In The Country With Dave Woods

MIKE BIGGAR is an award-winning Country-Rock artist from Canada’s East Coast. His infectious melodies are married to lyrics of life, love, and loss.  Powerful, punchy anthems with generous helpings of clever hooks and smart writing sit opposite intimate, tender ballads. Mike's soulful voice expresses a genuine vulnerability and draws listeners into his critically-acclaimed song writing.  A veteran winner of both Music New Brunswick (2011) and East Coast Music Association (2012) awards, Mike was signed to Busted Flat Records in 2012 for national promotion and distribution of his latest album Feels Like Now. He was a national finalist in the 2013 CCMA FanFest Performance Contest and was recently named a 2013 semi-finalist in the prestigious, global International Songwriting Competition.   Feels Like Now features a collection of original songs that fire on all artistic cylinders, including strong co-writes with Grammy-nominated, Canadian Country Music star and fellow New Brunswicker Chris Cummings, and B.C. Co

Ontario Country artist CHADLEY CHASE has established a professional and respected reputation with venues, audiences, fundraisers, and charities. After having worked with Chadley once, there is always a high demand to have him back because of the positive experience.He recently opened up for Marshall Dane at Marshall's video release party.Chadley has now released his first song Oblivious to country radio. Now back in the recording studio, he is working on the rest of his album.   MICHELLE CORMIER, another Ontario Country artist, has recorded her first album of six original songs entitled 102 Days. Last winter, Michelle won a contest through a local radio station to play with Jason McCoy at The Hamilton Place. After travelling to Nashville, Michelle can check off her bucket list of playing at the legendary Bluebird Café. Michelle has also lent her musical talent to many causes including Inspire Halton and The Georgetown Hospital Foundation

BEAU FULLER was born and raised in Mt. Vernon Missouri, a small rural town located in the Ozark hills of Southwest Missouri. Growing up, his passion in life was always centered around football, basketball and track. In addition to his love for sports, he began to realize a natural ability to play the guitar and piano by ear. After several years of college and working in his parents local appliance stores, Beau decided to make the move to Nashville in January of 1998 to pursue his passion for music. Eventually, he received a life-changing call from NSAI (Nashville Songwriter Association International) president Bart Herbison recommending that he make a weekend trip back to Nashville to meet with some publishers on Music Row. The very first meeting was with Roger Murrah, legendary songwriter and now Songwriter Hall of Fame member. Beau met Roger that Friday afternoon, and less than 24 hours later he was signed. As a staff writer at Murrah Music, he had the opportunity to co-write with seasoned songwriters and l

Since his first record release of Gonna Have a Party in 1958, his first chart record That's What I Call Livin' in 1961 and his first number one recording of Hitch Hikin' on RCA in 1964, DICK DAMRON has written over 500 songs and recorded more than 30 CDs, cassettes and vinyl records. Dick has performed in thousands of venues around the world, ranging from tiny country halls and clubs, to Las Vegas casinos and some of the largest Country Music Festivals. He has won almost every Country Music Award in Canada, as well as 5 Texas Awards and was twice named Foreign Artist of the Year in Europe. His records and music can still be heard on classic country radio stations around the world, as well as online and satellite radio. Dick spends his summers in his hometown of Bentley, Alberta and winters in Mexico. Dick Damron is a proud member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour, Alberta Country Music Hall of Fame and the International Country Music Hall of Fame. His words a

From the imaginary stage in the hayloft of the big barn of her parents’ Claresholm, Alberta ranch, KELITA began to sing at the age of four. The yard light that was her first “spotlight”. Her love of music and performing were Kelita’s escapes from significant traumatic experiences and abuse during her early childhood and teen years. In fact, it was those escapes that fine-tuned a dream that she would “one day be a star” – a reality that continues to expand after decades of performances. Recognition in her career includes: Five Juno Award Nominations, CCMA’s (Canadian Country Music Association) Entertainer of the Year Nomination, and CCMA’s Vista Rising Star of the Year Award. She's appeared on the The Tommy Hunter Show and TNN's Nashville Now and shared the stage with big names like k.d. lang, Reba McEntire and Jim Carrey. Kelita's signature country hit The Strong One is still a fan favourite and anthem for many people to this day. She gave a break to an aspiring 19-year-old singer from Timmins, Ontario name

