The Jim Cressman Podcast

Dave Faber is a Christian, a husband and a father of 4. He grew up in the back of mountainous Mission, BC with 6 siblings, his mom (Shirley) and dad (Fred). At the age of 15 his dad bought him a Ludwig drum set on the promise that he would practice everyday and would only play Christian music. That $1,000 drum set was a big deal coming from a low income household in the early 90's. So, Dave did his best to stick with his promise. When Dave turned 16 he was ready to do anything to start a band so he cold called his buddy from elementary school Colin Friesen. Colin told Dave that he already had his cousin Nate playing drums. Dave immediately said, “Is there any openings in the band? I just want to be in a band!” Colin's response was, “We need a singer.” And that is how Dave started singing, writing, and performing live. The band with Dave, Colin Friesen, Nathan Rempel and Jared Bulat (called “Toadl Jids”) gigged for a few years but broke up soon after their 2nd album. Being the extremely talented musician that Colin Friesen was (and is), Dave continued to Jam with him but Colin was such an amazing drummer that he became Dave's drummer for Dave's second band “SEED”. SEED won several battle of the bands, recorded 2 full length cd's and played many live shows including the Gorge Amphitheater for Creationfest. By the time marriages and children started to intertwine with band life the band fell apart. However, Dave still wasn't finished. Using the break up as “fuel for the fire”, Dave hunted down Nickelbacks producer Joey Moi, who, at that time, produced the biggest song in the world, “This Is How You Remind Me”. Dave started working with Joey and they started recording Faber Drives 1st album "Seven Second Surgery". Dave hand picked the band, which, included drummer Ray “Red” Bull (Dave's 17 year old brother inlaw), Dave Hinsley and Jeremy “Krikit” Liddle. The band started touring relentlessly and opening for bands like Simple Plan, Sum 41 and Nickelback Faber Drive has had Gold and Platinum singles (When I'm With You, Tongue Tied, Get Up and Dance) as well as 2 Juno nominations and is still releasing music. Isaiah Faber (Daves first born) was born in 1999 and started jamming with his dad on his first cheap plastic drumset at the age of 2 in their family living room. It's important to mention that they didn't have a TV in their basement suite for the 1st 10 years of Isaiah's life. Isaiah went on to play drums for another 12 years and then slowly transitioned to lots of songwriting and beatmaking. Eventually, he surpassed his dad with his project “ Powfu ”. Powfu's worldwide smash “death bed” has now gone Platinum in 25 countries and accumulated over 3 Billion combined streams. Dave is Powfu's manager. Dave has 3 other children, Patience Faber, Faith Faber and (David) Dayton Faber. Patience has a project called “Sleeping”. Sleeping has been featured on many Powfu songs as well as some Faber Drive songs. Dave also manages Sleeping. Faith Faber has just graduated high school with “honor roll” grades and loves to cook/bake. Dayton Faber is a Pool playing hustler and also loves to fingerboard. Dave's wife Ricarda has been nothing short of an amazing wife, mother and friend. Ricarda decorates weddings and has been a massive reason why the Faber's have had such an amazing life. Raising their family in a Christian household with Christian values has kept their family together even through the craziest storms. John 3:16 Dave still loves to write, produce and release music with his children whenever he can. Check the links below to hear the latest Powfu - https://spoti.fi/3pOA79C Sleeping - https://spoti.fi/3znxHSu Faber Drive - https://spoti.fi/3zkgxoQ

Sarah Burke is a programmer, host and storyteller. She currently manages the Canadian music department at SiriusXM, overseeing the content and programming for fourteen Canadian music channels across several genres of music. She hosts various radio shows, including her weekly Sunday Service on SiriusXM's North Americana and swing shifts at CIND-FM, Toronto's New Alternative, Indie88. ABOUT WOMEN IN MEDIA The Women in Media Podcast looks to examine the powerhouse of women in media; from the music and entertainment industry to broadcast, sports and everything in between. Host Sarah Burke explores the collective challenges women face in a male-dominated industry through thoughtful discussion, influential guests and personal stories surrounding topics like bullying, motherhood, diversity and inclusivity. This isn't a place to gossip or tear down men; the spirit of the podcast is to inspire and empower while finding productive ways to encourage mentorship and community.

Todd Jordan is Vice President of Paquin Artists Agency. Joining the team in 2001, Todd has represented a diverse roster of artists, including iconic performer Buffy Sainte-Marie, award-winning country act Corb Lund, world-music titans Afro Celt Sound System, and prestigious dance company, Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, among many others. Todd has been an integral part in establishing Paquin Artists Agency's reputation as a premiere booking agency, representing over 150 acts globally. Under the direction of Todd and President Julien Paquin, Paquin Artists Agency has been honoured as Agency of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards for 11 years in a row. Todd has also received three nominations for Agent of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Among his many accomplishments, Todd has worked to develop and expand Paquin Artists Agency's business ventures in Asia. Constantly travelling to countries around the world in pursuit of new talent, Todd has discovered and signed many ground-breaking world-music artists to tour in North America, such as Calypso Rose, LA-33, Dulsori, Manou Gallo, Peatbog Faeries, and more. Todd has also lent his expertise to Manitoba's music community, sitting on the Manitoba Music Board from 2006 to 2012.

A Nashville native, Steve Lassiter got his start in the music business as a production assistant at Sound Seventy Productions in 1977 at the age of 19 while finishing a Recording Industry Management degree at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). After graduation, he pursued the agency business and held positions with ICS, Variety Artists Group (in Minneapolis), and Headline International before settling in at William Morris Agency, where he earned his VP stripes and became a stockholder. Lassiter left William Morris in 1997 and started at APA Nashville in July of 1998. While at APA, he became Partner / Sr VP and then Co-Head of Worldwide Music, representing artists Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, Crystal Gayle, Lee Greenwood, Little Texas, Kansas, Jackyl, The Gatlin Brothers, and many others. After 36 years in the corporate agency world, Lassiter pivoted to launching Reliant Talent Agency with former APA associates in January 2021. Reliant's diverse artist roster includes talent representing Americana, Comedy, Country, Rock, Jazz, and more. Some of the artists they represent are Travis Tritt, Kenny Loggins, Everclear, Rodney Carrington, Phil Vassar, Yacht Rock Revue, Take 6, Average White Band, Sister Hazel, and more (here). He serves on the boards of National Association of Talent Directors (NATD) and Academy of Country Music (ACM), and formerly served on the IEBA and TJ Martell Foundation Boards. He also served as an adjunct professor at MTSU and Entertainment Director for the Tennessee State Harley Owners Group. He is a current member of the ACM, CMA, IEBA, Recording Academy, and the IAFE. He was awarded Talent Director of the Year from NATD in 2005, was named to the MTSU Wall of Fame in 2005, was the recipient of the NATD Honors Award in 2015 along with being named to Billboard's Nashville Power 100 and Variety's Power Players lists in 2017.

Clifton, Fraser, and Victor of The Tenors have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful songs, outstanding harmonies, and undeniable charm. Reimagining iconic hits and blending classical music, contemporary pop, classic rock, and folk, the award-winning and multi-Platinum selling group have achieved international success, performing thousands of live shows and hundreds of national and international TV appearances on five continents. The Tenors have graced the stages of many prominent theatres, symphony halls, festivals, and arenas worldwide. They have performed for the last four Presidents of the United States, at the White House Christmas Tree Lighting, for the world leaders at the G20 Summit, and for Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at Windsor Castle. The group have also had the honour of sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Celine Dion, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Sarah McLachlan, Sting, Justin Bieber, Andrea Bocelli, Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson, and David Foster.

The Tea Party, the multi-Platinum selling, multi-Juno Award nominated trio consisting of singer/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Jeff Martin, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Stuart Chatwood and drummer/percussionist Jeff Burrows has returned with Sunshower, a collection of five new songs that once again showcase their mastery of light and shade, and why they continue to occupy a unique place within the ever-changing musical landscape. Set for release on Nov. 26, 2021 through Coalition Music, Sunshower serves as a companion piece to the 2019 EP Black River, presenting a message of hope in the face of the most challenging year we as a society have endured so far in the 21st century. Together, the EPs will comprise the eventual full-length album Blood Moon Rising, officially marking the latest chapter in The Tea Party's on-going saga. Since releasing its major-label debut album Splendor Solis in 1993, The Tea Party has come to be regarded as one of the world's most innovative rock bands, with a sound that incorporates everything from traditional instrumentation from around the world, to cutting-edge digital technology. Now, after more than 30 years as a band, The Tea Party is ready to open a new chapter in its saga, a story that remains rooted in the goal to create new, ambitious, and thought provoking music.

