In The Country With Dave Woods

Country artist Wendy Lynn Snider was born & raised in the beautiful surroundings of Temagami, Ontario. She grew up in a musical family listening to Christian and classic Country performed by artists like Waylon Jennings, Johnny & June Carter Cash, and Patsy Cline. As she grew up, through all the twists and turns life brings, she kept singing and songwriting and sharing her gift. In 2010, she re-connected with high school friend and long-time music industry person Michael Peters. He encouraged her to record another CD and brought in popular Country artist Thomas Wade to produce the album. Including the 3 songs Wendy and her husband Curtt wrote, there are a number of Canadian songwriters lending their talents to the project including Michael, who also acts as executive producer of the album. The project also features CCMA award-winning players Shane Guse on fiddle,Doug Johnson on steel and Thomas Wade on guitars - among others. Wendy's CD Release Party takes place in early November. Tune in to get an up

Toronto-based singer/songwriter Kirsten Jones received a 2011 CCMA nomination for Roots Artist of the Year. She's riding high on the success of her sophomore album The Mad Mile produced by Jayhawks front man Gary Louris. "I knew I wanted to try getting in touch with Gary before even trying to think of anyone else, so I looked up his management online and just sent them a package." A few months later, Louris’ management e-mailed Kirsten, saying Gary was interested in the project. The album showcases Kirsten's blending of Alt Country & Folk - as well as her songwriting skills. In fact, for the third year in a row, one of her songs from the album has been nominated in the International Songwriting Competition. This year, she came in third place - out of 15,000 entries! The Mad Mile includes a duet with the legendary Jim Cuddy. Kirsten, fresh from a summer tour of Eastern Canada & a recent trip to Nashville, visits In The Country to discuss her music career & share some songs.

At the age of 19, Genevieve Fisher has already achieved more in her career than most artists could ever hope for. Since her first award-winning performance at the Ilderton Fair in Ontario, she has continued her climb to national recognition as one of Canada’s new breed of Country singers. At the age of 13, Genevieve took top honours for her age group at the 30th annual Canadian Open Country Singing Competition in Simcoe Ontario. At the age of 16, after the creation of her live band, Genevieve had the distinction of opening for 2009’s Canadian Female Country Artist of the Year Crystal Shawanda. The decision to travel to Nashville to record her debut CD turned out to be the turning point in her young career. In October 2010, she headed to OmniSound Studios in Nashville. The tracks recorded were a combination of songs written by herself as well as some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Jeffrey Steele and Craig Wiseman. Genevieve recently returned from Nashville where she recorded some brand new songs. Tun

Calgary, Alberta Country artist Shannon Smith has been singing and performing since the age of six, creating her own style while also influenced by artists like Lorrie Morgan, Shania Twain and Sheryl Crow. Since 2007, Shannon has graced the stage of several top-notch venues and events throughout Alberta, including the Big Valley Jamboree, Airdrie Pro Rodeo and Flames Central in Calgary. She has opened for country recording artists Johnny Reid, Duane Steele, Julian Austin, Aaron Pritchett, and most recently for American country supergroup Lonestar during the 2011 Calgary Stampede. Shannon was the 2009 winner of the Country 105/Lammle's Rising Star Contest held at Ranchman's in Calgary. This talented Canadian Country artist has been enjoying airplay with songs from her debut album entitled Tell Me Something. Tune in for a chat with Shannon that will focus on her start in music, influences, debut album and more.

Country artist Drew Gregory was born & raised in the small farming town of Standard, Alberta - about an hour outside of Calgary. Growing up, he was known for showing up to every high school party with his guitar ready to play. He eventually obtained a degree in Geomatics but soon realized that his heart was still in music. As a Christmas gift, he and his sister, Natalie, recorded an acoustic album for their Mom. After getting positive feedback on the project, Drew packed up his guitar & dreams and headed for Nashville. In Nashville, he's recorded one full length album Country Hurricane and a 4-song EP - both featuring his songwriting. At the 2010 Country 105 Rising Star contest, Drew won for best original song with the title track to his album. Tune in to hear this star on the rise talk about his start in music, musical influences, songwriting, his latest album & more!

She grew up on her family's farm in Manitoba with a love of singing from an early age. Her musical influences include Dolly and Reba. Now, Lori Kole is living in Alberta and pursuing her dream of singing & writing Country music. In late 2009, she released the singleHappyto radio - a song she co-wrote with hitmaker Adam Wheeler. That song can be found on her debut EP Barefeet And Butterflies produced by the multi-talented Steve Fox. A new single has been released to radio in October 2011. It's called Caught Up In You and Lori co-wrote the song with Canadian hitmaker Troy Kokol. Tune in for a chat with this star on the rise and hear some of the songs from her EP - including the new single.  

