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!

Formerly a nationally ranked sprint hurdler, Kelsi Mayne has seamlessly transitioned into one of Canada’s fastest-rising independent country artists. Hailing from Windsor, Ontario, Mayne grew up with country music playing throughout her childhood home—thanks to her dad, who always had it on. That early exposure sparked a deep love for the genre that stayed with her, even as she pursued a more traditional career path.

While attending nursing school, music felt like a distant dream. To make ends meet, Mayne worked as a server at a local restaurant—one that just so happened to be looking for live entertainment. She stepped up, got the gig, and performed there regularly for the next few years, all while finishing her degree.

After countless performances and encouragement from fans telling her to take the leap, she decided to do just that.

Mayne moved to Toronto, where she met an artist manager who saw her potential and encouraged her to pick up an instrument and start writing songs. At 21, she began learning guitar—and with it, discovered a passion for songwriting she never knew she had.

With over 3 million streams, a growing list of accolades, and performances alongside industry heavyweights, she’s quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. A three-time CMAOntario award nominee, SiriusXM Top of the Country finalist, and 2024 International Songwriting Competition winner, Mayne is only just getting started.

Recently praised by 519 Magazine as “hands-down one of the best up-and-comers in Canada today,” Mayne captivates audiences with her infectious melodies, electric stage presence, and genre-blending sound. She’s graced some of Canada’s biggest stages—from Boots and Hearts, Calgary Stampede, and Cavendish Beach Music Festival to national TV and major stadiums—and has toured with country stars like Meghan Patrick and Russell Dickerson.

Her latest single, “Someone Who Knows,” was born from one of the most difficult chapters in her life. After a decade-long relationship and an upcoming wedding both came to a sudden end, Mayne wrote the song mid-flight on her way to the Canadian Country Music Awards. She recorded it the very next day.

“I feel like the world was testing my strength last year,” Mayne shared.

The lyrics poured out of her in what she describes as “word vomit”—raw, emotional, and completely unfiltered.

“The response to the song has been so overwhelming and warm,” she said. “It sucks that so many people have gone through the same thing, but i’m glad the song helps put those feelings into words. That’s why I wrote it.”

This release marked a turning point in her songwriting process, where she no longer was overthinking the process. She said this time was different—everything just flowed. The experience taught her to trust her gut and go with what feels natural.

Be sure to check out “Someone Who Knows” and stay tuned for more from rising country artist Kelsi Mayne!

Introduced to music at the age of three through early violin lessons, Karly Kryski’s musical journey began at just 3 years old. Over the years, that passion expanded to include piano, saxophone, and eventually guitar — sparked by a growing love for country music at age 12. Songwriting soon followed, offering a creative outlet to blend personal storytelling with musical expression. Most recently, drum lessons opened the door to a collaboration with the production duo The Renaissance, helping transform a longtime dream into the reality of releasing original music.

Deeply influenced by the powerful voices of early 2000s country, key inspirations include iconic artists such as Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Shania Twain. Their authentic songwriting, commanding presence, and ability to connect with audiences continue to shape her artistic identity. Today, she finds further inspiration in trailblazing women like Lainey Wilson — artists who bring fresh energy to the genre while remaining true to its roots. The focus remains on creating music that is heartfelt, relatable, and boldly original — reflecting a commitment to pushing boundaries without losing the essence of country storytelling.

With her debut single released in September, “Highways & Heartaches” the goal was to tell a universally relatable story while offering a unique and refreshing twist.

Kryski’s new single “Stampede Heart” is a raw, emotionally charged country track that explores the pain of loving someone who never stays. Inspired by a real, recurring relationship marked by heartbreak, the song fuses traditional country storytelling with a modern edge. Featuring catchy hooks, vulnerable lyrics, and a hard-hitting chorus, it stands as a breakup anthem with grit and authenticity.

Make sure to follow her on Instagram to updated on upcoming releases @karlykryski!

Alberta-born country artist Taylor-Rae is making waves with her standout vocals and magnetic personality. Her breakout single “Are You Still Up” has topped 1.5 million streams and continues to climb, earning spots on major Spotify and Amazon playlists. Her summer follow-up, “I Can’t,” gained over 100,000 streams in its first month and secured her a spot on the cover of Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country playlist.

Now, Taylor-Rae is turning heads with her brand-new EP, Heaven Right Now — a four-track collection that’s both deeply personal and confidently bold. The project has been in the works since April of last year, with singles released along the way, building anticipation for the full release.

