Rogers Bayfest 2010

Hard rock icons Cinderella are back with the all original line-up of Tom Keifer (vocals, guitar), Eric Brittingham (bass), Jeff LaBar (guitar) and Fred Coury (drums). The band is gearing up for a Summer tour across the United States and Canada. This upcoming Summer tour marks the return of Cinderella after a four year hiatus from the road. The band will be tearing through a set spanning all four of their records including their biggest hits.

Cinderella was formed in Philadelphia in 1982 by singer- songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist Tom Keifer and bassist Eric Brittingham. Cinderella got their big break when Jon Bon Jovi saw them perform at the Empire Rock Club in Philadelphia and recommended that his A&R rep see them as well. In 1985, with a recording contract with Mercury/ Polygram Records, the band entered the studio with legendary producer Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin) to record their debut album "Night Songs". "Night Songs" was released in June 1986 and eventually achieved triple platinum status, selling 50,000 copies per week at one point.

Cinderella's second album "Long Cold Winter" was released in 1988. A 254-show tour to support it lasted over 14 months and included dates on the "Moscow Music Peace Festival" alongside other metal acts, such as Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, and Skid Row. The tour's stage show included Keifer being lowered to the stage while playing a white piano during their radio hit "Don't Know What You Got (till It's Gone)". Their third album, "Heartbreak Station", was released in 1990 followed by "Still Climbing" in 1994. The later two albums featured songs more influenced by Keifer's love of the blues. CINDERELLA has sold over 18 million albums to date worldwide.

"Everybody steps in shit one day. It doesn't matter how cool you are. I'm sure Elvis stepped in shit," says Bob J. Reid about the reality of life and its impact on Bobnoxious. As the brains behind this rebellious London, Ontario-based quartet, he knows his shit...especially that which he's stepped in.

By the same token, Reid and crew don't take any either. Renowned, revered and respected across the nation for their driven rock �n' roll and endless revelling, Reid, guitarist Jeff Bialkowski, bassist Stan Fountain and drummer David Wyles pull no punches musically or personally.

Delivering another 13-round beating this spring, Bobnoxious unleashes fourth full-length effort SuperScar via Wannabe Records/Fontana North Maple. Their most accomplished effort to date, SuperScar features another raucous collection of raging, celebratory anthems in keeping with the established, indelible Bobnoxious sound and style: bombastic and guttural while still contagiously hook-laden. Tunes run the gamut from the wily tongue-in-cheek "Valencrime" to the guttural, abrasive thrust of "Flinch" and sweetly infectious melodies of "No Holiday in Disney" and "Hush."

Of course these Rockaholics inherently douse it all in their brazen sense of humour and steely-eyed observations on humanity (stepping in shit as it were), evidenced on call-it-as-they-see-it "Stick It All (Up Your Everything)." Rounding out the festivities, is the band's �noxious take on punk icons The Forgotten Rebels' "Surfin' On Heroin" replete with guest vocals from the Rebels' own Mickey DeSadist. Proud of their diversity, the intrinsic Bobnoxious confidence shines through. There's no need to please anyone else. Reid is blunt about Bobnoxious' refusal to compromise with one solitary classification.

"We're that perfect fuckin' drink when ya really fuckin' needed one," he grins. "It's two-fisted, twisted rock �n' roll. We're not spawning some new genre here. There's no way. How many ways can you serve a turkey dinner? It's all been done before."

Still, even if Reid refuses to acknowledge Bobnoxious' impact on the current state of rock, the band's unmistakeable sound betrays him. Opener "13 Roarin' Engines" with its monstrous, rumbling motor sample foreshadows the power and captivating rock �n' roll to follow. There's no denying the ravenous prowess and memorable grittiness within. Heavy yet beguiling, Reid notes that SuperScar's subtle shifting between moods is inherent of his own personal outlook.

"You don't go around all day screaming. You don't go around all day whispering. The kind of music we write depends on the mood of that day; the mood of the moment when that song is created. You write for yourself," he declares affirms.

To that extent, Reid declares that much of SuperScar's greatest inspiration is the unavoidable reality: everyday life, or, as noted, stepping in shit. However, he explicates that in order to be fun those experiences have been turned into humorous, pun-filled relations for SuperScar.

"When you're pissed off, your reaction is spur of the moment. When you write a song, it takes a while. You get pissed off, it gives you the idea and you know where you want to go with it. But you can't stay pissed off forever. The anger should become a parody of itself. By the time you're writing it out, it's a whole new problem that day. You have to laugh or you have real problems. I think that's why people relate to our music. They understand what we're talking about because they've been there before. But I'm not trying to save things...I'm trying to save myself," he chuckles.

