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Welcome to the Tin Pan North Performers!
Performer bios will cross-indexed with their showtimes and venues when the schdule is set, plus there's a link to check out each artist's personal website.
All performers are arranged alphabetically and Show Headliners are highlighted in Grey. There's LOTS of great talent here, so have fun and explore!
Please comeback to check up updates on venues and headliners.
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Bob Acost is an amateur songwriter, with a background playing bass guitar in the Montreal-area starting 40 years ago. He recently took up songwriting on a serious basis and is premiering his songs at this year’s Tin Pan North. Influences include, Neil Young, Dylan, Beatles, Van Morrison, Hendrix, Cream, Linn County, Blue Rodeo, and, more recently, Sun Satellite, Jimmy Eats World, Taking Back Sunday, Portishead, Radiohead, and Tricky. Come see him play and hear how it all comes together.
Website | Showtime |
Walt Aldridge A producer, writer, artist, engineer, session singer and player, Walt has worked on hundreds of albums in a variety of genres that have touched lives the world over. Billboard magazine named him one of the Top Ten Country Songwriters of the year twice. "No Getting Over Me" was one of ASCAP's most performed country songs. "Holding Her and Loving You" was Song of the Year for NSAI. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame awarded Aldridge a star in their Walk of Fame and their Musical Creator's Award.
Aldridge was lead singer, guitarist and producer for country rock group The Shooters and wrote or co-wrote all their Top 40 singles. Lately he has been producing country band Heartland's debut record for Lofton Creek Records. The first single, "I Loved Her First", blazed to the top of the charts.
Website | Showtime
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Garth Baker is a singer/songwriter/guitarist based in the GTA. He has written and co-written songs that have been finalists in the Q107 Homegrown Contest, The CFNY Great Ontario Talent Search, and he most recently earned an honourable mention in the 2005 NSAI/CMT Songwriting Contest.
Garth co-wrote the song "Modern Age" which was featured in a video nominated for a CASBY Award and his song "Hideaway" was released internationally by Jeff Austin.
Garth is currently completing a cd of his songs for release this summer and continues to work with a variety of other artists.
Website | Showtime |
Jason Barry is an accomplished songwriter, producer, arranger in both music and video.
Songwriting credits include: Jamie Warren, John Landry, Colin Amey.
Guitar awards include CCMA Guitar player of the Year ( multiple year winner).
TV production and engineering credits include work with Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Taylor Swift, Terri Clark, Jann Arden, Ron Sexsmith.
Website | Showtime |
Pam Belford is a hit Nashville writer and a true industry veteran. She has had past writing deals with MCA Music & HoriPro Entertainment and with contracts at many, many more.
Her biggest claim to fame is the song, "If I Know Me", which George Strait recorded and took to #1 for 2 weeks. George Strait also recorded a song her, "Holding My Own", the title of his CD. Pam’s songs have been recorded by Rich McCready, Dean Dillon, Angela Kaset, Doug Stone & more.
Website | Showtime |
Peter Boyer is an award winning songwriter who has performed his songs on radio, television, and at live venues across Canada. He wrote original music for Dan Aykroyd’s play “Tom Paine” that was performed at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. One of his current songs, “V8 Cars”, has recently received air play on the U.S. NPR show “Car Talk”.
Peter’s songs are topical, gritty and narrative based. The songwriting genre is folk, and encompasses roots, rock, blues and country elements. He records as a member of the band “Same Latitude As Rome” and has released three CDs since 2007.
Website | Showtime
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Darcy Corbett is a songwriter/ musician/ singer from London, Ontario. In 2003, he released his self written solo album entitled ‘Music Bytes’ to critical acclaim. Darcy’s songwriting credits include co-writes with such illustrious individuals as Canadian music icon, Randy Bachman and Nashville Aces, Byron Hill and Tammy Rogers.
He has enjoyed Canada wide top 100 radio successes with songs co-written and recorded by country artist, Shelly Rastin. They wrote the bulk of her new studio album. New radio releases are slated for the summer of 2009. Darcy’s diverse songwriting crosses many genres and styles.
Contact | Showtime
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Steven Demetrious is a young rock-country performing & recording artist. His recent debut album Beginnings Of A Work In Progress (2008) has earned him success not only as an upcoming performing songwriter, but also as young aspiring producer and engineer.
