Keven Daken is a Nova Scotia – born country singer, songwriter, producer, and performer whose career spans more than two decades. From his early days playing in Halifax bands to becoming an internationally recognized artist, Daken has built a reputation for heartfelt storytelling, memorable melodies, and a genuine connection with his audience.

Daken began writing songs at a young age, and in the early 2000s, he had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Canadian artist John Landry. Together, they wrote a song that became the title track of Landry’s second album — an experience that opened the door for Daken to continue writing with other artists and further develop his craft.

Kicking off 2026, Daken released his latest single, “Brand New Truck.” The song had been years in the making. He originally wrote the first verse and chorus but struggled to finish it, revisiting the idea multiple times before eventually setting it aside. That changed during a writing session with Brandon Davis and Chris Pottie. Daken brought the unfinished concept to the table, and within an hour, the song was complete. From the moment they finished recording, they knew they had something special.

The track tells a clever story with a play on words. In the first verse, a man meets a woman, and their relationship quickly grows serious — so much so that he begins to think she’s expecting a proposal. But when the chorus hits, the narrative takes an unexpected turn: she doesn’t want a ring — she wants a brand new truck, summed up perfectly in the catchy line, “My girl don’t want a ring, she wants a brand new truck.”

The second verse adds another layer, shifting perspective to the couple’s 16-year-old daughter, who now has her eye on the truck as well — preferring it over getting one of her own.

What makes the song especially fun is that twist. Just when listeners think they know where the story is going, the chorus flips the script in a way that feels both surprising and classic country.

With “Brand New Truck,” Daken hopes to remind listeners that ’90s and traditional country still have a place in today’s music scene. The track blends strong songwriting with polished production, delivering a feel-good, catchy sound that sticks with you long after the first listen.

Daken is currently hard at work finishing a six-song EP set for release this spring/summer, with more singles to follow.

Be sure to check out “Brand New Truck” and stay tuned for what’s next.

Catie St. Germain is a Métis country artist from Niverville, Manitoba, and the granddaughter of Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame icon Ray St. Germain. Known for her strong, versatile voice and genuine songwriting, she puts on live shows that blend energetic performance with sincere emotion, leaving audiences wanting more.

2025 has been a milestone year for Catie St. Germain, marked by standout performances, major opportunities and exciting new releases. One of her most memorable moments was performing the national anthem at the Grey Cup — an unforgettable, full-circle achievement that had been on her bucket list and is a moment she is incredibly proud of.

Her latest single, “Burn That Bridge,” came her way from a Nashville songwriter inspired by the spirit of Johnny Cash. The track immediately caught St. Germain’s attention with its clever lyrics and playful, flirty energy. Wanting to add something fun and lively to her live shows, she knew right away it was the perfect fit — bringing a fresh, crowd-pleasing dynamic to her performances.

Another major highlight this year has been earning a spot as a semi-finalist in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition, which is another dream milestone for St. Germain. As part of the experience, she was flown to Vancouver to record an original song titled “Salt in the Womb.” The song and its accompanying music video are set for release in early April, followed by a one-week voting period where fans can help vote her into the top three. Reaching the semi-finals alone marks a significant step forward, further establishing her presence in the Canadian country music scene.

With festival season just around the corner, St. Germain is eager to get back on stage and connect with even more audiences across the country. She already has confirmed festival dates including Niverville Fair on June 13 with The Washboard Union and Club Wagon Creek and the Hangover Ag Fair on August 15.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming SiriusXM’s Top of the Country voting period and show Catie St. Germain your support. In the meantime, give her latest single “Burn That Bridge” a listen!

Karly Kryski, originally from the mountains of Vancouver, Canada, is an emerging artist making her mark in modern country music. Her songs mix honest, emotional storytelling with energetic, catchy rhythms that really stand out. She’s also a talented multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, drums, and saxophone, which adds a unique edge to both her recordings and live shows.

After releasing her debut single “Highways & Heartaches,” Kryski continued to build momentum, and her fifth song, “Rolling Dice,” highlights her distinct country sound and bold take on love. It’s helped her gain attention for her engaging performances and memorable melodies.

