In The Country With Dave Woods

Ontario's Paige Rutledge is here to chat abour her EP Break Up Rules which was released in September 2023! In 2020, Paige released “Take Me Back to Tiki”, followed by 2021 singles “Broken Record” and “Sunshine Sunday”. In 2022, Paige gained momentum with her single “Drinking Alone”, which landed her the cover of Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country playlist. She followed this up with “Ain’t That Bad”, her Broadway debut in Nashville, a headlining slot at Soundcheck Entertainment’s Summer Jam and a showcase at the CCMA’s with the Blue Jays Sessions & All Woman Music. 2023 proved to be Paige’s best year yet with her heartfelt single, “Gone Ain’t Really Gone”, followed by the pleading ballad, “The Worst Thing”. “The Worst Thing” earned Paige a slot in regular rotation on SiriusXM Radio’s Top Of The Country. Paige showcased at the CMAOntario Awards weekend, headlined Yonge and Dundas Square, and was a finalist in Lucknow’s Music in the Fields Emerging Artist Showdown. Paige also opened for Walker Hayes at Th

Born and raised in Welland, Ontario, Andy Colonico has emerged as a versatile musician and captivating performer. As the frontman of Revive the Rose, Andy gained recognition for his dynamic stage presence and infectious rock sound. Recently, he ventured into country music, combining his rock roots with heartfelt storytelling. This transition led to features on numerous radio stations and editorial playlists. In 2024, Andy's song "HELL YEAH" marked his debut on country radio, solidifying his place in the genre. His debut country EP, Daytime Broker, named after his career as an insurance broker, dropped on September 27th, 2024. September also saw Andy honoured as "Artist of the Month" by the Country Music Association of Ontario. His career highlights include sharing the stage with prominent country acts such as Tyler Joe Miller, Tebey, Shawn Austin, Andrew Hyatt, Callie Twissleman, and more. Touring with rising stars like Robyn Ottolini and Owen Riegling further showcased his evolving artistry.

Newfoundland and Labrador's powerhouse vocalist Carolina East released her debut full-length album Soaked in Whisky in July 2021. Over the last few years, Carolina has earned nominations & won awards from Music NL as well as the East Coast Music Awards. In 2021, Carolina competed as one of eight semi-finalists in Sirius XM’s Top of the Country competition. To date, Carolina has shared the stage with Allan Doyle, Boney M, Dallas Smith, and has opened up for various artists including Kane Brown, Blue Rodeo, Meghan Patrick, James Barker Band, and Jade Eagleson. Her songs are vulnerable and honest and connect with us in the deepest places in our hearts. Carolina is here to chat about her new single "I'm Not Scared" & get us caught up on her career plus she pays tribute to her dear friend & fellow artist/musician Chris Ryan.

Small town, big energy! Courtice, Ontario's Tyler Lorette is making his mark on the country music scene. He brings together a dynamic blend of technique and diversity that stands out on the edge where genres of country, and rock collide. At only 21, he is already an accomplished singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. His sound embodies country’ s staple elements while embracing a more contemporary approach blending his musical roots and natural penchant for storytelling. Coming from a musical family, Tyler began playing the guitar at 4 years old and by the time he was 12, he was releasing original music, learning multiple instruments and performing on any stage he could find. Tyler has worked with award winning songwriters, producers and vocal coaches. On his recent single "Ain’t that Guy ",Tyler teamed up with award-winning songwriters Sacha, Daryl Scott and Adam Newcomb to create a hooky mid tempo release that has gained him many new fans and a whole lot of streams! His recent singles an

A native of Ottawa, Ontario, Arlene Quinn is an award-winning performer and songwriter who has shared the stage with Kenny Rogers, Loretta Lynn, Lorrie Morgan, and Terri Clark. Her previous releases have been played in more than 63 countries. Arlene's voice is rich and smooth with a vast vocal range. She is also a natural entertainer with a positive onstage energy. It is no wonder that she has over 25,000 followers on social media. Beginning with her first performance at age five, she has risen to incredible heights in country music. When she re-entered the music scene in 2016, she came back with a bang. Her first single, “Nowhere To Go But Up” was #1 on Music Road Radio for 12 weeks and earned her Top Artist from the Chris Top Program in Nashville. In 2017, “Life is Good” won Top Song at Nashville’s Country Music Week and Arlene was featured in the Canadian Women Songwriters’ Showcase in Nashville. Then came “Jackpot” in 2019 that has over 35,000 streams on Spotify, reached #3 on the International Country Mu