Country music singer-songwriter Kelly Prescott has officially released her single “Trailer Trashed” on all DSPs. The playful track has already earned the soulful artist a coveted spot as a finalist at SiriusXM's Top of the Country. She will hit the stage as part of the Top of the Country showcase on November 26th at the 2021 Canadian Country Music Awards Week. Fans can watch the video for “Trailer Trashed” here, and stream and download it here. Of “Trailer Trashed,” Kelly says “It's been a really tough year and a half and the last thing I wanted to do was write more sad music. I'm a big fan of tongue in cheek country and challenging gender norms. Women don't usually sneak too many cheesy pickup lines in a song so we thought it would be funny to do so.” The release of this track marks the first at Kelly's new home of Warner Music Canada. “Kelly's an incredible songwriter who has a remarkable musical lineage. She has such an impressive voice, and I've long been inspired by her unbridled ‘say-anything' lyrical style," says Ron Lopata, Vice President of A&R for Warner Music Canada. In addition to the release of “Trailer Trashed,” Kelly has announced that she will be joining Alan Doyle on a slate of tour dates this fall. The shows run from November 9 through to November 28, and will bring Kelly through Halifax, Ottawa, London and Toronto to name just a few. See below for the full listing, or visit kellyprescottmusic.com for tickets. Kelly Prescott comes by her music in the most honest way possible, as a third generation singer/songwriter on both sides of her family. Kelly and her family made their Grand Ole Opry debut as guests of Terri Clark in 2018. The past year has been a whirlwind for singer-songwriter Kelly Prescott since the release of her acclaimed EP “Love Wins.” The self-penned six song collection draws straight from her own heart, and just earned Prescott her first ever CCMA Award nomination for “Roots Album of the Year” and two CMAO nominations for “Album of the Year” and “Roots Artist of the Year.” She has toured all over North America with such acts as Alan Doyle, Kyle Cook (Matchbox 20) Terri Clark, Dallas Smith, Jim Cuddy, Colin James, Dean Brody, her former band The Claytones and performing as Emmylou Harris in the theatrical production of Grievous Angel: The Legend of Gram Parsons.

RJ Curtis is a 41-year Country radio/Music Row executive whose career has impacted nearly every aspect of the format. His resume features 30 years in major market radio (Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Antonio) where he served as Program Director, Operations Manager, Music Director, and on-air talent for iconic radio brands such as KNIX/Phoenix, KCYY/San Antonio and KZLA/Los Angeles, as well as the nationally syndicated “After Midnite” show. Curtis later spent 13 years providing insight, analysis and commentary on the Country music industry while writing and reporting for Radio & Records Magazine, Billboard, Country Aircheck, and All Access Music Group. His experience includes time in the record industry, too, with Arista Nashville, as Dir./Regional Promotion. A 20-year CRB Board member and the organization's past President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer, Curtis transitioned to his current role as CRB Executive Director in 2018. He is a past member of the ACM and CMA, board of directors, and has served on the St. Jude Children's Hospital Radio Advisory Board since 2015.

Samantha Pickard brings an international outlook to Strut and a vast understanding of the North American and Australian music and entertainment industries. As a thirty-two-year entertainment industry-veteran she contributes a diverse skill set through her years working as a retail buyer, artist manager, promotions and event manager, GM of an entertainment publishing company, in addition to her 15 years leading the public relations, marketing and event team at Strut Entertainment. The road to Canada began when Samantha took on a three-year role in Radio Promotions at Sydney based, Australian music industry trade magazine, The Music Network (TMN). When TMN partnered with Quebec-based music industry heavyweight, Donald Tarlton (aka Donald K Donald), to launch a Canadian version of TMN, The Canadian Music Network (CMN) in 2001, Samantha landed the role of General Manager and relocated to Toronto. Over a five-year span, CMN's in-house publishing arm took on the publication of the JUNO Award and Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards programs. In that time, Samantha also established the Canadian Entertainment Magazine to service the home entertainment business, the Canadian Entertainment Network Awards as well as an independent event-planning firm, Splash Event Management. Over fifteen years ago Samantha re-launched Splash under the name Strut Entertainment, with an eye to offering a degree of personal attention and customized service other, larger companies couldn't. Event planning is still part of the suite of services Strut provides but owing to the vast network of contacts Samantha has developed in the corporate world and entertainment industry, public relations, social media, marketing, and influencer services – for clients in the entertainment, music, and lifestyle industries – are the driving force of the business. Samantha has executed hundreds of public relations campaigns and events including G'Day Toronto for Tourism Australia, the Rolling Stones 50 Years Tour, Walk Off The Earth, the Taylor Swift Speak Now and RED campaigns, Lauv, Commander Chris Hadfield, The Weeknd, Rush, Hanson, Marianas Trench, Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, Finneas, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jungle, Girl In Red, Jimmie Allen., Howie D and Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys), Fossil, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, The Trews, Dita Von Teese, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, The Glorious Sons, Dan Mangan, The Tea Party, Blue Man Group, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, numerous campaigns for Warner Bros Canada, Gaiam, Universal Music Canada, CIMA, Anthem Entertainment Group, The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), New Balance Canada and Jabra. A former board member of CARAS (The JUNO Awards) and executive board member of CMAO, Samantha is also a sought-after guest speaker and mentor and has working with companies including Toronto's Centennial College, The SOCAN Foundation, Canadian Public Relations Society, MetalWorks, Music Publishers Canada, Rotmans Commerce Women in Business and for the Urban Music Association, she is also a long-term mentor for Canadas' Music incubator and founder of Strut Social.

A pioneer of the Australian music industry, Michael Chugg or Chuggi as he is affectionately known, has garnered a reputation both locally and internationally as one of the country's most prominent music promoters, and is a name synonymous with some of biggest tours to have come through Australia and New Zealand over the past 50 years. Chugg's foray into the music industry began in his hometown of Launceston, Tasmania in 1962, where he cut his teeth from the age of 15 running dances and managing bands until he relocated to Melbourne in 1969. In 1979 together with Michael Gudinski and Phil Jacobsen, Chugg co-founded the Frontier Touring Company. Their first tours were with Squeeze and The Police, with Frontier going on to become the biggest promoter in Australia at the time, touring the likes of Frank Sinatra, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Guns N' Roses, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and more. In 2000, Chugg went out on his own to launch Michael Chugg Entertainment, which later became Chugg Entertainment. Over the past twenty years, the company has toured over 600 Australian and international artists, making Chugg one of the most prominent and respected promoters not only in Australia, but also around the world. The numerous industry accolades that Michael Chugg has picked up over the years are testament to his incredible impact on the Australian music industry; he has been named as Pollstar's International Promoter of the Year four times, has twice picked up the Best Promoter gong at the International Live Music Conference, received the prestigious ARIA Icon Award in 2019, and has a multitude of Billboard Awards, Helpmann Awards, Country Music Awards, Musexpo Awards and many more under his belt. In June 1998, Michael was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia on the Queen's birthday, in recognition of his contribution to the Australian music industry and his philanthropic involvement with various charities. Chugg's philanthropic undertakings are extensive; he has been heavily involved in developing and co-promoting some of the country's biggest charity events to date, launching Wave Aid (2005), Live Earth (2007) and Sound Relief (2009), which raised millions of dollars toward respective charities. He was a Board Member of the Prince of Wales Children's Foundation, Support Act Ltd and F.A.C.E. (Entertainment for Australian Armed Forces), and sat on the NSW Arts Advisory Council Board. Additionally, Chugg is a trustee of the Golden Stave Foundation committee, which has over the years raised millions for the Paraquad Association, Camperdown Children's Hospital, the Shepard Centre, Nordoff Robbins and the Starlight Foundation.

Jackie Rae has worked in country radio since 1982. She has worked everything from the midnight shift to the morning show at radio station's all over Alberta. In 1989, J.R. began working at CFCW Radio and that's where she still is today working as Program Director and Manager of Operations for Stingray Radio in Edmonton, Camrose, Wetaskiwin. Jackie Rae was recognized for the numerous artists she has helped elevate over her career and was recently inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (2018) and the Country Music Alberta Hall of Fame. (the Alberta Country Music Hall of Fame (2017). In addition to almost four decades in broadcasting, Jackie Rae is well known for her volunteering. The latest project is the Distinguished Visiting Artist in Country Music program at MacEwan University. Awards Jackie Rae loves to curl! She has appeared in a Canadian Junior Championship, 3 Scotties, winning Most Sportsmanlike Player and All Star third. Most recently, Jackie Rae was runner-up at the Canadian Senior Women's Curling Championship in 2013. J.R. still curls and volunteers today “for fun” at her home club in St. Albert. Winner of four Canadian Country Music Awards. Not for singing! Two of the Awards were for On-Air Personality of the Year. Two of the Awards were for the Say Hay Benefit Concerts she helped organize for drought stricken Alberta farmers. Two other Awards include the Global Woman of Vision Award to acknowledge her volunteering. And Jackie Rae was the winner of the International Country Broadcaster Award presented to her in Nashville by the Country Music Association. In January of 2017, Jackie Rae was inducted into the Alberta Country Music Hall of Fame and in 2018 she was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in the builder category. Volunteering Jackie Rae has been the Chairperson for many huge local events; The Ford World Curling Championships (2007). The Olympic Curling Trials/Roar of the Rings (2009). Canadian Country Music Week. (2005/2010/2013/2014). Alberta Women's Curling Championship. (2017) The Special Olympics Canada Games. (2012) She is also Past Chair of the CapitalCare Foundation and served on the board of the Canadian Country Music Association from 2004 to 2010, the past two years serving as Chair. Jackie Rae sat on the board of the St. Albert Curling Club from 2010 to 2016, serving as President the last 2 years. Currently JR sits on the Board of the Hec Gervais Scholarship Foundation and is the Chair of the Distinguished Country Music Artist Initiative at MacEwan University. Jackie Rae can also be seen emceeing and participating in numerous charity events thru-out the year.

