Rounding off the year, Josh David finds himself sitting at the #16 spot for all genres, curated by Amazon’s Music. Coining Josh as one of their favourite up-and-coming Canadians of 2020.
Josh David debuted his 1st single Safe Place To Break earlier this year, in March and followed up with his 2nd Lonely Tonight this past October. Despite all the challenges this year, Josh has proven to be an artist with undeniable talent and a musician that people take refuge in his music.
2020 showed to be a solid start in this young talents budding career and there is no sign of Josh David slowing down. We thank Amazon Music for the massive support this year and look forward to what is in store for 2021
“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.
October 2, 2020 (Toronto, ON) – Through the chaos that has been unleashed in 2020, Kitchener native Josh David has been the calm in the storm for many Canadian country music fans. With the March release of his reassuring debut single “Safe Place to Break,” Josh turns up the emotion with the release of his sophomore track “Lonely Tonight,” available across streaming platforms today. Already picking up traction as the cover of Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country playlist, “Lonely Tonight” will be available at Canadian country radio on November 2.
Described by Josh as a song “about two people who find themselves in a whirlwind of emotions, going back and forth to a relationship that they know just isn’t meant to be, ” the new single affirms his incredible skill as a songwriter and storyteller, with poignant emotions in both his lyricism and his tone.
Quickly becoming known for his ability to elicit raw sentiment through his music, the weight of Josh David’s early 2020 debut was felt immediately, with out of the gate support across streaming platforms, including adds in Apple Music’s Country Lovin’, Canada’s Country, Hot Releases and Hot Tracks, Spotify’s Live Country, and debuting #2 on Amazon Music’s 2020 Artist To Watch, in addition to Amazon’s Faceout Feature on Introducing Country, and inclusion in their Breakthrough Country, Acoustic Chill, Fresh Country, and Brand New Music playlists. The release also saw several Canadian country radio adds – being played coast to coast, including on CBC/SiriusXM Country. The instant connection listeners felt with the track resulted in well over 130K streams – not an easy feat for a brand new artist.
Josh David has been performing in live music venues since a young age and has quickly carved out his place as a local favourite, performing regularly; totalling more than 100 shows a year. He’s taken the stage at The Kitchener Bluesfest seven years in row and has performed alongside the likes of JUNO award winning Steve Strongman, Rob Szabo, Shawn Kellerman, and members of The Western Swing Authority. Having opened for country music heavy hitters Aaron Pritchett, Meghan Patrick and The Reklaws, he has also worked with some of the biggest names in the recording industry, such as Jason Barry, David Kalmusky, Emma-Lee, Byron Hill and Jeff Johnson. Josh’s talents were realized early on when he found himself as a Top 8 World Finalist for the 2013 American Country Star competition.
Plume and The Road Hammers team up to bring you more of that classic Canadian sound we’ve come to expect from Mike.
Continuing the journey down the Lonesome Stretch of Highway. It’s A Long Long Way will be releasing to radio today, as well as being available to stream wherever you listen.
You can also catch Mike live streaming on Facebook from now until October 4th every sunday. The next Easy Like Sunday Morning show is September 13th at 11AM EST.
This is how Mike describes the new track
I wrote “It’s A Long Long Way” a couple years ago with Jason McCoy from the Road Hammers. I’ve always liked songs that have a timeless lyric. You know, something that could have been written a hundred years ago just as easily as this afternoon. If you look at the lyrics to the song, you’d swear it was an old gospel song and would probably have sounded cool if approached that way. But we chose to chase the slop bucket sound that makes my hair stand on end..
Members of beloved Edmonton, Alberta roots rock band The Orchard are announcing the departure of lead vocalist and founding member Kasha Anne after a decade of making music together. The trio, which also includes Mitch Smith and Andreas Wegner, would like to assure fans and the wider music industry that the split is amicable and will result in new musical endeavours from both camps.
The Orchard’s most recent release is the April 2020 single “Whatever Gets You High,” which followed their 2017 full-length album The Great Unknown. Over the course of its career, the band earned 18 Alberta Country Music Association Award nominations, and multiple Edmonton Music Awards and nomination, while touring coast-to-coast and working with several high profile producers in Nashville and Canada.
