Alex Hughes merges pop’s catchiness with country’s soul, creating a unique sound that stands out in the pop-country genre. From Calgary, AB, she brings a modern twist to the classic influences of Linda Ronstadt and Patsy Cline, blending it with the contemporary stylings of Carly Pearce and Carrie Underwood. Her latest single, “Until This Fire Dies,” produced by Dan Swinimer, is a testament to her ability to combine profound country roots with a modern edge. The track not only landed her on the cover of Apple Music Canada’s “Canada’s Country” playlist but also showcased her live on Global Calgary.

Raised in a culturally rich household, Alex’s music reflects a blend of influences—from Bollywood to Hawaiian melodies, to hip-hop and R&B—making her sound diverse and universally appealing. She has opened for artists like Aaron Pritchett and Kenny G, and performed at iconic venues including The House of Blues and Nashville North at The Calgary Stampede.

Brandon Lorenzo, a high-energy country music artist from Airdrie, Alberta, has quickly become an international sensation for his exceptional vocal talent. In 2023, Lorenzo’s prowess was recognized with awards for Male Vocalist and Male Entertainer of the Year at the North American Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, followed by another Male Vocalist of the Year win at The Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Lorenzo has captivated audiences across over 200 shows in the Prairies and the US, performing both beloved covers and his own award-winning songs. His performances alongside stars like Brett Kissel and Gord Bamford, and at major venues like The Troubadour and Big Valley Jamboree, have solidified his place in the country music scene.

Juno and multi-CCMA award-winning band Doc Walker is back with its first new music since 2017. The single “She Wants What She Wants” will be released just ahead of the announcement of Doc Walker’s upcoming cross-Canada tour.

“She Wants What She Wants” finds Doc Walker’s creative team, singer/guitarists Chris Thorsteinson and Dave Wasyliw in top form on the song, displaying their trademark harmony, a heart-swelling chorus, and a modern spin on traditional instrumentation. The song also features OG member Murray Pulver on low harmonies helping to create that vocal chemistry so loved by Doc Walker fans.

Since forming in the town of Westbourne, Manitoba in the early 1990s, Doc Walker has earned 21 Top 10 Canadian country radio singles, eight #1 CMT videos and millions of streams along with 12 CCMA Awards (42 Nominations) and a Juno (7 Nominations total). The band has also performed in every province and territory in Canada, and shared stages with everyone from Bon Jovi to Eric Church. This year Doc Walker is further celebrating the 20th anniversary of 2001’s Curve, its breakthrough album that spawned the signature hits “She Hasn’t Always Been This Way” and “Rocket Girl.”

In summing up that milestone, and what’s in store for Doc Walker’s immediate future, Chris says, “The plan has always been to create music that we are proud of
and to spend as much time as we can out on the road playing for the fans.” Dave adds, “If there is any silver lining to what’s happened over the past two years, it’s that it’s served as a reminder of just how much we love making and playing music.”

The Buckthorns: a band name plucked from the berries of the Sea Buckthorn, a shrub that’s native to Alberta. Consisting of local Cochranites Justine Vandergrift, Alex Ward, and Noel Johnson, three successful independent musicians who join forces with an incredible band to bring high energy roots/country harmonies that are sure to get you singing along and stomping your boots. Saddle up for the guitar slinging, country singing serenades of The Buckthorns!

As a class, cowboys are known as foulmouthed, irreverent, drunken creatures. Someone didn’t give Jaryn Friesen that memo. Friesen, born and raised in Steinbach, MB, is only 28 but his music packs the richness of a writer decades his senior.

Friesen’s sound is raw and honest, which makes the tunes feel like talking with a friend over a tall boy. His grovel-y voice with just the right amount of drawl sings of yearning for some place, some time elsewhere and hits familiar tones and themes which make it feel like coming home. It’s country music with small town angst.

Inspiration from storytelling troubadours like Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Gus Clark and American Aquarium help to create periods of reflection, both of oneself and the world around them. Whether it be childhood, heartbreak, or mental health and addiction, Friesen’s lyrics are deep and contemplative. In any event, Friesen gets what it means to be the man who knows how to talk about his feelings.

Coming off a busy 2023 that saw him travel over 30,000KM touring and performing at historical venues and festivals like WayneStock in Wayne, AB, The Heatly in Vancouver, BC, Rodeo Austin in Austin, TX and so much more, he was also nominated for several awards and saw past singles catapult across Canadian radio. Jaryn is only getting started.

Jeff Catto, the dynamic artist from Calgary, Alberta, marks his return with the EP “Neon Cathedrals,” blending pop/rock country with Gospel roots. Influenced by Dierks Bentley, Niko Moon, and Needtobreathe, Catto won two GMA awards in 2022 for Country Artist and Song of the Year at the Canadian Covenant Awards.

His latest singles, “Round Of Life,” “Want You Even More,” and “Friend,” have achieved significant success, playing on Sirius XM and over 500 stations worldwide. Transitioning from gospel to country, Catto aims to inspire with music that uplifts and motivates people toward family, life, love, and dreams.