Bedros Keuilian is the founder and President of Fit Body Boot Camp three times listed on Entrepreneur Magazine's 500 fastest growing franchises in the world. He's also the author of the Wall Street Journal Best Seller Man Up and known as the hidden genius behind many of the top businesses, entrepreneurs and thought leaders. His list of clients include New York Times best-selling authors, celebrities, NFL athletes, Navy SEALS and massive social influencers who turn to him when they want to create highly profitable brands and businesses. An immigrant from a communist country turned hugely successful entrepreneur and peak performance coach Bedros uses the stage, TV, and social media to share his Immigrant Edge and American Dream story to help inspire audiences worldwide to reach their fullest potential in business and in life.

Canadian Rap Artist, Author, Guinness World Record Holder (longest freestyle rap) and Motivational speaker Duane (D.O.) Gibson is set to release his new album Still Driven on October 1 via all streaming platforms. The album celebrates the 20th anniversary of Duane's first professional album release Stay Driven, and includes production and collaborations with JUNO Award Winning artist JRDN, Mitchell Bailey, Myer Clarity, and 80 Empire amongst others. As a companion piece, Duane will also release his new book On This Grind that details life lessons learned from his experiences in the music business and being an entrepreneur in Hip-Hop. Having assisted over 100 artists with successful grant applications, this book is a way for him to share his knowledge with emerging and established artists alike. A fifth-generation Black Canadian, Duane, has also been delivering powerful, motivational presentations to schools centering around Black Canadian History for nearly twenty years via his Stay Driven motivational tours. An international hip-hop artist in his own right, as well as a successful record label executive and a socially active community ambassador Duane has sold tens of thousands of albums, hit #1 on U.S. College Hip-Hop Radio charts and travelled the world performing for sold out crowds. “I'm excited about my new album and book project because it showcases my longevity in the music industry. I'm working with so many emerging and established artists that it's keeping me fresh. When I first started out, my project was called Stay Driven – I knew that I would have to persevere to succeed in the music business. Twenty years later and I'm Still Driven!”

Dale Peters brings over 30 years of experience in the music business to projects. Confident. Creative. Authentic. Knowledgeable. Eccentric. Straight forward. Strong. Passionate. Not fully filtered. Genuine and honest. Dale is an original. Artist Highlights: Kermit the Frog, Aretha Franklin, Kenny G, Foo Fighters, Whitney Houston, Puff Daddy, Notorious B.I.G., Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilar, Brittney Spears (bitch), Dave Matthews Band, Pink, Shawn Desmond, to name a few. Kermit and Dave Matthews were my favorites. History: 1980-84 Worked in a record store selling albums, cassettes, 8 tracks and stereo's in Calgary, Alta. 1984-85 RCA Canada acquired Arista Records. Both became BMG Music Canada that same year. 1984-87 RCA Canada hired me to sell albums, cassettes, laser discs and CD's(new to the market) to record stores for Alberta, Saskatchewan. 1987-90 Moved into promotion for B.C.,Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba. 1990 Moved from Calgary to Toronto to work at BMG head office. Radio promotion continued for Ontario. 1990-97 Radio, MuchMusic, MuchMoreMusic, artist branding, marketing in Toronto. 1997-2004 Pivoted into AnR, publishing, company branding. 2004 Packaged out as Vivendi (Sony) took over BMG. 2005-2021 Dale Speaking-Radio tracking from the shores of Lake Erie, Canadian side. 2019 forwards a Strategic Marketing section of Dale Speaking was added on the list. This gives the client a full service company to takes care of subscriptions, social advertising, radio, social media, DSP's PR, AnR.

Hot on the heels of “love in the age of war,” new wave electro-pop pioneers, Men Without Hats return with a collection of 12 new original compositions – “Again (Part 1)” – and 5 new cover songs – “Again (Part 2).” Led by original founding members Ivan and Colin Doroschuk, Men Without Hats have been rounded out since 2016 by industry veteran Sho Murray, and augmented on this record by Colin's daughter, soprano Sahara Sloan. The album was recorded on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, on top of the Malahat Mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean, from July 2020 to January 2021. The choice of cover songs on “Again (Part 1)” – Lou Reed's “Satellite of Love,” Mott the Hoople's “All the Young Dudes”, The Tragically Hip's “Blow at High Dough,” and The Rolling Stones' “2000 Light Years From Home” – provide a rare glimpse into Men Without Hats' tastes and influences, as they even re-invent their most iconic hit (“No Friends of Mine”). The themes explored on “Again (Part 2)” reflect the band's unique take on current affairs (“If the World Should End Today,” “The Human Race”), love (“All Into Stars,” “The Love Inside your Heart,” “When Does The Love Begin”), the meaning of life (“Just Another Day,” “Nancy's Room,” “Where The Wild Go”), and the state of the art (“My Love,” “Heaven,” “My Own Advice”). With a mixture of the latest digital technology and the best of the analog world (including an actual prophet 5 synthesizer that was used during The Safety Dance recording session), Men Without Hats continue their voyage into the world of synth-pop, with a sound forged in the past and hardened by their life experience and commitment to the future. For the past 10 years, Men Without Hats have toured the world with the cream of 80's royalty, playing for crowds in North and South America, Europe, Scandinavia, Jamaica, Australia, Mexico & South Africa, in fact reaching even more people and places than the first time around. Their crossover sound and message is resonating with a new generation of fans eager to understand and appreciate the 80's influences in their own current brand of pop. In conjunction with their 40th anniversary, Men Without Hats have had two of their songs – The Safety Dance and Pop Goes The World – inducted into the Canadian Songwriter's Hall of Fame. Some other recent highlights include Jimmy Fallon and The Roots performing The Safety Dance on the one world concert live stream, and Alaska airlines using it as the soundtrack to their new 80's-themed advertising campaign video. Originally from Montreal but relocated to Canada's west coast for the past 20 years, Men Without hats have even seen their adoptive province's BC-transit use The Safety Dance for their new travel safety video as well. Since their formation in 1978, Men Without Hats have been at the forefront of popular electronic music, creating worldwide anthems of joy and positivity that have weathered all musical styles and trends, mirroring and recounting the mysteries and challenges of the space and time we live in.

https://codybyrns.com/ Cody Byrns is an internationally recognized speaker and a number one best-selling author of the book, Scar Release: Breaking Free of Yesterday's Troubles. He has been sharing his message on how to live an E.P.I.C. life with audiences around the globe for over 16 years. In May of 2013, Cody's life was drastically changed. While stopped at a red light on the highway, Cody was rear-ended by a box truck that failed to stop. As a result, he was considered dead until first responders saw his hand move. He received many injuries that day, including severe burns to almost 40% of his body. After years of countless surgeries and rehabilitation, Cody has chosen to not allow his scars to keep him bound in bitterness and defeat. Instead, he uses his story to uplift others and share his own E.P.I.C. life. He helps people live free from the bonds of scars (physical and emotional}, equipping them with the proper steps to walk out of their past hurt and defeat and run towards their God-given potential. As a thought leader, he speaks worldwide to provide relevant, applicable, and thought-provoking messages. Thousands of people have been impacted by Cody's story and outlook on life. He offers his E.P.I.C. steps to help leaders display a life of resiliency and service to others. Be prepared to have an experience that will motivate and inspire you to keep momentum, even through your most difficult and trying times.