Born in Cuba, and now calling Miami, Florida home, JACKIE ARREDONDO has recently released her single, “Like We Used To” to international radio! This multi-talented artist has already gained attention with her with her EP, “Just Call Me Jackie,” which was produced in Nashville by Brian G White. In 2012, she was the first Latina to introduce the steel guitar to National Hispanic television, and she was the first Latina to introduce genuine country music with Spanish lyrics to Hispanic radio - reaching number one on the Latin radio charts with “The Woman You Wanna Be” (El Hombre Perfecto) and reaching number three with “Let Me Fall” (Por Que Eres Tan Cruel). Canadian JAMES KEITH NORMAN proudly introduces his brand new album, “That’s Right,” and its first single, “In Trouble Now.” Each and every one of the nine tracks on “That’s Right,” his third album, was written by James, and recorded in Nashville. It has some real “heavyweight’ players involved: Jon Conley (Kenny Chesney) on guitar, Rob Hajacos (Garth Brooks

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 talent competitions including Kinmount Fair which she won 3 years in a row - and got to meet one of her idols, Jason McCoy.  By the age of 10, Amy was mastering the art of yodeling with lessons from JK Gulley. At the age of 13, she released her first album Amy Rose - One Special Girl under an independent label. The release of this album landed her a spot on a Gospel tour where she opened for Conway Twitty’s daughters Joni & Kathy Twitty. Over the years, Amy has shared the stage with The Wilkinsons, Emerson Drive & High Valley. Eventually, in the summer of 2010, Amy teamed up with Glenn Coulson & Marty Beecroft of After Tuesday Productions. She's since gained popularity and increased her fan base with the singles (Redneck Reunion) Party Like a Redneck, I Just Want You To Know & Sunshine. Amy is

North Carolina native EMILY MINOR first grabbed the attention of music fans as a top fifty finalist on American Idol. Emily quickly realized she belonged in Nashville. Shortly after her time on the show, Emily made the move to Nashville and began writing and recording. Emily's self-titled EP is a lively collection of convincing stories, undeniable emotions, and astounding vocals that is as honest and lovable as Emily herself. Having written four of the six songs herself, Emily is quickly catching the interest of country listeners and members of the music industry.  Well known for their live shows and always a crowd favorite, SAWMILL ROAD performs with unparalleled enthusiasm, dynamic stage presence and an amazing ability to connect with the crowd. Their current album is entitled Cryin', Lovin' & Drinkin'. The debut single from the album is Whiskey Burn - an upbeat, harmony driven song that during a recent meeting in Nashville was said to have "a hit chorus" by the head of Curb Records John Osher. The fou

Ontario Country artist BREA LAWRENSON's collection of songs reflects her own personal experiences and aspirations. Her musical career has taken her across Canada, and to London, UK. She frequently travels to Nashville to write and record. She's worked with many different songwriters and producers including Stu Epps (UK producer who has worked with the likes of Elton John and Led Zeppelin), Barry Brown (of The Family Brown) and Keith Glass (of the Juno award winning Canadian Country band Prairie Oyster). She's released two music videos, one of which has received over 14,000 views on YouTube. Brea had success at Country radio in 2013 with her single With You Whiskey and has now followed that up with her current single Bottom Of The Bottle. Ontario Country artist COLIN AMEY's latest project is a 5 song EP called Just Do What You Do. It features his version of the Kim Mitchell classic Go For A Soda. Colin has recorded several albums with successful radio singles (What My Heart Don't Know, If I Didn't Call It Lov

Ontario Country artist CHELSEA CRITES makes a return appearance to In The Country with Dave Woods. In 2009, she was nominated for Niagara Rising Star. She's been performing steadily with her band since 2010 and pursuing the dream that started for her as a child. Her musical influences can be found in both the country and the pop scene. Chelsea - originally from Port Colborne, Ontario - is an energetic and dynamic performer on stage who can deliver past & present country hits along with new songs that she's had a hand in writing. She's been featured on TV station CHCH in Hamilton, played at Tootsie's in Nashville and opened shows for Jason McCoy, Crystal Shawanda and even the one and only William Shatner. Chelsea has recently recorded new songs in Nashville with songwriter & producer Beau Fuller and is excited to release these in 2014. Tune in and get to know this Canadian Country star on the rise!