Overall though, Reid has little to ruminate on with SuperScar other than that Bobnoxious is duly proud of it. This record is for them, no one else. The fact that it appeals to beer drinkers and hell raisers across the nation is merely a bonus.

"Talking about music once, someone told me, �Make sure you're happy. Don't listen to someone else if you don't feel right with it. It's you who's gonna have to listen to the record 25 years from now. Always make it for yourself.' I apply that every time. People say, �You should do this...,' and I tell them to fuck off. That's not cockiness. That's confidence because how can you not feel confident when you're just being yourself?"

"I'm just trying to make sure this party doesn't stop," he concludes. "I'm having a blast. It's not fake. It's fun. This is what we do day-in, day-out. This isn't a bunch of Weekend Warrior shit. Every night is Friday night. SuperScar is a party record. What's the difference between this record and the last record? I changed my strings. If the party's good, why leave?"

Rockaholics heed your call to arms. SuperScar is the new soundtrack to your Friday night.

"GIRLS" VanScott vocalist/guitarist/namesake Jamie VanScott beams with a wry smile, discussing his reasons for forming one of modern rock's most melodic yet aggressive and thunderous outfits to date; reveals himself to be like so many other men throughout history from Adam's concession to Eve on down to modern day: susceptible to the all-powerful female.

Actually, I'd been bothered to play in bands for a long time because people appreciate my voice and I play piano,he notes. That was since I was a kid. But the truth is that it happened kind of simultaneously. I was singing at a party one night and a person liked it. They started asking me to be a part of their band. I was apprehensive but did join because I broke up with a girlfriend and in order to get her back, I wrote a song and sang it to her. When I finally got into the band, I fell in love with it.

Regardless of the cause, Jamie VanScott now boasts a lifelong dedication to music. Through that adoration of writing and performing, he's shared stages with the likes of Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Billy Talent, 30 Seconds To Mars, Alice In Chains' Jerry Cantrell, The Guess Who, Our Lady Peace, and many more of rock's most definitive sculptors. During that time, VanScott has also come to understand the true dominance and force of a great song as delivered by a great band with conviction.

Therefore it's no wonder that despite initially forging out as a solo artist, the Sarnia, Ontario native was uncomfortable working alone, preferring the unified vision and collective impact of a band. Working through a number of incarnations yet refusing to relent, he continued to hone the band over the course of the past year until finding like-minded individuals with equivalent talent and drive.

Bolstered by bassist Dean Abram, guitarist Jason Dyck and drummer Todd McIntyre, VanScott is that powerhouse; that unshakeable foundation delivering a supercharged blast of hard rock via debut six-song EP Thief Of Time (Reapit Records). Thick and aggressive yet sultry and lilting, from the album's debut single You Breakthrough to its title track, Thief Of Time is the perfect amalgam of VanScott's own songwriting prowess as filtered by the band's sincerity and incomparable ability.

I did start off on my own but now we're a band. We share a similar attitude, viewpoint and present a unified front,”VanScott declares. This band finally has the feel I've been looking for. Many of these songs were written before I had the band but I don't want to be a solo artist. I prefer the band vibe, so to me this is a band.

A consolidated mission, Thief Of Time features some of rock's most pivotal names. The likes of veteran producer Duane Baron (Ozzy Osbourne, Brian Adams, Buckcherry, Motley Crue), mixing genius Stu Young (Guns 'N' Roses, Prince, Sum 41) and Nick Blagona (Green Day, FooFighters) have all lent their abilities to Thief Of Time to ensure its true impact is undeniably perfect, resulting in an effort The Wall Street Journal has declared as a chart topper.

Despite the compelling catalog of talent behind Thief Of Time though, VanScott concedes that there is still one overriding aspect to the band, an element that permeates the recording's entirety: enjoying life.

To me, music is therapeutic. That's what this album is about. Playing music is the only place I get to spazz out and scream my lungs out and it's allowed. I can act like I'm insane. We're looking to inject some of that fun back in music because it is such a lost art today.We're not serious about ourselves; out there trying to make people think we're the ones that will change the world.

Which is not to say that VanScott and by default Thief Of Time is without levity. In fact, it is quite the opposite, the album featuring a number of hard-hitting tracks ranging from demonic personal experiences to opinions and observations on the weight of life. However, it is the band's uplifting twist that creates a cathartic, all-encompassing aura.

We are influenced by day-to-day life. I've seen a lot of drug addiction in my life, the loss of friends and other more positive elements. I believe people can do what they want in life. There's inspiration, hope and love in there amongst the uglier side of life: that addiction and despair.

At that, VanScott notes his personal mission to inject such a purgative essence back into music via raw emotion

delivered through inspiring, illustrious, enduring songs and an unforgettably passionate band has never been more attainable. With a gripping EP, some of the scene's best players and his own will to prevail, even those sultry women that initially snagged him are in for a sinister twist of fate.