Jeffery David has written and or produced songs for major artists such as Seal, Sheppard, Hunter Hayes, Audien, Blas Cantó, Mat Kearney and Echosmith, including co-writing Echosmith's pop hit and quadruple platinum selling single, “Cool Kids,” and triple-platinum single “Bright” (Warner Records). He co-wrote and produced Echosmith's sophomore Inside A Dream EP (Warner Music) and their latest album “Lonely Generation” with “Diamonds” reaching #30 at Hot AC radio. He manages Echosmith and has guided their career to reach millions of fans across the planet and helped secure brand deals with Coach, Tillys, Hollister and so many others along with features with incredible artists like For King & Country which hit #1 @ CCM and #15 at Hot AC, Zedd, Blas Cantó, Mat Kearney, Audien which hit top 10 on billboards dance charts and Steve Aoki. He's recently launched a new label “Sunrise” just 4 weeks ago with legendary artist Seal as his partner along with google marketing executive Patrick Marzullo. “The ship is still being built w/ “Sunrise” but we are passionate about the model and the artists we will bring in to be true partners in the most equitable way possible.” “Hustle with kindness and be relentless in your pursuit of spreading hope and love to the world with what you do.”

Roy “Gramps” Morgan entered one of reggae's royal families when was born on July 7, 1976. His father, Denroy Morgan, a Jamaican immigrant, helped form the Black Eagles, New York's first reggae group. He also organized several of his children into a reggae band with Gramps joining the appropriately titled Morgan Heritage. Morgan Heritage debuted at Jamaica's Reggae Sunsplash Festival in 1994 and signed a recording contract with MCA Records that same year. Their debut album, Miracles, featured Gramps on vocals and keyboards. In 2009, after fifteen years of touring and recording with Morgan Heritage, the band decided to pursue solo careers. Gramps's first solo effort, 2 Sides of My Heart, Volume 1, came out that same year. It landed him on “Good Morning America” and on tour with India.Arie and John Legend. India.Arie invited Gramps to be the featured vocalist on her breezy 2009 single “Therapy.” The song hit No. 22 on Billboard's R&B and Adult Contemporary charts and remains Gramps' highest charting single. In addition to his solo career, Gramps continued to work with Morgan Heritage. The group's 2015 Strictly Rootstopped the Reggae Music charts and earned a GRAMMY® Award in 2016 for Best Reggae Album. Morgan Heritage garnered two more GRAMMY® nominations: for 2017's Avrakedabra and for feature vocals on Shaggy and Sting's “44/876” (A&M Records, 2018).

From hockey goalie, to country music artist and now entrepreneur, Bryton Udy has already lived out some of his greatest dreams. Having previously performed as one half of the CCMA nominated duo Leaving Thomas, Bryton Udy navigated the Canadian country music industry both as an artist and as an entrepreneur. Not only was he a singer/songwriter in the group, but Bryton also lead all brand and digital marketing strategy for the band as well, seeing exponential growth through content campaigns such as “The LT Show” YouTube Series, and “The Funny Thing Is… with Leaving Thomas" Podcast. Now, Bryton has turned his focus to another creative outlet, producing digital content series, including his own podcast “At The Heart Of It”, as well as various YouTube shows and podcasts for his clients of At Heart Creative Inc. (AtHeartcreative.com)

Michael McCarty is a respected veteran music publishing executive with a successful track record in catalog acquisition, talent discovery, and business development. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2019 for his significant impact on the Canadian music industry. Mr. McCarty is Chief Executive Officer of the Kilometre Music Group, and along with Gavin Brown and Rodney Murphy, a founding partner of the ground-breaking music rights management company whose mission is to reclaim the financial rewards of the multi-decade worldwide “Canadian music invasion” for the benefit of Canadian artists, investors and culture. Kilometre has partnered with Barometer Capital Management Inc. to form the Barometer Global Music Royalty Fund, a Limited Partnership with a targeted size of USD $200 million that will invest primarily in the iconic catalogs and music rights of Canadian creators, as well as signing and developing new song writers and artists. Kilometre has made three investments to date, which have resulted in their Fund acquiring portions of 10% of the 100 most streamed songs of all time. Highlights of the catalog include the Weeknd's “Blinding Lights”, “Save Your Tears” and “The Hills”; Drake's “Hotline Bling”, “One Dance”, and “Hold On We're Going Home”; “Closer” by The Chainsmokers, “Havana” by Camillo Cabello, “Circles” by Post Malone, and “Levitating” by Dua Lipa. Prior to forming Kilometre, McCarty was Chief Membership and Business Development Officer of the performing rights organization SOCAN, which is Canada's largest music institution, paying out approximately $450 million a year in royalties to songwriters and music publishers. At SOCAN he led a team of 40 people who were instrumental in building SOCAN's world class catalog, by repatriating and recruiting the “Who's Who” of the Canadian global hit makers such as Drake, The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, Joni Mitchell, Jessie Reyez, Murda Beatz (Migos, Travis Scott, Drake), Frank Dukes (Camilla Cabello, Post Malone, Taylor Swift), Boi-1da, Noah “40” Shebib, Alessia Cara, and Murda Beatz. SOCAN's foreign revenue increased by 50% to over $90,000,000 CDN in the last four years, largely due to the success of this roster. Michael led the inaugural graduating class of Fanshawe College's Music Industry Arts program, and began his career as a recording engineer under the legendary record producers Jack Richardson (The Guess Who) and Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper). At Richardson's legendary Nimbus Nine Studios, Michael worked on Pink Floyd's The Wall, with Neil Young, and was associate producer/engineer of The Kings hit single “This Beat Goes On/Switchin' To Glide”. Shifting to music publishing with ATV Music Canada, he worked directly with Michael Jackson following Jackson's acquisition of the Beatles catalog, spending 6 years with EMI in L.A., where he co-signed the group Wilson Phillips (Hold On). He was subsequently appointed President of EMI Canada, where he began an unprecedented 17 year run of success developing and signing artists such as Billy Talent, City and Colour, Sum 41, Three Days Grace, Matthew Good, Len, Moist, Nelly Furtado, and producer/writers Gavin Brown and Simon Wilcox. Prior to joining SOCAN in 2014, Mr. McCarty was President of one of the world's largest independent music rights companies, Ole (now Anthem), where among other achievements he acquired the catalog and futures rights of superstar hip hop producer Timbaland.

John Marks spent most of his career in terrestrial radio, since the age of 16. Programming stints include KKAT – Salt Lake City, KWNR – Las Vegas, KSON – San Diego among others. From there, John spent 5 years as the Sr. Director of Country Music at Sirius XM. Under Marks' leadership, The Highway became one of the most listened to music channels on their platform. Through the Highway, Marks helped to break Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell and Old Dominion among others into national prominence. After Sirius XM, John Marks landed at Spotify and was their Global Editor for Country Music for 5 ½ years. John curated over 25 country playlists. His Flagship playlist, Hot Country, was the 3rd most consumed Playlist worldwide in the Spotify platform. John recently departed Spotify to form his own company “John Marks Worldwide”. He's formed a consulting company specializing in developing strategies surrounding content, music and marketing in an ever changing streaming environment. For more info click to johnmarks.me.

Mark Wills has captivated fans and listeners for over two decades. He achieved his first top-charting success at the young age of 23, and has maintained longevity in the music business that many artists can only dream of. His mission is to create country music filled with depth and meaningful substance to create lasting memories through the words. Mark has released a total of seven albums including a patriotic album in 2001, Looking for America. As an avid supporter of the US Military, he has more than a dozen trips to entertain our troops in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Korea andItaly, among others. Mark now resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Kelly and his two daughters. In his spare time, when he's not writing, recording, or touring, Mark enjoys hunting in the great outdoors and spending time with his girls. Mark is a dedicated parent, philanthropist, outdoorsman, and jokester; but, more than anything else, he is an artist and songwriter who helped to create the foundation for what country music is today!

Jesse Itzler only eats fruit 'til noon, loves Run-D.M.C., and enjoys living life "out of the box." In fact, he doesn't even have a box. The author of the New York Times bestseller, Living with a Seal, co-founded Marquis Jet, the world's largest private jet card company which he and his partner sold to Berkshire Hathaway/NetJets. Jesse then partnered with Zico coconut water, which he and his partner sold to The Coca-Cola Company. He's a former rapper on MTV and wrote and performed the NBA's Emmy Award-winning "I Love This Game" music campaign and the popular New York Knicks anthem "Go NY Go." When he's not running ultra-marathons, eating vegan food or being a dad to his four kids, Jesse can be found at the NBA's Atlanta Hawks games, where he's an owner of the team. He is married to Spanx founder Sara Blakely.