“Rolling Dice” marks Kryski’s first release of 2026 and captures the intensity of a relationship that feels impossible to walk away from. The song tells the story of two people caught in a magnetic, fiery connection—one that keeps pulling them back together no matter the chaos or challenges they face. At its core, it’s about choosing vulnerability over certainty: taking emotional risks, embracing the unknown, and continuing to bet on love, even when the odds aren’t in your favour.

With this release, Kryski steps into a fresh chapter sonically, introducing a new direction in her sound that reflects both her growth as an artist and her willingness to evolve. It’s a shift she’s especially excited about, offering listeners something new while staying true to the emotional honesty that defines her music.

Looking ahead, Karly Kryski has two more singles set to drop through the spring, with plans to bring them together as part of a larger project as she works toward releasing an EP. Alongside her upcoming music, she has several live performances scheduled—details of which can be found on her website—continuing to build her presence on stage.

This year, she is focused on expanding her reach, playing as many live shows as possible, stepping into new venues, and connecting with wider audiences. With new music on the horizon and a clear vision for what’s next, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in her journey.

Megan Dawson is a Calgary-based, award-winning country-pop artist who has spent more than a decade building her career on stages across Canada, performing over 200 shows nationwide.

With more than 3 million Spotify streams and multiple SiriusXM Top of the Country hits — including a #1 with “To Fall in Love” and a #3 with “Second Wind” — Dawson has established herself as both a talented performer and songwriter. Her upcoming EP, My Idea of a Good Time, marks her most personal and polished project yet, capturing the heart, growth, and experience she has gained from years in Alberta’s country music scene.

Dawson’s new single, “As Good As It Gets,” represents a sound and message she feels has always been missing from her repertoire — one she now realizes she needed. The song explores the idea of falling in love with someone who may feel comfortable, but doesn’t challenge you to grow. Rather than settling for a relationship that simply feels “good enough,” the track highlights the importance of embracing imperfections and pushing each other to become stronger partners.

“As Good As It Gets” serves as the first single from Dawson’s upcoming debut EP, set for release in 2027. She chose the track to introduce this new chapter of her music because it felt the most authentic to who she is as both a person and an artist.

The concept behind My Idea of a Good Time has been years in the making. Dawson has spent much of that time writing and collecting songs that reflect different moments of her personal journey. The project’s overall theme stems from the title track, “My Idea of a Good Time,” which she describes as an introvert’s anthem — celebrating the joy of being comfortable spending time alone while also embracing the energy and excitement of performing on stage.

Together, the songs on the EP showcase Dawson’s personality with each track highlighting a different part of who she is while telling a story listeners can relate to.

Alongside the single, Dawson will also release a visualizer for “As Good As It Gets,” featuring clips she captured on her phone throughout the EP’s recording process. The visual project offers fans an intimate look into the making of the music, acting as a visual journal of the creative journey behind the record.

Dawson is also planning a tour for next spring as she prepares to bring this new era of music to audiences across the country.

Jerry Sereda is a proud Indigenous country artist from Manitoba whose powerful vocals and high-energy performances have made him a standout in Canada’s country music scene. Blending modern country-rock with authentic prairie storytelling, Sereda creates music rooted in real life — songs about love, loss, resilience and celebration.

In 2025, he garnered the Manitoba Country Music Association’s NCI FM Indigenous Country Award, further solidifying his growing impact. With multiple #1 singles on the Indigenous Music Countdown and the Canadian Indie Country Countdown, Sereda continues to build momentum nationwide.

In 2025, Sereda released his Backroad Billionaire EP — a collection of songs that explore love, loss and living life to the fullest.

At the heart of the project is the title track, “Backroad Billionaire,” which captures all three themes. The concept is simple yet powerful: wealth isn’t measured by mansions or money, but by what you truly value. For many, that means the outdoors, family, friendships and memories that are worth more than anything money can buy. It’s a celebration of gratitude and perspective — a reminder that you can feel like a billionaire without ever leaving the backroads.

The music video for “Backroad Billionaire” was filmed in Gimli, Manitoba, showcasing the natural beauty that exists just an hour outside the city. The lakeshore views and small-town charm perfectly reflect the song’s message — that richness is often found in simple, meaningful places close to home.