I want our fans to get away from what's going on in their life. I want them to be inspired; feel that if I can do it, so can they. I want that positive spin out of it. We may point out the ugly things in life but there's the good too and we're gonna have fun while we do it. That's what people connect to. There are enough politics in the world and in music. People need to remember music can be fun as well and that's what we're here for.

Management/Booking: Jamie Letourneau

Instrumentation

• Jamie VanScott - Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
• Jason Dyck - Lead Electric Guitar
• Dean Abram - Bass Guitar
• Todd MacIntyre - Drums & Supporting Vocals

Discography

• VanScott's debut EP Thief of Time,
• Our first single "You Break" was released to radio by DMDS.
• Our second single "Fadin" was released to radio by DMDS. Jan/18/2010

Sam Roberts is used to being pegged with a different tag for each album. From the indie rock of "The Inhuman Condition," to the more complex rhythmic tones of "Love At The End Of The World," Roberts says he just tries to ignore the attempts people make to categorize the music he makes.

Regardless of the name one puts on it, Roberts continues to be one of Canada's most exciting rock acts, embraced throughout the country, with pockets of substantial support around the world. "Love At The End Of The World," is already shaping up to be Roberts' most successful album to date, entering at No. 1 in Canada, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

The walloping kick of drums and bass makes the music very immediate, and can be heard clearly on the first single, "Them Kids." The video for the single was nominated for two MuchMusic Video Awards, taking home one. The song's key hook -- the lyric "I just don't understand why the kids don't know how to dance to rock'n roll" -- has become a call to arms that proves the continued vitality of rock music. The pulsating beat is also key to the title track, with its slap-reverb guitar eventually giving way to stomping drums with a �50s rockabilly feel.

Even seemingly mellow tracks like "Oh Maria," start with quiet introspection, eventually evolving into a chorus that is highlighted with sharp drums, chunky guitars and celebratory harmonies. Along with band members Dave Nugent (lead guitar), Eric Fares (keyboard, guitar), James Hall (bass) and Josh Trager (drums) - Sam set out to create an album that had a deeper groove than anything they'd done before.

Aside from this heavier rhythmic foundation, Roberts sees the album as a natural successor to his earlier works, including his Universal Music debut, "We Were Born In Flame," and its much-lauded follow-up, "Chemical City." The albums all have the same organic approach to creating rock music, with strong melody being an important cornerstone of every song.

"In my mind [Love At The End Of The World] is a steady continuation of what I've done in the past," he says, "Only write music that comes from an honest place and put as much fire and grit into recording it as possible. Creating music for me is like needing water. It is built into who I am."

Though Roberts hails from Montreal, where he was born and made his first steps into the music industry in the mid-1990s, he isn't connected to the city in the way more recent indie bands have been linked by the press. That's fine, he says, and he's comfortable not being lumped in with any particular scene. He continues his musical journey on his own terms, satisfied and rewarded that people from across North America have embraced his vision and sound.

"Our journey started before most of the bands that people recognize as coming from Montreal," he explains. "Sometimes we walk parallel to them, but on a different horizon. I'm happy with being the lone wolf."

The self-titled debut from Toronto's Crash Karma - Edwin (ex-I Mother Earth), drummer Jeff Burrows (ex-The Tea Party), guitarist Mike Turner (ex-Our Lady Peace) - is the result of three musicians with multi-platinum pedigrees coming together with one equally skilled musician, Amir Epstein (ex-Zygote), in a curious "six-degrees of Amir" story.

The story begins when Amir, a prolific songwriter for the past 14 years, expressed to a friend a desire to co-write with Edwin. To his surprise, this friend had connections to Edwin and agreed to set up a meeting. On his way there, Amir decided on a bolder approach. "I thought it would be cool to start an actual band together, as Edwin is one of my favourite vocalists," Amir says.

Edwin, though skeptical, said he'd think about it. "I did know immediately that I liked Amir's positivity and energy," admits Edwin. Amir, knowing that he'd have to act fast in order to keep Edwin interested, suggested on the spur of the moment that Mike and Jeff should also be involved. Zygote had previously recorded in Turner's Pocket Studio, so a quick call was placed to Mike. He was intrigued by the idea, but also non-committal.

The final piece of the puzzle started to fall into place when Amir went to see Andy Curran, a Zygote album producer and currently at SRO Management (formerly management for The Tea Party). Amir suggested he was starting a new project with Mike and Ed and said Jeff was the perfect guy to complete the line-up. The rest, as they say, is history.

"It's funny that we all felt we were being asked as the last hold-out for the band," laughs Mike, looking back in hindsight.