Danny Nozell is a titan of the entertainment industry; his bold, jovial personality accompanies his well-known reputation for high profit margins, long-term client retention, and progressive diversification of revenue for clients and his own companies. His career began in the trenches, touring globally with hip hop, rap, rockstars, and heavy metal bands like SlipKnot, but his most notable achievements have been with cultural icon and country music superstar Dolly Parton. Danny and his team at CTK Enterprises have a diverse roster of talent, spanning a spectrum of genres: Barry Gibb and the Bee Gees, Kenny G, Seether, KC and the Sunshine Band, Orianthi, and Meat Loaf, to name a few. Nozell masters every facet of the industry through awe-inspiring innovation, not only spotting new trends ahead of the curve, but making trends - most recently with the Dolly Meme Challenge that went viral globally. On the horizon for Danny Nozell is TV, Film, Real Estate, as well as other private investment ventures, many of which are being announced this year. Within an ever-changing landscape, his progressive approach and flexible company structure allows for pivoting of marketing efforts as music consumption avenues shift during economic highs and lows. Nozell's management company grinds out splashy marketing, flawless execution, comprehensive management services, and self-sustaining business models for stadium acts, as well as hand-selected rising stars like The Brother's Moore. The company is robustly staffed with experienced and talented team members who are empowered with niche specialties, focused on maximizing ROI and protecting brand authenticity

Virginia to Vegas is the stage name of Canadian singer/songwriter Derik Baker. With over 260 million streams and 4 platinum singles, Derik Baker is best known for his melodic, electronic-tinged indie pop. He caught the attention of Wax Records executive Jamie Appleby, who signed him and issued his debut single "We Are Stars." The song peaked into the Top 20 of the Canadian singles chart and paved the way for his Vol. 1 EP. More singles followed, including 2015's "Our Story" and "Somebody's Watching Me," the latter of which featured a sample of Rockwell's 1984 hit of the same name. In 2016, Baker issued his debut full-length as Virginia to Vegas, Utopian. Included on the album was the single "Lights Out." A second EP, Hartland St., arrived in 2019. Only months after the release of Hartland St., Virginia To Vegas released the single "Betterman" on February 14, 2020, followed by an EP titled A Constant State of Improvement on February 28, 2020, which includes the song "Betterman". On October 30, 2020, he released another EP, Don't Wake Me, I'm Dreaming,[14] which includes the lead single "Palm Springs (The Way You Made Me Feel)", released on September 18.

Kevin “Chief' Zaruk is a Canadian entrepreneur, record executive, and investor best known for co-founding Big Loud. He is a founding partner of The Core Entertainment, along with investor Simon Tikhman. The Core is an entertainment company in partnership with Live Nation that focuses on acquiring and cultivating talent in music, sports, film, television and technology. Career: In 2011, Zaruk teamed up with Nickleback producer Joey Moi, songwriter Craig Wiseman and manager Seth England to found Big Loud Mountain Publishing and Management. Advocating a top to bottom approach in building a successful act, Zaruk was integral to the rise of Florida Georgia Line-the first act signed by Big Loud Mountain. In 2015, the partners expanded the company to include a record label division, Big Loud Records. Big Loud Records' roster includes Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Chris Lane, HARDY, Madison Kozak, Mason Ramsey, MacKenzie Porter, ERNEST, Larry Fleet and Sean Stemaly. In 2017, the partners merged all three companies-along with venture capital fund, Big Loud Capital- to create cutting-edge music innovator, Big Loud. That same year, Big Loud joined forces with the genre-bending management group, Maverick. In 2020, Zaruk and serial entrepreneur, Simon Tikhman, founded The Core Entertainment. The Core is a 360-degree entertainment company specializing in investment and management in music, sports, film, television and technology. Zaruk is also a strategic investor in BEV, an innovated canned wine company.

Prior to co-founding Action Entertainment Collaborative in 2021, Meinema was co-head of the UTA Nashville office, as well as head of the Fairs and Festivals Department for North America. Meinema relocated from the TAG Toronto office in 2012 where he worked as VP for 5 years prior to opening up The Agency Group Nashville office. He was the Senior VP prior to the UTA acquisition in 2016. Meinema's AEC Nashville clients include Trace Adkins, TLC, Terri Clark, Lonestar, Dallas Smith, Dean Brody, High Valley, Kevin Costner and Modern West, Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Gord Bamford, Hunters Brothers, Sawyer Brown, The Road Hammers, Default and Chad Brownlee. During his previous leadership heading The Agency Group Nashville, the company won CCMA Agency of the Year. Meinema has received award nominations from IEBA, Pollstar and CCMA, and was featured in the 2016 editions of Variety's Music City Leaders Report and Billboard's Nashville Power Players List in 2017, 2018, and 2020. Meinema also received CCMA's 2018 Slaight Music Humanitarian Award for The Country Thunder Humboldt Broncos Tribute Concert.

Paul Ferguson is the Program & Music Director for Starboard Communications in Belleville, Ontario, operating radio stations Cool 100, and 95-5 Hits-FM. A proud father of two, and married to Vicki, who will have completed her 20-year sentence in September, 2022, and will then be eligible for parole. Ferg is currently serving his second term as an elected Director of the Canadian Country Music Association. Closer to home, he stands as the Board Chair of the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, and is also Chair of the Loyalist College Radio Broadcast Advisory Board. Through a 26-year radio career, Ferguson has been fortunate enough to be voted the “CCMA Music Director of the Year – Medium or Small Market” 6 times, and was a 2020 CMA nominee in the category of International Country Broadcaster.

Casey Clarke Has Been A Household Name To Anyone Who Loves Country Music As Casey Has Been On Television And Radio For Well Over Two Decades. Casey Clarke Has Been Called “The Face” Of CMT (Country Music Television) As He's Been Hosting Various Programs On The Network Since 1997. Having Been On CMT For Over 15 Years Casey Clarke Is One Of The Most Recognizable Personalities In Canada. Casey Clarke Was Born And Raised In Edmonton, AB And Found Out Early In Life He Wanted A Career In Broadcasting. Working For Stations Like CFOK-Westlock, AB, Mountain FM Whistler/Squamish, BC Casey Found Himself In Vancouver Working For “The Satellite Radio Network” And Syndicated On 71 Stations Across Canada. Clarke Left Vancouver For Kelowna, BC Working For Silk-FM Then Off To Calgary, AB To Join CMT In 1997.

Mitch Merrett is a highly awarded Music Professional from Producer, Songwriter, Player and Management. Currently an A & R rep for MDM Recordings and artist management as well as Founder of the Southern Outlaw Country Rock Band, Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion. A band that writes and records music influenced by non fiction and fictional events from American History, from Moonshine Runners to Outlaws and Renegades of the 1800's and more. Also writing and producing music for Film and TV

Dayna Bourgoin is a 20+ year veteran of the music and broadcasting industry. She got her start at CKBY in Ottawa in 1999. In 2003, Dayna landed her dream job as the Music Director at CMT Canada. She launched her own promotion and publicity company in 2009 and quickly landed a full-time gig at 604 Records/Simkin Artist Management. She helped Dallas Smith launch his country music career and also worked with Small Town Pistols and many others! Dayna eventually ended up back in radio when she got a call from Bell Media to help with a format flip from Classic Hits to Country. She was also part of the team that re-branded 16 stations across Canada to Pure Country. Dayna is now the National Music Director for Pure Country Radio and oversees the music programming and national content development for the brand.

At just 26 years of age, Jade Eagleson's voice takes listeners back to the days of Johnny Cash, George Jones, and Randy Travis, in that it's unmistakably country. In 2017, Jade decided to give up some of his duties on the family farm to pursue a long-time dream as a country music artist. He signed with Universal Music and went on to record his debut and since certified gold single, “Got Your Name On It”. Shortly after the song's music video was released, Jade was featured as YouTube Trending's ‘Artist On The Rise' and appeared on the website's homepage, the first time a Canadian-signed artist in any genre has received such an honor. As a result, the music video for “Got Your Name On it” was streamed as much as half-a-million times in a 24-hour period and now has 4x more views than any other domestic country music video, ever (44 million and counting). Jade, after only 3 singles released to radio, currently has over 85 million global streams. Since the success of his first EP, of which garnered a pair of gold-certified singles (Got Your Name On It & Count The Ways), along with a #1 at Candian Country Radio, Jade is on track to have the most streamed album globally by a Canadian Country Artist in the past 10 years. Released on 07/24/20, Jade's debut album can be found everywhere now and includes both previously released hits as well as three brand new tracks, including "Boom Town", a song written by multi-Grammy award winner, Chris Stapleton. Keep an eye out for this young country superstar in the making.