Watch the video here:

Sereda is already deep into his next project, set for release in 2026. Giving fans an early glimpse is his latest single, “I Met A Woman,” a standout track that he immediately knew would lead this new chapter.

Written in Nashville by Gord Bamford and Buddy Owens, the song blends classic country songwriting with Sereda’s signature energy.

Another upcoming track Sereda is especially excited about is “Love Ain’t Blind.” The song challenges the common phrase by suggesting that love isn’t blind at all — when you truly love someone, you see their flaws clearly and you choose to love them even more because of them.

With just a few more songs left to record, the project is entering its final stages.

As an Indigenous artist, Sereda is committed to more than just making music. He actively supports Indigenous issues and ideologies and works to help revitalize Indigenous languages by incorporating them into his social media presence and public platforms.

The stories he shares through his albums are crafted to resonate with both Indigenous and mainstream audiences. However, his deeper goal is clear: he wants Indigenous listeners to hear their own voices, experiences and realities reflected in his music.

For the past two years, Sereda has released an album on June 21 — National Indigenous Peoples Day — as a way to celebrate his heritage and give back through music on a meaningful date.

Accessibility is also a priority. All of his music is available for free download on his website because he believes cost should never be a barrier to enjoying art. With his motto “money should never be a barrier to music” you can join Sereda for a live show and music video shoot at the MATAO Event Centre in Selkirk, Manitoba, on March 14, where tickets are $5.00 each.

Sereda’s new music includes exciting collaborations with fellow Manitoba country artists. He believes the country music community in Manitoba is strong, supportive and filled with exceptional talent — and that the province has the potential to lead by example within the broader industry. Tickets are available at his website.

Sereda is the featured artist at the MCMA Songwriters Night on March 10 at the Royal George Hotel.

With new music on the horizon and momentum continuing to build, Jerry Sereda’s journey is far from slowing down. His combination of authentic storytelling, cultural pride and high-energy country-rock makes him an artist to watch in 2026 and beyond.

Be sure to listen to his latest single, “I Met A Woman,” and keep an eye out for the new project coming soon.

Makinna Givens is a Canadian country artist whose music is driven by fearless honesty and emotional truth. Growing up, she was often told she had no filter—something that later became her greatest strength when she poured that raw honesty into her songwriting.

​Her debut single, “If We Meet Again,” quickly caught attention, earning praise for its heartfelt delivery, undeniable talent, and genuine authenticity. The song also received Music Video of the Month from the Country Music Association of Ontario, highlighting her natural ability to pair visual storytelling with emotional depth.

In 2025, Makinna was named a Top 4 finalist in the national Country Rising Contest presented by Cottage Springs and Starseed Entertainment—an achievement that led to opening for Griffen Palmer and Nate Haller at a showcase hosted by The Reklaws, a defining moment in her breakout year. She was also chosen as a Field Pick for the Lucknow Music in the Fields Emerging Artist Showcase, securing a coveted festival performance alongside some of Canada’s leading country artists.

Since releasing her debut single “If We Meet Again,” Makinna Givens has stayed busy in the studio, writing, recording, and creating new music. She now returns with her second single, “Cheap Cigarettes.”

The song took nearly four months to bring to life and holds special significance for Givens. Not only does it offer a glimpse into the direction her music is heading, but it also highlights her skills beyond performing. Givens served as both the audio engineer and music producer on the track, showcasing her versatility behind the scenes.

“I’m proud of it,” she shared. “I hope people don’t just see me as an artist, but also recognize what I’m capable of as a producer.”

“Cheap Cigarettes” is emotionally vulnerable, drawing inspiration from the classic song “Jolene.” Playing with the familiar storyline of a redhead “stealing” a man from a blonde, Givens flips the narrative. As a redhead herself, she leaned into the idea of wishing you were something else—and rewrote the story from a different perspective.

The release marks the beginning of a new creative chapter for Givens. While “If We Meet Again” was a softer ballad that leaned heavily into storytelling, “Cheap Cigarettes” highlights her vocal range and captures the high-energy feel of her live performances—her favourite place to be.