In 2007 he began his own production company and independent label, Don't Look Back Recordings. Demetrious crosses the boundaries of many styles of music from rock, country, pop, alternative, and blues.
Performing regularly with his band across Ontario, Steven Demetrious is also currently working on his follow up album for 2009 with the Four Pistols!
Website | Showtime
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Shaun Devlin is a veteran musician who recently recorded his first CD of original music. Shaun writes simple songs about everyday people.
His music is no flash, just Cash, and includes roots, folk and Americana influences as well as straight-ahead country.
Check out his CD Central Standard Time on iTunes or CDBaby.
Website | Showtime
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Steve Didunyk is a self-taught keyboard player, songwriter, and performer from Toronto. As a musician and fan of music all his life, Steve's original songs are influenced by everything from 80's keyboard pop, to country, folk and world music of all kinds.
Steve has been fortunate to play and collaborate with many of Toronto's finest musicians, and has been a committee member of Tin Pan North for the past three years. He is grateful for the chance to share his latest musical creations with you
Website | Showtime |
Bill Di Luigi is a Nashville Songwriter with unique vision. His songs have been recorded internationally. He is the writer of the theme song for Monty Roberts, The Horse Whisperer.
Bill has been a prizewinner in most of the major song contests including Billboard, CMT/NSAI, American Songwriter Magazine and The UK International. He is on staff at JAWS, an international music teaching team (jaws4music.com).
As a performing songwriter, Bill has been compared to Steve Earle and Bruce Springsteen. He's been a repeat guest at Nashville's Bluebird Café, NYC's Bitter End, Toronto's Tin Pan North and Australia's Tamworth Festival. He co-hosts Nashville's renowned Monkey In A Round writer's night.
Friends and co-writers' quotes:
.'A great writer"- Jim Femino(Toby Keith, James Otto)
"One of the most gifted writers in Nashville"-Mike Ward(Faith Hill, Dierks Bentley)
”Not only is Bill a talented songwriter, he is a fine gentleman.I’m proud to call him a friend.”- Carl Jackson(Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss)
Website | Showtime |
Andrea England Andrea’s debut release, “Lemonade,” won the Pop Rock Award at the 2005 Toronto Independent Music Awards; was nominated for three Nova Scotia Music Awards including Female Artist, Pop Rock and New artist Recording of the Year; and was placed on the 2006 GRAMMY BALLOT in seven categories, including album, record, new artist, and song of the year (for "Sometimes").
Andrea’s songs have appeared on the CBS TV series Joan of Arcadia, ABC Family's Beautiful People, and Dawson's Creek & Party of Five DVDs. “Sometimes” reached #1 on the nationally syndicated "East Coast Countdown". Multiple songs are featured in the feature film "Hooked on Speedman."
She has written with Bruce Brody (Lone Justice, U2, Maria Mckee), Andrew Fromm (Mark Anthony, BS Boys), Andy Stochansky, Dan Hill (Celine Dion, Britney Spears), Curtis Richardson (J. Lo), Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Liz Rodrigues (Celine Dion, Eva Avila), and Bryan Allen (Heart). Originally from Sand Point, Nova Scotia, Andrea now lives in Toronto.
Website | Showtime
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Terry Fernihough is a songwriter based in Ottawa, Ontario, who made his debut at Tin Pan North last year. He has written with a number of Canada’s up and coming country artists and songwriters including Sarah Beth Keeley, Laura Ranieri, Donny Parenteau, Kal Hourd and Shirley Albert. Additionally, six of his songs were recently released on a cd by UK based country artist Bobby D. Sawyer. This album will be released in North America later this year. You can learn more, and hear some of his songs on his website.
Website | Showtime
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Andrew Fetterley's high energy performances make Andrew a powerful and captivating talent to watch. Featured on CBC Morning, Breakfast Television and university radio stations, Andrew has also played with some of Toronto’s hottest players including Jeff Martin (The Tea Party) and Anesti Karantakis (Fefe Dobson, Sass Jordon) plus opened for acts like Emerson Drive and The Tragically Hip.
With two indie recordings “A Collection of Footprints” 2006 and “The Year I Went Missing” 2007, Andrew is now at work on a full length album for release this year. With elements of funk rock, pop, jazz and country combined with his soulful voice, Andrew creates his own special blend of unique music.