Kasha Anne states, “Today I am announcing my decision to part with the band. I want to say a heartfelt thanks to our families, fans, radio friends, and industry for the continued support through the years. It has been the driver of our musical journey together. As hard as it is to leave the band, I have nothing but inspiration and joy for what is to come next for me musically. I am excited for the future, and I also wish the band success as they transition to their next 10 years.”
In a joint statement, Mitch and Andreas say, “We are forever grateful for everything Kasha brought to the table. We’ve learned a lot from her and will always remember the good times on the road, in rehearsals, in songwriting sessions, and some of the best performances and biggest crowds we’ve played to in our lives. We are now looking ahead to the next chapter as The Orchard and are currently searching for a new vocalist.”
The Orchard has released music through Edmonton’s Royalty Records since 2012. Royalty’s President/CEO Rob Smith says, “As an Indie label it has always been my greatest pleasure to work with artists who are experiencing everything from recording, songwriting and performing for the first time. The Orchard are a prime example of that and it was a true joy to watch them grow and develop. As times change and things progress, I am excited for Kasha as she decides what is next, as well as for Mitch and Andreas with The Orchard. The sky is the limit for both.”
For further information about The Orchard, and all other media inquiries, please contact Jason@jasonschneidermedia.com.
Josh David debuted his striking release of “Safe Place To Break” on March 6th, 2020 and the weight of Josh David’s single has been felt immediately, with continuous support across streaming platforms including adds in Apple Music’s Country Lovin’, Canada’s Country, Hot Releases and Hot Tracks, Spotify’s Live Country, and Amazon Music’s 2020 Artists to Watch, Brand New Music, Fresh Country and Introducing Country.
This single was also released to country radio on April 14th, seeing support coast to coast and Josh appeared as a featured songwriter on The BlueJay Virtual Sessions – Round #8, along side Andrew Allen, Julia Vos & Kelsi Mayne.
EDMONTON, AB – Acclaimed Canadian singer/songwriter Mike Plume officially returns on May 22 with his latest album Lonesome Stretch Of Highway, which finds Plume reborn in many ways. Its nine tracks bear his distinctive stamp, but with an added crackling energy that’s a byproduct of hard-won experience. Recorded in his adopted hometown of Edmonton, the album marks Plume’s third collaboration with producer Marek David, and the first time they’ve worked together since 2001’s Fools For The Radio.
“I think with this record, patience has been the key,” Plume explains. “Some of these songs were kicking around for a long time, but they just weren’t ready. They just didn’t feel finished at the time I wrote them. Close, but not quite. I knew they had potential, so I just kept going back to them on a regular basis. I’m glad that I kept working on them, kneading them, massaging them, because that craftsman-like mentality has, I feel, helped this album to be among the best I’ve made.”
Having first arrived on the scene in the midst of the alt-country insurgency of the early 1990s, Mike Plume and his loyal band have logged countless miles around the globe, touring with the likes of Steve Earle, The Mavericks, John Hiatt and others, while befriending legends such as Levon Helm and Stompin’ Tom Connors. The lessons he’s learned along the way have left an indelible mark on Lonesome Stretch Of Highway, with songs such as “Younger Than We Are Today,” “I’m Your Huckleberry,” “It’s A Long Way” (featuring The Road Hammers), and “Perfume And Gasoline” destined to take a place among his best-loved tunes.
Plume has long been known for his richly detailed storytelling style and unyielding devotion to rock and roll’s original spirit. That’s all present on Lonesome Stretch Of Highway, powered by Plume’s earthy, uncompromising voice. That combination is proof that one of Canada’s most accomplished singer/songwriters remains at the top of his game and is ready to hit that highway again.
Mike Plume is available for interviews and on-air appearances.
TORONTO ON — Edmonton’s Kasha Anne, Mitch Smith and Andreas Wegener recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary as The Orchard. Over that time they have performed from Victoria to Toronto, while earning 18 ACMA Award nominations, as well as multiple Edmonton Music Award nominations along the way.
To mark the milestone, they are releasing a new single, “Whatever Gets You High,” a groove-driven blend of sweet and salty indie rock and country pop, produced by multiple CCMA award winning producer, Bart McKay.
McKay says, “It’s great to be working with The Orchard again. Mitch and Kasha are constantly pushing their musical boundaries and have a style that fits somewhere between Lee Ann Womack and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. The new material we are working on is fresh but vintage and may be some of their best work yet.”
