Alex Runions Prepares for Album Release in the New Year!


Long before winning the 2016 Saskatchewan Country Music Association Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year awards, Alex Runions had already carved a name for himself as an artist to watch in Canada’s country music scene.

With over a decade of captivating live performances at some of the country’s top venues, including Big Valley Jamboree, the Grey Cup, and the CCMA Awards Week Songwriters’ Series, Runions has earned his place as one of Saskatchewan’s finest.

His latest single, “On The Island,“ is continuing to gain traction. The song delves into the emotional complexities of a relationship falling apart, capturing the pain of lost love with authenticity. Runions intentionally kept the song’s tone aligned with the sadness of the storyline, ensuring the listener could feel the weight of its emotions.

“On The Island” serves as the first glimpse of his upcoming 2025 album, a deeply reflective and personal project with a melancholic feel.

“A lot of these songs are very close to my heart, and the whole project just felt right. It’s an open and honest look into my life, and I hope people can connect to it,” Runions shared.

In this new album, Runions shifts away from his familiar country-pop sound, venturing into a more singer-songwriter, folk, and alternative genre. The change represents not only artistic growth but also a deeper expression of his personal experiences and musical integrity with his songwriting.

This project, which began taking shape around 2021, has been his longest in the making. At its core, the album speaks to personal growth and the idea that it’s never too late to make meaningful changes in life.

Looking ahead, Runions is excited to build a fanbase around his evolving sound and hopes to hit the road for more shows in the coming year.

Don’t miss new music and upcoming shows from Alex Runions and stay up-to-date here!

Desiree Dorion Releases Transformative Seventh Studio Album “remember your name”

JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter, Desiree Dorion’s seventh studio album, remember your name explores a genre shift from Country into Roots/Americana. Dorion felt there is more artistic creativity in Roots/Americana and she wanted to step outside of her comfort zone and explore new creative corners.

 “The Roots world feels really authentic for me. I love the creative freedom – musically and lyrically – I feel I can explore more within this genre. I felt ready to sit in the studio and give my input on the music and production – something I rarely did in the Country Pop world,” she shared.

remember your name offers a collection of songs that reflect Dorion’s artistic growth, evolution and dedication to delivering authentic songs. It follows a theme of relationships whether that be with someone else or yourself. Dorion started writing the album two or three years ago with “Greta” being the first song she wrote.

The first single off the album is “Ghost” – a breakup song about moments when you are excited, sad, angry and “Ghost” digs into the more angry feelings after a breakup.

“The title track “remember your name” is about digging into your own inner strength and remembering were you come from and leaning on that in difficult times,” Dorian explained.

Dorion discovered there are many professionals that are doing great work both in the live music scene and in session recordings and decided to do something about it.

“As I was reflecting on my career and work so far I realized I haven’t been putting my money where my mouth is and I actively sought out Indigenous contributors who could lend their talents to this record. It was really a cool exercise to literally put my money where my mouth is – paying Indigenous musicians a fair fee for their work and including Indigenous musicians from the bottom up of the recording process,” she said.

Dorion has contributed her expertise to a range of community focused initiatives. In collaboration with the Canadian Country Music Association, she hosted the Indigenous-focused Achimotak series and currently serves as an ambassador for the Downie Wenjack Foundation. She also does a lot of advocacy work in Indigenous music particularly as it relates to Indigenous women in music.

Be sure to listen to remember your name and catch Desiree Dorion at one of her upcoming shows!

September 27, 2024: The Watson Arts Centre – Dauphin, MB 

September 30 to October 5 2024:– The National Arts Centre – Calgary, AB 

October 6, 2024: The Royal George – Winnipeg, MB   

Devin Cooper Releases Deluxe Edition of Debut Album Good Things

Devin Cooper is a southern-rock-influenced country artist, who has kicked off 2024 with a bang. Cooper was nominated for five Country Music Alberta Awards and released his country-rock love anthem, “She’s My Religion,“ on February 9th. The single quickly climbed to the top, becoming the #1 song on Sirius XM’s Top of The Country radio.

This momentum continues with Cooper’s latest release of his 22-track double album, Good Things: Deluxe Edition.

His debut album Good Things released in 2022, Good Things was more than just an album—it was a reflection of life’s lessons, good and bad. As Cooper began writing songs for what he thought would be his sophomore album, he realized they belonged to the same storyline as Good Things and wasn’t ready to close that chapter yet.

Cooper had a vision: to continue exploring the themes of Good Things and present both fully-produced and acoustic versions of the songs. He wanted fans to experience the music as he first wrote it and compare it to the final versions. That’s how Good Things: Deluxe Edition came to life.

