We want to hear your news!

Releasing a new CD? Sold a song? Got a deal? Big gig? Moving to Nashville? Moving back from Nashville? NSAI Members in Ontario: If you have any news, we'd love to let the world know about it. So if you've won a song contest, been nominated for an award, getting your songs cut, or opening for a big name act, let us know. Send your news to dman-music@rogers.com and we'll post it here.

Glen Macneil wins Canadian Auto Workers 25th Anniversary Song Contest, August 2010.

NSAI Toronto member Glen Macneil from Tecumseh, Ontario has won the CAW's 25th Anniversary Song Contest with his tune "Stand Up For What You Believe."

Glen will be performing the song at the CAW joint council in Montreal, August 27th to 29th.

Congratulations Glen! Glen's bio can be found here. You can check out Glen performing his song here.

Producer looking for songs, August 2010

Fat Labs producer Vikas Kohli is looking for songs for a "young female pop singer."

Details: 20-yr old formally trained female singer who currently performs very regularly in Canada and internationally with cover material and is now launching an album with original material.  Looking for upbeat pop songs similar in style to Kelly Clarkson/Beyonce.  This project is being produced by Vikas Kohli of FatLabs: http://www.fatlabs.com/050~VIKAS_KOHLI/   Songwriters are requested to contact Vikas via email only at Vikas@FatLabs.com.

Nashville Songwriter Workshops in Ontario, August 2010

Two separate workshops are to be held this September 3,4,5 and September 10,11,12 2010at Barry's Bay Ontario. Some of Nashville's top hit writers will instruct these workshops. For further information visit -http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136750116335857&ref=mf email - hitsongs1@hotmail.com for reservations call 1-613-756-2646 -Linda Wright.

Workshop dates for our Fall 2010 sessions are now online

Our workshop dates for Fall 2010 are now online. Check them out here.

Songwriter Nights return to the Moonshine, Fall 2010

NSAI Toronto will be returning to the Moonshine Cafe in Oakville this Fall for a series of monthly songwriter nights. The series has been a resounding success and features four NSAI members showcasing original material each month performing "in the round."

Please note, we will be moving from Monday to Thursday nights for the fall.

The dates: September 3oth, October 28th, November 25th and December 16th. The shows start at 8pm. If you are an NSAI member and would like to book a spot, or just need more info, please contact us here.

Pam Brooks & Lonesome Wind to appear at CKNX Barn Dance May 2, 2010

Pam Armstrong will be appearing on the CKNX Barn Dance (Canada's longest running Grand Ole Opry style show) on May 2nd.   The place is the beautiful Purple Hill Country Hall on Purple Hill Rd (just off of Hwy 2 between London and Thamesford).  The price is $20 which includes the full show and a light lunch.  This is also a licensed event.  Come and support this great Canadian institution. 

Here's a link to the Purple Hill Country Hall

Here's Pam's Myspace page.

March 23, 2010 - Tom McInerney named finalist in the Great American Song Contest

Tom McInerney continues to have success with his tune "Bits and Pieces." After placing as a semi-finalist in the Music International competition, the song which he wrote to support the Alzheimer's Society of London/Middlesex has now been named as a finalist in the 11th Annual Great American Song Contest.  You can hear Bits and Pieces here.



Feb 23, 2010 - Laura Ranieri/Doak Turners “Rocks in the River” Cut by Rising Nashville artist Kate Logan

Back on a 3 week trip to Nashville in October 2008 – Former NSAI coordinator and “singer songwriter about town” Laura Ranieri  went down to that Parthenon park and tossed pebbles in the little duck pond  – each one for a burden, self doubt or regret and to “bless” the new trip. It was a little spiritual exercise she engaged in – inspired by her Christian artist friend Nelly Shin.

That next day – she took the experience to a cowrite with well known local songwriter Doak Turner – and out of it came the tune Rocks in the River.   

It’s a song about shedding the past. Releasing regrets – And moving on to the future with hope, freedom and inspiration. 

Kate Logan – a pretty 18 year old rising artist in Nashville heard a rough version of the song (Laura singing) on Doak’s myspace. She felt it and loved it, started playing it around the United States in festivals as she developed her craft and fan base.  

Now, Kate is being groomed for artist success – and has recorded “Rocks” for her new album – the only uptempo ballad.

She also put together a touching still motion video of sorts – to promote this exciting new single from her debut professionally produced Nashville album – about to hit. 

Take a look and a listen to Rocks in the River here. Sung by Kate Logan. Written by Laura Ranieri and Doak Turner.  Laura and Doak have already received the first small royalty cheque! 

