WINNERS OF THE
11TH ANNUAL
CMAOntario Awards 2023 announced inside the Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, all hosted by Jason McCoy & Shannon Ella and featured The Western Swing Authority house band with stellar performances from Robyn Ottolini, JASON BLAINE, Nate Haller, Elyse Saunders, Graham Scott Fleming, Karli June, Andrew Hyatt, Sacha, Genevieve Fisher.
Other highlights included featured the Impact Award given to the legendary Family Brown featuring a musical tribute from Jason McCoy & Nicole Rayy, PLUS, AN OUTSTANDING TRIBUTE to Gordon Lightfoot from The Good Brothers.
WINNERS ARE:
SINGLE OF THE YEAR – sponsored by Pure Country 93
“First Taste Of Gone” – Josh Ross
“Say It” – Robyn Ottolini * WINNER
“She Don’t Know” – Jade Eagleson
“We Did” – Sacha
“What Was I Drinking” – Tebey
ALBUM OF THE YEAR – sponsored by Country 106.7
Diamonds in the Desert – Jason Blaine
Party in the Back – Nate Haller * WINNER
Talk to Time – Tim Hicks
Where You Come From – Karli June
SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR – sponsored by SOCAN
Deric Ruttan, Tim Hicks, Monty Criswell – Whiskey Does (recorded by Tim Hicks)
Josh Ross, Grady Block, Mason Thornley – On a Different Night (recorded by Josh Ross)
Karli June, Karen Kosowski, Tori Tullier – Makes You Pretty (recorded by Karli June)
Robyn Ottolini, Nate Miles, Emily Falvey – Say It (recorded by Robyn Ottolini)
Steven Lee Olsen, Brandon Day-Nashville or Nothing (recorded by Steven Lee Olsen) WINNER
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR – sponsored by VEC Entertainment Group
Elyse Saunders
Genevieve Fisher
Nicole Rayy
Robyn Ottolini * WINNER
Sacha
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR – sponsored by IBEW Local 353
Andrew Hyatt
Josh Ross
Nate Haller
Tebey
Tim Hicks * WINNER
GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR – sponsored by Country 103
James Barker Band
River Town Saints
Rosewood Ave.
The Reklaws * WINNER
The Western Swing Authority
ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Callie McCullough
Julian Taylor
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer * WINNER
The Abrams
The Western Swing Authority
FRANCOPHONE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Gabrielle Goulet
Kristine St. Pierre
Les Rats d’Swompe
Reney Ray * WINNER
Vincent Bishop
RISING STAR – sponsored by Slaight Music
Amanda Jordan
Graham Scott Fleming
Josh Ross * WINNER
Karli June
Owen Riegling
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR – sponsored by Jim Dunlop Productions
“Busy” – Robyn Ottolini
“Country Like You” – Ryan Langdon
“Genes” – Elyse Saunders * WINNER
“Sink With The Sun” – Tebey
“Somedays” – Graham Scott Fleming
FANS’ CHOICE – sponsored by Tourism Hamilton
Jade Eagleson * WINNER
James Barker Band
Josh Ross
Meghan Patrick
Nate Haller
Robyn Ottolini
Steven Lee Olsen
Tebey
The Reklaws
Tim Hicks
RECORD PRODUCER(S) OF THE YEAR
Jeff Dalziel – New Moon Junction
Karen Kosowski – Karli June * WINNER
Mark Schroor & Erik Fintelman – Robyn Ottolini
Tebey and Danick Dupelle – Tebey
The Agenda – Graham Scott Fleming
MUSIC INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR – sponsored by Manrkē
Aj Astle, Roadhouse Productions
Dave Woods, In The Country * WINNER
Jill Snell, Jayward Artist Group
Samantha Pickard, Strut Entertainment
Steve Coady, Warner Music Canada
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET) – sponsored by Fielding Estate Winery
Country 104, London
Country 106.7, Kitchener
KX-947, Hamilton * WINNER
KX96, Oshawa
Pure Country 94, Ottawa
RADIO STATION OF YEAR (MEDIUM MARKET) – sponsored Lucknow’s Music in the Fields
COOL 100.1, Belleville
Country 92.9, Chatham
Country 93.5, Kingston
Hot Country 93.9, Brantford
Pure Country 105, Peterborough * WINNER
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (SMALL MARKET)
100.1 FM The Ranch, Listowel * WINNER
Country 103, Manitoulin
Country 89, Welland
Country 93, Owen Sound
Pure Country 106, Orillia
COMPASS AWARD – sponsored by Luminate
The Reklaws
HOLLY & STEVE KASSAY GENEROUS SPIRIT AWARD
Kayla Wilging
IMPACT AWARD
Family Brown
The original organization was formed under the name of the Ontario Country Music Association in May of 2007, by Rob MacArthur, founding patron Linda Wright and a number of interested and enthusiastic individuals who thought it was time to have a voice for country music in Ontario: the “talent” including songwriters, musicians, bands; and the “industry” including radio, management, publishers, booking agents and record companies.