To capture the raw essence of his music, Cooper recorded the acoustic tracks for the deluxe edition in front of a live audience at OCL Studios in Calgary. A longtime fan of live acoustic tracks, he thought it would be an incredible experience for 40 of his biggest supporters to see his music recorded in real-time. Each attendee was given headphones to hear every behind-the-scenes moment, from producers’ discussions to the recording process itself.

“It was great to have the fans be a part of making the record,” Cooper said.

Cooper’s tight-knit team of collaborators, including close friends, played a vital role in shaping the story behind every song on the album. Co-writing each track allowed them to bring a cohesive narrative to life, adding another layer of depth to the Good Things chapter.

With a slate of new music in the works, Cooper is already exploring new directions and is eager to perform live!

Stay tuned for more music and upcoming show dates from Devin Cooper—you won’t want to miss what’s next.

Aaron Prichett Breaks Down New Album “Demolition”

For over two decades, Aaron Pritchett has been a household name in Canadian country music, consistently delivering high-energy performances and incredible music.

With 13 Top Ten hits under his belt, Pritchett has shown his versatility as an artist and continues to push boundaries with his music. His 2016 hit single “When a Momma’s Boy Meets a Daddy’s Girl” recently became gold certified joining other singles of his.

His latest single, “Liquored Up,” from his new album Demolition, features collaborations with Quebec-country sensation Matt Lang and rising outlaw country star Cory Marks. This is a feel good tune that is sure to get an audience ready to party at an Aaron Prichett show.

A Personal Touch on Demolition

Aaron’s new album, Demolition, represents a shift in his approach to music. Rather than focusing on radio-friendly singles, he wanted to create something more personal and meaningful. “I wanted to record something more in-depth, and that was the point of this album—having songs that mean more to me,” he shared.

One of the most significant changes for this album was his decision to work with his son, Jordan Pritchett, as the producer. This collaboration made the album even more special for Aaron, as it allowed him to dive deeper into his personal life, especially with the title track, “Demolition.”

The song “Where We’ll Go From Here” holds a particularly emotional significance for Aaron. Originally written in 2008 for his son Jordan’s graduation, the track was revisited during the creation of Demolition. This time, all three of his sons joined him in singing on the track, making it a touching family moment.

“It makes me so happy to have that special moment with this song, which added to the importance of the album,” Aaron said.

The Liquored Up Tour and What’s Next

Earlier this year, Aaron hit the road for the Liquored Up Tour, alongside Cory Marks and Matt Lang. Reflecting on the experience, Aaron said, “The tour went by too fast and felt like a week, which is the sad thing about it; every show was so great.”

What set this tour apart was its unique structure. Instead of having traditional opening acts, Aaron, Cory, and Matt shared headlining roles, collaborating throughout the show. They performed together at the beginning, middle, and end, while also having solo moments to showcase their individual talents. This format kept the energy high and the audience engaged from start to finish.

Aaron is looking forward to some well-deserved time off—especially as he recently became a grandfather! But he’s not slowing down completely. He plans to work on new music with hopes of releasing something in the next year or so. He also has plans to continue traveling and is currently in the process of writing a book that will delve into his music career and personal life.

Aaron Pritchett’s plan for releasing new country music is far from over, and fans can look forward to more heartfelt music, engaging performances, and perhaps even a deeper look into his life and career with his upcoming book.

Stay updated with everything Aaron Prichett here!

JR Charron: A Country Rock Star on the Rise

JR Charron has always been known for pushing boundaries in the country rock genre and 2024 is proving to be another critical year for the Manitoba-born artist. With a powerful voice that can move from gritty rock to tender country ballads, Charron continues to captivate audiences across Canada.

One of the most-exciting developments for Charron and his fans is the upcoming release of his new single “Different Goods.” This track will be paired with a new video/short film and it promises to grab attention and showcase his evolving sound and storytelling.

Sneak peek into the video of “Different Goods”

Charron has been making waves with his live performances, including a full-capacity show at Hanover Ag for the Party in the Dirt. On September 21, he will headline the Okanagan Country Music Festival in Kelowna, an event that will be a highlight of the year for country music fans.

When Charron isn’t on stage, he’s hard at work in the studio. Teaming up with fellow musicians Hamburger Island, Dan Poperechny and Ben Sinclair, Charron has been hosting weekly writing sessions and crafting new music. With multiple new songs nearly complete, fans can look forward to fresh releases in the near future.

Charron’s song “Too Good To Leave” has been added to Sirius XM’s Top of the Country playlist, where it is now in daily rotation, further cementing his place in the Canadian country music scene.

While Charron’s music career continues to soar, life outside of music is also blossoming. He and his wife are expecting a new baby, which means he will be skipping this year’s Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) to focus on his growing family.

Don’t miss out on the chance to see JR Charron live and experience the energy of his unforgettable performances and stay up-to-date with everything JR Charron here!

Nothing Can Stop Amanda Keeles Now!

