NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Good day.

I hope everyone is doing well as we head into spring.

Country music was well represented this past month in Toronto at both the Canadian Music Week and JUNO events. Congratulations and thanks to all of our Members who proudly represented country music at these two prestigious events. A special mention must be made to acknowledge one of our CCMA® Board Directors, Deane Cameron, who was this year's recipient of the JUNO's Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award. Congratulations Deane!

The CCMA® is thrilled to be a part of many country music events across Canada. These include the following upcoming events to be held in April:

1. East Coast Music Awards (ECMA) Industry Conference (CCMA sponsoring the Tom Jackson seminar),


2. Saskatchewan Country Music Association Awards (CCMA sponsoring the Manager of the Year award), and


3. Manitoba Country Music Association (CCMA sponsoring their April showcase).

We are very proud of these regional and provincial associations and encourage you to continue your support of all such associations and events.

We are close to finalizing the schedule for Country Music Week 2011 to be held in Hamilton. All the traditional favourite events return as well as some new ones. Keep checking our website, www.ccma.org for up-to-date details. Also, a reminder that details on the early bird Full Delegate Package special as well as other tickets are now on the CCMA website.

I am excited to be heading to Charlottetown in April to attend the ECMA Industry Conference to support and promote Canadian country music. If any other members plan to attend, please drop me a line.

You may have noticed lately the small ® that has been attached to many of our trademarks. We are doing this to ensure consistency and to protect our brand and registered trademarks. Our registered trademarks include:

• Canadian Country Music Association®
• CCMA® (the "A" stands for Association)
• Country Music Week®, and
• Canadian Country Music Awards®

We ask that all Members please use these trademarks properly in the future. For more details on these guidelines please contact Janelle Leduc at jleduc@ccma.org.

The CCMA will also be moving our head office this May, after being informed that the landlord of our current location is selling the building. We are just finalizing the details on a new space located in downtown Toronto and will provide more details in the near future.

My email is dgreen@ccma.org and my number is 416 947-1331 x 215. Feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.

Take care,

Don Green
Executive Director
CCMA

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE CCMA
WITH SHEILA HAMILTON

Just as every Rose has its thorn, so too does every music association have its Sheila Hamilton. Don't be fooled however, by the implications of this proverb, because unlike those pesky, poking prongs, not to mention the clichéd 80's power ballad of the same name, Sheila Hamilton's contribution to the CCMA as a consultant/ former Executive Director and to the Canadian Country Music industry in general is truly, something to behold.

Sheila first became involved in the industry as a fresh-faced high-school graduate and from that point on, only furthered her knowledge of Country music and the developing industry. "I started working at a radio station in Richmond Hill, ON right out of high school; it was my dream job at the time." It was also during this very exciting and transitional stage of Sheila's life that the CCMA too, underwent a transformation as an association, coming into existence in 1976.

With Sheila, the CCMA only flourished; membership and talent steadily increased over the years. Working during the critical development of the association provided Sheila with a level of excitement that is only matched by her voice when she recalls such memories: "One of the most exciting events that ever occurred while I was working at the CCMA was when the Awards Show went live on television for the first time across Canada in 1986; of course, it was also extremely exciting when I got to witness Canadian acts showcasing for the first time at CRS in Nashville in the early 90's. That's just to name a few - there were so many exciting moments!"

Now, you would never know it to look at her, but Sheila has been around since the dawn of time . . . the dawn of CCMA time that is! She has witnessed the association go through changes of all sorts, including name changes, (from the original association of ACME - Academy of Country Music Entertainment) to changes in staff and of course, changes in technology. Sheila often fondly recalls, with hazy eyes, (from genuine nostalgia, or the wine she has been known to enjoy, we're not sure) the 'good old days' when she kept a record of each CCMA member on an index card in her rolodex - thank goodness for the CCMA's implementation of computers!

Sheila has brought the CCMA more than expertise and exuberant enthusiasm; her efforts even earned her a CCMA Hall of Fame induction in 2007. "I've always had this strong sense of family and community within the industry and I've worked very hard over the years to promote the success of everyone and establish a system that ensures equality." Sheila has certainly raised the CCMA to a level on par with her own standards, and continues to be a valuable asset to the CCMA in her current role as a consultant, working in the office two days a week. Sheila's passion and attention to every aspect of the genre is truly a reminder of the possibilities when you take the time to smell the flowers.

THE CCMA EXPOSED

There's an opportunity that we have come to anticipate with the sudden warmth of early April that's just as exciting, yet at the same time, can be just as baffling. In an effort to debunk the seemingly mystifying CCMA showcase selection procedure, here is an explanation of how a showcase application process works, from juries to evaluation to selection.