A qualified sound engineer and session bassist/guitarist, Andrew produces and writes with other artists out of his studio “7 South Productions”.
Website | Showtime |
Jason Fowler is a guitarist/singer/songwriter /producer with four CDs under his own name. He won the 2004 Songs From The Heart Award for Instrumental Composition of the Year and in 2003 he was the recipient of the CEC McEachern Award for Outstanding Musical Accompanist.
He is also a two-time winner at the prestigious Walnut Valley National Guitar Championships. He has played on dozens of albums and toured the globe with John McDermott, Nana Mouskouri, The Irish Tenors, The Cottars, and The Anne Lindsay Band.
His songs have been featured on television, film and have been covered by John McDermott and Blake Papsin
Website | Showtime |
Crystal Gage delivers professional vocals, a great stage presence and an entertaining sense of homour that will bond any audience with her passion for music. She’s won CMT’s karaoke star and plays more than 100 gigs per year.
Last year, she opened for Emerson Drive and Big N’ Rich at Rogers Bayfest and released a brand new album called, “Dust to Diamonds” which has received air play across Canada.
Any down time she gets is spent in Nashville where she is working hard on perfecting her writing abilities and growing as an artist.
Website | Show time
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Howard Gladstone - Toronto singer/songwriter, writes songs in folk/acoustic rock style with a touch of blues and country. Diverse themes, diverse musical styles - always striving for the authentic, a voice of romantic realism. Howard Gladstone has independently released three well-received albums of original music. Gladstone shapes ordinary words into beautiful visions… ….songs of strength and courage…. .…lyrics (that) bite into the social conscience of humanity and touch us right in the heart… ….arrangements that really make the songs interesting - Virginia MacIsaac in Rambles.net, April 2006.
Website | Showtime
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Paul Grady went to Nashville for his first NSAI “Songcamp” last May and reports that it exceeded his expectations. The inspired and inspiring faculty: Rick Beresford, Don Henry, Tim O'Brien, Angela Kaset, Hugh Prestwood, James Dean Hicks and congenial host Phil Goldberg.
Paul's most recent releases are: “A Song for Paddy Clarke” (produced by Ken Whiteley who accompanied Paul on gigs at Hugh’s Room and The Free Times Cafe) and “Better Days” on iTunes (produced by Rusty McCarthy)
His song “Another Pot o’ Tea” was recorded by Anne Murray (with Emmylou Harris) for her “Duets” CD last year.
Website | Showtime
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Bo Green has been writing and performing for two decades, and has fronted several folk and rock bands, including the current Toronto rock band International Turpentine.
The roots of North American folk music have long been his main inspiration, and along the way he has written and co-written many country and roots songs. Bo is always searching for the purest way to express universal emotions in words and music.
Website | Showtime
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Canadian singer/songwriter Graham Greer achieved notoriety as the lead singer of Mercury/Polygram recording artists Barstool Prophets ("Crank"-1995, and "Last of the Big Game Hunters"-1997).
'Paranoia', the second single from 'Crank', was featured in the 1996 Alliance/Atlantis major motion picture "Never Talk to Strangers" (starring Rebecca Demornay and Antonio Banderas).
Graham has since released one solo CD under the name ‘Moonlight Graham’ entitled “Palookaville” (2003) and has just completed a new self-titled solo CD , co-produced with veteran US producer Joe Hardy (ZZ Top, Steve Earle, Tom Cochrane).
Website | Showtime
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Beth Hamilton has been singing and sharing her gift of music since childhood. She studied guitar, piano, and voice throughout her school years, leading to a career in music therapy. Beth has recently begun to delve into the art of songwriting.
Drawing inspiration from her country surroundings, she is exploring an acoustic, pop/folk sound on piano and guitar. In 2008, Beth moved to Owen Sound and formed the duo Beckon with friend and fellow musician Connie Rossitter. They are rapidly gaining recognition for their captivating original music and stunning harmonies. Beckon is currently recording a CD with producer Bruce Ley.
Website | Showtime
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Joe Hash For the third year in a row, Joe Hash brings his brand of country music to Tin Pan North. His songs evoke everything from tears to belly laughs, with stories, sing-alongs and a little bit of flashy pickin' thrown in for good measure.
A transplant from south of the border, when he's not in Toronto, he's usually in Nashville.