They identified a strong need for educational workshops and resources to strengthen each area of this growing industry.
One of OCMA’s first orders of business was to set up a website for communications, news feeds, and other forms of communication with members as well as the general public. One of the key features of the original website was an internet radio station featuring members’ music, although it has since been discontinued.
The first board of directors was established in October 2008. Barry Haugen was President, Anya Wilson was Vice President, and Drew Allen was Secretary-Treasurer. The other directors were Terry Fernihough, Bruce Good, Bill Hart, Peter Linseman, Rob MacArthur, Heather Ostertag, and Bob Wilson.
Shortly thereafter, it was decided to adopt a new name – “Country Music Association of Ontario” or the “CMAOntario” – to avoid confusion with a defunct organization operating under the old name. The Country Music Association of Ontario was incorporated without share capital under the Corporations Act (Ontario) on March 25, 2010.
The CMAOntario attracted membership through showcases or Open Stages as they were known. The first showcase was in Oshawa and the second was at the Gibson Guitar Center in Toronto in 2008. Since then it has expanded to incorporate seminars and “Demoramas” at which both members and non-members critique members’ music.
The CMAOntario continues to grow its membership and to assist in the career development and education of as many of its writers, performers, musicians, and music industry people as possible. In May 2014, CMAOntario held its second annual Awards Show; and in November 2014, it will host its first two-day educational seminar “The Road to Independence” which will also offer showcasing opportunities.
Founding Sponsors
In order to garner support for the organization in its early days, a Founding Sponsors Program was launched. The initiative was limited to 10 companies who would be recognized in perpetuity as the Founding Sponsors of the CMAOntario. It's with tremendous gratitude that we thank each of them.
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS 
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SILVER SPONSORS
The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is an Ontario-based, province-wide, not-for-profit organization. The objective of the CMAOntario, through the leadership and experience of our Board of Directors, is to celebrate, foster and support the growth and development of Ontario’s country music community and all those associated with the Ontario country music infrastructure – provincially, nationally, and internationally.
“MAKING ONTARIO COUNTRY MUSIC MATTER”
The CMAOntario represents the interests of recording artists and independent, owner-operated music businesses in Ontario. The Association was incorporated without share capital under the Corporations Act (Ontario) on March 25, 2010, and prior to being incorporated, the CMAOntario operated as an unincorporated not-for-profit entity formed in 2008.
ASSOCIATION MANDATE
The CMAOntario works continually with passion and dedication to develop opportunities and initiatives to expand the infrastructure necessary to help Ontario country music artists and small and medium-sized enterprises compete in today’s ever-changing competitive marketplace.
Through its programs, CMAOntario:
• educates and encourages creativity;
• celebrates the unique achievements and contributions of the Ontario industry;
• provides its members with a hub for information and resources;
• facilitates connections and communications among members and between them
and industry leaders and stakeholders
Although initiatives are targeted toward the CMAOntario membership, they are also designed to advance the entire country's music industry province-wide.