Amanda Keeles discovered her passion for music at a very young age, with her mother being a significant influence. She began singing and writing early on, and as a teenager, she participated in talent competitions, gaining valuable performance experience. However, in her 20s, Keeles put her music career on hold after getting married, a hiatus that lasted for two decades. During this time, she continued writing and pursued studies in finance to fill the void left by her music.

After her marriage ended, Amanda’s passion for music was reignited. In 2023, she made the bold decision to quit her job and fully commit to her music career.

“I feel like now I’m enjoying music more than ever because I’ve waited until life gave me the chance,” said Keeles.

Keeles has since made significant strides in her music career. She has been featured on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country, aired on over 50 radio stations across Canada, and appeared on numerous television shows nationwide.

Her debut album, Can’t Stop Me Now, is out now. The title track, which was the last song she wrote for the album, encapsulates her journey and the obstacles she has overcome. Keeles hopes that listeners will find the song relatable.

“Every single song on that album is a reflection of my life—an expression of myself throughout the years, bundled into one album,” she shared.

Keeles latest single, “His Perception,” was inspired by a social media message from a man who observed that female artists rarely sing from a male perspective. Taking this to heart, Amanda wrote the song from a male viewpoint, addressing the struggles someone was facing.

“This song is all about perception—that everything happens for a reason. Even when it doesn’t seem like it, there’s a silver lining—something is always protecting you,” she explained.

Keeles also released a music video for “His Perception,” which you can watch here.

Keeles has been busy with her first tour, covering much of Ontario in the first half and planning to travel from Windsor to Ottawa in the second half, with more shows to come.

As a new artist, the tour has been an incredible experience, allowing her to connect with fans and share her music and stories.

“I can’t believe how many people stick around after the show to say hello and take a photo—it’s so heartwarming,” she said.

Recently, Keeles performed at TD Music Hall, where she witnessed the front row dancing to her music—a gratifying experience for any artist.

Looking ahead, Keeles aims to collaborate with other songwriters, release more music—including two new singles coming this fall—and play more shows, with hopes of performing at festivals in the near future.

Give Can’t Stop Me Now a listen and stay up-to-date on all the exciting projects Keeles has on the go!

Manitoba musicians, Mitchell Makoons and Morgan Grace perform at Juno Beach

Local Manitoba musicians, Morgan Grace and Mitchell Makoons had the opportunity to perform at Juno Beach for the D-Day Anniversary commemoration.

Morgan Grace is a 17-year-old left-handed fiddle player from Manitoba, who has been playing since she was four years old.

“The sound of the fiddle has been a part of my life well before I ever picked it up. I was fortunate that music was always around our home,” she said.

Veterans Affairs Canada found Grace’s fiddle playing on YouTube and invited her and her dad, Keith out to play. Her dad couldn’t make it and Morgan suggested Mitchell Makoons should join and accompany her with guitar.

The accompaniment of Makoons brought so much to the performance and the way he influenced how they played their songs was very important.

Grace’s time spent with the Veterans and Elders was a big takeaway for her and they have reconnected with some of those people back in Manitoba.

Her experience in France has been a standout highlight for her in her music career to date.

Morgan Grace and her dad shared that the music they play is to share the culture of music that she has been brought up in. A goal for Grace is to continue playing bigger stages and continue sharing her music and culture.

The connection Grace makes with youth and Elders is so important for people to see a young musician carry traditions and culture.

Mitchell Makoons is a roots/rock artist from Brandon, Manitoba, and began his musical journey at the age of seven, playing guitar to accompany his grandfather and brother on Métis fiddle tunes. 

At the 2023 Manitoba Country Music Awards, Mitchell Makoons was nominated for Roots Artist, Duo or Group of the Year and the Emerging Artist Award.

He released his debut album Lady Boots earlier this year with eight tracks. Makoons wrote every song on the album except for the “Travelling Song,” which was gifted to him by an Elder in his community. Makoons asked if he could make a modern version of the song and included it on the album.

Makoons is planning to go on the road in the fall to play these songs live and would love to stay on tour as long as possible.

Make sure to stay up to date with both Morgan Grace and Mitchell Makoons and all of the exciting shows and projects they have going on!

Bree Taylor Hits Fast Forward with “Skip To The End!”

Bree Taylor is making waves in the country music scene with her unique mix of country and rock. She’s not just making tunes; she’s creating her own genre-blending style. Inspired by country stars like Carrie Underwood and rock legends like Joan Jett, Bree’s music breaks the usual boundaries. Her songs blend the heart of country with the raw energy of rock’n’roll. Bree is smashing stereotypes and showing that women can rock just as hard, if not harder, than the guys.

Her music started out more in a pop direction because she felt like she’s not your “typical image” of a female country artist and didn’t fit that mold. That is what she was breaking free from when she released her single “Dauntless” last year, which gave her the opportunity to be her authentic self in country music and digging into her rock roots.