The band finally came together in 2008 when Edwin was three albums into a successful solo career; Mike was running The Pocket Studio, as well as playing with the band Fair Ground; and Jeff, now an on-air host at CKUE The Rock in Windsor, Ontario, had the No. 1 midday show in his market, while still guesting on various drum sessions. Amir, the bass player and songwriter in the popular jam band, Zygote, had returned from law school in Australia and was working in criminal defense.

"A couple of months into the project, I realized that we really did have something here," says Edwin. "I could identify elements of all four of our previous bands but they were uniquely gelling to form a new sound. Whether it's a subtle suggestion from the old bands or an obvious one, it worked and the combination sounded really good together. I guess I started getting excited then."

Interestingly, while Edwin, Mike and Jeff were all contributing songwriters in IME, OLP and TTP respectively, in Zygote Amir was the primary one. And that's how this new band began. Amir, the one most excited and eager to make this work at the time, took some acoustic songs and ideas over to The Pocket. "They all brought what they do and contributed to these songs to make them that much better," Amir says.

"He's a super creative guy and a ton of fun to work with," Mike says of Amir.

Jeff, who would drive in from Windsor for intense working weekends with the band, would see these "shells of songs" turn into "monsters," he says. "The ideas I had when heading into the studio often changed so dramatically by the end of the day because guitars were being added, parts were being shifted, and choruses extended or shortened on the spot. I don't think any of us has worked like that before. It was out-there."

"As everybody brought their own two cents to it, it took a while for it to develop its identity," Mike says. "But every band goes through that. Usually, you get that from rehearsals and jamming, but we did it in the studio which was a little bit strange, but it worked great."

Self-produced by Mike at The Pocket, Crash Karma is an all-out rock record with songs that are heavy, intricate, big, intense and melodic with a sound that can only result from the combination of these four guys with their respective history, chemistry and musical prowess.

The first single "Awake" is a psychedelic, other-worldly percussive rock trip into a higher consciousness; "Fight" is an aggressive accusatory punch-up about reflection and perseverance; the mercurial "Next Life" hopes for a different outcome from the troubles of this life, while the acoustic ballad, "Lost" (featuring guitarist Ian Thornley), is sentimental and tender. The insistent rocker, "Man I Used To Be," is a reminder that the past only has value if you learn from it. Crash Karma made its live debut in May 2009, playing Jeff's annual 24-hour drum marathon charity event in Windsor. The set included songs from OLP and IME and gave the guys their first indication of how the band dynamic would work on stage.

"I didn't know what to expect," says Jeff. "Without any rehearsals or ever playing together, they joined me at the last half hour of the marathon and Ed was killin' it. He was singing with enormous intensity, like he had on the record, but hearing him do it live with confidence boosted my energy. I was delirious after drumming for 23 hours straight, but got a huge second wind playing with these guys for the first time. The chemistry just felt right."

Crash Karma has ended up with a fantastic album that will easily join the ranks of releases from their previous bands of which they are still proud. Crashing karmically indeed, the four have running jokes now and a camaraderie that came not just from their musical connection, but friendship.

"I enjoy hanging out with the guys," says Ed. "Our dynamic is really cool. There's no bullshit, no pretention and no ego - there's a great energy. It's not like work. I look forward to it. Most importantly, everyone is equal. There's no one guy above anybody else."

That's a democracy and that's Crash Karma.

Action Figures are a power-pop/rock band, based out of Sarnia, Ontario. Their debut album, Happy Busy Smiley Times, has already created a loud fuss in the indie rock realm of Southwestern Ontario. The band boasts an energetic live set, with songs crammed with memorable hooks, stuffed with plenty of guitar insaneness.

Born and raised in Minesing Ontario, McCoy took to the haunting sounds of Country Music at an early age, winning a talent contest at the age of 12 singing "If Drinkin Don't Kill Me Her Memory Will" by his hero George Jones. This led to the recording of his own demo's which caught the attention of MCA Canada execs, launching a meteoric rise to the top of the Country Charts, winning Song of the Year in 1998 for the classic 'Born Again in Dixieland", 2 CCMA Male artist of the year awards (2001/2004) 3 CCMA Song of the Year Awards, and a CMA Global Artist Award 2006. After 4 studio albums and one Greatest Hits Collection, McCoy created The Road Hammers, a concept band who embraced songs of the open road, and renegade culture. The band spawned 2 hit CMT documentaries, 1 Gold Album, CCMA Group of the Year 2 years in a row (05/06), and a Juno for Country Recording of the Year 2006. The band also garnered Jason the coveted CCMA Producer of the Year award 2006, solidifying his solid musical presence....and if the past is any indication of the future, this is only the beginning!

Acclaimed country music artist Aaron Lines hopes that after you listen to his new CD you'll feel like it's "Sunday Afternoon"... no matter what day of the week it really is. "I wrote the title track (Sunday Afternoon) of this new CD while watching my daughter play in the living room one day... I realized she had brought such a calm and appreciation to my life. A feeling similar to the one I get on a relaxing Sunday afternoon". I named the Cd after it because that's how I feel most of the time these days.