The ongoing successful careers of artists like The Reklaws, Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, River Town Saints, Jason Blaine, Jason McCoy, Cold Creek County, Genevieve Fisher, Jessica Mitchell, and Meghan Patrick are just a few examples of how the CMAOntario’s dedicated undertakings have translated into positive results.
By investing in the potential of artists that continue performing today, the CMAOntario is laying a solid foundation to build sustainable careers for tomorrow. With a position of respecting tradition and recognizing past artistic successes, it is preserving, conserving, and enriching the heritage and legacy that continues to shape Ontario’s country music identity and resiliency.
OBJECTIVES
Through the leadership and experience of the Board of Directors, the Association aims to:
• Foster and support the growth and development of Ontario’s country music and industry
• Develop opportunities for Ontario artists, creators, and all those associated with the
Ontario country music industry
• Provide its constituency with the necessary tools to build their music careers and businesses and to promote Canadian music interests throughout the world
• Boost the economic activity of members by providing them with opportunities to showcase before new audiences and industry leaders
• Provide access to industry leaders, key buyers, and timely information on developing trends and technologies in a domestic forum that benefits the greater industry’s interests
• Aid in making business-to-business introductions
• Produce timely comprehensive development sessions that feature industry leaders
• Promote Ontario artists/creators and musical content to other markets through partnering with and attendance at other industry events provincially and nationally
• Provide a platform for members to promote their latest projects and performances through the CMAOntario newsletter, website, and social media channels
• Recognize and celebrate the achievements of Ontario artists and content creators through the annual CMAOntario Awards, thus strengthening their ability to maintain a sustainable career
• Encourage cultural diversity, and gender equality and ensure
inclusivity in all opportunities and initiatives
CMAOntario DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION STATEMENT
The CMAOntario is committed to creating a culturally sensitive environment for our stakeholders that is diverse, inclusive, and promotes positivity. As an artist-driven association, our goal is to treat all members, contractors, consultants, and suppliers fairly and equally, regardless of their Age, Disability, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Ethnicity, Religion/Belief, Gender Reassignment, Marriage or Civil Partnership, and Pregnancy/Maternity. Advancing gender equity, diversity, and inclusion benefits both the Association and its stakeholders and by reflecting the growing diversity in our community, we encourage stronger engagement from our stakeholders and the community we serve. We promote civility, integrity, and respect among our stakeholders as we strive to provide access and relevant opportunities for all of our members wherever we possess the means to assist them.
CMAOntario BOARD DIVERSITY POLICY
CMAOntario is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all Board members (whether elected or appointed), staff, volunteers, and members feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other social or cultural identification.
We are committed to being non-discriminatory and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work.
The Board of Directors of CMAOntario believes in the benefits that diversity offers and it recognizes that a range of perspectives makes prudent business sense. Having a Board composed of men and women with a multitude of skills, experience, backgrounds, and perspectives means:
• competitive advantage;
• robust understanding of opportunities, issues, and risks;
• inclusion of different concepts, ideas, and relationships;
• enhanced decision-making and dialogue; and
• heightened capacity for oversight of the organization, its relevance, and governance.
Our Board’s philosophy and goals to provide informed leadership for diversity, inclusion, and equity include:
• We strive to see diversity, inclusion, and equity in connection with our vision and mission for the benefit of those we serve.
• We aim to recognize and address inequities in our policies, programs, and services.
• We will update and document progress on our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
• We commit to investigating underlying assumptions that oppose or challenge our diversity policy.
• We commit to being transparent about diversity in all our interactions.
• We will dedicate our time and resources to expanding greater diversity within our Board and leadership positions.
• We commit to leading with respect and tolerance and we encourage all employees and volunteers to express this in their work within our organization.
All Board appointments will collectively reflect the diverse nature of the business environment in which the organization operates and be made on merit, in the context of the skills, experience, independence, and knowledge which the Board deems to be effective.