Meghan Patrick was down to her last few dollars when she landed the record deal that would change her life forever. “I was so broke I had to borrow gas money just to get to the signing,” she says with a laugh. “I was still driving my first car, a used pickup truck, and it died right when I pulled into the parking lot at Warner Music Canada. It felt like the end of an era, like the truck was saying, ‘This is where I leave you.'” Now, Patrick's landed herself another high profile record deal, this one with American label Riser House, and, fittingly enough, she's poised to make her highly-anticipated US debut with a tribute to that faithful old truck. Recorded with producer Jeremy Stover (Justin Moore, Eli Young Band), “My First Car” offers up a perfect introduction Patrick's infectious blend of southern rock and classic country, packing the breakout Canadian star's life story into three infectious minutes of pure FM radio gold. Like much of Patrick's writing, the song is equal parts humor and heart, balancing gritty honesty and warm nostalgia as it celebrates the simple joys of growing up in the kind of small town where getting dressed up on a Saturday night means putting a fresh set of mud tires on your pickup. “My first drink was a warm Busch Light / And my first scar is from an old dirt bike,” she sings in a larger-than-life voice matched only by the track's blockbuster production. “My first love grew up on a farm / My first buck is tattooed on my arm.” “Everything in that song comes straight out of my own experiences,” says Patrick. “I wanted it to be a way of telling my audience about who I really am, about how I was raised and the things that I carry in my heart.” A back-to-back CCMA Female Artist of the Year winner with several Top Ten singles to her name already, Patrick never imagined she'd grow up to be a country singer, Though she was raised on her parents' eclectic record collection, which contained everything from Neil Young and Hank Williams to Led Zeppelin and Aretha Franklin. As a solo artist, she began playing open mic nights, which quickly gave way to bar and club gigs, and within a year of signing to Warner, she was playing arenas on the road with Tom Cochrane and cutting her debut album, ‘Grace & Grit,' with Vince Gill and Justin Niebank in Nashville. The record garnered an avalanche of awards and acclaim for Patrick, who set a record by taking home both the Sirius/XM Rising Star and Female Artist of the Year honors at the CCMAs, and it significantly raised her profile ahead of her 2018 follow-up, ‘Country Music Made Me Do It,' which yielded her first #1 single, “Walls Come Down.” “‘Country Music Made Me Do It' was a big turning point in my life,” says Patrick. “It was the first record I made after moving to Nashville full-time, which was a really important step for me because I wanted to put myself in the mix with the best of the best. Living here still leaves me humbled and inspired and challenges me to grow as a writer every single day.” Patrick's most recent collection, the Juno Award-winning ‘Wild As Me' EP, showcases that continued growth, with the exhilarating title track quickly racking up over a million streams on Spotify alone and setting the stage for her eagerly awaited American introduction with “My First Car” and its similarly intoxicating follow-up single, “Goes Good With Beer.” “I'm hoping America will embrace me as something a little different,” Patrick reflects. “There's a real Southern rock edge to the music I'm making, and I think audiences are hungry for that right now, especially in a live setting, which is my happy place. As soon as it's safe to get back on the road, I'll be touring like crazy again because I was born to be a performer.” With ‘My First Car,' Meghan Patrick proves she was born to be a star, too.

AJ & Rory Vaden : Brand Builders Group To request a call with Brand Builders Group today: www.freebrandcall.com/cressman www.brandbuildersgroup.com AJ Vaden is the Co-founder of Brand Builders Group, international speaker, million-dollar consultant and host of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast. Over the last 10 years she has been a part of founding, launching and building a very successful 8- figure coaching business, a multi-million-dollar consulting business, and a 7-figure speaking business. Along with her company Brand Builders Group, AJ has been featured in Inc, Success Magazine, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Forbes and was recently named as one of the Top 5 Personal Branding Speakers of 2019. Today, she uses her expertise and unique talents to both streamline back end operations as well as creatively engineer the company's front-facing personal brands. Rory Vaden, MBA, CSP, CPAE is the New York Times bestselling author of Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success and Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time. A recognized expert in business strategy and leadership, insights have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNN, Entrepreneur, Inc, on Fox News national television and in several other major media outlets. As a world- renowned speaker, his TEDx talk has been viewed over 4 million times, he is a 2x World Champion of Public Speaking Finalist, has been called one of the top 100 leadership speakers in the world by Inc Magazine and was recently inducted into the professional speaking Hall of Fame. He is the Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group and the host of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast.

Artist manager, Brad Belanger of Homestead Music, represents star acts such as Sam Hunt and Dustin Lynch. Growing up in Virginia in the early ‘90s, Belanger was immersed in the DIY music culture embraced by teen punk rock bands in the area. In addition to handling lead vocals and guitar for a local band, Belanger started his own indie label at age 15. Brad began working as an agent with APA's Steve Lassiter, before transitioning into doing photography and video work. That strategic move would bring a host of career opportunities, including his management role with Sam Hunt. Brad contributes an innovative, creative and passionate energy to this industry.

Brett Kissel is constantly exploring new ideas, while never forgetting what he does best. It's an approach that has propelled him to the top of Canadian country music, with two Gold certified albums, a Platinum and eight Gold singles and 15 top-10 radio hits to his credit. 2019 was a storybook year for Brett, winning the JUNO Award for Country Album of the Year and earning the Canadian Country Music Association's Fans' Choice Award, following a record-breaking 112-date tour that reached every single province and territory. The Canadian Press crowned him “The New King of Canadian Country.” The accolades continued in 2020, when Brett was the big winner of the CCMA Awards, earning 4 trophies, including Fans' Choice, Male of the Year and Album of the Year. Although some artists might see these accomplishments as a cue to hit cruise control, for this proud husband and father of three, it's only added fuel to his fire to give his audience more, and to expand his musical vision. That's precisely what he's done on Now Or Never, the first in a series of albums the pride of Flat Lake, Alberta, already has planned to release on an annual schedule. Now Or Never sets the tone of the new decade by delivering a dynamic mix of 21st Century country (“Drink About Me,” “She Drives Me Crazy”) and traditional heartstring tuggers (“I'm Not Him, I'm Not Her,” “Coffee With Her”) that are sure to find a place alongside Brett's best-loved songs. But listen carefully and it's clear there's a lot more going on. “I was in a really creative zone coming into making this record, and had written so many songs, that we decided to concentrate on the ones that showcased the diversity within my sound,” he says. “That's been the case with every album I've made to a certain extent, but now we want to take the lessons we've learned from those records and really focus in. There's traditional country, pop country, and acoustic country, which really plays into the eccentric style I have as an entertainer!”” Brett credits co-producer Jacob Durrett for covering a lot of the bases on Now Or Never and channeling the creative energy in exciting directions. With experience working with artists in nearly every genre ranging from country to hip hop, Durrett's cutting edge studio techniques gelled perfectly with Brett's goals. “Jacob and I are the same age and have been buddies in Nashville for about eight years,” Brett explains. “We've both come up through the ranks together, and as I started planning Now Or Never it felt like the right time to collaborate with Jacob. He's been able to put more of an international spin on my music, and bring out different nuances in my voice.” That said, Brett didn't leave his longtime producer Bart McKay out of the process, and his steady hand maintained the album's overall cohesion. The seamless blend of the new and the familiar is the real strength of Now Or Never, exemplified by the first single “Drink About Me,” which rocketed to the top of Billboard's Canadian Country chart (Brett's second career #1 single) soon after its release. It's set the stage for the arrival of the album's more pop-friendly tracks, particularly “She Drives Me Crazy,” which places Brett squarely at the heart of country music's current evolution. “My family and I are just like every other music fan. We are all over the place. With the ways people listen to music these days, I don't think anyone pays attention to genres like they used to,” he says. “One of the tracks from my last album We Were That Song, ‘Anthem,' had a lot of pop elements in it, and it became my fastest single to go Gold, as well as becoming an instant favourite in our live show. So with that in the back of my head, I sat down with Karen Kosowski and Emma-Lee to write one day, and we started trading lines. ‘She Drives Me Crazy' was finished in 45 minutes, and it was an amazing experience.”

Amanda Kingsland grew up in Ottawa & the Valley and has always been a passionate country music fan. After spending countless hours making mixtapes, reviewing albums and attending concerts, the 8 year old decided that working in the Canadian Country Music Industry was where she wanted to be. While in university studying audio engineering she was asked about interest in interning at CKBY, her favourite radio station. One her first day Amanda was introduced to Doug Anderson and learned about the roles of Music Directors and Program Directors and instantly she knew what she was made to do. After 15 years working with Rogers Radio in Ottawa, Amanda has worked almost every job in the station on her journey to become the Program Director of CKBY. Amanda lead the charge in making the Country brand the first Rogers Radio brand to use a national music network (that's 8 stations across 3 time zones on 1 music network!) Amanda is a past member of the CMA Ontario's Board of Directors and is a current member of the CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) Board of Directors. Amanda is currently the National Music Director for the Rogers Country Brand while also the Regional Content Director of Country 101.1, Country 107.3 & Country 104.3) Amanda has been the CCMA Music Director of the Year (Large Market) for the last 5 years and in 2019 also won CCMA Radio Station of the Year (Large Market) and Country Program or Special of the Year for her industry leading program, Girl Power Hour.