This kind of heartfelt song is what fans have come to expect from Lines over the years (13 top 10 singles to date) through songs like "Waitin' on the Wonderful" (the most played song on Canadian country radio 2005), "The Lights of my Hometown" (the most played song on Canadian country radio 2006), "Living Out Loud", "Love Changes Everything", "You Can't Hide Beautiful" (top 3 song in the U.S, #1 video in the U.S), "20 years late", "It Takes a Man", "Somebody's Son", "Moments That Matter"... and the list goes on.

Lines is also well-known by country fans for his up-tempo sing-alongs like "Cheaper to Keep Her" and "Turn it Up".. and this new collection of songs includes some of those as well. Edgy up-tempos such as "The Trouble With California" about a past long distance relationship and "You'd Still Love Me" fit perfectly with emotional ballads like "Unloving You" and "I Haven't Even Heard You Cry". Also the feel good tunes "Making Love In The Afternoon" and "Sand" add a sexy and fun element to the new project.

With all the songs written or co-written by Lines... "Sunday Afternoon" gives you an inside look at what life is like for this country music star. "I only write songs that really reflect what is going on in my life..and how I feel. So this new CD is a lot like a diary of the last 3 years for me. I feel blessed every day to be able to write songs and sing for a living..and I really hope that these songs resonate with country fans like some of my others have in the past. That's all any artist can ask for I think".

Scott Manery & The Barnburners have been described by Larry Delaney, of Country Music News, as "one of the freshest sounds to come along in Can-Country in some time."

The band, with Scott Manery (pronounced Man-air-e) on lead guitars and lead vocals, Dave Scarlett on bass guitar, Dave Miner on acoustic guitar and Gary Boudreau on drums formed in 2005 to record some songs Manery had written.

Those songs became the band's debut CD entitled "Tractorcaster" which was released in 2007. Tractorcaster is the nickname of Manery's custom made John Deere guitar.

The first single "Don't Tell Me About Heartache" is still in regular rotation in Southwestern Ontario and Michigan. The band is scheduled to record their second CD in the fall of 2010 with latest single entitled "Green Tractors" quickly becoming a fan favorite at live shows.

Since forming the band has been the opening act for Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith and Rascal Flatts at Sarnia Bayfest. The band has also had the pleasure of opening for Canada's legendary Good Brothers, Amanda Wilkinson as well as Jason Blaine.

Ever the showman Manery and the rest of 'burners' have performed their high energy show at any hot rod show, honky tonk or stage they could find from Northern Ontario to Indianapolis.

To hear the music, view pictures and watch some videos Click Here

We sing about truth, love and heartache, in a style so unique it grabs you from the strum of the first chord. The addition of lead guitar, Dobro, mandolin player and Fiddle player vocalist has served to magnify their unparalleled sound. With a mix of rootsy folk to acoustic punk bluegrass, it defies categorization - but if you have to give it a name - Alt rock is the closest. Their energetic live performances bring it all together. So come check out the newest sound to hit the area... Check out Crow Jane!

In just a few short years, Shane Yellowbird has gone from quietly pursuing a Fine Arts degree at college to one of country music's brightest country prospects. On a recent trip a flight attendant recognized Yellowbird from his music videos and announced to her fellow passengers a celebrity was onboard. Though uncomfortable with the attention, the shy Yellowbird obliged his fans with autographs. It's been like that since the release of his debut album in Canada, "Life is Calling My Name"... creating quite a stir! He's had a hot selling record, four consecutive Top 10 Canadian radio and videos hits, and a number of major awards and nominations, including the coveted CCMA award for "Rising Star of the Year," the "Best Country Recording" award at the Native American Music Awards (for North America), and the "Aboriginal Entertainer of the Year" award at the Aboriginal People's Choice Awards (for North America).

On November 20, 2009 Yellowbird will release his sophomore album, "It's About Time", and will make his first appearance on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The performance will also mark Yellowbird's entrance to the US market, with plans to release his music and videos in America in 2010. "I look forward to sharing my music with listeners south of the Canadian border," commented Yellowbird. "I have lots of fan's there and it's time I get out and see them." Growing up in Hobbema, Canada, Yellowbird, who is Cree, was a typical cowboy. His parents participated in the rodeo circuit and their son learned early on to rope and ride, fully embracing the cowboy lifestyle and accepting that it would one day be his future.

