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R. HARLAN SMITH SET TO RELEASE 10TH STUDIO ALBUM, LEADING WITH TITLE SONG ‘WAY BACK WHEN’

“Way Back When” is the title song of Harlan’s latest album set for release on December 11th, 2020. It is the tenth album in his career as a country music artist and writer, all wedged in between a passion to create a Canadian owned record label and music publishing company, and produce records for other Canadian artists. His own career started out in 1961 when he was a guest artist on Gordie Brandt’s CFQT television show in Saskatoon. Later that same year, he performed on his first live country radio show on CKRM Regina with a country band.
Fast forward to 2020, and you see a career that has spanned 60 years and has taken him around the world as a country performer and show producer. From his first #1 Canadian record as Bob Smith, “Ode To Suburbia” in 1970 to his Canadian Country Music Album of the Year in 1977 as R. Harlan Smith, to the #1 duet single with Chris Nielsen “Stolen Moments”, the list goes on and on. With awards too numerous to mention, Harlan has lived up to the words Larry Delaney wrote in Country Music News when he suggested in one of his many editions that Harlan was the original four letter man of Canadian country music – singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur.

From way back when to November 2020 not much has really changed. Harlan’s just completed album, “Way Back When” features some songs old and new.

Royalty Records Celebrates – A 45 Year Legacy of Country Music

It’s forty-five years and counting. A collection of Royalty Records favourite B-sides from the last 45 years. 

Looking back to 1974 it doesn’t really seem all that long ago, but the dream of starting both a western Canadian based record label and music publishing company had been top of mind for R. Harlan Smith. After years of touring across Canada, Smith would always return to the prairies wondering why there did not seem to be much attention of any kind given to the vast amount of incredible and mostly unheard of great musicians, songwriters and artists from the prairies that just maybe, with a little helping hand could help build a more complete national Canadian country music industry.

ABOVE (back row L to R): Tracy Lynn, George Hauser, Jimmy Arthur Ordge, Glory-Anne Carriere, R. Harlan Smith, Larry Gustafson, Danny Hooper, Joyce Smith, Wilf Ingersoll; (front row L to R) Fred Larose, Frank Walls, Chris Nielsen, Laura Vinson.

Incidentally, Helping Hand Music was the original name of Royalty Music Publishing Inc. which had actually been up and running a couple of years before Royalty Records became a reality.  In an era of plucky upstart indie labels, Royalty remains true to its roots as one of the original Canadian country labels. The songs, the artists, recalling the times in the studio, this collection is a joyous trip down a historical memory lane.

 Royalty Records has developed decades of Canada’s great country artists and continues to do so to this day. 

ABOVE: (back row L to R) Neil MacDonald, Darren Gusnowsky, Mitch Smith, Rob Smith, Kham Yawnghwe;(front row L to R) Christie Armstrong, Kathryn Hummel, Stacie Roper, Ryan Langlois, Melissa Langlois,Andreas Wegner, Kasha Anne, Ben Shillabeer, Rob Shapiro, Teddy Michaylaow, Paul Biro.

SOMETIMES I WONDER – BRAND NEW SINGLE FROM THE ORCHARD

ROYALTY RECORDS & SONY MUSIC CANADA

PRESENT

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Written by: Mitch Smith & Kasha Anne

*CANCON*

“Rolling out of the Canadian Rockies and across the prairie Province of Alberta, The Orchard finds its sound in Canadiana. Great tunes, great guitars and great Vocals. This is a real deal, no B.S. band playing real music.” – Jim Scott (Producer)

 

Check out THE ORCHARD – SOMETIMES I WONDER video:

Video Recording Produced by: Brad Smith

Video Created by: Travis Nesbitt

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGQIUkPLP5I[/embedyt]

The Orchard Bio:

Kasha Anne and Mitch Smith the singer/songwriter duo better known as The Orchard, couldn’t have picked a better title for their latest album than The Great Unknown. After making an indelible impression on Canada’s country music scene with their first two records, the Alberta natives instinctively knew heading into their third release that change was imminent.

But what would that change entail? New sounds? A new producer? A new approach to writing and recording? All of the above, as it turns out. Led by the anthemic first single “Sometimes I Wonder,” The Great Unknown is a cosmic blend of rock, country and pop. It’s a vision the pair had from the beginning of completely ignoring genre definitions and just doing what came naturally. Still, they needed a trusted hand to guide them in the studio, and there was no one better to ask than producer Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Marcus King Band).

