Jimmy Marcus, known as the “pop guy from Gothenburg,” is entering a new chapter in his musical journey — one that has taken him from pop and rock to the heart of country music.
Marcus first stepped into the spotlight as a member of Swedish group Youngblood before eventually pursuing a solo career. While pop was where his musical journey began, country music quickly became a natural fit. For Marcus, it was the melodies, lyrics and storytelling that drew him in and made him feel at home within the genre.
Marcus is looking ahead to what may be his most personal project yet: his upcoming six-song EP, I Wish I Was in Nashville.
Produced and co-written with Robin Larsson, the EP represents more than a collection of songs. For Marcus, it feels like the beginning of a new era — a more mature reflection of the different musical influences and experiences that have shaped him throughout his career.
“It feels like all the pieces of what I represent are there in this project,” Marcus says.
The EP took more than a year to create, giving Marcus and Larsson plenty of time to develop the songs and, perhaps just as importantly, decide which ones belonged together. With six tracks in total, the project was carefully narrowed down to create a collection that feels connected while still allowing each song to tell its own story.
Rather than releasing the entire project at once, Marcus will introduce the songs one at a time, giving listeners the chance to experience each chapter before the full EP arrives.
The first of those chapters is “All Nighter,” which is out today!
Written back in 2022, “All Nighter” is a feel-good song centred around enjoying life, appreciating the little things and looking back on the memories that make those moments meaningful. Rather than focusing on the biggest moments in life, the song celebrates the smaller ones — the nights you don’t want to end, the people you’re with and the memories you carry with you.
For Marcus, that idea of appreciating the everyday moments is an important part of the EP as a whole. Each song represents a different part of life and a different emotion.
One of the upcoming tracks, “When I Write a Country Song,” is perhaps the clearest reflection of Marcus’ own musical journey. The autobiographical song looks back at his path from pop and rock into country music, offering listeners a glimpse into how he found his place within the genre.
Another track, “Waiting For You,” takes a more personal approach. The song explores the feeling of missing someone you deeply love and care about, inspired in part by Marcus thinking about his girlfriend.
With “All Nighter” now available and five more songs still to come, make sure you don’t miss anything Jimmy Marcus releases!
At just 23 years old, Austin Ryder is quickly making a name for himself as one of Manitoba’s emerging country artists. Raised in Roblin, Manitoba, Ryder’s love for music started at a young age when he began performing alongside his father’s band at just nine years old. What started as joining his dad, Ryan Keown, on stage eventually grew into opening shows for him, giving Ryder the opportunity to build his confidence as a performer while sharing something special with his father.
“Music has always been a really cool way for me to connect with my dad,” Ryder said. “It’s been really nice to have his support throughout everything.”
After a busy summer performing across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, Ryder has continued to build his resume, taking the stage at major events including Dauphin’s Countryfest, the Calgary Stampede and the Roblin Rodeo. With every performance, he continues to gain experience and grow as both an artist and songwriter.
His latest single, “Remember The Feeling” was released to country radio on August 4, with an upbeat and relatable story. The song captures the feeling of a night out with friends when you meet someone special and instantly connect. By the next morning, you may forget some of the little details of the night, but that feeling stays with you.
The accompanying music video brings the song to life with plenty of energy, including dance scenes and a few unexpected twists. Ryder says the video was a fun opportunity to see the different personalities and experiences come together on screen.
Before “Remember The Feeling” Ryder released “Chances Are,” a song centred around taking risks, chasing opportunities and embracing the unknown. The message is one he hopes can connect with listeners of all ages.
“For people my age or younger, I hope they can listen to it and think, ‘Life is worth taking chances and taking risks because they can pay off,’” he said. “And for people who are older, like my parents or grandparents, I hope they can look back on their lives and think about the chances they took and how they were worth taking.”
Ryder recently won Best Original Song at Ranchman’s Rising Star competition in Calgary and has earned three nominations at the 2026 Josie Music Awards in Nashville. He will travel to Nashville this September for the awards ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry — another exciting milestone in an already busy year.
With new music on the way, more live performances ahead and recognition continuing to build, Ryder shows no signs of slowing down. As he looks toward the next chapter, Ryder is focused on releasing more music, playing more shows and continuing to grow as an artist.
To stay up to date with Austin Tyder music and live shows visit his website at Austin Ryder Music
Julia Vos is making a name for herself in Alberta’s country music scene with her blend of traditional bluegrass roots and modern country. Her latest single, “Jesus Drank Whiskey,” showcases her powerful vocals and storytelling.