Website | Showtime
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Howard Jamieson, an Ottawa native, was initiated to performing music on stage at the age of fourteen. He worked as a bassist for a number of local bands over an eight year period.
Howard has built a successful business and returned to music as a singer/songwriter. He has a few co-writes with current industry professional songwriters and is garnering more attention from his works. Currently he is recording for a yet to be named CD.
Website | Showtime
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Brad Johner, the Canadian country music sensation, is a multiple Canadian Country Music Association winner and nominee. His sophomore solo album Summertown Road, follow up to his very successful and Juno-nominated solo debut Free, was picked as the #4 CanadianCountry album of 2005 and the single She Moved was the #3 Canadian Country Hit of 2005 as selected by Canadian Country Music News.
A successful run with brother Ken, as The Johner Brothers, led to four hit albums before Brad turned solo in 2003.The industry responded positively to the move, recognizing Brad with a 2003 Western Canadian Music Award for "Outstanding Country Album", 2003 CCMA nominations for "Album of the Year" and "SOCAN Song of the Year", and a win at the 2004 Canadian Independent Music Awards for "Favourite Country Artist/Group".
He was also recognized with Juno and CCMA nominations in 2004 and was 2006 winner of "Favourite Country Artist/Group" at Canadian Music Week The Indies.
Website | Showtime |
David Joseph has been playing music since the age of 5. Competent on both piano and guitar, David is primarily a focused songwriter. Influences from Country, Classic Rock, Folk and Blues formed a unique style of percussive and rhythmic up-tempo songs, as well as moving, relevant ballads.
Having performed in bands and as a solo act David always connects with his audience because of a raw, honest, and passionate delivery. David calls Ontario his home. He has travelled the continent, and that life experience is reflected in his music and lyrics.
Website | Showtime
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David Leask Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, David has produced three critically-acclaimed CD's, one Juno nomination and a bag full of songwriting awards.
David won the Mississauga Established Performing Artist of the Year, an award won previously by Oscar Peterson and Rik Emmett. Also, he won 1st place in the International Songwriting Competition, 1st & 2nd place in the Unisong International Songwriting Competition, 2nd place in both the John Lennon Competition and U.S.A. Song Contest - all with different songs.
Whether playing traditional Celtic material at a Highland Games or Celtic and country-pop at a Civic Canada Day Celebration, David’s live show is always musically rich, high energy and heart-felt. He has shared the stage with such artists as the Waterboys, the Irish Descendants, Barra MacNeil's, Natalie MacMaster, and Bruce Guthro at venues across the country where he continues to captivate audiences with his Scots charm.
Website | Showtime
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Songwriter Linda M has International Artist experience on the stage, in the media and has commercial licensing deals in both TV and Film.
Now signed to Los Angeles Music Publisher JAY WARNER, Linda M is focused exclusively on writing for other up and coming Artists, both Label and Independent.
Writing in Toronto, L.A. and Nashville, Linda M has cuts with American and Canadian Artists. "Can't Let You Go" (sung by Erin Haley) is still garnering airplay on Country Radio.
Website | Showtime
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Bruce Madole describes his songs as “very short stories – about 18 lines long”. Bruce has written with such artists and writers as Johnny Reid, John Landry, J.K. Gulley, Rich Baker, Chip Martin, David Leask, Stacey Lee, Wendell Ferguson, Marie Bottrell, James Linderman, and Dan McVeigh.
Bruce has shared stages with Victoria Banks, Jason Barry, Lisa Brokop, Cindy Church, Roy Forbes, J.K. Gulley, Caitlin Hanford, Bill Henderson, John Landry, David Leask, Dean McTaggart, Kate Schutt, Suzie Vinnick, Katherine Wheatley, Chris Whiteley, and Jenny Whiteley, among others.
A professional writer and writing instructor, Bruce was an NSAI Workshop Coordinator for ten years.
Website | Showtime
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Scott Manery (
pronounced Man-air-e) is an up and coming singer/songwriter/guitar player from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
Manery calls his style of music ‘brand new old school country.’ Four singles; “Don’t tell me about heartache,” “Honky Tonk Special,” “Spooky Ole Alice,” and “Working on Forever,” off of Manery’s debut independent CD, entitled “Tractorcaster” have enjoyed radio play in Southwestern Ontario as well as in Port Huron, Michigan.
