Chase Heaslip Makes a Name for Himself in the Canadian Country Scene with Original Music

Raised in Ontario, Chase Heaslip discovered his passion for music early on, which led him to study music recording and studio production in college. While he initially explored pop, he found his true calling in country music and began to develop his own sound within the genre.

As a songwriter, he initially focused on creating songs for others but eventually decided to start recording and sharing his own music. His influences include Morgan Wallen, whose style and lyrics inspire him, as well as Mitchell Tenpenny and Billie Eilish.

His latest single, “Never Leave,” reflects his realization that to pursue music seriously, he’d need to invest fully and take his dreams beyond his hometown. The song speaks to the leap of faith required for going after something bigger.

Chase’s next single to be released soon, “Better with You,” explores the familiar theme of finding love when you least expect it. The idea for this track came to him while working on “Never Leave,” and he felt so inspired that he completed the song in a single night.

Currently, he’s focused on releasing singles, building his fanbase, and connecting with audiences through his unique songwriting. His main goal is to gain more opportunities to perform live and share his music on stage.

Make sure to stream his music and catch him live at his next show—you won’t want to miss it!

Kates Outlaw Release Their Debut Album Longrider Religion

Kates Outlaw is a country rock band from Dauphin, Manitoba, formed in 2015. The band originated from a shared passion for simple living, motorcycles and music. With diverse musical influences, they quickly progressed from jam sessions to local performances, receiving positive feedback that inspired them to create original music. The foundation of their music is more rock but the melodies, lyrics and stories lean country.

Frontman Kyle Neault handles lead vocals and rhythm guitar, writing most of their original songs with memorable melodies. Dylan Neault plays bass and adds backup vocals, skillfully turning cowboy poetry into songs. Levi Winters is on lead guitar and backup vocals, excels at creating melodic fills and solos, while drummer Steve Lukey brings a powerful presence to their sound.

Back in 2023 after performing mostly covers during their set at Dauphin’s Countryfest, they left the stage and many people asked for a CD or a compilation of their own music, which sparked the creation of this album.

The band began releasing original songs this year starting with “Longrider Religion,” the title track from their album. The song was chosen as the title track because Kates Outlaw felt that the song was the core of where they come from, who they are as a band and it related to the theme of the album.

Longrider Religion has eight original tracks. “Stormy Nights” is the oldest track on the album. It was written during the first month of the band’s formation in 2015 and because it’s been a fan favourite, they had to include it.

“What’s On Your Mind” has a family connection with Kyle and Dylan Neault as it was written by their grandmother 40 years ago. She brought them the song and suggested that they record it. They added their own verses and melodies to make it a song that they are very proud of.

The main goal of releasing this album was to have original music that they can show their children and families and to see how far they could take their musical career as a band.

Kates Outlaw’s album Longrider Religion is out now. Make sure to listen to it.

On November 30, Kates Outlaw are celebrating their long-awaited album release Longrider Religion at The Royal George in Winnipeg. They are excited to finally share this album with you and have a good ol’ -fashioned party while doing it. Tickets will be on sale soon so watch their socials for more info!

Justine Blanchet Releases Emotional Track “What I Got”

Justine Blanchet is a bilingual country artist from Montreal, inspired by legends like Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood. She started releasing music in 2017 and has since accumulated over a million streams. She’s performed at notable events such as Nashville’s Bluebird Café and RBC Bluesfest, and she’s had a #4 hit on CBC Country/Sirius XM with “Get Out of the Mud.”

Blanchet started her music career in opera at the age of 12 and became classically trained but ultimately realized the genre wasn’t for her. She found country music was the genre for her because of the songwriting and storytelling aspect of it.

Since 2017, she independently released 13 singles, which have gotten spins on country radio stations throughout Canada.

Blanchet has recently released her newest single, “What I Got” as she continues making significant strides in reaching her next country music milestone.

The song is about a traumatic and damaging relationship she went through. The process of writing the song helped her channel and process her feelings.

During the creation of the music video for “What I Got” it was important for her to visualize the lyrics and meaning of the song. When the song was complete she sat with it and waited to see what images would come to mind.

She wanted to bring lyrics to life by using props and visuals in a meaningful way.

” I didn’t want to song to be bitter and full of hate but for the sentiment to be ‘just do better next time’ and I got to experiment with that and powerful imagery through the video,”she explained.

Justine Blanchet is in the process of putting a band together in hopes of performing live more often. A goal is for her to build a show audiences will want to come out and see.

Make sure to listen to “What I Got” and stay up-to-date on new releases and shows from Justine Blanchet!

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!