CCMA 2012 primer

The 30th annual Canadian Country Music Association Awards will take place on Sunday, September 9 in Saskatoon and feature appearances by Dean Brody, Johnny Reid, Gord Bamford, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift.

The broadcast will take place on CBC television, and we invite you to hang out with us before, during and after the awards for full coverage at cbcmusic.ca/CCMAAwards.

Today on CBC Music, we’re spotlighting the nominees in the categories for female artist of the year, male artist of the year, group or duo of the year, roots artist or group of the year and rising star.

CCMA nominees for female artist of the year:

Victoria Banks

Victoria Banks grew up in the Muskoka region of Ontario. She attended high school with Deric Ruttan in Bracebridge, Ont., and the two performed in a band together. Banks went on to graduate from the University of Toronto with a degree in zoology and anthropology, but she wanted to pursue a career in Nashville, Tenn., as a songwriter. She worked odd jobs as a waitress, dishwasher and record store salesperson to save money to make the move. Once in Nashville, Banks stayed with Ruttan in an old farmhouse. She began performing at clubs and eventually landed a deal as a staff songwriter. Her songs have been featured in movies and television and have been recorded by artists such as Sara Evans, Jessica Simpson, Hey Romeo, Terri Clark and Doc Walker, among others. Banks co-wrote Johnny Reid’s “Dance With Me,” which won the CCMA 2010 songwriter of the year award. Banks also won the CCMA female artist of the year award in 2010.

“I’m Gone” by Victoria Banks

Terri Clark

Montreal-born, Alberta-raised Terri Clark is an icon in Canadian country music. Not unlike Victoria Banks, Clark worked at a Chinese restaurant to save money to move to Nashville. It was there in 1995 that Clark released her first single, “Better Things To Do,” which reached the top five in both Canada and the U.S. Clark won the CCMA for rising star, single of the year and album of the year in 1996. She won her first CCMA female vocalist of the year award in 1997 as well as the fans’ choice award, a category she would win seven times. Clark is the only Canadian member of the Grand Ole Opry and is last year’s winner of the CCMA’s female artist of the year.

“Wrecking Ball” by Terri Clark

Carolyn Dawn Johnson

Like Terri Clark, Carolyn Dawn Johnson was raised in Alberta. She sang at church and started playing the piano at the age of five. Johnson attended Trinity Western University in B.C., studying biology. At 20, she taught herself how to play the guitar and realized music was her true love. In 1994, she moved to Nashville to become a songwriter. Johnson’s songs have been recorded by Patty Loveless, Suzy Bogguss, Kathy Mattea and Chely Wright, who took “Single White Female” to number one in 1999. Johnson has won 14 CCMA awards over the years, along with awards from ASCAP, SOCAN, ACMA and the Junos for her work as a songwriter, performer and producer.

“Complicated” by Carolyn Dawn Johnson

Tara Oram

Tara Oram was born in Gander, N.L., and raised in Ontario. At the age of 16, she released her first country music single called “More Than I Dreamed.” By age 19, Oram was performing around Ontario in a band called Big Catch. In 2008, she made her album debut with Chasing the Sun. The disc yielded three top 15 Canadian country singles and earned Oram a number of awards and nominations. She won her first CCMA award in 2009 in the rising star category.

“1929” by Tara Oram

Michelle Wright

Michelle Wright has lived in Nashville since 1991, but she grew up in Merlin, Ont., where both of her parents worked as country music performers. Wright’s debut disc, Do Right by Me, was released in 1988 and spawned seven chart singles. Since then, she has sold about two million albums in the U.S. and Canada. Wright has had 25 top 10 hits and has received more than 40 major awards, including the Academy of Country Music’s top new female artist in 1993. She has won 12 CCMA awards and in 2011, she was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

“Take It Like A Man” by Michelle Wright

CCMA nominees for male artist of the year:

Gord Bamford

Gord Bamford was born in Australia but moved to Alberta when he was five years old. His mother was a singer and encouraged Bamford with his music. While working as a cement truck driver, Bamford had time to enjoy and learn about country music in the comfort of a truck cab. In 1994, he won a radio station talent search contest. The prize included a recording session at a studio. His debut single, “Forever Starts Today,” was well received by Canadian radio and Bamford’s career was launched. In 2003, he teamed up with respected Nashville, Tenn., hit-maker Byron Hill, who continues to co-produce and write with Bamford. In 2008, Bamford received his first Juno nomination for country recording of the year. He was also asked to write the 2008 Calgary Stampede theme song, “This Old Hat.” That same year, Bamford won his first CCMA award for top new male talent.

“Is It Friday Yet” by Gord Bamford

Jason Blaine

Pembroke, Ont., native Jason Blaine started playing the guitar at age eight and was writing songs by age 16. He honed his skills performing alongside his father and brother in their band. Blaine studied business at Ottawa’s Algonquin College but decided to pursue a career in music. He won a television talent search in 2002, which led to the release of his first single, “That’s What I Do.” Blaine then moved to Nashville to develop his songwriting skills. For the 2012 CCMA awards, Blaine has also been nominated for single of the year and songwriter of the year with “They Don’t Make ’Em Like That Anymore.”

“They Don’t Make ’Em Like That Anymore” by Jason Blaine

Dean Brody

Dean Brody grew up in Jaffray, B.C. By the age of 15, he was working in a sawmill and playing guitar in his spare time. He dreamed of becoming a songwriter, so he moved to Nashville in 2004. When his work visa expired he returned to Jaffray, only to be lured back to Nashville in 2008, when he signed with Broken Bow Records. His self-titled debut album led to several hits in both Canada and the U.S., as well as his first CCMA for single of the year in 2009 with “Brothers.” Brody returned to Canada with his family and settled in Nova Scotia and since then has become one of Canada’s leading country stars. In 2011, Brody became the most played Canadian country artist of the year on Canadian radio.

“Canadian Girls” by Dean Brody

Chad Brownlee

Like Dean Brody, Chad Brownlee is also a native of B.C., but he decided to pursue a career in hockey before turning to music full time. While Brownlee played for the NCAA’s Minnesota State Mavericks, his songwriting skills were already showing. He was nominated for the NCAA Hockey Humanitarian Award for his song “The Hero I See.” After a series of injuries sidelined his hockey dreams, Brownlee devoted his time to music and released a self-titled album in 2010. His efforts were rewarded with the CCMA’s rising star award in 2011.

“Listen” by Chad Brownlee

Johnny Reid

Johnny Reid moved to Brantford, Ont., from his native Scotland when he was 13. Reid took to sports in his new country but when he was homesick, the self-taught guitarist turned to music and songwriting. While attending Bishop’s University in Quebec on a sports scholarship, Reid met his wife. After he finished university, the two moved to Nashville and Reid became a staff songwriter. His musical influences came from such diverse artists as Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke, Charlie Rich and Sam and Dave. The melding of sounds from soul, R&B, pop, rock and country has proved to be the fuel for Reid’s success. In 2005, he won his first CCMA award for “You Still Own Me,” a song he co-wrote and the winner in the independent song of the year category. Now Reid is second only to Shania Twain for the most CCMA award wins.

“Fire It Up” by Johnny Reid

CCMA nominees for group or duo of the year:

Doc Walker

Chris Thorsteinson, Dave Wasyliw and Murray Pulver make up Manitoba-based band Doc Walker. They all sing and play guitar. On tour, they are joined by Brent Pearen on bass and Steve Broadhurst on drums and percussion. Together for more than 10 years, Doc Walker has gained a reputation for being one of Canada’s hardest-working bands. Constant touring has paid off with multiple hits on Canadian radio and numerous awards. Doc Walker scored its first CCMA in 2002 for independent group or duo of the year. Since that time, the band has won 16 CCMA awards and is nominated this year for group or duo of the year, a category Doc Walker has won four times already.