An outstanding showman, Manery along with his band, The Barnburners, have opened for Brooks and Dunn, Toby Keith and Rascal Flatts at Sarnia Bayfest.
Website | Showtime
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Annie Marleau has a knack for writing and singing country songs with great hooks. Her debut single “ Addicted 2U” has received substantial airplay following her recent cross Canada radio tour and earned her Top 10 Canadian Female Country artist. (Trax Report) .
Her debut EP “Heart & Soul” consists of five singles that showcase Annie’s warm and distinctive vocals. The album was completed in Hamilton and Nashville with tracks mixed by Niko Bolas (Don Henley, Melissa Etheridge) and mastered by Richard Dodd (Dixie Chicks, Tom Petty). Annie’s latest single “Gasoline” was co-written by Steve Fox has just been released to radio.
Website | Showtime
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Terry Maxwell hails from Saint John, New Brunswick and moved to Toronto in his early 20’s.
He enjoyed commercial radio success with his pop songs “Half A Chance” and “She's not the Only One” in the early '90's.
A trip to Nashville rekindled a life-long interest in country music, an influence that is clear in his recent works.
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Bruce Michael Miller. With the recent release of his critically acclaimed debut CD ‘Already Somebody’, Bruce Michael Miller adds "artist" to his credits as a studio and touring guitarist and vocalist. He has performed with such notables as Paul McCartney, Kenny Loggins, Jim Messina, Laura Branigan, The Standells, John Densmore, and many others and has been part of many original bands and projects.
In January, 2004 he won the Terri Clark Nashville Song Search with “Ain’t Going Crazy” and had a song recorded by country singer Steve Holy on Curb records.
Bruce’s songs have been featured in motion pictures, performed internationally by other artists, and he has scored movie soundtracks. In February, 2004 he hosted the “Songwriter Sessions” for NPR with fellow songwriters Kathy Hussey and Wood Newton.
Originally from Ohio, Bruce currently resides in Nashville with his wife, poet Patricia Alice Albrecht, and fiddle prodigy son Forest where he is currently lead guitarist with Delicious Blues Stew, a Cajun, Zydeko, and Louisiana Blues Band. He is currently working on his new CD “All Work and No Play”.
Website | Showtime |
Lisa McCallum Born in Oakville, Ontario, Lisa took part in NSAI Toronto’s writer workshops while still in high school, and has grown into a strikingly talented Country songwriter and artist. Graduating from Humber College with a diploma in Jazz Performance, she finished in the Top 100 out of over 15,000 participants In the 2004 Canadian Idol contest.
Now signed as a staff writer to Murrah Music in Nashville, Lisa has written with some of country music’s top writers such as Steven Dale Jones (“One More Day” – Diamond Rio), Neal Coty (“She Was” - Mark Chesnutt) Josh Kear (“Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood), and Heather Little (“Gunpowder And Lead” – Miranda Lambert). Lisa has written for Dianna Corcoran (Female Artist of the Year at the Country Music Awards, Australia), Canadian Artists’ Donna Ferra and Brittany Broadie. She has also wrote Katie Armiger’s single, “Trail of Lies”,
Website | Showtime
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David McLachlan sings with a powerful conviction, heartfelt insightful songs that reflect life and its lessons. Early influences were artists like Stan Rogers, Adam Mitchell, Raffi and David Bradstreet whom he met while hanging out at Fiddlers Green.
David had his first taste of performing at Fiddlers, and got hooked on songwriting. Other influences are artists like Steve Goodman and Neil Young. David's debut CD “Can't Close A Blind Eye” was produced by Juno award winner David Bradstreet, and is available on over 30 download services, in full album/single song format.
Website | Showtime
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Dan McVeigh is a country songwriter whose current CD called “Drove” has already garnered great reviews from Country Music News and other publications.
McVeigh achieved national radio airplay with his single “You Are All I Dream Of”. The song went to #1 on Canada’s leading country music internet station, “That’s Country.com”. Dan's songs have been recorded by a number of Canadian artists such as Debbie Nelson and Myra Leblanc.
Dan performs regularly throughout Ontario and in Nashville, Tennessee. Dan has performed with artists like Victoria Banks, Diane Chase, Gil Grand, Colin Amey, Jason Barry, Barry Brown, and Wendell Ferguson.