The Orchard has been featured in several national media outlets, and included on Spotify editorial playlists in addition to campus and Canadian country radio airplay.
“Whatever Gets You High” offers a positive message to enjoy yourself in whatever form that takes, free from judgment. Its catchiness and sense of fun are two things The Orchard is keen to express through their music at this moment in time, and hopes everyone will follow the song’s advice.
Members of The Orchard are available for interviews. Please contact, Jason Schneider / jason@jasonschneidermedia.com / 226.500.4865
The photo is of the Breaking the Die ceremonies for the Commonwealth Games Album. In the photo are Brenda Rudiger – Royalty promotions manager, Barry Allen – one of the engineers on the album. Breaking the die are R. Harlan Smith and a representative of the Commonwealth Games
I first met Barry Allen in the summer of 1959. You see, Barry and the rest of the Wes Dakus and the Rebels crew, including a gentleman by the name of Robert Weldon Clarke, or just Bob Clarke to everyone who knew him, were coming to one of the best high profile concert facilities in western Canada, Temple Gardens in Moose Jaw, Sask. Of course, every young red-blooded Saskatchewan teenager including yours truly was headed for Moose Jaw. Wes and the Rebels were our idols. And so yours truly, along with as many as possible of my young ne’er do well friends of the day, packed ourselves into a car and arrived early at the Temple Gardens parking lot. How lucky could we be, our heroes The Rebels were pulling in at the same time. No mistaking the big old Rebels Cadillac, and no mistaking our hero of heroes, their lead vocalist, Barry Allen. As Barry rolled, uh stepped out of the car, me being me I decided I would stroll over and have a chat, well sort of a chat. Strangely enough, this was the start of a long-time friendship.
Later on, in the 1960s, after I had moved to Edmonton and was performing in the Oak Room dining lounge at the Midtowner Motor Inn, my hero Barry Allen was performing ten steps down the hall in the lounge. Of course, we chatted on a regular basis. So in the seventies when I began producing, and formed Royalty Records, and I knew Barry was the house engineer at Wes Dakus’ Sundown Recorders, it was obvious that he and I were going to be working together on many projects. A quick glance through Royalty’s archives, and I counted at least a dozen albums by a variety of artists including Laura Vinson, Russell Thornberry, Chris Nielsen, Jimmy Arthur Ordge, Glory-Anne Carriere, Larry Gustafson, Gary Fjellgaard and yours truly, who all benefitted from Barry’s expertise not only as an engineer but on many occasions he would lend his voice as a backup singer along with other Royalty artists such as Chris Nielsen, Larry Gustafson and so on.
A lot of the albums that Barry engineered were successful as not only Canadian releases spawning a never-ending line of nationally charting singles for the artists involved, but some ended up being released internationally, most notably throughout the U.K. and Europe, as well as several south of the border.
It takes a lot of people to make great records. Edmonton was blessed with an abundance, even back in those heady days of the 1970s – the musicians, the songwriters, the performers. But all of this needs to come together. It all has to be blended, and without an expert engineer, it doesn’t ever come out quite right. Not only was Barry an incredible artist/producer in his own right, but in my career as a producer, having worked with several internationally recognized engineers, no one I ever worked with was any better than Barry Allen. He is responsible for a lot of the success that I had as a producer.
I don’t have any words that I can begin to say to completely express my emotions at this time. Perhaps it is best summed up that, many times, right up until the last year or so, I would just drop by Homestead Recorders, walk in, and tap on the control room door. Barry would look up from the board, put that huge smile on his face, get up and open the door, and before we knew it, we would be laughing as we remembered our adventures during the times we worked together. To say that I miss him, and will always miss him, is an understatement. Thank you Barry, thank you from the bottom of my heart, my dear old friend. To Dianne and the boys, my sincere condolences.
At Royalty Records we work with so many amazing ladies everyday, from artists, to admin we owe the success of our label to the Wonderful Women of Royalty! We want to show our love and appreciation for them by sharing their stories. Without further ado meet just a few of the WWR crew!