A strange twist of circumstances, however, put Yellowbird on the country music path. Born with a severe stuttering problem, he began seeing a speech therapist who suggested that he sing his sentences to help him speak clearly. The technique proved successful. So successful, in fact, that Yellowbird began entering and winning several singing contests. The life of this cowboy quickly turned away from roping and riding and moved toward that of another dream, being a successful country music artist. Yellowbird is proud of his country roots and still breaks horses and competes in calf-roping whenever he can. But given the exceptional fan response to his music, his future seems destined to deliver more outstanding country music on both sides of the border.

In a town where working the sawmills or coalmines is a lifelong reality, you're not supposed to have a music dream. Dean dreamed it anyway. You're not supposed to send unsolicited songs blindly to every record label on Music Row. Dean did it anyway... and got results. When he lost his Nashville song publishing contract in 2005 and returned home to work at the sawmill again, that should have been the end of his budding music career; but it wasn't. Then, just as he was beginning to tour radio stations to introduce his music, a freak accident nearly blinded him. He survived, resumed his interrupted tour, and found his heart tugging story song "Brothers" embraced by those radio stations. Few have come so far away from a show-business center as Dean Brody. He was raised in Jaffray, British Columbia, Canada, a small, mining, forestry and ranching town of 850 in the foothills of the Rockies; twenty-five minutes north of the Montana U.S. border. "I can tell you exactly how far that is from Nashville, because I've driven it," he says. "It is 2,300 miles. And that's a long, long way." Dean and some friends formed a rock band called Roadrunner when he was fourteen and then, inspired by a romance, he began to write country songs when he was sixteen. "I started working in the local sawmill when I was in the eleventh grade and after I graduated, I worked there full time. Every once in a while I would think, 'Would it be possible to move to Nashville? Could I really make it in country music?'

"But in my town, you didn't dream. It was like, 'You've got it good here. Why don't you just settle down?' So that went through my mind every time I would think about doing music. I can't move to another country, start all over and take my family.' Then finally we tried it, because they kept automating at the sawmill and cutting jobs." Inspired by Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Dwight Yoakam and the like, and ignoring the "hillbilly" taunts of his friends, Dean wrote and recorded country songs at a local studio. In 2003, he mailed twenty-five packages of his tunes to all the record companies in Nashville. "The funny thing is, it worked," says the still amazed performer. "That was my break! Three weeks later, I got a call from Cliff Audretch Sr., who was at Sony. He said, 'I like what I hear. I don't know what I can do for you, but you're welcome to come down and sing.' So I did."I sang a few tunes [for him in his office]. He said, 'I don't know if I'd chase the recording-artist thing. Write songs, because I know you can do that. As far as the artist thing, let it come to you. Don't force it. If you're meant to do it - it will happen.'" After a few more trips to Nashville, Dean found a publisher who was interested in signing him to a contract. In the meantime, the Brody's were so broke they were living out the winter with his wife's parents in a mountaintop cabin at Blue Lake Forestry Camp. But during that bleak time, Dean wrote "Brothers." In early 2004, he signed with a Nashville publishing company and the family moved to Music City, made friends, and got to know the entertainment community. Dean formed some strong relationships along Music Row that would later prove career saving, but no one recorded his songs. After two years, he lost his contract and work permit, and the Brody's went back to Canada. They moved back in with her folks, this time to their backyard garage apartment."I was back working part-time at the sawmill while [my wife] waitressed at Denny's during the day. It was hard, because I felt like I'd let a lot of people down. We also missed all our friends back in Nashville - friends we'd met through music and others outside the business." It turned out that they missed him, too. One particular friend was producer Matt Rovey, who works alongside star producer Keith Stegall as a recording engineer. Back in Nashville, Matt kept promoting Dean's music to anyone who would listen."The mines were hiring at the time," Dean recalls. "So we drove out to Elkford to look for a place to live. It's a good job, and I've got friends who do it. But I knew what it was like to do something I truly loved, and now that was gone. Anyhow, we found a place. The whole drive back, we were silent, because we both knew it was the end of the dream." The next day, Matt called and said, 'You're not going to believe this! Keith is over at Broken Bow Records now, and he wants to bring you onto the label.' As soon as the paperwork was done and I had my work permit and could cross the border, we were gone, back home with our friends again and with music again. And I realize without Matt working my corner while I was gone, I never would have made it back to Nashville, I've got a lot of respect for this guy."