The results reveal The Orchard’s true identity for the first time, a songwriting partnership, and band, able to bring together music fans of all types through their fresh and exciting sound.

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Jim Scott Bio:

Scott has worked with a range of artists, including Dixie Chicks, Tom Petty, Sting, the Rolling Stones, Roger Daltrey, Crowded House, 7 Worlds Collide, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lowen & Navarro, Jack’s Mannequin, Ron Sexsmith and many others. Scott won a Grammy Award for his work as engineer on Red Hot Chili Peppers’ benchmark album Californication (which he also mixed), as well as for engineering Tom Petty’s Wildflowers, mixing the Foo Fighters’ One By One, doing engineering work on Santana’s Supernatural, and getting three Grammys for his work on the Dixie Chicks’ Taking The Long Way.

STAY HOME THE NEW SINGLE FROM BLAKE REID

ROYALTY RECORDS & SONY  MUSIC CANADA

PRESENT…

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“STAY HOME” is Blake’s single being released in conjunction with and in support of his Album “RUST” which was released October 30th 2015.”RUST” peaked at #17 on the Canadian country iTunes chart on it’s release day last Friday.

No other art form puts more stock in authenticity than country music, and there’s never been any question about that with Blake Reid. Just get the native of Cremona, Alberta talking about his upbringing and you’ll hear more than enough proof. In fact, there’s a story that in many ways best sums up Reid’s latest album, Rust, released October 30th 2015. It goes something like this: One of his most cherished possessions is his grandfather’s ’72 Chevy pickup, which he’s managed to keep running like a top. One day, Reid’s young son asked why he’s never repainted the worn-down spot on the window edge of the driver’s side door. Reid’s response? That’s the place where his grandfather’s elbow always rested and covering it up would erase part of his story.Rust is brimming with similar tales, showcasing Reid’s status as a true workingman’s poet.

All of those elements add up to the vision Reid had for Rust from the beginning, celebrating the future while honouring the past. It was a concept that Reid’s producer Phil O’Donnell—one of Nashville’s many transplanted Canadians, whose songs have been recorded by the likes of George Strait, Blake Shelton and Brad Paisley—latched onto immediately. “Phil just has the right feel for current sounds, and also a deep understanding of everything that’s necessary to make great records,” Reid says. “All the players on the album were hand-picked CMA award winners, and being able to work with them at Legends Studio in Nashville, where Willie and Waylon and so many of my other heroes made records, was really a dream come true.”



 

RUST Available in stores and on iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/rust/id1052247704

Check out BLAKE REID online:
www.blakereid.ca
https://www.facebook.com/blake.reid.773
https://twitter.com/blakermusic

AMY METCALFE SIGNED TO ROYALTY RECORDS!

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Thursday July 3rd, 2014
Edmonton, AB

Amy Metcalfe recently joined Royalty Records, where she will be a part of a growing roster filled with exceptional talent and be amongst the fresh new music to be released by the label later this year.

Amy hails from Red Deer, Alberta where she spends her time immersed in songwriting and working on her farm. While her music reflects crossover potential, country flows deep, with experience as a horse trainer, daily chores on the acreage and partaking in regular equestrian competitions all across Alberta.

Amy plays guitar, banjo, ukulele and piano and has written over 200 songs. She has worked with some of Canada and Nashville’s top writers including, Grammy Winner Wayne Kirkpatrick, Cindy Morgan, Phil Madiera, Jeremy Bose, Byron Hill, Duane Steele and Rylee Madison.

“I was first introduced to Amy Metcalfe by Stacie Roper (Hey Romeo) at last year’s CCMA’s. From our first meeting, to the subsequent chats we had last fall, I instantly recognized Amy’s passion to her craft as a songwriter, performer and vocalist. As I heard her story of the last couple years and the opportunities she had been presented and turned down, I was drawn to her respect of and dedication to her creative process and integrity of what it means to her. I am honoured to have Amy join our Royalty family and excited for what the future holds for this talented young singer/songwriter. – Rob Smith

Rob and I had been talking since last CCMA’s. I went to Nashville for a couple months in the fall, and when I returned we set up a few more meetings. In this industry I’ve had a few offers and/or scenarios that had a lot of great potential, however I’ve always guarded my creativity and didn’t feel I would have enough creative control. To me, the most admirable artists and singers are the ones that represent something real, and with Royalty I felt that is exactly what I could be. I’m so excited to start this next step in my career and have Royalty alongside me. – Amy Metcalfe

Signed both to a label and publishing deal, this bright multifaceted talent has what it takes to raise the bar in Canadian country music and help steer Royalty into a new direction, alongside other new signings. Keep an eye out for new music coming from Amy Metcalfe this fall!