Amanda and Tyler Wilkinson are no strangers to success on the Country charts. First, they scored big as the family trio The Wilkinsons (26 Cents, Fly (The Angel Song), Boy Oh Boy) - along with their dad Steve. These days, Amanda and Tyler have reunited musically as a duo called SMALL TOWN PISTOLS. Their self-titled debut album is up for Country Album of the Year at the Juno awards on March 30th - broadcasting live from Winnipeg. Amanda and Tyler will be presenters that night as well. The album features the hits Colour Blind, Living On The Outside, Blame It On The Radio & Anthem Of A Runaway. Dad Steve - a prolific songwriter - is a writer on three of the album's songs including "Living On The Outside." Small Town Pistols are now releasing Colour Blind in the United States. The song was written by Amanda and Tyler along with songwriter and producer Joey Moi (producer for Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Dallas Smith and many more.) “It’s a song about how we truly feel about the world,” explains Tyler. Tun

At the age of 19, BILL ANDERSON composed the 1958 country classic City Lights for Ray Price. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and began turning out hit after hit with songs like Po’ Folks, Mama Sang A Song, The Tips Of My Fingers, and the country and pop smash Still.  Fast forward: Bill's songwriting success has proven to be unstoppable with songs like Wish You Were Here by Mark Wills and the Grammy-nominated Two Teardrops by Steve Wariner. Bill's song Too Country recorded by Brad Paisley along with Bill, Buck Owens and George Jones, won CMA Vocal Event Of The Year honors in 2001. The following year Kenny Chesney hit big with his version of the Bill Anderson-Dean Dillon masterpiece A Lot Of Things Different. Bill won CMA Song of the Year honours for his and Jon Randall’s poignant ballad Whiskey Lullaby recorded by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss.  On Bill's new CD entitled Life!, he's joined by special guests Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, John Anderson and others. You'll hear the funny Bubba Garcia's, the honk

Vancouver, British Columbia Country artist KAREN LEE BATTEN is a three-time winner of the BCCMA's Female Vocalist Of The Year (2004, 2005, 2006) and she was also a top 10 finalist in the first season of Canadian Idol. Karen released her debut album Every Moment in December 2005 which featured the single Hearts On The Run. The video for the song received airplay on CMT. Karen is getting set to release a new album and the first single Cause A Scene is now at Country radio. The video for the song was directed by award-winning director Stephano Barberis. Sudbury, Ontario Country artist LARRY BERRIO infuses his country sound with a rock 'n roll edge. In 2010, he released one of his singles called Rock Town. The song was written by Larry and was dedicated to miners around the world. Being from a mining town and his dad a retired miner, Larry raised personal funding from local businesses to shoot the one of a kind video. The video was released on CMT and aired across Canada for over 8 months. Larry has just release

After winning her first major singing competition in 2008, Alberta Country artist CANDICE RYAN knew that performing live is what she was born to do and started on her career building journey. Music was around her from the time she was a young girl. Her father would play guitar and she would sing along to all the songs. Once she was old enough her dad gave her a guitar and taught her how to play a couple chords. In 2013, Candice released her debut EP Welcome To Our World and the first single released Cougar Blonde was picked up on over 30 radio stations across Canada. In that same year she sang on stage with Vince Gill and The Time Jumpers in Nashville at Tootsie's. She was selected as the 2013 Edmonton Oil Kings Anthem singer for their Playoff run. Within the first active year of performing live she opened up for 2 time CCMA Group of the Year Hey Romeo and was selected for 3 Showcases during the 2013 CCMAs where she won 2nd place during the Aboriginal Showcase. Candice has helped out with many charities and f