Website | Showtime
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Howie Moscovitch - An accomplished composer, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, producer, arranger and entrepreneur, Howie has written, recorded, and performed music of every genre, and has spent the last twelve years focusing on pop music. Howie has worked with the Garbagemen, Maja Bannerman, WhiteNoise, Not King Fudge, Noise R Us, The Grove Group, Bratty and the Babysitters, Micah Barnes and the Bourbon Tabernacle Choir to name a few.
He founded and ran a commercial jingle house called HB Sauce with veteran Toronto music producer Bryant Didier, and created a huge multimedia dance piece entitled "The Brite Side", in which he danced, choreographed, composed, and produced through his company Brite Side Productions. A highly creative, versatile guitarist devoted to his craft, Howie is comfortable with both extreme subtlety and absolutely over-the top musical situations.
Website | Showtime
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Jennifer Noble - writes powerful, intelligent pop songs in many flavours. From power ballads to R & B, country, jazz and gospel, her effervescent, heartfelt writing leaps back onto the tongue after just a listen or two. Her work has been on hold for international country, gospel, and pop stars. Currently Nashville Alternative Country Artist Krystal Rayne is recording and performing two co-written pieces. Florida baritone Daniel Melvin is recording 12 of Jennifer’s songs for his upcoming release.
Jennifer has a fabulous voice. As a recording artist, she wrote with and was the singer with the Foxrun Band and Three Stand Out "This Game of Life" which charted on Canadian A/C stations, and released “For As Long As We Both Shall Live. Recent Awards: (2008) “Paint” (Noble/Nelson/Moscovitch) Semi-finalist - UK Songwriting Contest - Honourable Mention - Great Lakes Songwriting Contest & Song of the Year Contest.
Website | Showtime
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Laura Ranieri has been bringing her powerful voice, catchy melodies and strong lyrics to the scene since 2002. Poprock roots inform her own blend of sassy and sensitive new country.
Laura has received online song awards and international airplay for songs from her CD “Southbound”. In 2009, with a new Factor-funded singles in her arsenal (produced by Jay Riehl and featuring the top Canadian country musicians, she is getting ready for a major release to radio.
Laura travels to Nashville 4-5 times year to collaborate with established and hit writers and performs on stages there, and here at home, She also leads songwriting initiatives in Ontario as the co-ordinator of the Nashville Songwriters Association International Toronto chapter, the largest songwriting association in the world.
Website | Showtime
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Shelly Rastin grabbed the spotlight sharing the bill with Keith Urban at a festival that swelled 20,000 fans. This summer she shares the stage with Tim McGraw. Rastin is a multi winner for Country Artist & Songwriter @ the London & Jack Richardson Music Awards (including 2009).
She’s had multiple nominations at Toronto’s Independent Music Awards. Writing and recording credits include Randy Bachman, Jason Barry, and Byron Hill. This country sweetheart is making her mark on Country Music. ‘Born in a Barn’ achieved plays on 35 stations across Canada. Her follow up ‘Be True to You’ is set to climb the charts!
Website | Showtime
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Ian Rome has been writing and playing songs for 15 years now. This single Licensed Electrician / Hot Rodder / Youth Leader / Auxiliary Police Officer / Songwriter is attracting attention in both Canada and Nashville.
His honest down-to-earth lyrics about Life , Love , and the Open Road , and his Signature song “ Chevy Man “ ( dedicated to a good friend who was taken by Cancer ) are Ian getting some serious nods in the music industry .
When Ian is not working he spends his free time with his 56’ Chevy , his El Camino , or his Lotus Esprit somewhere on the road of inspiration .
Watch for his upcoming debut CD “ Hot Rods , Hand Grenades ,and Hearts “
Website | Showtime
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Connie Rossitter made her musical debut on local radio at the age of 5. A country girl at heart, she grew up on the family farm outside of Owen Sound. A singer-songwriter with roots, folk and pop sensibilities, Connie uses piano and guitar to explore her heartfelt music.
In 2008 she teamed up with friend and fellow musician Beth Hamilton to form the duo Beckon. Connie’s passion to hone her craft caught the attention of veteran producer Bruce Ley, who is producing Beckon’s debut studio project. Beckon is rapidly gaining recognition for their stunning harmonies and captivating live performances.