“Round of Life,” his country debut in January 2021, reflects on family life, gaining widespread radio play and over 120k digital streams. Catto has opened for notable artists like Aaron Pritchett and Gord Bamford and co-wrote Pritchett’s single “Summertime.”

With 18 years of songwriting experience, Catto has 15 charting singles on Christian radio and three CGMA nominations, showcasing his evolving journey in music.

Michela Sheedy, a Calgary-based country artist, combines raw honesty with an electrifying presence, likened to a blend of Chris Stapleton and Miley Cyrus. Known for her distinctively gritty voice, Sheedy is shaking up country music with her dedication to a new era of “three chords and the truth.”

Highlighted by Tamara Beatty, a seasoned voice coach from NBC’s The Voice, as a powerhouse of unbridled energy and soulful punch, Sheedy debuted on the country scene with “I Make Bad Look Good” in 2018. Following up with “Lost” in 2020, she’s quickly grown a loyal following and made a significant mark with her music.

Sheedy’s dynamic performances have captivated audiences across North America, from Country Thunder festivals to the iconic Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Her career is on a rapid ascent, earning four nominations for Country Music Alberta’s Horizon Female Artist of the Year and standout placements in Alberta’s Project WILD program.

Sharing stages with legends like Keith Urban, and supporting acts like Dallas Smith, her live shows are known for their fierce energy and captivating presence. Travis Switzer, a CCMA Award-winning bassist, praises her rare blend of passion, talent, and personality.

There is an authenticity and truthfulness to the music of Drew Gregory that is undeniable. The songs of this award-winning Alberta country music sensation are infused with a down home realism, a gritty honesty and vibrant sense of rootedness that comes from years spent working the land as a farmer – an aspect of his life that is deeply connected to his talent as a musician, singer and songwriter.

Gregory the singer is also Gregory the farmer – two sides of the same engaging, unpretentious and amiable coin, solidly rooted in the landscape and soil of his rural homestead. The music on his forthcoming EP Good Place to Start is as approachable as he is, something that also translates on stage as he forms an instant rapport with any audience for whom he performs.

Kalsey Kulyk combines rich vocals and profound lyrics, marking her distinct presence in country music. Growing up in Hudson Bay, SK, she started singing and playing guitar early, winning her first songwriting competition at 13. Her battle with cancer in high school didn’t just provide songwriting inspiration but also reinforced her commitment to a music career. Her debut album in 2019, celebrated for its songwriting and classic country vibes, debuted at #2 in Canada on iTunes/Apple Music and garnered over 3 million streams. Notably, Kulyk won the CCMA Discovery Award and a label development deal in 2017, leading to her successful release. Residing in Nashville, she collaborated with top writers, contributing to a substantial catalog of songs. Signed with Sakamoto Agency, she has performed across Canada and embarked on the “Love on the Road Tour” with husband Eric Ethridge. After becoming a mom in 2021, she quickly returned to performing, and recently, she’s been involved with Canada’s Got Talent, set to appear in the next season.

On the heels of his first headline tour, “It’s the Ride,” Canadian country artist Aaron Goodvin is excited to be releasing new music. “Country Dance” is set to release globally on July 7 and is the latest, absolutely addictive song from the same team Aaron wrote with on “Lonely Drum;” the double-platinum, award-winning global juggernaut that spawned its own line dance and was featured on the nationally syndicated Bobby Bones show.

“Stepping out on stage to those sold-out crowds re-ignites you,” Aaron says. “And their enthusiastic response to the song whose lyrics inspired the tour name, ‘The Longer I Live’, told me that they’re ready for new music!” So, Aaron is back in the studio co-producing with talented names like Matt McClure and Skip Black, preparing a new batch of songs in Aaron’s signature style; the perfect blend of modern country, ’90s sounds, gritty, soulful vocals, and a knack for songwriting.

The Alberta-born, Nashville-based artist has enjoyed a storied career that includes three critically acclaimed albums, two number one singles, six top 10s, a 2018 CCMA Songwriter of the Year Award, a 2020 JUNO Award nomination for Country Album of the Year, and a tour with Rascal Flatts. He was most recently nominated for two 2022 CCMA Awards – Interactive Artist of the Year and Single of The Year for his second #1 Canadian single, “Boy Like Me,” bringing his career total to eleven nominations.

In addition to being an electrifying live performer, Goodvin is an incomparable singer/songwriter whose music resonates with fans worldwide. His sincere songwriting and gritty soulful voice engage fans who relate to the themes of love, relationships, and life experiences, and his humorous side inspires his fans to escape the complications of those experiences and just have fun!

One of Alberta’s most exciting and entertaining Country Rock Bands” is a phrase that best describes Backroad Traveler Band!

Playing music people love, the band’s passion for high energy shows and tight delivery has won them fans and repeat shows across Western Canada.  From headlining rodeos and corporate events, to festivals, bars & saloons, audiences love to dance and sing along!