The Board is committed to ensuring gender diversity and to diligently act to effect change. It aspires to maintain a Board in which each gender represents at least 40% of individuals.
PRINCIPLES
Diversity of thought is enhanced through intentional effort. CMAOntario
will be intentional in ensuring diversity.
Credibility is enhanced through the Board and its leadership diversity. CMAOntario will pursue a well-rounded, diverse, and credible approach to ensuring Board and leadership diversity.
Legitimacy is enhanced through respected, experienced, senior leaders. To ensure the diversity strategy of the organization is viewed as a legitimate process, all appointments will be driven by merit.
Visibility is enhanced through the promotion of broad and common goals. Visibility enhances reputation. Gender diversity and inclusion imperatives are prominent on today’s public stage and across industries. Going public with a Board diversity strategy is a helpful step in holding ourselves accountable, setting an example, and providing thoughtful leadership in the industry.
Accessibility is enhanced through a powerful collective voice. We will balance the intent of this policy with our need to be a powerful voice for diversity in all of its forms.
PROCESS
To achieve its diversity aspirations, the Board will:
• Ensure the board’s composition considers the balance of skills, experience, knowledge, perspectives, independence and characteristics in alignment with the strategic needs of CMAOntario and the environment in which it operates.
• Identify suitable candidates for appointment to the Board considering credentialed candidates against objective criteria, and with due regard for the benefits of diversity on the team.
• Maintain an ongoing list of potential candidates. The list will strive to include a balanced proportion of genders. Whenever the list is not gender balanced, for each cycle of Board recruitment, CMAOntario will not rely on the list but will search beyond it to achieve balance.
• The CMAOntario recognizes that the presence of any one culture or identification does not guarantee integrity any more than the absence of any one culture or identification undermines integrity.
Currently, Becoming A Member Provides A Number Of Benefits Including:
Submit And Vote In Awards
With a Regular or Corporate membership, you can submit and vote in our CMAO awards. Submit yourself for an award or support your peers or favorite artist by casting your vote in our award show.
Discounted Events & More
Regular and Corporate members can attend the majority of our seminars and events at a reduced price. We are also working on introducing additional benefits from outside sources to our members
in the near future like Insurance.
Educational Opportunities
Through informative seminars and panels, as well as open mic events and the annual 2-Day R2I Spring Tune-Up Conference, the CMAO works hard to provide our members with tools that will help them develop themselves and their careers in a positive way. You will get access to important information that will assist you with your career in country music with the majority of our event registration prices offered at a lower rate to members.
Performance/Showcase Opportunities
The CMAO prides itself on providing performance and showcasing opportunities to our members that will help develop their skills, fan base, and experience. Our goal is to help move our members from the Provincial stage to the National stage and beyond. Opportunities in the past have included CMAO/CCMA Hamilton Showcase Stage, CMAO Awards, Demo Rama series, Lucknow Showcase Stage, CCMA Spotlight Showcase, CCMA Coast to Coast Showcase, and More!
Networking Opportunities
Networking in any business is key, and our specially tailored events provide you with the opportunity to network with other members as well as key industry individuals in comfortable and moderated settings. Play your songs for key players in the music scene, ask the burning questions you need to know, and develop your relationships with other artists, songwriters, and producers in the industry.
Song Critiques
Opportunities for your songs to be critiqued by professionals in the music business at CMAO-organized events like our Open Mic and Demo-Rama’s are a great way to learn more about songwriting and to gain confidence performing original material. Since 2013, DemoRama ‘Live’ Series is held at various locations in search of new and undiscovered songwriting talent. Our Seminar Series regularly features a paneled DemoRama where industry experts listen to submitted recordings by participants and provide comments and critiques.
CMAOntario Partners Offering Special Rates
And Discounts To CMAOntario Members
To access these benefits, please log in to the Members area.
Not a Member?
Go to the Signup page and join us!
REVIEWED BY DEE AND
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