Hailing from the picturesque town of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, Justin Fancy swiftly emerged as a rising star on the Canadian Country music scene with the release of his debut single in 2020. His passion for storytelling and his authentic East Coast charm are woven into every lyric and melody he crafts. With the release of his debut album Sure Beats A Good Time in 2021, Justin secured Music NL's Awards for Country Artist of the Year and Rising Star of the Year, the first time the same artist has won both awards in the same year. In 2022, Justin was the recipient of the coveted East Coast Music Award for Fan's Choice Entertainer of the Year, a resounding testament to the strong connection he has with his fans. Justin has quickly gained accolades for his dynamic live performances, sharing the stage with Canadian chart-toppers such as Brett Kissel, Meghan Patrick, The Washboard Union, Robin Ottolini, and The Reklaws. Justin visits the ITC podcast to chat about his journey in music and his new album W

As she celebrates her 30th year in country music, Lisa Brokop is grateful to still be doing what she loves. It’s that winning combination of gratitude, youthful exuberance and seasoned wisdom that inform Brokop’s new album Who’s Gonna Fill Their Heels?  The title track - featuring Georgette Jones - offers a female spin on the George Jones hit "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" and pays tribute to Dolly, Patsy, Tammy and many more female country stars. The album features three great country covers - Delta Dawn, Harper Valley PTA & She's Got You. The mesmerizing lead single “Come Back Bobbie Gentry” written by Lisa and her singer/songwriter husband Paul Jefferson sets the tone for the new collection.  The Vancouver-born artist who has called Nashville her home for years is currently on tour with husband Paul as they both pay tribute to country legends. Lisa with The Patsy Cline Project & Paul with Hank LIves - a tribute to Hank Williams. Learn more about Lisa in this chat featuring 3 tracks from the ne

Jessica Lavallee drops by the podcast to chat about her music career & her new single "Highway Say Hello"! Plus, we'll feature her previous single "Small Town Girl". About Jessica Lavallee (by Soundcheck Entertainment) Born on the northern reaches of Newfoundland and Labrador, Jessica Lavallee was raised in the remote village of Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon on the lower north shore of Quebec, an area unique to the province due to its proximity to Newfoundland and Labrador, and Canada's east coast.   Jessica's love and natural ear for music began when she was just two years old years while listening to her father - also a musician - play the guitar, fiddle, accordion, and harmonica. Jessica made her initial debut at six years old with her father's band, playing in a local festival in Labrador close to home.  Jessica has travelled the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador playing local venues and on board an American cruise ship when it set ashore. A graduate of the Music Industry and Performance program at the

Ottawa Valley's River Town Saints (Chris McComb, Jeremy Bortot, Chase Kasner & Joe Patrois) have just dropped their highly anticipated new single, "She Got That" which is a co-write with Jason Blaine. It marks their first release under their new recording deal with Sakamoto Music, distributed by Warner Music Canada. "We can’t wait for you to hear the new music that we’ve been working hard on this year, and to be able to release it with our new label Sakamoto Music!" says River Town Saints.  "We are overjoyed to welcome the talent of River Town Saints to the Sakamoto Music family," says Joelle May, Director of Promotions & Artist Services at Sakamoto Music. "Their journey, marked by hard work and remarkable skills, is truly commendable. 'She Got That' showcases their irresistible music and reaffirms their undeniable talent." "The entire team at Sakamoto Agency have been so supportive to River Town Saints and we are thrilled to be expanding our relationship to include their label side, Sakamoto Music

Ontario's Augusta Ray - you can call her Gus - recently released her sassy new single "Your Ex" which was inspired by real life. It's the follow up to her previous single "Waste Of Lime". Growing up in Toronto,on a solid diet of eclectic music acts such as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Shania Twain, shaped her unique country-rock sound. Augusta's incredible vocal talent, accompanying her beautifully-crafted songs and energetic, engaging stage presence, has made her the darlin' of the stage everywhere she goes. Over the course of her career, she has shared stages with notable acts such as Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Big & Rich, Cam, Michael Ray, Toby Keith, Jess Moskaluke, Brett Kissel and Tim Hicks among others. In November of 2019, Augusta was invited to make her debut at the legendary Bluebird Café in Nashville, and has since made several appearances there as a featured writer. Since January 2020, Augusta has been able to combine her passion for music with her passion for travel, through worki