In late 2006, Dean and his family moved back to Nashville. With Matt Rovey producing, he recorded his Dean Brody CD in 2007-08. While he was recording, he reports going through a spell of intense loneliness when Iris and his son Isaac went back to Canada for five months so that she could give birth to their daughter Molly.Lonely or not, the songs and performances on Dean Brody speak for themselves. "Brothers" tells the tale of loving siblings in wartime. "This Ain't the Same Town" is a hardcore honky tonker, while "Gravity" is a dreamy love ballad. Whether it's the cowboy saga "Cattleman's Gun," the nostalgic "Back in Style" or the gentle, lilting "Lazy Days," these are performances of uniform excellence. There is a delight at every turn on this collection - the "power waltz" "Up on the Moon," the driving rocker "Undone" and the jaunty, highly melodic "Dirt Roads Scholar." Rhonda Vincent drops by to sing harmony on the sunny and well-crafted "This Old Raft," and the studio band kicks tail on the "message bopper" "Old Joe Riley." "I believe my debut album says a lot about me as an artist. I wrote nine out of the eleven songs that I am really proud of," explains Dean. "Matt did an outstanding job as a producer and was able to bring these amazing players to the studio - these guys are as good as it gets. I'm very excited about this album and I'm hoping everyone else will be too!"

Marshall Dane is poised to become one of the next big Canadian country stars. Born in St. Catharine's, Ontario, he was raised the son of a preacher man and a God-fearing woman and fuelled by the influence of Sunday family jamborees and the musical impact of Cat Stevens and Kenny Rogers.

Performing since he was 15 years old, Marshall was already gaining fans with his own soulful blend of roots and rock music. Later he moved to Toronto and began making his mark as an accomplished singer/songwriter and as word caught on of his dynamic vocal abilities, Marshall started earning radio play and commercial work and built ongoing demand for over 300 shows annually.

In 2008, Marshall's relentless drive won him the acclaimed "Best Live Electric Band" at the Toronto Independent Music Awards. Less than a year later in June 2009, Marshall entered the Country 95.3 FM "Big Break" competition with the largest market country radio station in Canada. Among over 65 entries, Marshall emerged victorious and won the contest and the opening slot for Jason Blaine and Emerson Drive at the Canada Day Jam in Woodbine Park.

These recent affirmations confirm what many have known for several years that Marshall Dane is a world class talent who garners alot of attention with his unmistakable talent, unique sound and charismatic live performances.

Recently Marshall has been co-writing with Nashville's Music Row songwriters like Jason Matthews and Willie Mack as well as Canadian country superstar Paul Brandt in preparation for his highly anticipated debut country release due out in February 2010.

With the support of Country 95.3 FM already playing his single 'This Rain' and his rapidly growing fan base on CMT, he is sure to become one of our country's national treasures.

The Whiskey River Band is based out of Sarnia-Lambton, Ontario, Canada. Formed in the mid '90s when new country was on the rise, the band quickly gained popularity for their high energy shows and crowd pleasing antics.

The members come from rock 'n roll and country backgrounds, this mix is evident in their original material and choice of covers for stage. An entertainment reviewer once wrote about a festival show ...." the band hit the stage at 100 miles per hour and didn't slow down "

Whiskey River's first CD, " Whiskey Business " was released in 1998. The first two singles, " If you cry I'll go " and " My baby s gone fishin' " were immensely popular. Both got great air play in Ontario and Michigan and garnered the band an appearance on Global TV in Canada.

The bands new CD is due out his fall. Working with a Canadian based writing team recording in Nashville, the new material reflects where the band is now and is sure to please existing fans and turn on many new ones.

Whiskey River has headlined more shows than they can count, but have also enjoyed opening up for some great acts. Keeping their sound "edgy" and in the cross-over vein, has got the band gigs with; George Fox, Terri Clarke, Randy Bachman, Prairie Oyster, Kim Mitchell, Trooper and many others.

Down With Webster is a 7-member, genre-bending, musical juggernaut, drawing on disparate influences to create a wholly original musical feast. DWW has been described as a modern-day Sly & The Family Stone meets early Beastie Boys.

DWW's chaotic live shows are the stuff of legend, selling 1000+ tickets as headliners in their hometown of Toronto as an indie band, before ever releasing a single or video, and 2000+ in their most recent performance at Sound Academy.

DWW's charismatic, singular stage presence and stellar musicianship results from the hundreds of live shows performed since forming 10 years ago in junior high. DWW have played with everyone from The Roots to a month-long run on Warped Tour and slot on Virgin Festival in 2009.

DWW's 2010 began with a January headlining national Canadian tour sponsored by Rogers/MuchMusic and promoted by LiveNation. February brought performances as direct support for Timbaland in major U.S. markets including Chicago, Dallas and Houston, a performance at the opening of Ontario House at the Vancouver Olympics and, while in Mexico hosting MuchMusic's forthcoming Spring Break program, a performance in Cancun with Lil Jon for 8000 people.

DWW write, produce and perform their music, garnering attention from industry veterans as varied as Timbaland and KISS front man Gene Simmons, both of whom wanted to sign the band to their respective labels.

