Corb Lund & Lindi Ortega Land CCMA Nominations
The Canadian Country Music Association has just released their nominees for their 2014 CCMA Awards, and unlike their American award show counterparts, worthy names who may not have a huge commercial impact but deserve critical praise made the list. Brett Kissel led all nominees with a total of eight considerations, with Canadian country powerhouses Dean Brody and Gord Bramford tying for second with five each. Lindi Ortega comes in with three nominations, including for the prestigious Female Artist of the Year, Album Design for her latest release Tin Star, as well as consideration for Roots Artist of the Year. In the roots category, she will be competing with another critical Canadian country favorite, Corb Lund.
“Looks like me and Corb Lund will have to duke it out again this year in the roots category!!” Lindi tweeted out on Wednesday. “I practiced my karate this year Corb!”
Corb Lund won for Roots Artist of the Year in 2013.
Other worthy names like The Western Swing Authority and Small Town Pistols filled out the list of nominees (see full list below).
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to “educate, elevate and celebrate” Canadian talent, the CCMA, “progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives,” culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards. Country Music Week is held in Calgary, Alberta September 4th thru 7th, with the awards happening on Sunday, September 7th. They are broadcast through CBC-TV and CMT Canada.
2014 CCMA Nominees:
FANS’ CHOICE AWARD
- Gord Bamford
- Paul Brandt
- Dean Brody
- George Canyon
- Johnny Reid
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
- Bounty – Dean Brody
- Started With A Song – Brett Kissel
- Take The Week Off – Deric Ruttan
- Tippin’ Point – Dallas Smith
- When Your Lips Are So Close – Gord Bamford
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- All Kinds of Crazy – Codie Prevost
- Crop Circles -Dean Brody
- Started With A Song – Brett Kissel
- Throwdown – Tim Hicks
- Tippin’ Point
- EP – Dallas Smith
SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
- Bounty (Written By: Dean Brody, Performed By: Dean Brody)
- Hell Raisin’ Good Time (Written By:Jeff Coplan, Tim Hicks, Casey Marshall, Neil Sanderson, Performed By: Tim Hicks)
- Mine Would Be You (Written By: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Deric Ruttan, Performed By: Blake Shelton)
- Started With A Song (Written By: Brett Kissel, Craig Wiseman, Performed By: Brett Kissel)
- When Your Lips Are So Close(Written By: Gord Bamford, Brent L. Baxter, Byron Hill, Performed By: Gord Bamford)
CMT VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- 3-2-1- Brett Kissel
- Bounty – Dean Brody
- Duet – Wes Mack ft. Carly McKillip
- Friends Of Mine – Jason Blaine
- Got A Feeling – Tim Hicks ft. Blackjack Billy
- Take The Week Off Deric Ruttan
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Terri Clark
- Kira Isabella
- Jess Moskaluke
- Lindi Ortega
- MacKenzie Porter
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Gord Bamford
- Dean Brody
- Brett Kissel
- Dallas Smith
- Bobby Wills
GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
- Autumn Hill
- The Boom Chucka Boys
- The Road Hammers
- Small Town Pistols
- The Western Swing Authority
ROOTS ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- The Lovelocks
- Corb Lund
- Lindi Ortega
- Jimmy Rankin
- The Western Swing Authority
RISING STAR
- Lindsay Ell
- Tim Hicks
- Wes Mack
- Jess Moskaluke
- Tebey
INTERACTIVE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Leah Daniels
- Brett Kissel
- Jess Moskaluke
- Johnny Reid
- Tenill
July 16, 2014 @ 5:19 pm
I recognize George Canyon from watching Heartland, which is a Canadian TV show.
July 16, 2014 @ 5:30 pm
Dean Brody is pretty good, I don’t think he gets any airplay in the states, does he?
His first single “Brothers” was played quite often on the Jeff Foxworthy Countdown a few years back, but that’s the only song that I know of that got US airplay.
July 16, 2014 @ 5:51 pm
I don’t think really any of these artists get US airplay. Terri Clark had some big hits a while back and she hosts the American Morning show on NASH-FM, but I’m not sure if American country radio would consider her today.
I think if you had some more Canadian blood on American country radio, it would equate to improvement overall.
July 17, 2014 @ 11:06 pm
It is a shame because there is some good stuff up there like ”Quarterback” from Kira Isabella that talks about Date Rape. It is a really groundbreaking song and I only hear it on Canadian radio here in Upstate New York.
July 19, 2014 @ 4:07 pm
There is another young lady named Jess Moskaluke, she has a hit song out now called Cheap Wine And Cigarettes, pretty good tune, but I wouldn’t call her a country singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5kAx7AfloI
July 16, 2014 @ 7:21 pm
Dean’s American deal fell apart several years back due to citizenship issues as I understand it ( paperwork ) but don’t quote me . After BROTHERS , a GREAT country tune , I believe he moved back to Canada where he has consistently released solid material and , as yet , has not succumbed to the bro-country fad . Check out his duet with Ortega called BOUNTY . This is not only a well written narrative but its as country an arrangement as you’ll hear on commercial radio anywhere these days . And does it sound FRESH ! With very few exceptions, and at the risk of sounding biased , Canadian artists have stayed quite loyal to trad country in terms of subject matter , instrumentation and arrangement .