New Artist Showcase

The New Artist Showcase selection process maintains a caliber of integrity on the same level as the acts that it churns out (Paul Brandt, Shania Twain and Jason McCoy to name only a few). The New Artist Showcase is open to new, emerging artists only; if you have already performed at the CCMA New Artist Showcase, your application will not be accepted. Also, be sure to include all necessary criteria, without which, the submission will not be juried:

• 1 Professional Publicity Photograph
• Biography (no more than 50 words)
• Two (2) Songs (no covers) ***must have at least three (3) original songs you can perform live
• Website
• $25.00 Submission Fee

Submissions for the New Artist Showcase are juried nationally by music industry professionals in a three phase process. The top 50 submissions from phase one are passed on to phase two, where they are split up and sent to 5 juries, and reviewed by judges from a geographic region outside their own to eliminate any potential bias. The top 3 acts from each jury are pushed forward to a Super Jury of 8 experts who will judge the top 15 submissions and select the 8 New Artist Showcase performers.

Songwriters' Café

The Songwriters' Café pairs the hottest up and coming songwriters with some well established tunesmiths, performing their greatest hits and works in progress, creating a synergy you don't want to miss. Songwriters who have performed in consecutive years are asked not to apply; there are different submission methods for Established Songwriters (see www.ccma.org for details). The criterion is as follows:

• 1 Professional Publicity Photo
• Bio 50 words Max
• 2 Songs (no covers) ***must have at least 3 original songs they can perform live.
• Lyrics to the submitted songs, as well as writers (please indicate co-writers, if it applies)
• Website
• $25.00 submission fee

Like the New Artist Showcase, All submissions for the Songwriters' Café are juried by experts of the craft from a different geographical area than the applicant, however, in contrast to the former, this is a single phase jury process and all songs submitted will be judged on the song, not the production of the recording and will take into consideration the originality and creativity of the work.

For more information, or to apply for a CCMA Showcase, visit www.ccma.org; applications are due by April 30.

EAST/WEST

The CCMA invites any members in good standing to submit industry relevant information by the 18^th of each month for consideration and inclusion in this newsletter. As such, any news or statements presented in this part of the newsletter are not necessarily representative of and/or endorsed by the CCMA. Send your news items for inclusion to country@ccma.org.

500 Prairie Artists to Invade Ottawa

The prairies are taking over the nation's capital this spring. Five hundred artists from all disciplines will be in Ottawa for Prairie Scene, a celebration and showcase of arts and culture from Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Running April 28 - May 8, this is the National Arts Centre's fifth Scene event in a series that launched in 2003 with Atlantic Scene.

In addition to concerts and events open to the general public, Prairie Scene also offer a chance for 70 national and international presenters to discover the best of Prairie culture, creating new performance opportunities for Prairie artists across the country and around the world.

For more information on Prairie Scene, visit www.prairiescene.ca.

AWME Showcase Applications Online

Over 400 high profile local and international music representatives from some of the world's leading festivals, record labels, booking agencies and arts organizations will be making their way once again to Melbourne, Australia, November 17 - 20, 2011 for the fourth annual Australasian World Music Expo (AWME).

Artist showcase applications are now available through the AWME website at www.awme.com.au or through Sonicbids.

BC Country Music Association Announces Inductees for 2011 Hall of Fame Show

The British Columbia Music Association is proud to announce its inductees for the 2011 Hall of Fame Show: Jess Lee, Cheryl Homan, Larry Wayne Clark, Kenny Shaw, Patti Mayo, Ted Farr, Melvina White, Irene Butler, Dee Lippingwell and Bryan Pickering.

The contributions of these inductees were, and are, paramount to the ongoing tradition and success in all areas of country music in B.C. The BCCMA is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring you a show honouring these pioneers in an old style radio show format hosted by the timeless sounds, and top notch playing of The High Bar Gang (Angela Harris, Barney Bentall, Colin Nairne, Eric Reed, Rob Becker, Shari Ulrich, Wendy Bird).

For more information, visit www.bccountry.com.

Broadsask Radio Wants Your Music

The newest internet radio station in the world is sending out a call for submissions! Attention all musicians who live in or hail from Saskatchewan…

Broadsask Radio is committed to promoting musicians who live in or are from Saskatchewan, no matter their age, gender or culture. With non-stop music, three short daily talk shows and a music video of the month, you're gonna' be glued to their website!

Submit your music today (in ANY language) by visiting their submission guidelines at www.broadsaskradio.ca and don't forget to search for them on Facebook "Broadsask Radio" and "Like" Boardsask Radio.