DWW / In Their Own Words:
"As long as any of us can remember, all we wanted to do was make music. While we came from different backgrounds, found inspiration from different influences, and developed different styles, we were united by our love of music. It"s the reason we saved all of our money to buy albums, memorized every word, learned each chord, bass line and beat. Our love of music is the reason we spent all of our time together writing, playing and producing in a garage. It"s the reason we sleep in the studio and live on stage. Down With Webster officially formed for a junior high talent show (we won). Since then, we have played more concerts than we can count (hundreds and hundreds). Every show is a party and we dare the audience to have more fun than us. Usually it's a tie." - DWW

DOWN WITH WEBSTER is Bucky on vocals, Pat on vocals and guitars, Tyler on bass and keys, Marty on drums, Cam on vocals, Kap as Hype Man, and Diggy the DJ.

Check out "Rich Girl$" by DWW

Wild Domestic is a band that you must see live in order to fully understand what it is they do. Originally from Sarnia, Ontario, this seven-piece ensemble specializes in an array of uncanny musical techniques. From instrumentally-laden songs, to the heavily lyrical, Wild Domestic dabbles in a variety of musical genres. Now located in London, Ontario, the band has finished the first stages of recording their debut EP, and has been touring sporadically across Ontario showcasing these tracks.

Wild Domestic has been recording at Green Room Productions Studio in London, Ontario. Recording six tracks live off-the-floor, they are now focusing their attention towards additional instrument and vocal tracks mastered in their own studio also in London, Ontario. The EP will be released late Summer 2010, preceded by a Canadian tour.

Wild Domestic will be a headlining act at Sarnia Rogers Ribfest, held in Centennial Park July 24th, 2010.

Hello Bella's diverse blend of scintillating pop and anthemic rock has made the group popular all over South Western Ontario. With stuning powerhouse vocals and grooving melodies, Hello Bella is becoming a very popular name among the Canadian music scene.

Hello Bella has added quite a few accomplishments to their resume. Along with their small town tour of Ontario, they've had the privilege of playing many prestigious shows including London's Ribfest, Sarnia's Ribfest, Waterloo Canada Day Festival, Adrenaline Fest, London's Annual Kid's Expo, Indie Week in Toronto, The International Food and Wine Festival and Sarnia's Great Big Jam. Since being awarded a Factor Grant for the production of their first release, That Girl EP, Hello Bella has come a long way. They've had two singles, That Girl and Paradise, spun on Blackburn radio and most recently have been writing new material for their upcoming album in which they will be recording with Sarnia Producer, Adam Miner.

Following album completion, the group has plans for a full Canadian tour and is adding a full slate of festivals to their summer agenda in support of their new a the end of the hello bella is: album, which is set to be released June of this year.

Art of Fresh is on a mission to bring butterfat boom-bap to the funk nation!

Rapper D.O. (Defy the Odds) and Slakah the Beatchild make up Art of Fresh, who are doing their part to bring funky hip-hop for the soul to the masses! Formed in 2003, D.O and Slakah the Beatchild both bring their own distinct style and energy to the group. Both artists bring their vocal talents to the group, while Slakah the Beatchild also focuses on providing the beats and production elements. The group's first single "Get Free" quickly became a summer anthem for the club scene in 2007. The song was a hit with DJ's internationally, receiving light rotation on Much Music and Vibe TV, as well as being highly viewed on Youtube.

While the group now resides in Toronto, Ontario, they met in the small city of Sarnia, Ontario, initially working together in 2001 when D.O. was a guest featured on Slakah the Beatchild's debut album "Too Late Now". Although D.O. and Slakah the Beatchild both attended the same high school it wasn't at the same time, and it wasn't until University that D.O. heard about the young "beat-making" talent. The age gap between the two is partly responsible for the groups' unique sound. While D.O. grew up in the 80's - a time known as the Golden era of Hip-Hop, Slakah the Beatchild grew up in the 90's listening to neo-soul influenced Hip-Hop. Putting the two together has created a distinct sound that can only be described as Tribe meets Outkast, Rakim meets Raphael Sadiq. In addition to working as a group, Slakah the Beatchild and D.O. are also successful solo artists.

Already an accomplished emcee, D.O. was declared the "True Freestyle King" by XXL Magazine after he set the Guinness Freestyle Record for rapping over 8 hours and 45 minutes! In 2007, he released his debut album "The Northstarr" featuring the hits "Young Brother" and "Defy the Odds."

Known for the hits "Funky Music" and "Enjoy Yourself," Slakah the Beatchild is looking forward to releasing his debut album "Soul Movement" (Universal and BBE) in 2009. An accomplished producer, he has helped create hits for Divine Brown, Melanie Durrant, Arabesque and Drake amongst others.

With buzz growing over Art of Fresh, the group released their debut album "Back to the Earth" on Nova Music Group / Universal on September 2, 2008. The first single "Out This World" is full of catchy beats with a laidback yet playful vibe.