Music has always been a part of Vos’ life. Growing up in a large family that loved playing music together, she started performing at rodeos, fairs, and competitions, where she also developed a passion for yodelling. Country music has always been in her blood, and she believes there’s no better genre for telling stories. It didn’t take long before she knew she wanted to pursue music full-time.
Her newest single, “Jesus Drank Whiskey,” carries a message that’s especially close to her heart. Vos wanted the lyrics to speak for themselves and remind people to show one another a little more kindness. For Vos, the song is a reminder that if Jesus walked into a room today, He’d encourage us to lead with compassion instead of judgment.
The song was produced by Bart McKay, who is nominated for CCMA Producer of the Year, and Vos is excited to continue working with him as she records new music over the next year.
“Jesus Drank Whiskey” is the first single from her upcoming debut EP, Jesus, Whiskey, and Country Music. She’s excited to release a collection of songs that tell a complete story. The project reflects different chapters of her life, from growing up in a small town and enjoying nights at the honky-tonk to heartbreak and the moments that humble you.
The next single from the EP, “Cigarette Sundays,” releases on August 28. Vos describes it as a fun, feel-good song about slowing down, spending time with the one you love, and remembering to take life a little easier.
Another recent career highlight was winning her first Country Music Alberta Award for Video of the Year. She says it was a full-circle moment, made even more special by everyone who helped bring the video for “I Only Kiss Cowboys” to life, including the Calgary Stampede Cheerleaders and her husband, who played the lead role. Seeing everyone embrace her vision made the experience even more rewarding.
Looking ahead, Vos hopes to bring her music to even more fans across Eastern Canada in 2027 as she continues building momentum.
Be sure to check out “Jesus Drank Whiskey” and keep an eye out for “Cigarette Sundays” when it’s released on August 28!
JR Charron continues to make his mark as one of Canada’s rising country artists, blending modern country with traditional roots while delivering powerful, high-energy performances.
His debut EP, Impression (2020), produced the Top 10 Canadian Indie Country hit “Song for You” and the Top 50 single “Broke.” Since then, tracks like “This Train” earned national recognition through CBC Searchlight, while “Day Worth Living For” climbed into the Top 15 on the iTunes Country chart.
Charron received five Manitoba Country Music Award nominations in 2024 and added to his growing list of accolades after winning the Fans’ Choice Award in 2022. His single “Killin’ Frost” became one of the most-played songs on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country and his recent release, “Different Goods,” continues to gain radio airplay around the world.
Charron has been busy working on new music and is back with his newest single,“About Trucks.” The song playfully takes a turn on the classic country truck anthem on, telling the story of country boys driving beat-up cars instead of shiny pickups and tractors. It’s a fresh, humorous take that flips the familiar country music narrative. “About Trucks” is out today and available on all streaming platforms.
Earlier this spring, Charron also released Five From The Floor (Recorded Live) to streaming platforms. Originally filmed and released as a series of live performance videos on YouTube a year ago, fans repeatedly requested the recordings be made available for streaming. Charron delivered — adding a bonus track as an extra thank you to listeners.
So far, this summer has been a busy one for the Manitoba country artist. He recently wrapped up a string of performances that included Dauphin’s Countryfest, the Canada Day Celebration in Teulon, Manitoba, Country on the Creek and several other festivals and events across the province.
The momentum isn’t slowing down. Charron has more performances scheduled throughout August and is preparing to release another new single at the end of the month. titled “Twisty Whisky,” the song is his own take on a “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”-style line dance anthem and promises to be a fun, dance floor-ready country hit.
Fans can also catch JR Charron hosting the Singer-Songwriter Showcase at the Hangover Ag Fair on August 16 from 12:00 ’til 2:00 p.m. He’ll be joined by Jason Kirkness, Emma Peterson, Jade Turner and Quinton Blair as they take audiences behind the music, sharing the stories behind their songs before performing them.
To stay up to date on new music, tour dates and upcoming releases, visit JR Charron’s official website.
Kates Outlaw is a four-piece country rock band from Dauphin, Manitoba, known for blending gritty country storytelling with hard-hitting rock influences reminiscent of Whiskey Myers and Turnpike Troubadours. Fronted by singer-songwriter Kyle Neault, the band also features Dylan Neault (bass/vocals), Levi Winters (lead guitar/vocals) and Steve Lukey (drums).
Since the release of their debut album, Longrider Religion, in 2024, Kates Outlaw has steadily built a loyal following across the Prairies. Their energetic live performances and authentic songwriting have earned them opportunities to share the stage with acclaimed acts including The Glorious Sons, The Trews, The Arkells, Doc Walker and Jason McCoy.