With the release of Northern Redemptionearlier this year, The Abrams Brothers – John, James and cousin Elijah – make a transition from the music of their roots to their own distinct sound. It’s a combination of bluegrass, country and folk-rock. The band's members are fourth-generation musicians with musical roots reaching back to their great-grandparents. They’ve been touring together for almost a decade – and in the past few years, have become Canadian festival favorites. In 2005, the Ontario-based group became the youngest Canadians to appear on Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry. Northern Redemption is their fourth album and features the past single Viva la Vida - a cover of the Coldplay hit - which also became a video that aired on CMT. John Abrams joins me on the show to talk about the new album & share some songs from it.

Thunder Bay, Ontario Country artist Scott Skirving has never given up his dream of music. Through all the twists and turns in life, his new CD proudly states Here I Am. The project is produced by Kenny Sitter - his good friend and the lead guitarist for Canadian Country band Jo Hikk. Scott's Country voice sounds right at home on the CD's songs written by hitmakers George Canyon, Dean Brody, Willie Mack, Troy Kokol, Kenny Sitter, and Scott himself - to name just a few of the writers. This talented Canadian artist is no stranger to touring and entertaining music fans - he's opened up shows for Aaron Pritchett, Travis Tritt, Wynonna and others. Tune in to hear about the making of Scott's CD, his appraoch to songwriting, his influences and much more.

There's no slowing down The Oak Ridge Boys. The legendary, hit-making group was recently inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry. They just released a new album It's Only Natural available exclusively through Cracker Barrel (in stores & online). The project features 7 past hits and 5 brand new songs. A re-recording of Elvira is featured. That song was released in 1981 and went on to win a Grammy and become one of their signature hits. Joe Bonsall from the Oaks joins me on the show to talk about the Opry induction, the new album, stories behind some of their biggest hits & more! You can also catch up with all the latest about this beloved group at oakridgeboys.com.

The best way to describe the sound of The River Junction Band is progressive, aggressive, rockin' Country. Listeners will hear solid four part male and female harmonies from this band whose influences are as diverse as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, AC/DC & The Rolling Stones. Coming off their win for Best Country Act at the 2010 Toronto Independent Music Awards, RJB continues to be in demand to bring its high-energy show to appreciative audiences and a growing fan base. The band has had the pleasure of supporting such major acts as Toby Keith, Aaron Pritchett, Travis Tritt, Julian Austin, & Tara Oram. The group is made up of Dave & Tammy Steeper, Dave Collins, Derek Hardy, and Paul Dufour. Tune in to get an up close & personal look at this talented Ontario band and hear a couple of their songs.

Abbotsford, BC Country artist Stacey McKitrick was singing from the start. At the age of nine months, she would often be heard around the house singing along to her favourite artist, Reba McEntire. By the time she was 10, she was spending every free moment singing and making stage shows for friends and family. Along with singing, she embraced songwriting early on: "I've been writing my own songs since I was nine years old - my first song was called 'If You Could Touch A Rainbow'. When I was thirteen years old, I began writing songs as a way to release my feelings and channel my creativity; songwriting continues to be a strong artistic outlet for me." She's been to Nashville to write with some of the top writers around. Stacey's debut CD is set for release shortly and will take her that much closer to being a big name in Country music.

Langley, B.C. Country duo Robyn and Ryleigh Gillespie are part of the wave of young Country performers coming from the West Coast of Canada. Their debut EP entitledLove, Alwaysis available on iTunes. Like many of their contemporaries, they take modern, youthful pop influences and blend them with traditional country elements of acoustic instruments, meaningful lyrics, and sibling harmonies. Their original songs take moments from their lives and set them to music while they put their own stamp on favourite standards. In the last two years, the girls have been honing their music on stages around B.C.'s lower mainland. Their shows have ranged from intimate coffee shop open mics to high profile events, like the 2010 Olympics and the BC Summer Games. They were recently showcased at the British Columbia Country Music Industry Awards Show.

Collingwood-born and raised - now living in Toronto - Donna Ferra released her debut album Waited Long Enough in 2003. The title track - released as a single which got attention for Donna - featured the late great Jeff Healey. Based on that success - and subsequent well-received singles - she toured festivals in Ontario opening for artists like Jason McCoy, Doc Walker, and Aaron Lines.  Along the way in her career, she's had the opportunity to co-produce her songs with producer Peter Linseman. She's travelled to Nashville many times to perform in the local songwriter rounds and to write songs. Popular Nashville venues she has performed at include The Broken Spoke, The Boardwalk Cafe, and The Commodore Sports Bar. Most recently, Donna is excited to be back on the music scene after a bit of a break. Her new radio single Little Red Dress is getting a lot of airplay and it's clear that Country music is happy to welcome this talented artist back!