Kasha of The Orchard
At Royalty we work get the honour of working with loads of talent, Kasha is not an exemption. Her dedication and the pride she takes in her work make us proud to partner with her to create amazing music. When asked about her experience as a woman in the industry Kasha from The Orchard had this to say;
“I am a lover of music and people! Every aspect of my life embodies music and creating communities. From teaching piano, voice, dance fitness, and being the lead vocalist for The Orchard! It’s been over 10 years of embracing the music industry and having the opportunity to do what I’m passionate about. I’m blessed. Being a woman in this industry is such a powerful thing. To have a voice, to create, to be an example, to share experiences and connect with other strong and inspiring women. I am inspired by the women I have an opportunity to work with! Growing up one woman who inspired me and continues to inspire me most is my own mother Karen. She always supported my decisions and interests (even the crazy ones)! She encouraged me to have my own voice and live my life free from constraints. Another woman who I also currently admire for her kindness and ability to bring people together is Tenille Townes. I believe the women who live life with love and courage are ultimately creating a better world! I want to be that champion for my own two daughters and spread that same love, acceptance, and encouragement that has been shown to me!”
Kasha
“Photo from being in studio with Bart McKay recording the upcoming single for The Orchard. Sharing this experience with my own daughters was amazing” – Kasha
Bronwin Parks of Feisty Creative
We are so lucky to get to work with an abundance of creative people. Bronwin is a shining example of the artistic talent that is required for the release of singles and albums outside of the music. We asked her what it’s like for her as a female in the industry and this is what she had to say;
“While being a woman in the music industry is not always easy, it helps to surround yourself with an awesome network of other strong women. Early in my career I was very fortunate to intern and network with some of the most amazing women in the industry like Shauna DeCartier, Helen Britton, Susan DeCartier and Sandy Pandya. 16 years later, I recognize their influence was pivotal in making me the Creative Director I am today. I continue to surround myself with women who inspire me and who are not afraid to call me on my bullshit. Most recently I have had the honour of working with the incomparable Sheila Hamilton who has never hesitated to offer guidance and/or tell me the hard truths. Kathryn Hummel and the Royalty Team have been huge supporters, cheerleaders and valued collaborators. My advice to everyone is to fill your inner circle with a diverse group of people who both support you and challenge you to be your best.”
Bronwin Parks
Kathryn Hummel of Hummel Entertainment & Royalty Records
Kathryn is a prime example of an important behind the scenes lady, and she really is a jack of all trades. She not only supports the artists but the label as a whole making her a valuable part of Royalty’s team. So we had to ask her for a statement on how it’s been for her to work in the industry as a woman. This is what she said;
“I’ve been in the music industry for 15+ years now and to say it wasn’t always easy is an understatement. I’ve definitely experienced challenges along the way. But the community of amazing women I’ve met over the years and continue to surround myself with, far surpasses my negative experiences. The need to rally and support one another has never been stronger. The want for inclusivity is slowly but surely being embraced and change is happening as we speak. It’s nice to finally feel like we’re in a time that we can support one another without competition or drama. The last couple of years I’ve strived to develop stronger relationships and create safe spaces where we can freely talk about our challenges and find solutions as confidantes. To all the women out there paving the way and holding out your hand to help others including myself, thank you immensely and may we all be open to learning from one another, set good examples for those coming up after us, may we celebrate kindness and may we make supporting one another a regular occurrence.”
Kathryn Hummel
Sandra of Blackie Jackett Jr.
Another awesome lady musician Sandra is an excellent example of a boss babe! Her talent is clear from the first time you hear her sing and her commitment to her craft is inspiring. We asked her to share her experiences as a women in the industry and this is what she said;
“I grew up a classically trained singer and was singing every chance I got! After college I was working in a pub and was singing Karaoke when I was approached by Rick and James from Finger Eleven to sing vocals on some country songs they wrote. After one night of recording, fueled by many bottles of Jack Daniels I was hooked. I loved the old country sound they created and I felt like I found a home for my voice. I think being the only female in the band has really helped me connect with my own feminine energy. It brings a great balance to the music and I feel really grateful to bring that side to the music. I feel powerful and appreciated and sometimes I can even drink the boys under the table. I think Dolly Parton is the ultimate female artist. She navigated her way through the industry, paving the way for many women to follow.”
Sandra Tipping
We also made a playlist that’s overflowing with the female talent Royalty has had the privilege to work with.