“Where I Belong” by Doc Walker

Emerson Drive

The members of Emerson Drive now make Nashville, Tenn., their home, but they grew up in towns across Canada. Lead vocalist Brad Mates is from Alberta, Dale Wallace, on keyboards and backing vocals, hails from B.C., guitarist Danick Dupelle and drummer Mike Melancon are both from Quebec, and fiddler David Pichette is from Ontario. Emerson Drive broke out of the gate in 2002 with a self-titled debut album and won a slew of awards as top new artist. The band also earned two CCMA awards that year, for rising star and group or duo of the year. In the following years, Emerson Drive added four CCMAs to its total.

“Let Your Love Speak” by Emerson Drive

Hey Romeo

Hey Romeo is an Alberta-based trio made up of vocalist Stacie Roper, keyboardist Rob Shapiro and guitarist Darren Gusnowsky. This hard-working band has been together since 2002. Along the way, Hey Romeo has toured with the likes of Sugarland, Johnny Reid and Gord Bamford. Despite spending a lot of time on the road, band members have managed to write and record three albums. The latest is Twist of Fate, which was released in June. Hey Romeo won its first CCMA for top talent of the year in 2008. Last year saw Hey Romeo win group or duo of the year at the CCMAs. This year, Hey Romeo has three nominations: group or duo of the year, fans’ choice award and interactive artist of the year. As well, Shapiro is nominated again for the All-Star Band Award for keyboardist, a title he has held for the last three years.

“Jump Back In” by Hey Romeo

High Valley

High Valley consists of brothers Brad, Bryan and Curtis Rempel. They hail from the remote farming community of La Crete, Alta., where they developed a love of country music and began singing about the three F’s – family, farming and faith. Brad was only 12 and Bryan was nine when the group began performing. Curtis joined later on. They started out singing in church and at church camps, eventually travelling to Nashville to record their first disc in 2001. At a CCMA showcase, High Valley caught the attention of Paul Brandt, who gave the band a leg up with production on their album and by co-writing with the group. The band’s third album, Love is a Long Road, was released in June and the disc climbed to the top of the iTunes country chart.

“Have I Told You Lately” by High Valley

The Stellas

Ontario natives, Brad and Marylynne Stella met when they were 20 years old and their first date consisted of singing songs around a campfire. It’s no wonder they were attracted to each other – both grew up with music in their lives. Brad was a bassist in a rock band and singer Marylynne’s father was a member of the Platters. The two got married, had two daughters and started writing songs and performing together as the Stellas. Their break came in 2009, when they gained recognition on a TV show called Can You Duet? They earned fourth place but won a reputation as a group to watch. Johnny Reid chose the Stellas as his opening act for his Fire It Up tour. He also helped the duo secure a major label deal for its self-titled album last year.

“Riding In The Back Seat” by the Stellas

CCMA nominees for Roots artist or group of the year:

Ridley Bent

Born in Halifax and raised throughout Canada, Ridley Bent now calls Manitoba his home. The self-taught guitarist turned to songwriting to pass the time while working as a security guard. Today Ridley is a multi-award-winning artist known for his wit and ability to write compelling characters into his songs. His latest disc, Rabbit on my Wheel, won country recording of the year at the 2011 Western Canadian Music Awards.

“Arlington” by Ridley Bent

Shane Chisholm

Shane Chisholm was born in Ontario but now makes Alberta his home. Chisholm honed his craft as a bass player and backup singer for artists such as Aaron Pritchett, Gord Bamford and George Canyon. When he’s not performing, Chisholm is crafting his own musical instruments. One of these is an upright bass created from the gas tank of a Chevrolet Astro minivan – an invention that earned him a 2010 CCMA for special instrument, along with his award for bassist of the year. Chisholm’s latest album is called No One Came.