For Recording artist JoJo Mason, the past few years have been an incredible journey. Mason's 2019 sophomore EP “Chapter Two” was a fan favourite, with lead single “Future” closing in on over 4.8M streams and climbing, and the Top 3 hit “Better On You” becoming his highest charting and most streamed single to date, with over 5.8M current streams respectively. The two-time CCMA Rising Star Award nominee released his latest EP Changes last fall; featuring six new songs, Changes continues to highlight Mason's vibrant vocals and larger than life personality, while focusing on his evolution as an artist. Lead single “Chemical” has amassed over 1M streams, and adds to his impressive 26M global streams to date. Now, with five Top 10 tracks under his belt, Mason continues to deliver, notably performing as part of the 2020 CCMA Awards national broadcast, taking over SiriusXM Country as a guest host, garnering features with ET Canada and more.

Nicole Arbour is a Comedian, Recording Artist, Motivator, and emoji lover. Head cheerleader for life, overcoming the impossible! #GOTEAM From her first viral video in 2015 - ' Dear Fat People', Nicole has gained an incredible amount of followers, reaching over 5 million people daily across all her platforms. www.goteamacademy.com Follow at @ibnicolearbour

Kurt Bardella is the creator & publisher of the Morning Hangover, a daily newsletter about all-things country music. Kurt is also a USA Today & Los Angeles Times Contributor who regularly appears on MSNBC as a political commentator. Kurt spent almost a decade working on Capitol Hill as an advisor to members of the House, Senate, and Congressional Committees.

Danick Dupelle has been a member country group Emerson Drive for over 20 years, contributing his lead guitar, harmony vocals, songwriting and now production. The group has been nominated for GRAMMYs, CMAs, JUNOs, and are multiple CCMA and ACM winners. Emerson Drive also was the first Canadian group in history to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 2007 with their mega-smash “Moments.” Dupelle grew up in Quebec, Canada and has made Nashville, Tennessee his home for the past 20 years. Over the last decade, Dupelle has spent countless hours in the studio honing his music production craft. In 2017, Vibe Recordings officially opened in Nashville. Located in the heart of Berry Hill, the area is home to many famed recording studios in the creative epicenter of music production in Tennessee. When he isn't criss-crossing North America touring with Emerson Drive, Dupelle is creating at Vibe Recordings and working with artists and songwriters to push the boundaries with creativity and innovation in music. Over the past two years, Dupelle has produced two #1 songs in Canada for Tyler Joe Miller (“Pillow Talkin'”, “I Would Be Over Me Too”) and several Top 10 singles including Matt Lang's “Getcha”, Tebey's “Good Jeans” & Emerson Drive's “The Road”.

The Frank Stallone Documentary - 'Stallone: Frank, That Is' Available in Canada on Youtube & Google Play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UPTzODh-6k&has_verified=1 Grammy and Golden Globe nominated artist Frank Stallone is one of the most versatile actors, singers and musicians in the business. His explosive voice and his range from comedy to drama and rock to blues to big band, leaves audiences entertained and captivated. Frank has garnered three Platinum Albums, ten Gold Albums and five Gold Singles and has acted in over 60 films and TV shows including Walker Texas Ranger, multiple sitcoms and variety shows, Hudson Hawk, Staying Alive, Fred Claus, and Tombstone, in which he made a big impact as “Ed Bailey,” a dangerous gunslinger. One of his most memorable film roles was as “Eddie,” the bartender in Barfly, which was touted by critic Roger Ebert: “Barfly is a terrific film that features an outstanding performance by Frank Stallone…he's both captivating and terrifying at the same time.” Frank has written and published over 200 songs and, with his newest single in The Expendables 2 (Don't Want to Fight With Me), has written and recorded compositions for nine films, including Rocky I, II and III, Rambo II, Paradise Alley and Over the Top. But, it was Frank's nine songs that he wrote and recorded for the Saturday Night Fever Sequel Staying Alive that earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Sound Track and a Grammy nomination for Best Original Song with his single, Far From Over. That song became a massive number#1 hit around the world and stayed on the top charts for more than four months. At a young age, the Maryland-born, Philadelphia-raised native pursued his musical ambitions, forming a series of bands, and finally turned professional at the tender age of 15 (“I had to lie about my age,” admits Frank). His group, Valentine, included lead guitarist John Oates (Hall and Oates) and was signed to RCA Records in 1975, when they recorded their first album. Frank made his on-screen singing debut, performing the self-penned acapella song, Take You Back in the opening scene of the film Rocky. “The only reason I got the part was that I was the only musician my brother, Sylvester, knew…and I worked cheap.” Frank has recorded nine solo albums receiving praise from legends Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Sammy Cahn. His rock-influenced Full Circle, “which I feel is my best” was followed by his American songbook albums, In Love in Vain, with Sammy Nestico, Stallone on Stallone by Request, a compilation of Frank's film soundtrack tunes, and Songs from the Saddle, showing Frank's more acoustic side. He's a big fan favorite in Australia and he performs in concert halls, theaters and clubs all around the world, gaining critical acclaim wherever he goes “he has the crowd enthralled.” (New York Daily News) Frank is a guitar, music, mafia and art aficionado, is one of the best boxing historians and collectors in the world and is an avid collector of guitars, guns and memorabilia. When he's not writing songs or filming a project, he can be found on a shooting range or at the gym but he's happiest with a guitar, beautiful women and good glass of vino. If you ask why he's never been married, he'll tell you “I guess I just forgot.”

Carmen Kissel-Verrier's memoir - 'The Butcher Shop Girl' is about LEARNING TO CONQUER UNUSUAL PLACES IN THE NAME OF SURVIVAL Carmen spends her childhood working in her mother's slaughterhouse in prairie Alberta, tearing through flesh and getting up to trouble. To escape a violent home, she bounces from house to house, working on the family farm, and eventually in the oil patch. At eighteen, Carmen's competitive craving for money and independence leads her to a career as an exotic dancer. Starting out in seedy small-town dives, she quickly earns her place in high-end clubs throughout North America, becoming an elite world-travelling entertainer. Carmen lives the high life and makes big money. She parties with the Hells Angels and falls in love with a sexy U.S. drug enforcement agent—effortlessly walking the line of two extreme worlds. But when run-ins with premium organized crime land her in Bolivia, she realizes she's gone too far, and the only thing that can free her is to ask her estranged family for help.

Steve Sainas has been a professional musician since 1982. For more than a decade, Steve performed throughout Metro Vancouver with several different cover and original rock bands. Then in 1997, Steve shifted his musical focus to the blues and formed his acclaimed rocking blues band, Mud Dog F or almost 20 years Mud Dog was a favourite featured act at The Legendary Yale Hotel as well as on many other stages throughout BC Mud Dog also recorded three albums with t heir second album, River of My Soul receiving a nomination for Best Blues Album at the 2008 Western Canadian Music Awards. In 2011, Steve 's Mud Dog Duo represented British Columbia at the 27 th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. While in Memphis the acoustic duo recorded a “live off the floor” ten song album titled Mud Dog SUN at legendary Sun Studio This old school live roots album climbed to #24 on the Canadian Roots Music Report for Blues. Steve has also worked as a BC public school teacher since 1986. In 2015, he was honoured with a Juno Award for MusiCounts Teacher of the Year for his innovative Rock School and Recording Arts program that he founded in 2001 at Terry Fox Secondary School in Port Coquitlam, BC. After The Yale shutdown causing the Vancouver Blues scene to suddenly collapse, Steve followed up with four years of steady solo acoustic work that resulted in his 2017 debut solo release, “Steve Sainas Simple As This This Contemporary Roots album reached #27 on the Earshot Charts and was received with great reviews. Most recently, Steve came back full circle to his love of ‘70s guitar rock and formed his classic rock power trio, SST that lit up suburban pub stages right up until our music scene came to a grinding halt on March 17 th 2020. On that tragic day, the COVID 19 isolation order wiped out every performance calendar in the world and has devastated our music economy. In order to effectively rebuild our music scene, Steve strongly believes that we need to remedy the exploitation of creative artists by ensuring that a fair sustainable living wage can be earned by all creative and performing musician s. This urgent remedy will be created from a music streaming levy that will help re vitalize our music economy. To that end, Steve authored the Canadian Musician Support Fund ( proposal. In May 2020, Steve spearheaded the creation of the Canadian Musicians' Coalition to effectively build support for implementing the CMSF. through the Keep Music Alive in Canada petition. Please sign the petition!