JIMMY RANKIN is an award-winning solo artist and songwriter and the lead singer/guitarist with the legendary group The Rankin Family. A dynamic live performer with a long list of hits, Jimmy moves effortlessly between Roots, Country and Pop, taking his audience on an unforgettable musical journey from Cape Breton to Nashville, and back again.  He is about to release his 6th full-length album Back Road Paradise. The album’s first single Cool Car is now at radio and the video is at CMT. Jimmy’s iconic Canadian voice, riveting live show, and award-winning songwriting have earned him a host of accolades including back-to-back Canadian Country Music Award wins for Roots Artist of the Year (2012, 2013), a 2012 Juno nomination for Country Recording of the Year, and most recently the #1 spot in CBC’s “Top Ten East Coast Song of All Time” for his hit single Fare Thee Well Love. Awards as a solo artist and with the Rankins include: 5 Junos, 28 East Coast Music Awards, 9 SOCAN top radio play Awards, 7 Canadian Country M

Born in Terre Haute, Indiana and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, WILL CALLERY fell in love with the sounds and songs of the South at a young age. Eventually, he headed for the West Coast where he developed his songwriting skills playing legendary coffeehouses and roadhouses. He ended up moving to Nashville where he worked as a staff writer for April-Blackwood Publishing (CBS). He rented an apartment on 17th Avenue and hung out with songwriters like the legendary Kris Kristofferson. In 1975, Country legend Willie Nelson recorded Hands On The Wheel - written by Will - for his concept album Red Headed Stranger which was released by Columbia Records. The song was also chosen as the title song for the movie The Electric Horseman which starrred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. Will released a new album in November 2013 called All In Time which features 12 songs written and sung by a true storyteller. 

JAIDA DREYER's unmistakable country voice, bubbly personality, and eclectic, insightful songwriting scored her a publishing deal with Grammy award-winning producer Byron Gallimore (Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Sugarland) at the age of 19. In 2012, Byron announced the creation of his own label called Streamsound Records, and threw his full support behind Jaida’s career. “I’m proud for her to be our flagship artist,” says Byron. “She’s the real deal. I couldn’t feel stronger about anybody.” The album entitled I Am Jaida Dreyer has featured the popular radio singles Confessions (Of An Ex-Girlfriend) and Half Broke Horses. She credits her eclectic taste in music to her mother, who introduced her to classic artists like Kitty Wells and Hank Williams, Sr., as well as then-current hitmakers like Tanya Tucker, Keith Whitley, and Patty Loveless. As a pre-teen, Jaida also found herself drawn to a variety of singer-songwriters like Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett, and Steve Earle. Recently, she

By now you've probably heard JORDAN MCINTOSH's songs Walk Away, Let Me Love You & Grew Up In A Country Song. And now you'll be hearing a lot of his brand new song That Girl. Music is his passion and he's pursuing it with 100% determination. “I obviously had a dream of this growing. That started to become a reality over the past year. That might seem quick but I've been working at this for about seven or eight years,” Jordan explains.“There was always that hope but I keep an open mind and stay grounded. There's a one-in-a-million chance that you'll make a career of your ability. It keeps you focused.” He has been busy lately touring across Canada with The Young Guns tour which stars Brett Kissel & One More Girl. Jordan’s first influence was his older sister, Melissa. “My entire family is musical, but I idolized my sister. She started to sing before I did and, being younger, I wanted to do everything she did. That’s how I found out I could sing. I never really studied music. I just sang all the time. I

Country artist GIL GRAND was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario. He started to sing and play guitar at age 14 and went on to win the Canadian Open Country Singing Contest three years in a row. In the late 1990s, he signed a publishing deal and made the move to Nashville. His talent for songwriting  and singing brought him to the attention of top record executives, and he soon signed a major U.S. record deal with Sony Music Nashville’s Monument Records. The release of his debut album Famous First Words won him fans on both sides of the border and earned him three CCMA nominations, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year and Wrangler Rising Star. He went on to release two other successful albums: 2002's Burnin' and 2006's Somebody's Someone. Along with his debut hit single Famous First Words, Gil has had chart-toppers with Let's Start Livin', Cry A Little, Break It To Them Gently and Spilled Perfume. In October 2007, Gil and business partner Randy Gee opened the doors of Grand & Gee Music Gr

This In The Country February Special puts the spotlight on new music from The Lovelocks, Marshall Dane, and Tianna Woods with Donna Ulisse. Plus, Beverley Mahood's 2013 hit Hope and Gasoline is featured.