“This Flight Tonight” by Shane Chisholm

Sean Hogan

Growing up outside Detroit allowed Sean Hogan to experience soul, Motown, rock and jazz. Yet Hogan chose country for his musical foundation when he made his first album in 1996. He has since released six albums in Canada, including Phoenix, which saw its release delayed while Hogan battled cancer. He endured radiation treatment and has received a clean bill of health. Now Hogan is back on track with his music career and enjoying touring across Canada.

“Travel Plans” by Sean Hogan

Corb Lund

Alberta native Corb Lund just released his latest offering, called Cabin Fever, in August. Already the disc has gone to number one on the Nielsen Soundscan sales chart, selling more than 5,000 CDs and digital copies during the week of Aug. 14. Lund is a 10-time CCMA winner and has won seven CCMAs for roots artist or group of the year.

“Gettin’ Down on the Mountain” by Corb Lund

Jimmy Rankin

Jimmy Rankin was born in Nova Scotia and came to the attention of Canadians as a member of the highly successful musical group the Rankin Family. Since embarking on a solo career, Rankin has released four albums, the latest being Forget About the World. His sound draws on his love of rock, Celtic and country music. Rankin imbues his songs with strong imagery and his lyrics capture the emotional range of life. These abilities make his albums stand out and draw the admiration of people like Keith Urban and Serena Ryder, to name a few. It’s also why Rankin has won the CCMA award for roots artist or group of the year twice before, in 2002 and 2011.

“What I Wouldn’t Give” by Jimmy Rankin

CCMA nominees for rising star:

Kira Isabella

Kira Isabella has been performing for a decade now and, considering she is just 18, it’s a remarkable achievement. The Ottawa native gave her first performance at the age of seven and hasn’t looked back. Influenced by the music of Shania Twain and Faith Hill, Isabella entered a country singing contest in Blyth, Ont., and came second – competing against the adults. The following year, she took another stab at the contest and this time won both the female open category and the rising star award. Since then, Isabella has performed with Jessie Farrell, Aaron Pritchett and Gord Bamford. In 2009, she was signed to Sony Music Canada an is set to release her album this fall.

“A Little More Work” by Kira Isabella

Ryan Laird

Ryan Laird grew up in Fergus, Ont., and began playing piano and guitar at the age of five. At 19, Laird relocated to Nashville, Tenn., to hone his skills. In 2008, he grabbed attention when he spent his life savings on a billboard ad – a giant photograph of himself plastered across from a Taylor Swift ad in Nashville. The caption read “Hey Taylor, I love your music. Will you please produce my album?” The ploy paid off. Laird captured Swift’s attention and it led to a record deal with On Ramp/EMI Music Canada.

“She Was The One” by Ryan Laird

Codie Prevost

Codie Prevost may have an edge at this year’s CCMA awards. That’s because Prevost was raised in Saskatchewan and they love him. He has won the Saskatchewan country music award for “fans choice entertainer of the year” for three years in a row. Prevost has released three albums and is readying his fourth release. The first video from it is “Last Night All Day” and it was shot in Kenaston, Sask.

“Last Night All Day” by Codie Prevost

Dallas Smith

Dallas Smith is from Vancouver and spent almost 10 years fronting the rock band Default before going it alone. Smith was always intrigued by the combination of voice and song in country music. And it was music he grew up with. His favourite bands include Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban, so it wasn’t much of a surprise when Smith turned to country for his solo work. He worked with some top Nashville songwriters to craft the tunes that appear on his debut album, Jumped Right In.

“Somebody Somewhere” by Dallas Smith

The Stellas

Ontario natives Brad and Marylynne Stella met when they were 20 years old and on their first date sang songs around a campfire. Both grew up with music in their lives. Brad was a bassist in a rock band and singer Marylynne’s father was a member of the Platters. The two got married, had two daughters and started writing songs and performing together as the Stellas. Their break came in 2009, when they gained attention on a TV show called Can You Duet? They came fourth but won a reputation as a group to watch. Johnny Reid chose the Stellas as his opening act for his Fire It Up tour. He also helped the duo secure a major label deal for its self-titled album last year.

“In This House” by the Stellas