Awesome, Autumn Hill, CMAO, Country Music Association of Ontario, Jason McCoy, Jessica Mitchell, Leah Daniels, Meghan Patrick, River Town Saints, Runaway Angel, The Road Hammers, Tim Hicks Entertainment, Music
The Country Music Association of Ontario Awards are coming up quickly (Monday, May 30) and we're pretty damn excited to see the artists show up, hang out, win some awards, and jump up on stage to perform for the crowd at the Flato Markham Theatre.
To get Ontario country fans ready we caught up with some of the artists that will be performing at the awards show to see who they're listening to, who they're looking forward to seeing, what the CMAO means to them... and what they will or won't be playing on the 30th!
Big thanks and high fives to Tim Hicks, Meghan Patrick, River Town Saints, Mike Robins of Autumn Hill, and Runaway Angel for answering our questions - we can't wait to see all of you in Markham!
Tim Hicks: So important. There is so much talent in Ontario when it comes to music, and Country music specifically, so having a night to recognize that is a must as far as I'm concerned. I'm really flattered that I can be a part of the CMAO celebration and proud of my home province and all the talent that resides there.
Meghan Patrick: I think it's a great way to get to know and connect with your fellow Ontario musicians, and an excellent opportunity, especially for new and upcoming artists to be given the chance to perform and get recognition for all their hard work in a "local" setting.
River Town Saints: We think it's super important. Having the CMAO provides an opportunity for a lot of up and coming artists/singers/song writers/musicians to be recognized in the industry, and to be supported locally. Be keeping it just in Ontario (as opposed to artists from the whole country) it allows for a smaller group to get together and celebrate each others accomplishments.
Autumn Hill: I think it's absolutely imperative to have the CMAO recognizing homegrown talent, I think traditionally, Ontario is not the first place you think about when you think of Canadian country music. There is so much incredible talent and music coming from here, we need to nurture, promote and recognize all the amazing artists from Ontario. I think the CMAO do a superb job in that and it's wonderful they are there to offer so much support.
Runaway Angel: We believe it is extremely important to recognize the talent we have here in Ontario and help that talent succeed within its own province and beyond. It's wonderful that the CMAO plays that role for us.
Meghan Patrick: Too many to name... We've got so many great people coming out of Ontario! I'm excited to see all my old friends and to meet some new ones.
Tim Hicks: Yeah it really is like a reunion! That is the main reason I get excited about nights like the CMAOs, it's a chance to connect or re-connect with other artists and just talk about our experiences. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!
RTS: We love all our fellow bands in the infamous 401 club. It'll be fun to see the girls from Runaway Angel and Leah Daniels again - we haven't seen them since last summer and we had a great time doing some festivals and fairs together.
Autumn Hill: Awards shows are great for reunions, that's absolutely true. I love the CMAOs for that its always a great time backstage, seeing friends that you don't get to see all the time. I am looking forward to seeing, the Small Town Pistols, Jason Blaine, Tebey; really the whole gang. It will be great to see everyone. It's always a blast.
Runaway Angel: We love seeing the emerging artists that keep coming back, and improving every year. It really does feel like a family, and it's amazing to see that everyone genuinely supports each other.
RTS: Tim Hicks is always a blast live, so are the Road Hammers. Having them together seems like it should be pretty wild.
Tim Hicks: I always like watching the up-and-comers perform. It's a bit like looking into the future of Canadian Country Music.
Meghan Patrick: Super stoked to see Jason McCoy and The Road Hammers collaborate with Tim Hicks. A few of my favorite guys! And always love hearing my girl Jessica Mitchell sing.
Autumn Hill: I am a huge Jason McCoy fan, of course of his music but also as the host of the show. I think him hosting, really brings the show to another level, he is so on, and always hilarious. So of course, I can't wait to see The Road Hammers. I'm also really excited to see Meghan Patrick, I'm loving her new album and she is going to rock it.
Runaway Angel: Honestly it's impossible for us to choose. There is so much new talent slated to play this year, and we're just excited to see the high quality performances we know everyone will bring.
Q: We know it's a little bit of a long shot, but will you tell us what song you're playing at the show?
Autumn Hill: Well I can tell you that it's a song I'm super excited about, it also might happen to be our brand new single. It's one of my absolute favourites to play and I can't wait. It's about a great night, which the CMAO's always are.
Tim Hicks: Not a chance. Good try though 😉
Meghan Patrick: Hmm... I might have to "bow" out of this question and keep it a surprise.
RTS: We haven't decided yet. Might just wing it.
Runaway Angel: Of course! We'll be playing our newest single June! Can't wait to share it.
Runaway Angel: Cadence: James Bay, Jessica Mitchell, Justin Bieber
Ann: Just love listening to the radio, it's impossible for me to choose.
Stacey: Dixie Chicks, Meghan Patrick & Lindi Ortega
Tim Hicks: Right now I'm listening to a lot of Chris Stapleton, Merle, and Led Zeppelin. I tend to reach backward when I'm looking for new stuff to listen to. I like to understand where everyone came from musically, so I tend to lean towards classic in both Rock and Country. That being said, I had to see what all the hype was about with "Traveller" and let me say I totally get it.
Meghan Patrick: John & Jacob, Sturgill Simpson and Colter Wall
RTS: Chris Labelle: Kira Isabella, Leah Daniels, Petric
Jordan: Dean Brody, Thousand Foot Krutch, The Cult
Dan: Red, Killswitch Engage, Paper Tongues
Chris McComb: Maren Morris, Katy Perry, The 1975
Jeremy: The 1975, Brothers Osborne, Kim Mitchell
Autumn Hill: Keith Urban, Sam Hunt and Chris Stapleton, I am a huge fan of these artists. I love listening to whole albums and really taking them in. I am loving Ripcord, Keith's brand new album, it's so different and just really cool.