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TRISTAN HORNCASTLE RELEASES NEW SINGLE

New follow up to the HIT single”A Little Bit of Alright”

Tristan Horncastle

From the new ALBUM

‘A Little Bit of Alright’

Release date: TUE, MAY 27

 

 

Message from Tristan:

“Well it’s finally time for single #2. Soooo excited about this song. It’s a summer song that I am very excited to have had the chance to record. Takes me back to being younger, and that warm summery night feeling. I think it’s a great follow up to my 1st single, “A Little Bit Of Alright”. It’s just me, and I think a lot of people, young or old, can relate to the whole song. It’s that first time kinda feeling, sometimes you never forget.”

 

Upcoming SHOWS (more to come):

05/30/14 Fredericton, NB – Fredericton Rib Fest

06/27/14 Oromocto, NB – Pioneer Days – Headliner

06/28/14 Minto, NB – Minto Coal Mining Festival – Headliner

07/01/14 Cavendish, PEI – Cavendish Beach Music Festival

08/01/14 Durham Bridge, NB – Nashwaak Music Fest

08/02/14 Grand Lake, NS – Play on the Lake

08/10/14 Port Hawksbury, NS – Headliner

08/15/14 Toronto, ON – CNE

08/16/14 Toronto, ON – CNE

08/17/14 Toronto, ON – CNE

08/18/14 Toronto, ON – CNE

08/19/14 Toronto, ON – CNE

08/20/14 Toronto, ON – CNE

08/21/14 Toronto, ON – CNE

09/04 – 07/14 Edmonton, ON – Country Music Week

10/16 – 19/14 Fredericton, NB –  MNB Festival

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NEW SINGLE FROM THE ORCHARD!

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PRODUCED by:

Russell Broom (Jann Arden)

WRITTEN by: Mitch Smith Kasha Anne Russell Broom

From their NEW album ‘GEORGIA’ coming late Summer!

Upcoming SHOWS (more to come):
Sat, May 03/14 – Ryley, AB – The Roadhouse
Fri, May 23rd – Stony Plain, AB – Early Stage Saloon
Fri, May 30/14 – Calgary, AB – Century Casino
Fri, June 27/14 – St. Albert, AB – Apex Casino
Sat, June 28/14 – St. Albert, AB – Apex Casino
Tue, July 01/14 – Lloydminster, AB – Bud Miller Park (LLOYD FM Canada Day)
Fri, Aug 08/14 – Whitecourt, AB – Whitecourt Casino
Sat, Aug 09/14 – Whitecourt, AB – Whitecourt Casino

ABOUT THE ORCHARD

The-Orchard-edits-6 The Orchard hails from Edmonton, Alberta. A duo made up of Kasha Anne and Mitch Smith whose sound and songwriting can be defined as, smooth southern country with a rock edge.

The Association of Country Music in Alberta (ACMA) has recognized The Orchard by being nominated for 2011 and 2012’s “Group or Duo of the Year” and most recently received nominations for ACMA’s 2013 “Rising Star”, “Group or Duo of the Year” and “Song of the Year” for “All Roads Lead Home”.

The Orchard’s debut album, Southern Ground was released in August 2012 through Royalty Records and received rave reviews, including five singles that entered the top 100 on Trax country charts.

May 2014 marks the release of The Orchard’s new single “She Don’t Play Fair” off their upcoming album “Georgia” coming late summer.

 

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Hey Romeo, Tenille, The Orchard, Jason Greeley, Olivia Wik & Rob Smith all up for ACMA Awards!

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November 16th, 2013

Hey Romeo, Tenille, The Orchard, Olivia Wik and Rob Smith are all up for ACMA Awards.

We’re very thankful to all those who voted and support these artists and our label.

ACMA NOMINEES

Fans’ Choice
Tenille
Olivia Wik

Album of the Year
Light- Tenille

Group or Duo of the Year
Hey Romeo
The Orchard

Rising Star
The Orchard

Female Artist of the Year
Olivia Wik
Tenille
Male Artist of the Year
Jason Greeley
Industry Person of the Year
Rob Smith – Royalty Records

Song of the Year
All Roads Lead Home
The Orchard & Bart McKay

It’s A House
Hey Romeo & Byron Hill

The 3rd Annual ACMA Awards Show & Dinner will take place on Saturday January 25th, 2014 in the Marquis Ballroom of the Harvest Centre in Westerner Park, 4847A – 19 Street, Red Deer.