Website | Showtime |
Deric Ruttan Raised just outside Bracebridge, Ontario, Deric toured with bar bands, moved to Nashville, signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, a recording contract with Disney's Lyric Street Records, and teamed up with veteran songwriter and producer Steve Bogard. His debut album yielded 5 Top Ten singles including the hits, "When You Come Around", "Shine", and "Take The Wheel", and a "Best Album" nomination at the 2004 CCMAs. In 2004 he was named "Best New Solo Country Artist" at the Canadian Radio Music Awards.
His collaboration with Dierks Bentley, whose debut "What Was I Thinkin'” (Ruttan/Bentley/Beavers), was the first #1 Billboard Hit for all three songwriters. He has over two dozen cuts by artists like Gary Allan and Paul Brandt. "My Way", recorded by Canadian artist Aaron Pritchett, was the most-played Canadian country song of 2004. "Guys Like Me", (Ruttan/Church), was a US Billboard hit for Eric Church in 2007. He was awarded his first CCMA Award for Songwriter Of The Year (2004) for "Hold My Beer"(Merrett/Pritchett/Ruttan).
Singles from his new album “Good Time” (with Bentley), and “First Time In A Long time” were Top 10 hits in Canada, (videos were #1 and #5 respectively). He had four nominations at the CCMAs (2008) -- “Male Artist”, “Record Producer”, “Songwriter”, and “Best Album”.
Website | Showtime
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bernie schmidt is coming off a successful 2008 as songwriter and film composer with a co-write with Kirill Shirokov released on both sides of the Atlantic on Michaela Foster Marsh's album "Seriously Red", the soundtrack for Eduardo Dutra's comedy short film "Audition Day", and composer and music supervisor for the film "Mission Possible", a documentary on overachieving youth focused on humanitarian causes.
Other work includes Jody Gibson ("Gone" going to number one for four weeks on JR's "Independent Country Top 40", “Last Surrender” released on the European label “Musique 75”) plus three independent albums.
bernie will be sharing the stage with Julio Zuviri and showcasing recent co-writes.
Website | Showtime
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Randy Smart is looking forward to his second appearance in the Tin Pan North festival. He learned to play guitar as a youngster and has taken up songwriting in recent years.
As a member of NSAI, he has taken advantage of some of their educational opportunities by travelling to Nashville for the spring Symposium twice, and enjoys listening to and participating in writers' rounds.
"This festival presents us with a great opportunity to share our music and get valuable feedback on our writing. It is a rare opportunity to meet and perform with some of the best songwriters in the business."
Website | Showtime
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Don Suitor is a singer/songwriter with song styles ranging from melodic ballads to progressive pop. From early days singing in choirs to playing drums in bands and later signing an act as a manager to CBS’s April-Music, Don’s involvement in music has been lifelong.
He has performed his own songs in and around Toronto and other cities including Montreal, Dublin, Philadelphia, Nashville and New York where he was invited back for a songwriter’s night listed in the Village Voice.
Website | Showtime
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Lisa Swain is a Toronto based singer-songwriter who’s been nominated for a JUNO award, 2 CUMAs, a Toronto Indie Award, has had radio airplay across Canada and in Europe, had songs that have reached as high as #3 on the charts, received 3 FACTOR grants, toured across Canada, & released a full length album.
Recently she’s been traveling back and forth to Nashville to strengthen and focus on her writing. Lisa is currently busy writing for a songwriting EP and for her softmore album solo album in which she plans to release in the fall of 2009.
Website | Showtime
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Makeda Taylor Born in Birmingham UK, to Jamaican parents and now living in Toronto, Makeda fostered her soulful musical talents from early childhood in a gospel setting.
She is a well seasoned singer songwriter with over thirty years of performance experience. Her music is regarded by most to be a melting pot of musical genres. Piano, Keyboards and Guitar are her performance instruments.
Music is her life passion but Makeda is also a dedicated Nurse and a social justice advocate.
Website | Showtime |
Tim Taylor has enjoyed a very successful career in Canadian country music both as a performer and more recently as a hit songwriter in Nashville. His major awards include four CCMA Duo of the Year awards with Anita Perras, and three JUNO nominations as a male vocalist.
