians with whom she collaborated. The band toured 10 countries while opening for major acts. They were featured in The Wall Street Journ