January 11th, 2010 Back in town! Garry Jackson returns from Nashville to play Hugh's

Former Toronto Chapter member Garry Jackson returns to town on January 26th, 2010 to play Hugh's Room.

Garry Jackson is a fine Canadian singer songwriter / recording artist. Now based out of Nashville,Tn. Garry records for Wild Oats Records.

Influenced  by artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young and others, Garry Jackson has forged his own style  and path.
He is a storyteller, a balladeer, and a troubadour of sorts. He reminds you of a time since past yet is very refreshing in deed.

Sharing the stage with Garry will be another Toronto Chapter member, Andrew Fetterley. Need more info? Check out Garry on MySpace.

December 14, 2009 - Allison Lynn writes to tell us about the release of her new CD, "Hymns in the Key of Grace."

This collection of 'intimate' hymns celebrates our quiet moments with God. Featuring songs like "Just as I am," "Sweet Hour of Prayer," and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," this album is perfect for reflection, prayer, or just singing along!

This special project features some wonderful talent! Producer Brian Speer created the perfect balance for our intimate ensemble. Jazz pianist, Teri Reid, created beautiful accompaniments and solos.

You can hear more of Allison's gospel songs here.

 

December 8th, 2009 - NSAI member Maddy Rodriguez to be seen on DisBAND.

One of NSAI Toronto's younger members, Maddy Rodriguez, will be featured on Much Music's "DisBAND" this month. The show, now in its second year has unsigned bands face a panel of judges to determine whether they should keep going with their chosen career path or "Dis-Band."

Young Maddy (she turned 16 in the recording studio) aspires to be a "acoustic country/pop recording artist." Maddy's episode is scheduled to appear on Dec. 30-2009. Good luck Maddy!

For more info: www.muchmusic.com/maddyrodriguez
www.maddyrodriguez.com

November 17th, 2009 - Tom McInerney is a semi-finalist in 100% Music International Songwriting Contest.

London, Ontario singer/songwriter Tom McInerney wants us to know about his recent success. " My song Bits and Pieces - which I wrote to assist the Alzheimer society London & Middlesex - was recently named as a semi-finalist in the 100% Music International songwriting contest. "

The contest is a "songwriting competition open to all bands, musicians and songwriters from any part of the world, amateurs and professionals." Tom's song was nominated in the Best Lyrics and Music portion of the contest. You can find more about the contest here.

Good luck to Tom on this achievement. You can hear "Bits and Pieces" here - www.sonicbids.com/tommcinerney.

Nov. 10, 2009 - Linda M places song on Erin Haley's new CD.

NSAI Toronto member Linda M. is happy to announce that she has placed a song on Canadian country up and comer Erin Haley (who debuted her cd "House on Fire at the 2009 CCMA Awards.)

Linda is ecstatic about having a song on the album: "My song Mamma Says is on there alongside tracks from Liz Rose (Taylor Swift), Lori Mckenna (Faith Hill) and VICTORIA BANKS!!!"

Congratulations to Linda! Make sure to check out Linda's website and My Space page.

October 23-2009

Andrew Fetterley and Lisa Swain picked up an honourable mention in the 9th Annual NSAI Song Contest for their song "Who Will You Be".
www.myspace.com/andrewfetterley

Dan McVeigh had 3 of his songs recorded for the new CD release from Valerie Raymond called "Out Of The Blue". She recorded "Looking For A Love And It's You" (McVeigh-Balec), "You Are All I Dream Of" (McVeigh-Ackroyd-Gibson) and "A Little Too Lonely" (McVeigh-Woods).
www.danmcveigh.com

Peter Boyer won a Semi Finalist award for "The Faerie Queen" in the 2009 UK Songwriting contest, in the folk category from among over 6000 entries.
http://amiestreet.com/music/the-same-latitude-as-rome/

Pam Brooks song "Month of Sundays" has been picked up by radio stations across Canada and the US. Also, Dale Ann Bradley, 3 time winner of Best Female Bluegrass Vocalist in the USA has picked up the song along with a publishing company in Nashville.  She's been nominated for Bluegrass Female Vocalist this year at the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards.
www.lonesomewind.ca

Got news? If you're an NSAI member and Ontario and want to tell the world. Send it here

In the news

 

Linda M. places song on Erin Hailey's new album, "House on Fire."

Lisa Swain and Andrew Fetterley win honourable mention in 9th annual NSAI Song Contest

Dan McVeigh has three cuts on Valerie Raymond's new CD.

Pam Brooks song "Month of Sundays" picked up by radio station in Canada and the U.S.