Kate Taylor's passion for music began when she was a little girl in toe shoes as an aspiring ballerina. Growing up, her mother enrolled her in piano, violin and dance classes. Her parents knew she was gifted but there weren't a lot of opportunities in their home town of Remus, Michigan. Kate pursued voice in college at Cornerstone University and hit the road for Nashville soon after achieving her degree. She worked hard to write with amazing published songwriters, sing with the best musicians and record withgreat producers like Steve Werbelow from Los Angeles. Ten songs she wrote and produced are signed to the be played on The Young and the Restless. Her songs like Confession and My Getaway will earn her new fans at first listen. Kate calls Williamson County - just outside of Nashville - home.

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia - and now living in Nashville - RyLee Madison showcases her beautiful voice and her ability to tell stories with her songs on her fourth album Where Does The Time Go. Listeners will be moved by the messages inThe Beauty of Forgiveness and Be Yourself. An end of a relationship is sung about in December Leave Me Alone and new beginnings are celebrated in Feels Like Something. There is also a little fun thrown in with songs like the tongue-in-cheek Run and the playful It Can't Be That Bad. RyLee co-produced the new album with her husband Clay (a Nashville session player and touring musician of 14 years) along with a collection of great musicians from Nova Scotia and Nashville. RyLee says, "Nashville is my second home. I've created family here with my husband and friends but my first home will always be Nova Scotia." Tune in to hear RyLee talk about her new album, songwriting & much more.

Country artist Deborah Allen returns to the music scene with her new album Hear Me Now featuring the current radio single Anything Other Than Love. She co-wrote that song with hitmaker Gary Burr. In fact, Deborah wrote or co-wrote every song on the album - and is a producer on it. But songwriting - and success with it - are nothing new for this Grammy-nominated artist. She's had her songs recorded by a long list of acts including LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, Patty Loveless, Conway Twitty, Tanya Tucker, and even Fleetwood Mac. “Deborah is singing better than ever, which is saying a lot!” says her close friend, legendary CMA Hall of Fame songwriter Bobby Braddock, who produced three tracks on the album. Born in Memphis, she moved to Nashville at 18 years old and was soon discovered by Roy Orbison. Country fans know and love her biggest songs which include Baby I Lied (grammy-nominated), I've Been Wrong Before and I Hurt For You.

Country artist Jake Mathews - born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario and now calling Calgary, Alberta home - began pursuing his musical path at the age of 14 when he started singing & playing guitar. Fast forward to 2002: Jake released his self-titled debut album which generated several top 20 singles and videos resulting in a Rising Star nomination at the CCMAs. In 2011, Jake released his his third album Red Tail Lights through On Ramp Records/EMI which features the successful radio single If I Had It My Way. His new single Might Take All Night is a playful rockin' Country song which Jake co-wrote with fellow Canadian Country artist Deric Ruttan. Says Jake of Red Tail Lights, "I've taken my time with this album, writing and producing songs that I believe in and hope listeners believe in as well. I'm excited for fans to hear, what I think is, my best material yet".

Tune in to this edition of Country Up Close for the latestCountry Music newsplus reviewsand artist spotlights. Dave is joined by Karlie Justus - a country music blogger/journalist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. She writes for roots music website Engine 145, has written for the pioneer country music website The 9513 as well as Country Standard Time. In addition, she has appeared on CMT Network's artist profile series. Karlie is here with news & reviews from the world of Country Music. And we'll put several artists in the Country Up Close spotlight - including Alberta's Tenille who'll call in to update us on her time at the CCMAs & to share a song. 

Get to know some of the Young Country talent on today's music scene! This special will feature stories & songs from my three guests: Celeste Kellogg, Melanie May & Jenna-Nicole. Each one of these artists has a passion for singing & the ability to write great songs. Hear how they got their start, which artists have influenced them, how they approach songwriting & much more. It's an hour of conversation & music you won't want to miss - brought to you exclusively by In The Country with Dave Woods. To comment on this show, please e-mail inthecountry@mail.com. We love hearing from our listeners!

Born & raised in Bracebridge, Ontario - and now living a few miles outside of Nashville - Country artist Deric Ruttan continues to enjoy a successful career with 4 nominations at the upcoming CCMA awards. He's nominated for Male Artist, Songwriter, Single and Video of the Year. The last 3 nominations on the list are for his song That's How I Wanna Go Out from his most recent album - his third - entitled Sunshine. "That has been a special song for me, and one that seems to mean a lot to fans as well - I'm proud to see it acknowledged with some nominations." Deric first found a home at the top of the Country charts & CMT with his debut single When You Come Around in 2003. He's also had great success as a songwriter writing hits for artists like Aaron Pritchett, Doc Walker, Eric Church & Dierks Bentley - to name just a few. Deric joins me to talk about his start in music, songwriting, his latest album & more. To comment on this show, send an e-mail to inthecountry@mail.com.