Now, the band is entering an exciting new chapter with the release of their sophomore album, Echo of the Engines. The project took over a year to complete, with songs being written, refined and recorded throughout the process. As the album gradually came together, the band realized they had created something that felt cohesive and meaningful — a collection of songs they were proud to share with listeners.
At its core, Echo of the Engines is an album about people, places and the experiences that shape us. Growing up in small rural communities, the members of Kates Outlaw drew inspiration from their surroundings and the individuals who have impacted their lives. Several tracks are rooted in real stories and personal connections, while others reflect the highs, lows and lessons learned along the way. Together, the songs create a soundtrack that captures the spirit of small-town life and the lived experiences that connect us all.
To celebrate the release, Kates Outlaw will host an album release party for Echo of the Engines on Saturday, June 6, at Credit Union Place in Dauphin, Manitoba. Fans can secure tickets now at LINK.
The band will also take the stage at Dauphin’s Countryfest on Saturday, June 27, giving audiences another opportunity to experience their powerful live show. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, make sure to catch Kates Outlaw live this summer and give Echo of the Engines a listen.
Some people play music. Others build something much bigger around it. Greg Pester did both.
Greg Pester’s journey in music began early — earlier than most. At just 14 years old, he was already playing in a band called Endless Maze. Even then, it was clear music wasn’t just a hobby; it was something he was meant to pursue. Not long after, he found himself competing in a showcase hosted by Jack Wells, making it all the way to the finals.
By 17, Pester was fully immersed in the music world, joining his mother’s band as a bass player. What started as a family connection became a defining chapter of his life. For five years, he toured and performed alongside her, learning not just how to play, but how to be a musician. Sharing the stage with family was something he remained deeply proud of.
From there, Pester’s career rapidly grew. He was invited to join The Chaparrals where he spent eight years playing lead guitar and helped record four albums. The experience helped establish him as one of Manitoba’s most prolific guitarists. Along the way, he collaborated with a wide range of artists — playing bass on an Evelyn West album, performing with Len Henry and Company at festivals, joining Yogi and Friends, and even sharing the stage with Chris Bigford.
But Greg Pester wasn’t just a musician — he brought people together through moments that meant something.
After stepping away briefly to focus on family, he was asked to start a Wednesday night jam session at the West Kildonan Legion with his band, Sassy Jack. What began as a simple idea quickly turned into something much bigger. Week after week, the room filled. Musicians came not just to play, but to find community. Pester had a way of creating space — not just physically, but emotionally — for people to step into music, often for the very first time.
That ability to create opportunity for musicians would become the foundation of his life’s work.
Pester’s path to owning The Royal George came through friendship and the right timing. After being introduced to the venue by fellow musician Wayne Walker, Pester learned that his friends Rick Penner and Isak Leger were interested in purchasing it. In 2000, Pester joined them — and together, they took on what would become a 26-year journey.
At the time, The Royal George needed serious work. But he saw potential.
The first priority was the stage. If musicians were going to feel at home, the stage had to reflect that. They rebuilt it, upgraded the sound system, improved the space and slowly transformed the venue into a place where artists felt respected the moment they stepped up to play.
One of Pester’s most meaningful ideas was simple but powerful: putting photos of performers on the walls. For many artists, especially those just starting out, seeing their picture displayed at The George was a moment of validation and a sign they belonged.
Country artists began filling the room every week. The venue grew into something rare: a place with live music seven days a week. It became the only venue in the city to offer that consistency, which is a testament to Pester’s commitment and vision.
What truly set Greg Pester apart as the owner of The Royal George wasn’t just the venue — it was how he used it.
He believed deeply in giving new musicians a chance.
The Wednesday night jams he brought from the Legion became a staple at The George. Musicians of all levels were invited up. Many who nervously stepped onto that stage for the first time would later go on to form bands of their own — and eventually return to play regular gigs there.
Then there was the creation of Tuesday songwriter nights. These evenings created a strong community. Songwriters gathered not just to perform, but to share, grow and to find their voice. For many, it was their first time ever performing original music in front of an audience, which Pester was incredibly proud of.
He understood something fundamental about music: talent grows where opportunity exists. And he made sure opportunity was always there.
The impact Greg Pester had didn’t go unnoticed.
For three consecutive years, The Royal George was awarded the Manitoba Country Music Association (MCMA) Venue of the Year — an honour voted on by industry peers. It wasn’t just about popularity; it was about respect. It meant the people who understood the industry best recognized what Greg Pester had built at The Royal George.
For Pester and his family, those awards meant everything. They were proof that the long hours, the risks and dedication had paid off.
From left: Miles Trach, MCMA President, Jared Pester, Greg Pester, Julianna Chubenko, author of the article
Even while running the venue, Pester never stopped being a musician.