James Downham’s latest track “Wine & Whiskey” isn’t a country drinking song - as you might think. Rather, this song is about having someone in your life who can do more for you than wine or whiskey ever could. After a hard day, they’re the first person you want to see and the first person you want to talk to. “You can wash away any kind of pain. You’re my remedy. You’re my wine and whiskey.” “Wine & Whiskey” is the latest release from James' debut full-length album The Long Way Home. The track features an all-star cast of musicians, including 2022 CCMA Award Winner Mitch Jay (Steel Guitar Player of the Year, Specialty Instrument Player of the Year) and 2022 CCMA Award Nominees Mark Rynkun (Bass Player of the Year) and Rich DaSilva (Drummer of the Year). And produced by Matt Koebel. Raised in small town rural Ontario, James called Pembroke and Picton home before settling in Southwestern Ontario. He lives in Stratford, with his wife, Ange. Earlier releases from the album included 2022’s radio release

Canadian country act Runaway Angel is BACK and thrilled to have recently released their new single “Beach Please” on all streaming platforms & Canadian country radio via RÊVE MUSIC/The Orchard.  Co-written in Nashville with Kate Linné Malone and produced by Adam Newcomb, “Beach Please” is the tenth anniversary single from the trio of Cadence Grace, Ann Chaplin, and Stacey Zegers.  Cadence says, “We were ready to write a fun ‘beach’ song. When Kate played us this cool beat and bass line, we loved it and Ann jokingly said, ‘Beach Please’. It stuck, so we started piecing together a vision and it led to a track that we feel will make people laugh, smile, sing and dance.” “Beach Please” is a poignant milestone as the group’s first new music since Grace’s leukemia diagnosis in 2018. Following a courageous journey – which included a personal blog, a life-saving bone marrow transplant, receiving the Extraordinary CML Story Award at the 2019 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Network Conference, and earning the Country M

With over 20 million worldwide streams, Alberta born artist Dan Davidson has created undeniable momentum. His latest single “Girl Drinks Beer” featuring Travis Collins and Australian tour cap off a banner year. His early 2022 EP 6 Songs To Midnight marked a pivotal moment of his career, closing his previous chapter and embarking on a new era as a multifaceted artist, songwriter and producer. With the EP debuting at #1 on the iTunes sales chart in Canada, Davidson took his new collection of music on a European tour, and returned home to a CCMA nomination for Record Producer of the Year. It was at the CCMA Awards that he celebrated receiving a Platinum record for his sophomore single "Found". Dan exploded onto the Canadian country scene in 2016 when the release of his second single "Found" (co-written by Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers) sky-rocketed up the charts and he became the #1 charting indie artist in Canada. It was also the #1 selling Canadian country song for several weeks and went on to become ce

Since forming in 1994, Doc Walker, composed of Chris Thorsteinson and Dave Wasyliw, have become one of Canada’s most recognized country acts. Over nearly three decades, together they have achieved 1 JUNO Award, 14 Canadian Country Music Association Awards, 21 Top 10 Canadian country radio singles, eight #1 CMT videos and accumulated millions of streams.  Doc Walker’s unshakable creative partnership and overall drive to explore new musical approaches, has kept their sound fresh since releasing their breakthrough album, Curve in 2001.  In 2021, the duo released “She Wants What She Wants,” their first new music since the 2017 album, Weathervane. This September, Doc Walker celebrated the 20th anniversary of the iconic hit "Rocket Girl" and released a remixed version that they are excited to share with fans. Chris and Dave just wrapped up a buch of shows as direct support for two of country music’s most iconic acts Sawyer Brown & Lonestar. The co-headline tour featured Doc Walker and George Canyon as specia