July 17, 2014 @ 4:32 am
Dean Brody is great. And you are correct, Albert, he has not succumbed to “bro-country,” so even a song like “Four Wheel Drive” off of his “Crop Circles” album feels fun and enjoyable, as for him, the song is an exception rather than a rule.
I really wish Brody got more attention in the States or would at least come down here and do a few shows periodically.
July 16, 2014 @ 5:35 pm
I produce Bobby Wills, who is also an independent and up for CCMA Male Artist Of The Year. He is having radio hits but a smart indie artist that has all of the pieces in place, actually has a credible shot in Canada without the backing of a major. In our case, it did take exceptional songs and a lot of hard work to make it happen, though.
July 16, 2014 @ 7:14 pm
IM Humble Canadian opinion , Bobby Wills is as good as it gets here in the Great White North. Consistently solid material of substance ( SHOW SOME RESPECT…an absolute amazing write ) a character voice and having seen him in concert ,I can say the man delivers . Bobby is the real deal . I wish him huge success .
July 16, 2014 @ 11:36 pm
Thanks Albert for the nice words. We knew that Show Some Respect was special when we wrote it. You usually have to walk a fine line on songs like that. You want it to be inspiring and meaningful without coming across as too preachy. All of the verse scenarios in the song did their job and painted some really great visuals. Glad you liked it. Thankfully Canadian Country radio and it’s listeners all got on board, as well.
July 16, 2014 @ 5:40 pm
other then Corb and Lindi i don’t any of these people. is canadian country generally more “traditional” sounding like those two?
July 16, 2014 @ 5:58 pm
A lot of American country looms large on the big Top 40 Canadian country stations, just like it does a lot of Australian country stations. But overall I would say the top of what Canadian country has to offer has a lot more substance overall compared to their US counterparts. If it’s more traditional, I’m not sure. But traditionalism isn’t completely vacant like it is in the US.
I have sniffed the music of some of these Canadian big-named artists, but hope to delve into it more in the future. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to post this. I think we should be looking towards Canada more, find the gems, and introduce them to the American market that needs more artists of substance, but ones that still might have a mainstream appeal.
July 16, 2014 @ 7:27 pm
“A lot of American country looms large on the big Top 40 Canadian country stations…”
Yes, you’re spot on with this, but we’re lucky to have CRTC regulations that means that radio stations also have to ensure that at least 35% of the music broadcast is Canadian content. Everyone seems get their shot and the good ones rise to the top… so, yeah, it’s still quite traditional.
Hints of “Bro” has definitely made it’s way north, but I’ll take “Mud” by the Road Hammers over Boyz ‘Round Here any day…
July 16, 2014 @ 7:53 pm
Being a Canadian as well as a musician myself I would say that there’s a lot more traditional/meaningful country that comes from Canada as far as the mainstream radio goes. If nobody’s heard Gord Bamford’s “Dissapearin’ Taillignts” or “Leaning on a Lonesome Song” please do yourself a favor and listen to them!!
And we have Corb and Tim Hus witch basically says it all by itself
July 16, 2014 @ 7:23 pm
yes
July 16, 2014 @ 6:25 pm
I’ve been in Canada two years now, but I haven’t really known where to start delving into Canadian country acts. Especially since I don’t listen to radio. I only know Terri Clark on this list, and I think the last Canadian act to have a big hit in the US was Emerson Drive. Kind of Canada’s Rascal Flatts, I guess. ;p Definitely gonna check out some of these artists.
July 16, 2014 @ 7:12 pm
I live in metro detroit and we are able to get the country radio station out of Windsor across the border. I’ve been exposed to all these singers thru this station and prefer it over our detroit station. There’s still plenty of the clichéd crap and laundry list type songs, but it does seem to have more variety that elevates it above the American radio playlists
July 16, 2014 @ 10:06 pm
Another reason I love being Canadian. Worthy artists actually get nominated at our award shows.
I was hoping Lindi would start getting some air time after she was featured in Dean Brody’s song “Bounty” Didn’t happen, but at least she is getting some acknowledgement here.
July 17, 2014 @ 12:27 am
Wow.
As a Canadian country music radio listener, I can say that the only acts worth listening to on these lists are Corb Lund and Lindi Ortega.
If this is what we have to choose from for “Canadian Country Music”, I’m underwhelmed.
Speaking of underwhelming, I see Dean Brody and Tim Hicks’ names appearing on this list a couple of times.
July 17, 2014 @ 2:11 am
Anybody hearing Kira Isabella’s Quarterback on the airwaves?
I’m hearing it daily on the “shadow” HD channel of WUSN in Chicago.
