Don Amero is an acclaimed Canadian artist whose soulful voice and honest storytelling have earned him national recognition, including multiple awards and JUNO and CCMA nominations. Known for his powerful live performances and authentic connection with fans, he continues to make an impact,

Amero has released his powerful new single, “Survivor,” a song inspired by themes that emerged while working on his upcoming album, Broken Record, Pt 2 – Fighter. The track was created with a purpose to serve as an anthem for Residential School survivors, honouring their strength and resilience.

At its core, “Survivor” carries a message of perseverance — of making it through the fire and emerging stronger on the other side. Some of Amero’s favourite lines, “you slayed the dragon, you stood up to giants,” perfectly capture the heart of the song. It’s ultimately an anthem for anyone who has had to fight for their life and come out the other side.

The Broken Record project is a three-part series. The first instalment, Broken Record, Pt. 1 – Heart, has already been released, showcasing a more stripped-down, sentimental sound with minimal production. In contrast, Pt. 2 – Fighter goes all out sonically, something listeners can already hear in “Survivor.” As for the third instalment, Amero hopes to focus on collaborations, though it’s still in the early planning stages.

While Broken Record, Pt. 2 – Fighter is complete and ready for release, Amero is holding back — for now. Instead, he’s offering fans a special opportunity: those who attend his upcoming live show will get exclusive pre-release access to the album. It’s his way of giving back to the people who have supported him and invested in his music, by sharing something he’s poured so much time and energy into.

Fans eager to hear Broken Record Pt. 2 – Fighter early can grab tickets to Amero’s upcoming show at the West End Cultural Centre on Friday, April 17.

The evening will feature an incredible lineup of talent, including local artists Sheena Rattai and Larry Abrams. Together, their harmonies with Amero create a rich, seamless blend that truly shines in a live, intimate theatre setting. Also joining the lineup is Vancouver-based artist Antonio Larosa, whose modern take on a ‘90s country sound is a unique addition to the show.

At a Don Amero performance, audiences can expect a little bit of everything — old favourites, new releases, and even some unreleased songs. One thing’s for sure: he never leaves the stage without playing “Church,” a crowd favourite that fans have come to love. It all adds up to a memorable night of music.

Tickets for the West End Cultural Centre show on Friday, April 17 can be purchased at his website.

While Amero’s music has recently leaned more toward an adult contemporary sound, he remains deeply rooted in country. Fans shouldn’t worry — he hasn’t left the genre behind. Instead, he’s expanding his sound while staying true to his roots, hoping longtime listeners will continue to support him on this journey.

For Amero, music is about exploration. It’s about being playful, taking risks and trying new things — and “Survivor” is a perfect example of that. He believes it may be one of the best songs he’s ever released.

If “Survivor” is any indication of what’s to come, fans are in for something special. The April 17 show at the West End Cultural Centre won’t just be a concert — it’s a chance to experience the heart behind the music and hear Broken Record, Pt. 2 – Fighter before anyone else.

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.