“This song really shows the energy I want to bring to the stage,” she said.

Looking ahead, Givens is currently working on a five-track project, a body of work she’s especially excited to share as her artistry continues to grow.

Stay up to date on everything Makinna Givens is working on and see upcoming show dates on her website.

Club Wagon Creek is a unique blend of folk rock, Americana and outlaw country, hailing from the heart of Manitoba, Canada. The band was formed in 2022 by Zak Cudney, a true jack-of-all-trades who began his musical journey as a drummer before stepping into the role of frontman. Seeking an outlet for storytelling and creative escape, Cudney began writing original music inspired by artists like Johnny Cash, where vivid narratives and fictional characters were a focus.

Guitarist Mitchell Friesen soon joined the project, bringing with him roots in hard rock that he skillfully reshaped into an outlaw western style. In 2024, veteran bassist Jason Whitehead joined the lineup, adding an eclectic edge and depth to the band’s energy. Later that summer, experienced songwriter, composer and guitarist Max Dupas (also known as Hamburger Island) became part of the group, introducing fresh tones and a wide range of musical influences. The lineup was rounded out in June 2025 with the addition of drummer Skylar Cudney, whose powerful and talented playing completed the band’s sound. Together, the band quickly built a reputation for their dynamic sound and captivating live performances, earning a devoted following across Manitoba and through tours in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

That same momentum carried into major recognition, as Club Wagon Creek received seven Manitoba Country Music Award nominations—the most nominations for any first-year artist entry in the history of the MCMA.

In February 2025, the band released their latest album, High Noon, a concept record that tells the story of Clyde, a cowboy torn between the law and love in a rugged, lawless world. The album unfolds like a cinematic experience, drawing listeners into its narrative from start to finish. Remarkably, the band recorded the entire album themselves after building a home studio, handling the project completely in-house.

Looking ahead, Club Wagon Creek is currently working on four new singles set for release in the coming year. Each track explores a different direction, ranging from a heavier rock-driven sound to an intimate ballad featuring a female collaboration.

With a busy year ahead, the band is gearing up for numerous live performances, including appearances at major events such as Festival du Voyageur. Fans can stay up to date on upcoming shows through the band’s website.

Club Wagon Creek continues to focus on writing original music and looks forward to bringing their stories to even more live stages in the years to come.

Award-winning emerging Canadian Métis country artist and songwriter Emma Kade hails from the small farming town of Creston, in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. Known for her sweet melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating storytelling, Kade blends a range of musical influences to create songs that connect deeply with listeners.

After years of making pop music, Kade made a bold shift into country—a genre that finally felt like home.

“I’ve started making music I love and that speaks to me,” she shared. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve been creating music I care about and don’t worry if other people like it.”

Kade’s musical journey began at just thirteen, when she picked up a guitar and started writing songs. Songwriting quickly became her passion and emotional outlet.

While every songwriter has their own process, Emma describes herself as melody-focused.

“Even if a song has terrible lyrics but a good melody, it’ll get stuck in your head,” she explains. “That’s the first thing I lean toward when writing.”

She also prefers structure in her songwriting process, finding that a clear framework helps her see a song through from start to finish.

Kade’s recent single, “Blue Collar Man,” was inspired by life in her small town with a bustling street near the local sawmill.

“I decided to lean into the business of the sawmill,” she said. “I posted a small clip of the song online, and it performed better than anything I’d shared before. That’s when I knew I had to finish it and release it.”

The song has resonated with audiences for its authenticity and relatability.

Kade’s next upcoming release, “Big Shoes to Fill,” holds special meaning—it was written as a gift for her mom.

It’s a sentimental song that means a lot to me, and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it,” she said.

Thanks to a grant from Creative BC, Emma recorded three songs—each with its own story:

• “Watering Can” – written for herself
• “Blue Collar Man” – written for everyone else
• “Big Shoes to Fill” – written for her mom

“Everyone gets a song and I hope they all like it,” she said.

Emma Kade is carving out her own space in Canadian country music and make sure you don’t miss a minute of it! Stay tuned for more music from Emma Kade—coming soon!