Subtle but powerful, likely to piss off small town America though.u
July 17, 2014 @ 3:27 am
Speaking of Canadians (and date rape in the Rose thread)…
Is anyone hearing Kira Isabella’s Quarteback on the radio?
I’m hearing it daily on the HD2 channel of WUSN-FM in Chicago, but I’ve gotta believe it would not go over well in small town America.
Subtle, well written, and powerful (IMHO).
July 17, 2014 @ 6:42 am
I was hopin’ Daniel Romano would get a nod…
July 17, 2014 @ 7:50 am
Thanks for this.
here’s a couple of Canadians worth listening to”¦
you might have heard Scott Nolan, he sometimes plays in Austin, and has done some things with some people you have written about,
“I thought I killed Guy Clark”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvs6NXS7zAI
Hayes Carll performs one of his tunes “a bad liver and a broken heart”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcmdB6nHSbc
more mainstream.. Ridley Bent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAjnnmAoS4c
July 18, 2014 @ 6:55 am
Bad Liver is a Tom Waits song…
July 18, 2014 @ 7:34 am
Not that I know Scott Nolan’s music, but the song with that title that Hayes Carll covers is written by Nolan. He covers it on his Trouble in Mind album. Hayes does cover a different Tom Waits song (I Don’t Want to Grow Up) on the same album.
http://www.allmusic.com/album/trouble-in-mind-mw0000783567
July 19, 2014 @ 5:26 am
you are right, that’s what I was trying to say, but looking again, I clearly didn’t express it very well, thanks for clarifying.
July 19, 2014 @ 5:37 am
Confusing, cause it’s the same title, but that’s it. Scott’s is his own.
here’s tom wait song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD-BMn4EKUY
you can listen to Scott’s tune at the link I posted.
Not the same tune at all.
July 17, 2014 @ 8:39 am
if you’re looking for one more Canadian artist here is what will be my new single!! I work without a record label and play as many shows near and far as possible. I love your site Trigger!!
http://youtu.be/pkjPAT4tOzk
July 17, 2014 @ 1:48 pm
It’s actually not a stretch to see Corb Lund’s name surface here. His profile has heightened immensely since releasing “Cabin Fever” (which actually debuted at #1 on the Canadian composite albums chart in large part due to “September” and a loyal following) and being a finalist for the Polaris Music Prize.
Lindi Ortega is more of a pleasant surprise to see. Granted she was also a Polaris Music Prize finalist, but she hasn’t really impacted the charts like Corb Lund has effectively done. It certainly helps that she is affiliated with Dave Cobb so she instantaneously appeals to many listeners who first embraced Jamey Johnson and Shooter Jennings. I think that will go a long way in helping her continue to gather momentum.
All in all, I can live with this roster with one glaring exception: Dallas Smith. Uggggghhh, how in Jove did “Tippin’ Point” get nominated for Single of the Year? The earth-shattering lunkheadedness of it aside, it just seems shamelessly out of place on the list of nominations. It’s like mixing chocolate milk with bourbon. -__-
July 17, 2014 @ 11:04 pm
I hope Kira Isabella wins Female Artist she deserves it after “quarterback”
July 18, 2014 @ 8:47 am
Haven’t heard much else from Kira Isabella, so I’m not sure I can go so far as to endorse her for Female Artist.
However, “Quarterback” is a fantastic, heartbreaking effort.
July 20, 2014 @ 12:53 am
I’m very happy with the nominees overall though I think for female artist Beverley Mahood should’ve gotten the nod over MacKenzie but otherwise it nicely reflects the year in Canadian country music.
There’s plenty of really great talent here in Canada that could and should be getting attention below the border but look what’s happening with Kira’s “Quarterback” it’s a really exceptional song, sure it leans towards the pop side of country, but it’s risky in a way that American artists aren’t. And yet now that she’s got a record deal down there American radio isn’t playing it but here in Canada it made the top 15.
I love the diversity of the canadian country scene and it’s something American radio should look into trying to mimic.
Here’s a quick list of artists that I think are worth your time if you are open to mainstream material.
Terri Clark
George Canyon
Dean Brody
Paul Brandt
Kira Isabella
Small Town Pistols
Autumn Hill
Gord Bamford
Lisa Brokop
Chad Brownlee
Tebey
Deric Ruttan
MacKenzie Porter
Jess Moskaluke
Bobby Wills
Jason Blaine
(P.S. for those who don’t like bro country avoide Tim Hicks & Dallas Smith.)
July 20, 2014 @ 2:21 pm
IMO Beverley Mahood has always been very underrated in this country, she’s a great singer, doesn’t scream at you like a lot of the female singers do.
By far my favorite female Canadian country singer to come along, even though she’s originally from Ireland.
For those who have never heard of her, here she is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNK-WcvT6To
July 20, 2014 @ 8:31 am
No nomination for Daniel Romano….very disappointing! He is by far the most interesting and talented artist in Canadian country music right now….IMO