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.
Line-ups for NSAI Toronto Songwriter Showcase at the Moonshine
Line-ups for Fall 2011/ Winter 2012 NSAI Toronto Songwriter Showcase nights are listed below, taking place on the last Thursday of the month. Dates and performers are as follows:
Moonshine Lineup 2011
Sept 21 – Host – Dan McVeigh
Joe Hash
Chase Stevens
Clive VanderburghOct 26 – Host – Barbara Lynn Doran
Peter Light
Tom McInerney
Anthony McInerney
Nov 23 – Host – David McLachlan
Zac Wrixon
Peter Boyer
John CheesmanDec 21– Host – Shaun Devlin
Andrew Mech
Patrick Ballantyne
Christine TierJan 25 – Host – Karl Widmeyer
Neil Morrissey
Mike Dampf
David LavkulikSongs from Linda M. selected for Pat Pattison's new songwriting book
Three songs from NSAI member Linda M. has been selected to appear in acclaimed songwriter and author Pat Pattison's new book "Songwriting Without Boundaries". He has personally selected three of her "object writing" selections as examples for the upcoming publication.
Linda M. is one of the performers set to grace the stage at this year's Tin Pan North festival in the Greater Toronto area.
Karl Widmeyer releases first album, "Don't Stand Still"
NSAI Toronto member Karl Widmeyer has just released his debut album, "Don't Stand Still", on K.C.W. Recordings. The album was produced by Canadiana folk icon James Gordon.
The CD release party will be held at NINE18 Restaurant at Turnberry Golf Club in Brampton, Ontario on Saturday, February 5 at 9pm. There is no cover. CDs are available for $15.
For more information and to order the CD, visit www.karlwidmeyer.com.
Jennifer Noble is now teaching singing in the Eglinton and Mount Pleasant area
NSAI Toronto member Jennifer Noble wants to help you become a better singer.
The answer to the question many of you have asked for years: “Could you teach me to sing?” is now “YES ! ”
I am teaching singing Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Eglinton and Mt Pleasant of Toronto area out of the wonderful Falconer Abraham’s Free Your Voice Studio.
For more details on this wonderful opportunity, click here.Debra Alexander runner-up in John Lennon Songwriting Contest with "Everybody Sing"
NSAI Toronto member Debra Alexander, along with co-writer David Leask, won the runner-up in a special 70th anniversary round of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their song "Everybody Sing". You can hear the song at http://www.jlsc.com/lennon_songs.php.
Joe Hash releases new EP on I Tunes, Oct 8-2010
NSAI Toronto member Joe Hash released the EP, "Stay," on his Sheewannsaponee label. It's now available on iTunes and other digital outlets worldwide.
“Stay” features five original songs, two written with Nashville writer and performer Bruce Michael Miller, who co-produced the project.
The first track, “Dynamite Shack,” was literally their first collaboration. It's a driving, swampy, coming-of-age story that includes images from Hash's West Virginia roots.Most of the tunes have tempo, with the exception of the title track, a moving ballad about saying goodbye to a four-legged friend.
Hash divides his time between Toronto and Nashville. You can sample and buy the EP here.
Pierre Mongeon wins John Lennon Songwriting Contest, 2010
Pierre Mongeon is a seasoned songwriter/composer/arranger/producer/trumpet & piano player. Currently he’s preparing a Toronto CD launch gig and writing tons of new material. He has recently joined NSAI while getting the full Nashville experience playing the open mic circuit and recording a new country song.
A bit about the song “Happy Feet” which won grand prize in the children’s category at the JLSC. (John Lennon songwriting contest) http://www.jlsc.com/winners/2010a/winners.php
The song was inspired by observing how placid and self-contained animals are.
“We did the bed tracks at Wellesley Sound Studios with some of the best players in the country – Rob Piltch on gypsy GT, Russ Boswell on Upright BS, Mark Kelso on DR kit, Jonathan Goldsmith on PNO, Anne Lindsay on violin and I played the Slide Whistle.”
Singer Lorrain Scott told me she didn’t like singing ‘theatrical style’ but I had a gut feeling that she was perfect for the song so I asked her if she would just try it. She took the mic at bmusique studios and to her surprise she instantly went wild on the theatrical style of singing and had a blast! It was just another example of the numerous magical stories during the recording of this inspiring album.
Check out the album at www.circleoftheearth.com
Ottawa based member Howie Hooper releases video for Highway for Heroes
Howie Hooper, Ottawa singer/songwriter released his soul-stirring debut music video "Highway Of Heroes". Howie considered this song a "must write" that was inspired by the compassionate response to Canada's service personnel during repatriation ceremonies, and along the now famous processional route from Canadian Forces Base Trenton to the Coroners office in Toronto. A very public, personal and emotional testimonial by so many people, who have made the Highway Of Heroes a reality, and the envy of the world.
The video was a collaboration between Kevin McMillan a local independent film maker and Howie. The performance part of video footage was shot locally at the National War Cemetery located on the grounds of our own Beechwood Cemetery, and at the Baseline Station, a venue who kindly open their doors for a days shooting. A chance crossing of paths placed Howie together with Kevin. "Working together was perhaps a foregone conclusion. Kevin's talent to tell a story through images, comes shining through. His vision was not what I had expected at all. It is so much more." says Mr. Hooper.
A special thanks to the band members, (John Hoogeveen, Ray Meranger, Dan DesLaurier, and Alan Sandeman) and John McLenachan (Mr. Everything) for donating their time and talents.
You can find Howie's video 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.
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 HallHere'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 LoganBack 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.comNovember 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/andrewfetterleyDan 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.comPeter 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.caGot news? If you're an NSAI member and Ontario and want to tell the world. Send it here
Become a member now!