Kenny Hess has now been a part of the music industry since the 80's when he started a life of making music for a living. Born in Outlook Saskatchewan, music was always a part of his life and at just 15 Kenny started traveling the country singing the songs of such greats as Charlie Pride, Don Williams and Merle Haggard and it wasn't long before he was singing his own songs and sharing the stage with those very same great artists. A prolific songwriter, Kenny was noticed by Nashville' legendary songwriter Harlan Howard and soon Kenny began writing for Harlan Howard songs one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the country. This also led to a publishing and recording deal with Curb records Nashville. Though he has been blessed with a huge voice and songwriting skills, Kenny' real strength has always been his ability to hold a crowd of any size in the palm of his hand whether it be with his voice, his sense of humor, or his heartfelt songs of life. His show is comprised of a combination of classic country songs that have inspired him, some of the songs that Kenny has written for other artists or for himself as well as some fantastic stories of his life and loves in music. Kenny has had a very successful career with several songs reaching the top 40 nationally over 100 of his original songs recorded and 14 critically acclaimed CDs to his credit. He has also won or been nominated for several Canadian Country Music Awards and BC country music awards including Male vocalist of the year, Songwriter of the year, producer and Album of the year. In fact along with all of the other awards Kenny is the 8-time traditional country artist of the year and in 2014 Kenny was honored with the Entertainer lifetime achievement award. In 2015 Kenny was called back home to BC where he was given the honor of being inducted into the Country Music hall of Fame The last few years have been busy seeing Kenny not only perform his usual slate of dates as the headline act but also had him working shows and opening for artists like Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Big and Rich, Dwight Yoakam, Reba, Merle Haggard and many more… This past august Kenny had the extreme privilege of being asked by Mr. Willie Nelson to join him on stage… An honor Kenny will never forget. “A natural born entertainer with a huge voice and great songs makes for a very special show. If you have never seen him perform, please go grab a seat, sit back and enjoy a little taste of good ole country music… Kenny Hess style!

Dayna Frank is President and CEO of First Avenue Productions, Minnesota's leading independently owned and operated concert venue and promoter. Dayna has expanded the business beyond its star-adorned walls to include the Fine Line, the Turf Club, the Palace Theatre, and the Fitzgerald Theater. She is currently working with the public to develop a Community Performing Arts Center on the Mississippi riverfront. Dayna is a founding Board Member of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), working to secure financial support to preserve the national ecosystem of independent venues and promoters. Dayna is a strong LGBTQ+ advocate, a 2018 Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute, and a firm believer in community building through live music.

Australian-born and Alberta-raised, Gord Bamford stands as one of the most decorated artists in Canadian country music with an impressive 26 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards, multi JUNO nominations and the only two-time winner out of Nashville's Country Music Association (CMA) receiving the 2013 & 2015 CMA Global Country Artist award. But it is his distinctive sound and songwriting ability that defines Gord Bamford as one of country music's best neo-traditional artists and like so many others that have come before him; Bamford is not an overnight success. He has spent the better part of the last 20 years honing his craft, working to get where he is today. Bamford is currently working on his 9th studio album, and recently released it's first single #REDNEK. Bamford's eighth studio album Neon Smoke was released in early 2018 containing the smash #1 chart topper ‘Dive Bar' and follows his Tin Roof album, winner of the 2016 CCMA ‘Album of The Year'. Tin Roof, nominated for the 2016 JUNO Country Album of The Year follows the Juno Nominated Country Junkie album and it's #1 hit song ‘When Your Lips Are So Close'. The 3-time CCMA ‘Male Artist of the Year' once again collaborates with distinguished songwriter/producer Phil O'Donnell (Blake Shelton, Tyler Farr, George Strait). “Phil and I instantly connected in the studio. Working with him really brought a fresh, new sound to this album and I'm really proud of the results,” said Gord. “Phil is truly a genius in the studio. Gord is a man who believes with his whole heart in giving back. The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation has generated over $3.6 million since its inception in 2008 for children's charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, numerous children's hospitals across Canada and MUSICOUNTS. “Those organizations have had an impact on my life and that's why we do what we do. It's always great to get out, play music, be on stage and wake up every morning loving what I do. But probably the greatest thing I get to do is interact with a lot of these children and try to make a difference in their lives. It's hard to comprehend but it's an awesome thing to see a kid's face light up who is really sick and all he wants to do is go to Disneyland. It puts it all into perspective as to why I think God put me on earth to do what I do because it's helping other people.” That humble, likable approach is what continues to draw legions of new fans to Gord Bamford. But it's the music that keeps them loyal. Gord Bamford has the amazing ability to evolve, sense where his fans want to go, and take us all along with him

Born and raised in Welland, Ont., Randy Owen began his radio career at his hometown radio station, 1470 CHOW, which happened to be a country station and began his official role in the country music industry. In 40 years of broadcasting, he's stopped at stations in Kitchener, Mississauga, Brantford and Tillsonburg, including a 3-year stint as host of the Pelmorex Radio Network's nationally syndicated request show "Cryin', Lovin' or Leavin'." In 1988, he was awarded the Country Personality of the Year awards from both the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and the RPM Big Country Awards - the only person to win both national awards the same year. Owen has developed a reputation as a skilled interviewer having interviewed such country music greats as Garth Brooks, Brett Kissel, Johnny Cash, Dean Brody, Shania Twain, George Jones, and many, many more artists. He is currently determining the next path his career will take.

Pat Dubois is the Program Director & Morning Show Host at CKBL-FM (92.9 The Bull) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Born with radio in his blood thanks to his father, Vic Dubois, being a veteran broadcaster with over 50 years in the industry, Pat started his radio career at the age of 17, and what started off as a paycheque quickly evolved into a passion. Beginning as a “gopher”, Pat spent his early days operating sports broadcasts, setting up live-on-locations, and fetching coffee for the announcers. He then spent a few years in the production department before making his on-air debut in 2007 as the evening/weekend host for the recently launched CKBL-FM (92.9 The Bull). In the following years he advanced as an on-air personality before becoming the morning show host in 2010, a show he still hosts to this day. He made his initial mark on the larger Canadian country music industry at that time as well, becoming the music director for CKBL at the age of 23 years old. With Saskatoon Media Group (CKBL-FM's parent company) being one of the last truly independent major market radio companies in Canada, Pat was given the rare opportunity to take the station in a bold new direction from a musical standpoint. An early believer in the advancing power and influence of social media, and being encouraged to take risks and “step outside the box”, he used his unique position to turn The Bull into a bit of an anomaly as far as major market country FM's go. From fast paced CHR style imaging, to live country DJ mixshows, to digging through albums in order to find the songs that “fit” regardless of whether or not they were singles, his unorthodox style began to garner the station a very enthusiastic following through the early 2010's. A two time SCMA winner for Music Director of the Year, and a two time nominee for Music Director of the Year at the CCMA's, Pat had clearly found his groove. Additionally, his early, intense focus on social media began to pay off as CKBL became known for its powerhouse online following. The combination of local content, unique contesting, and engaging topics that never shied away from controversy quickly made CKBL the most followed country music radio station in Canada on social media, an honour it enjoys to this day. Pat was named Program Director in late 2015, and in early 2016, rebranded CKBL as “Your Country Station”. A brand he had been quietly designing for the previous few years, and a brand he still fine tuning to this day. Since then, the station has won 5 straight “Major Market Radio Station of the Year” awards at the SCMA's, and continues to grow using a combination of engaging, topical content, and a hyper focus on what matters the most… the music.

Mixing country music with the hard-hitting stomp of rock & roll, Cory Marks prepares to release new music. Full of autobiographical storytelling, guitar-driven anthems, drinking songs, and breakup ballads, his songs are rooted in the influence of Cory's hometown, where he grew up surrounded by the salt-of-the-earth residents of North Bay, Ontario. It was there where he began playing drums at ten years old. Whenever he wasn't banging along to songs by Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, and Rush, he was listening to his parents' country records, developing a deep appreciation for outlaws like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. Those two genres — classic country and amped-up rock — would eventually join forces in Marks' own music, earning him a string of gigs with heavyweights like Toby Keith and Brantley Gilbert along the way. He is now part of the Better Noise Music family as their flagship Country artist.

Raised in an environment infused with music, creativity and entrepreneurial values, Julien Paquin displayed an inherent wisdom for the live entertainment business from an early age. In 1993, he joined his father Gilles as an agent at Paquin Entertainment Group. Julien's instinctive knack for discovering new artists has helped shape Paquin Artists Agency into an industry leader, cementing his reputation as one of the premier agents in Canada. Under his direction as President of Paquin Artists Agency, the company's roster has steadily grown to over 250 acts spanning a broad spectrum of musical styles. Julien represents such notable artists as Serena Ryder, The Sheepdogs, The Reklaws, The Strumbellas, Donovan Woods, Coeur de Pirate and Alexandra Stréliski The diversity of these acts reflects his vision for the Artists Agency: a people-oriented organization, providing distinguished service to its artists and thereby fostering their careers. Julien currently serves on the board of The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent On Recordings (FACTOR). His contribution to the industry continues to be widespread; twice he has been recognized as "Agent of the Year" by Canadian Music Week (CMW) and is the recipient of six Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) in the same category.