Awards will be given out for:

Talent Buyer of the Year
Industry Person of the Year
Hall of Fame Inductee
Female Artist of the Year
Male Artist of the Year
Group/Duo of the Year
Song of the Year
Single of the Year
Rising Star
Album of the Year
Fan’s Choice

Tickets on sale soon!   

Watch for further announcements coming soon!

 

ROYALTY’S HEY ROMEO & TENILLE RECEIVE 2013 CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS!

JULY 17TH, 2013

TORONTO, ON

 

CCMA 2013

 

Announced today in Toronto, ON the 2013 Canadian Country Music Association Award nominees. Amongst those nominees are Hey Romeo for “Group of the Year“, Video of the Year” for Maybe You Remember Me Now Directed by Stephano Barberis, “Album Design of the Year” by Mediavandals and photography by Ashley Champaign for Twist of Fate and all band members were also nominated.

Additionally, Tenile also received her 1st nomination in the category for “Interactive Artist of the Year“.

As well Royalty’s President Rob Smith, was honoured with “Record Company Person of the Year” and Royalty Music Publishing Inc. also received a nomination.

This years CCMA take place in Edmonton, Alberta and these awards will be given out throughout Country Music Week.

Royalty Records would like to thank everyone who voted and for the continuous support given to all of our artists. Thank you!

To find out more about the CCMA & see the full list of nominees, please visit www.ccma.org

 

ROYALTY RECORDS CONGRATULATES ED HARRIS ON HIS CCMA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION!

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July 3, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) announced today that Rita MacNeil and Ed Harris have been selected as the 2013 inductees into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame®.

“Both Ms. MacNeil and Mr. Harris have made huge imprints on country music in Canada and we are delighted to have them enter the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame,” said CCMA President, Don Green. “I would like to thank our Hall of Fame Electors Committee for recognizing these two outstanding industry leaders.”

Ed Harris, as the 2013 Builder inductee, will receive the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Stan Klees Builder Award this September in Edmonton. Mr. Harris, twice named the CCMA Record Industry Person of the Year, will be recognized for his ongoing 35-year career as an industry champion.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Mr. Harris is the president of High Note Marketing; which he founded in 1999. He began his career with Universal Music Canada in 1986 as a country music marketing manager, where he oversaw marketing campaigns for some of Nashville’s biggest stars.

Mr. Harris has continuously been an integral supporter of Canadian country music performers throughout his career.  Over his twelve-year tenure overseeing marketing initiatives at Royalty Records, he has worked with several prominent Canadian artists including Gord Bamford, Chris Cummings, Gil Grand, and Aaron Pritchett.

Additionally, Mr. Harris has served on the CCMA Board of Directors, as well as the Alberta Recording Industry Association, and is a key entertainment consultant for the Calgary Stampede.

“I’d like to thank the CCMA for selecting me to receive the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Stan Klees Builder Award. I am humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Mr. Harris. “Over the course of my career I’ve worked in many facets of the country music business and in doing so, have met many talented people who have become friends and associates. I thank them all for their support and look forward to seeing everyone during Country Music Week.”

The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at a private industry event held during Country Music Week, which takes place September 5-8 in Edmonton, Alberta.

 

MESSAGE FROM ROB SMITH, PRESIDENT OF ROYALTY RECORDS…..

I remember meeting Ed at my very first CCMA’s, it was 1993 I believe in Hamilton. He invited me up to his room late one night for a drink with a few others and treated me like we had been friends for years. From that point forward I always looked up to Ed as a mentor and friend.

When Royalty Records and Ed decided to start working together our relationship grew even stronger and while I took my hiatus from the record business, Ed was instrumental in the success of Royalty. I was fortunate enough to come back and take over Royalty several years later and for the last 6 or so years, Ed has taught me so much about this business, and been a great friend.

Ed’s influence and mentorship will always be a part of who I am in this business and I can’t thank him enough for what he has meant to Royalty and myself.

Thank you Ed and congratulations on your induction into the Hall of Fame!

Cheers my friend!

Rob Smith
Royalty Records Inc.
www.royaltyrecords.ca