Her latest single, “Standing Still,” has got over 265,000 streams since it dropped on March 15, 2024, adding to her already impressive success. Bree has also gained over 2 million views on Reels and TikTok for “Standing Still,” showing off her growing fan base.

As a songwriter, Bree’s music is autobiographical and pulls from personal experiences. Although, in her new single “Skip To The End.” the concept just came from an idea she loved and worked on with her co-writers.

“Skip To The End” is about living in the moment in a relationship. ” I hate the he said, she said, will they, won’t they moments of the dating scene and wondered if we can just skip to the good parts of a relationship when you are deep in it and enjoying every moment,” she explained.

Before releasing “Skip To The End,” Bree released her most successful single yet, “Standing Still.” Bree wrote this song after coming out of a toxic relationship that showed what she did not want in a partner. Initially, she wasn’t intending to write a love song. However, her fans wanted one, so she manifested the relationship she envisioned and wrote “Standing Still.”

“I channelled everything I want to feel with my ideal person and wrote and recorded it in 48 hours and I knew there was magic with it,” she said.

Bree Taylor has a very busy summer with shows and festivals. Check out all of her upcoming tour dates here https://www.breetaylor.com/tour!

Moving forward in her music career, Bree is excited to continue writing and releasing music and is hoping to move to Nashville to be surrounded by her team and the fun and creative environment of the city.

Make sure to check out “Skip To The End” and stay up-to-date with all of the exciting projects Bree Taylor has going on!

Makayla Charleen is Feeling Old Fashioned with First Single Release

Makayla Charleen, is a country singer and songwriter, who brings her western and honky-tonk stories to life with vibrant vocals and dynamic performances.

She has made her mark on the stages of regional and interprovincial festivals, leaving a lasting impression at well-known events like the Monashee Music Festival in British Columbia and the Cochrane Classic Bull Riding Event in Alberta. She has opened for artists like Aaron Pritchett and toured with Canadian country acts such as the Hillside Outlaws. Now based in the heart of the Okanagan, Makayla regularly performs at local venues, where she gets to perform and try out new original music to a crowd.

Makayla has built a loyal following on social media. From her early days of considering a music career to sharing her festival adventures, she continues to engage and grow her fan base.

When writing her first single, “Old Fashioned,” she wanted to create a fun, light-hearted song that you can dance to at the bar. She explains, “The joke behind the song is, I like my old-fashioned drinks, but I like old-fashioned cowboys who will take you for a dance and open the door for you. It’s meant to be a lovey-dovey country song that makes you want to honky-tonk it up.”

“Old Fashioned” was a learning curve for her, teaching her the whole process of writing, producing, and marketing a song.

Makayla Charleen performing “Old Fashioned”

On June 28th, Makayla released her newest single, “The Devil On My Shoulder,” with another release planned for the end of the summer. “The Devil On My Shoulder” was written by three Nashville-based artists, and Makayla connected with it instantly. It’s about being a hopeless romantic and that thing about a cowboy that makes you want to instantly fall in love.

Makayla is also very busy with local shows and festivals, continuing to bring her unique sound to audiences everywhere.

Head to her website at https://makaylacharleenmusic.com/shows for a list of upcoming shows and make sure to listen to “Old Fashioned” and “The Devil On My Shoulder.”

Nelson Little Is Making It Happen With New Single


Nelson Little, a notable name in country music, gained significant recognition by winning the Roots Artist of the Year at the 2023 Manitoba Country Music Awards. His commitment to his music and distinctive style have made him a favourite among both peers and fans. Nelson’s music, rich with storytelling, engages listeners with its heartfelt lyrics and soulful tunes.

As he continues to receive praise, his future performances are set to highlight his talent and further establish his reputation in country music. Having written songs for 20 years, Nelson often draws inspiration from his personal experiences.

Nelson Little’s new single, “Just Make It Happen,” was inspired by a conversation with his real estate agent while contemplating a move to a larger home. The agent’s advice to “just make it happen” sparked the idea for the song. Nelson collaborated with Dave Rogers to write the track over the next few weeks. The song’s message encourages listeners to pursue their dreams with determination.

The single has received an enthusiastic response on social media and is gaining a wider audience.

On May 24, Nelson Little won Dauphin’s Countryfest Battle of the Bands, which got him a $5000 recording package with River City Records and a performance spot at Dauphin’s Countryfest June 30, 2024.

Looking ahead, Nelson plans to release a new song this summer titled “Hoodie,” which he has already begun performing live. For the first time, he aims to release three songs in a single year.

Nelson has a busy summer ahead with numerous shows lined up. For more details on his upcoming performances, visit his website at nelsonlittlemusic.com.