All songs were co-written by Taylor-Rae herself. “It has been a cool experience diving into saying exactly what I want to say,” she said.

The title track, “Heaven Right Now,” is a special one. Co-written with Canadian country legend Carolyn Dawn Johnson — and featuring her vocals — the collaboration came together naturally after the two met at a songwriter’s round. A longtime fan of Johnson, Taylor-Rae felt she was the perfect writing partner for this song, and the creative chemistry was instant.

“We asked ourselves, what would it look like to tune out the outside noise and simply build the life you want?” Taylor-Rae explains. The result is a song that not only captures her voice as a writer but also helps establish her own lane as an artist.

While Taylor-Rae has always drawn from past musical influences, Heaven Right Now is the first time she’s truly created without second-guessing what people expect to hear.

“This EP feels like the most authentic take on who I am,” she says.

The response from fans has been exciting. The songs mix honesty with a bit of tongue-in-cheek charm, offering a glimpse into Taylor-Rae’s personality — unfiltered and unapologetically real.

Looking ahead, Taylor-Rae’s focus is on hitting the road and sharing these songs live. “The goal is to get on tour and play these songs in front of as many people as possible,” she says.

If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out the Heaven Right Now EP — and keep your eye on everything Taylor-Rae.

Country singer-songwriter Mitch Zorn hails from Nakusp, BC, where music was more than a pastime—it was a way of life. Raised in a musical family, he picked up a guitar at eight and was performing in a country/blues band with his dad not long after. With a household full of singers—his mom, grandma, and aunts—Zorn’s path to music felt almost inevitable.

By twelve, he was writing songs and after high school, Zorn balanced his passion for music with a career as an electrician, working in the oilfields of Canada and Texas while carving out time for writing trips to Nashville.

Over the years, Zorn has developed a sound that blends his wide-ranging influences—country, rock, hip hop, and blues—into something unmistakably his. His songs tell real stories, drawn from lived experiences and everyday emotions, making them instantly relatable.

As a finalist in the SiriusXM Top of the Country contest, Zorn gained well-deserved national attention. He recently released his self-titled debut EP, a five-track collection that’s been years in the making. Some songs were written as far back as eight years ago, others more recently. The project showcases Zorn’s versatility, featuring everything from R&B, country-rock and traditional country staples.

Zorn wrote every track himself showcasing his storytelling roots. One of his personal favourites, “Back To You,” stands out for its unique composition and emotional depth.

Fan response has been unbelievable. At his debut shows in Toronto, Zorn experienced the crowds singing his songs back to him, which he will never forget.

Now, Zorn is chasing momentum. He’s focused on releasing more singles and hitting the road as much as possible—“touring until there’s no touring left.”

Make sure to check out his new EP and head to his website to see all upcoming tour dates.

Passion and persistence, combined with raw talent and high expectations, have long been the driving forces behind Canadian country group Petric. Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, the band has racked up more than 15 million global streams, 12 charting singles and three top 20 hits. Their most recent album, Flashbacks, has alone drawn over three million streams and opened the doors to multiple international markets—most notably with their single “Flirtin” climbing as high as #23 on the Australian country radio charts.

After announcing a break in the fall to focus on family, the band is back together to share their new music and ideas with their fans! They were drawn back together by ideas for new music and were excited to pursue them. 

Their new single, “Still Love You,” was actually recorded about two years ago, but now feels like the right time to release it. The track showcases a bold, edgier side of Petric—one that fans haven’t quite heard before.

“The song captures everything that Petric is and I’m so excited for this song,” said Tom Petric.

The band is feeling reenergized and confident about their direction—both in the studio and on stage. A major goal going forward is to embrace a more natural, organic sound. They want their fans to hear live music that matches the authenticity of the studio recordings, just like it was in the beginning stages.

Petric will take the stage at the iconic Burton Cummings Theatre on Saturday, October 25, joined by a stellar lineup of local talent including Catie St. Germain, Leanne Pearson, Sean Taylor and Ross Roteliuk.

“The Burt is such a magical and iconic venue in Canada and we wanted to give ourselves something really exciting to look forward to and that was a show at the Burt,” said Jason Petric.

The show will include a mix of their hits and some new music! Get your tickets to see them live at the Burt on October 25 at Ticketmaster.ca.

Petric is excited for whats to come so make sure you stay tuned and don’t miss anything from the trio!