His songwriting honours include two CCMA Song of the Year Awards (One Smokey Rose and Ten Million Teardrops), CCMA Independent Song Of the Year (She’s Getting Serious), and the 2008 BCCMA Song of the Year award for Done You Wrong ( Aaron Pritchett.)
Website | Showtime |
Chris Wallin has enjoyed active chart success and numerous cuts, including a multi-week number one hit single with Montgomery Gentry, "Something To Be Proud Of."
He’s also had top five hits with “I’m Tryin’” (Trace Adkins), and “Speed” (Montgomery Gentry). Other charted singles include “Your In My Head” (Brian McComas), "What Brothers Do” (Confederate Railroad), and “John J. Blanchard” (Anthony Smith), all top 40 hits.
Other cuts include Lorrie Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, Tommy Shane Steiner, Earl Scruggs, Trace Adkins, Michael Peterson, Jeffrey Steele, Keith Anderson, Neal McCoy, Brad Paisley, Diamond Rio, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith and many more.
An active advocate for songwriter’s rights, Chris has traveled to Washington, DC to help revise legislature concerning intellectual property rights. He is signed with Warner Chappell Music.
Website | Showtime |
Karl Widmeyer is a young and developing songwriter from Brampton, Ontario. He is the youngest Toronto NSAI member.
Since his last performance at Tin Pan North, 1 year ago, he has studied songwriting and performed in Nashville, he has played on the main stage at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, he has self-produced his own 5-track EP and he has opened up for Canadian folk icon, Mike Ford, who was formerly of the band, Moxy Fruvous.
Karl Widmeyer sings with a warm, powerful and raspy tone that blends well with catchy melodies and creative lyrics.
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Justin Woodley doesn’t really fit the typical musical mould. With a degree in mechanical engineering, he stumbled into writing as an outlet from studies, not knowing the affect it would have.
From a simple farm life upbringing, to his father’s country music influence…and a few piano lessons, he was well on his way to writing pure country from the heart.
Following his first trip to the CCMAs in 2007, 2008 became somewhat of a break-out year for Justin; earning his first cut, a potential cut in a feature-length film and Top 10 spot in an open writer search.
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Linda Wright This Toronto born singer/songwriter has got a lot to say that's written into her songs - you will hear a story teller's birds-eye view of life events told her way.
Linda has secured a string of single song publishing deals through her many trips to Music City USA.
Linda is now a staff writer for Next Number One Music Group in Nashville TN.
Linda's first cut was released on January 1st by new USA country artist Deanna Denning.
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Jon Zaslow, aka The Fabulous Johnny Zee, is a guitarist/singer/songwriter from London, Ontario. He has 3 CDs to his credit.
Fab’s drive to write came from the desire to re-create a mood and energy felt from his early listening to the Beatles, Steely Dan, etc.
One reviewer reports: “The sonics are spot on; the arrangements are complex without being complicated, the singing and guitar playing are both on the highest level (and sounding like nobody else). The songs …. well, the songwriting is just superb. No two songs sound the same, but the whole collection sounds "of a piece".
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Stacy Zegers Since bursting onto the Ontario music scene in 2007 she has been captivating audiences with her blues infused country beats.
An artist whose a story teller; she creates music like a movie scene with her listeners as the lead part on a journey of sound. Raised on a farm in Ontario, she had no musical background but remembers being able to hear a song once and sing it in pitch.
Originally self taught and continues to stay true to her follow your heart attitude. She’s known to play multiple instruments and delivers a high energy live show.
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Roger Zuraw Since emigrating to Canada in 1960, Roger has called Toronto his home. He's so taken with his new surroundings that he's written several songs about his new homeland.
To his surprise and delight some of his tunes have been featured on CBC Radio and and his CD"s placed on university radio charts. Radio stations in Europe, USA, and Argentina have also played his music. Hugh Reilly of www.ThatRadio.com refers to Roger as"that legendary Toronto blues guy".
Reviews for his blues CD's from Spain have been great. Roger's music crosses many genres including: country, folk, blues and gospel. For a hobbyist songwriter, it doesn't get better than this!
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Julio Zuviri hails from northern Mexico and made the big leap to Toronto to lay the ground work for a new life as a performing artist.
A prolific lyricist and charismatic singer, Julio is now co-writing with bernie schmidt on a new album that has a strong focus on the primal dynamics of relationships between women and men. Julio will be performing with bernie at Tin Pan North.
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