He performed with Wayne Walker for nearly nine years and spent an incredible 28 years playing with the Walsh Twins — an Elvis tribute duo known for their unique performances, where each twin represented a different era of Elvis Presley. It was a show unlike any other, and Pester was a steady presence behind it.
Greg Pester’s advice to young musicians was simple, but carried a lot of weight:
“Keep going and don’t give up. Nobody is the best at first.”
He often compared the journey to a stairwell — you keep climbing with every experience, every connection, every performance. Growth wasn’t instant, but it was inevitable if you stayed committed.
It’s a philosophy he didn’t just preach — he lived.
For 26 years, Greg poured himself into The Royal George. It wasn’t just a business. It was his life’s work.
He created a space where musicians could start, stumble, improve, and succeed. A space where community mattered as much as talent and where people felt seen.
Today, his legacy lives on in every artist who ever stepped onto that stage for the first time. In every songwriter who found their voice on a Tuesday night. In every packed Wednesday jam session and in every photo on the wall.
Desiree Dorion is entering a defining new chapter with the upcoming release of her eighth studio album, Pieces of Me, on May 15.
A seven-time Manitoba Country Music Award winner and JUNO nominee, Dorion has become a familiar face across national platforms including CTV, CBC and SiriusXM. Most recently, she performed at the Winnipeg Jets WASAC Night, continuing to build momentum both within Manitoba and across the country.
Her brand-new, fully self-produced project marks a bold evolution in her career. Featuring more than 70% Indigenous collaborators, Pieces of Me is Dorion’s most intentional and self-directed work to date, reinforcing her role not only as a powerful artist, but also as a leader and advocate within the Canadian music community.
Dorion has always looked for ways to challenge herself creatively, grow as an artist and take risks. Self-producing an entire album was something she knew she wanted to do, but only if she could do it properly. For the first time in her career, she was involved in every aspect of production from start to finish, making this project especially personal and rewarding.
While selecting songs for the album, Dorion revisited her catalogue and uncovered tracks that had been waiting for the right moment. One example is “Daddy’s Tattoo,” a song written nearly ten years ago that finally found its home on this record.
Every song on Pieces of Me represents a different chapter of her life. Written by Dorion over various periods of time, each track reflects a piece of who she is, making the album deeply personal and real.
Representation was also an important part of the project’s vision. More than 70% of the collaborators involved are Indigenous, something Dorion intentionally prioritized. Indigenous representation within country music remains limited, particularly for Indigenous women, who account for barely one per cent of country radio airplay. Across major spaces where country music is consumed — from radio to festivals and live events — Indigenous artists are still significantly underrepresented. Through this album, Dorion wanted to use the platform she has built not only to share her own music, but also to spotlight the incredible talent within the Indigenous music community and help create greater awareness.
To celebrate the release, Dorion will host an album release party at Sidestage on Monday, May 11 alongside Desiree Orvis and The Sean Taylor Band. No one should have too much going on on a Monday night — making it the perfect excuse to come out and enjoy an evening of great country music. Tickets are available HERE and there are only a handful left so secure yours now!
Brettyn Rose is an emerging country artist from Alberta who’s quickly gaining attention as one to watch in 2026, a title recognized by Front Porch Music. With a style rooted in relatable storytelling and strong, radio-ready vocals, she’s building real momentum across the Canadian country scene.
Fresh off two 2026 Country Music Alberta Award nominations for Horizon Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter(s) of the Year, Brettyn Rose is stepping into a major moment in her career. She’s set to release her debut EP, Wild West, on May 8, 2026, and is kicking things off with her new single, “Leavin’ On My Lips.”
As a SiriusXM/CCMA Top of the Country semi-finalist, Brettyn Rose has already performed on major stages like CCMA House and Country Thunder. With this new release, she continues to blend traditional country roots with a modern edge, showcasing exactly why she’s being recognized on a national level.
Her new single, “Leavin’ On My Lips,” is a fun, upbeat, and lighthearted love song about wanting to be around someone all the time — soaking in every moment together and missing them the second they’re gone. It’s a track that captures both the excitement and sweetness of connection, and one she’s especially proud to share.
Set for release on May 8, The Wild West EP reflects her journey through early adulthood, growth, and self-discovery. Each song offers a glimpse into who she is as an artist today, shaped by the experiences and lessons of the past few years. As a debut project, it’s an honest and personal introduction — one she hopes listeners will see themselves in.
“It is the truest representation of myself so far as an artist,” she shared.
Following the EP’s release, Brettyn Rose plans to keep the momentum going — getting back into writing, working toward her next project, and continuing to connect with audiences through live performances.
Be sure to check out Wild West when it drops on May 8.
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.
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