East-coast raised, Nashville based artist Mallory Johnson recently released her debut full length album Surprise Party. Produced by Grammy and Oscar award nominated producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton, Paul Anka, Carly Pearce), Mallory collaborated with close friends and industry heavy hitters to co-write the album, including the likes of Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Patricia Conroy, Tenille Arts, Carli & Julie Kennedy (Twin Kennedy), Jason Blaine, and Kelly Prescott. "This album originally began as a 6-song EP with little direction, just songs I really loved or had planned on releasing as singles. I had already started pre-production with my producer Kent Wells when one evening I got together with Carli and Julie Kennedy and we started writing “Surprise Party.” Something clicked after we finished writing this song and the theme of the entire record just organically fell into place. It felt serendipitous," Mallory shares on the natural way in which the album came together. A CCMA-nominated artist, Mallory is tu

Ontario's Don Graham has his version of "The Hustler" (produced by John Dawson) included on the new 3 CD Tribute To A Songpoet: Songs Of Eric Andersen. Don was inspired by Eric to pick up the guitar in the first place and, years later, the two became friends. Tune in to hear some great stories from Don plus I'll play his take on "The Hustler".

Newfoundland's Jason Benoit is gearing up to release his EP ‘Time Traveller Side B’ in early 2023 building off the success of the critically acclaimed ‘Time Traveller Side A’ which has achieved almost two million global streams to date. Jason, who co-wrote and co-produced the lead single ‘Time Traveller’, which was released on October 7th, reflects on the journey that brought him to telling this story. Jason goes on to say, “I've always been a sucker for a song that has a double meaning and I thought it would be a challenge to write a song called "Time Traveller" because Sci-fi and country music rarely fit together. So, me and my good buddy Gerry Foote took on that challenge head on and sat down with a couple beers on a sunny summer afternoon and wrote it and we are really proud of what we created.” Running with the momentum of a year full of shows including Canadian Music Week in Toronto, CCMA Songwriters Unplugged, supporting Tenille Townes and numerous festivals across the country ‘Time Traveller’ has al

Kelowna, BC Métis artist Teigen Gayse has just released her new single “I Don’t Need A Boy” and announced her new signings with both Paquin Artist Agency and Steer, a division of RGK.  Describing her new single as, "a fun song about feeling strong, fierce and being perfectly and incandescently happy on your own,” Teigen has been making a name for herself through anthems that uplift and inspire confidence. With millions of catalog streams to date and over 11 million TikTok views, Teigen came to the forefront of artists to watch with her 2022 release "Messed Up," which surpassed over 700K streams on its own. Her success kicked off with the 2021 single "I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love Anymore," taking home the honour of Trending Track from Stingray Radio while hitting #43 on the Billboard Country Music charts, and amassing over 350,000 streams. An impressive feat for an independent artist, her follow up single "Blame the Wine" reached #46 on the Billboard charts. Keep an eye on Teigen's social media accounts to se

Ontario's Dustin Bird has partnered with award-winning Canadian film The Long Rider for the just released official music video of his single "Cowboy Stay". On working with Dustin on this music video, The Long Rider director Sean Cisterna says: "Dustin Bird’s Cowboy Stay is the perfect musical companion to The Long Rider. Not only does his music fit the style and tone of our documentary, but the themes in his song are emotionally resonant to what Filipe experienced on his epic journey across the Americas.” Continuing to push boundaries within the country genre, the video follows Dustin's powerful anthem for equality, “Hating On Love.” The track completes the trilogy story that Dustin has been unveiling with his recent releases. In his 2021 single "Get Go" (2022 Indie Award nominated) where Dustin proclaims his love for a partner he has yet to meet. In "Cowboy Stay" the lovers have united with a bond so strong that even a wild cowboy will hang up his hat and settle down. Finally, in “Hating On Love” that love

Port Rowan, Ontario's Tia McGraff is a multi-talented, award-winning singer, songwriter, performer, author and podcast host. Along with her husband and co-writer Tommy Parham, the skilled songstress has been making impactful and thought-provoking art for well over a decade. Bringing together a burning passion for the art of music and an honesty that is long lost on today’s modern charts, Tia McGraff is a trailblazer in her genre, one’s whose efforts have made her a beloved figure on the international music scene. Her latest release is her EP called With Love which was released back on Sept 3rd which commemorates the passing of her beloved dog Jake.