Canadian Radio Programmers Celebrate Release of New Single with Martina McBride

Canadian radio programmers Steve Kassay (Program Director, KX96 Oshawa/Toronto) and Mark Patric (Music Director, 93.7 JRfm Vancouver), attended a very exclusive party at Martina McBride's house in Nashville during CRS, to celebrate the upcoming release of McBride's new single, her first for label the Republic Nashville label.

Left to Right: Steve Kassay (KX96), Martina McBride, Mark Patric (93.7 JRfm),
Brad Turcotte (International Director of Marketing, Big Machine Label Group)

CIMA Names New President

The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Johnston as its new President. Johnston assumed this position on March 7, 2011.

Stuart Johnston arrives at CIMA with a vast array of experience in association management, policy and government relations issues. As Vice President of Policy and Government Relations with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Stuart was responsible for liaising with members of the provincial government and Ontario business leaders as well as responding to policy priorities in finance and taxation, intellectual property rights, transportation and infrastructure, borders and trade, education, and energy issues.

Cliff Dumas Honoured by the Academy Of Country Music

It was recently announced by the Academy of Country Music that Cliff Dumas, along with Brooks and Tori (Cliff and Brooks on KSON) were named ACM major market Radio personalities of the year. This news came as a wonderful validation of great work by a terrific team. Congratulations!

Connect with the Industry at Munite.net

Munite.net is designed with the purpose to help discover musical talent, as well as connect industry professionals with agents, labels, promoters and managers. The site provides an arena to facilitate partnerships, build communities, source talent in a multitude of musical genres, as well as " Fortify" and "Strengthen" relationships with meaningful purpose. Whether your talent is singing, playing the guitar, bass, or drums; a musician, band, lyricist, or DJ, Munite provides the essential platform and sets the stage, allowing you to take your career to the next level.

To learn more, visit www.munite.net.

Countryfest Finalizes 2011 Line-up!

Billy Currington and Joe Nichols will play Countryfest 2011! Weekend passes are still available but are going fast (please note that the early bird discounted pricing ends April 29). With other acts such as Toby Keith, Eric Church, Deric Ruttan, Johnny Reid and more confirmed to play this July long weekend it's going to be a weekend you won't want to miss!

Visit www.countryfest.ca for ticket details.

ECMA Music Award Gala tickets are now on sale!

The 2011 Charlottetown ECMA Gala Awards Show will take place on Sunday April 17th, 8 pm at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, Homburg Theatre. Seating is very limited. To purchase your tickets go to www.ecma.ca, or visit the Confederation Centre Box office in Charlottetown.

The Awards Show will be streamed live to the Satellite Party in the Delta Ballroom. Tickets to the Satellite party are available via ecma.ca (click 'Buy Tickets' on right hand side of homepage)

Exclusive Showcase Night for CMAO Members as Part of Country Music Week® 2011

The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) has entered into a partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association®, and will produce and present a night of showcasing exclusively featuring Ontario based CMAO members that will take place on Thursday, September 8 in Hamilton, Ontario.

Ontario country music artists/groups interested in performing at this prestigious event will be required to make a submission to the CMAO. The selection process will be made by a group of music industry professionals and all those who submit for consideration will be given a full and complete assessment. The submission form is available on-line at www.cmaontario.ca. Deadline for submissions is Friday June 24^th. Only those artists/groups that are members in good standing with the CMAO are eligible to apply. Those selected to showcase will be notified by Monday August 1, 2011.

For further information contact: Barry Haugen, 416-930-6400;
email info@cmaontario.ca or Heather Ostertag, 416-757-1964
email heather.ostertag@rogers.com.

Help Unison Benevolent Fund Build Safety Net for Canadian Music Industry

A group of Canadian music industry veterans and artists have been working for the past two years to develop Unison Benevolent Fund, a long-overdue assistance and referral program for and by the music industry that is currently fundraising and building awareness. The company expects to be active in 2011, but needs the help of everybody in the industry in order to make it work. It takes a community to support a community, and only with help can Unison work towards an even stronger and better supported Canadian music industry.

How you can help:

• Register now at www.unisonfund.ca to get updates on Unison's progress, and to join the growing list of Canadians in support of this critical initiative.
• Spread the word - link www.unisonfund.ca on your website, send a blurb (link to a blurb on the site) to your mailing list. Help build the base.
• Raise some money - hold a fundraising event, donate a dollar from each concert ticket, instrument, CD or T-shirt you sell, have a collection box at your shows, and so on

For more information, visit www.unisonfund.ca.

LeAnn Rimes to replace Sara Evans at Big Valley Jamboree

Panhandle Productions regrets to announce that Sara Evans has cancelled her appearance at Big Valley Jamboree on July 29, 2011. LeAnn Rimes has stepped up and will be taking over as one of the feature artists that weekend. LeAnn will be appearing on Friday, July 29.

For a complete list of performers as well as ticket and camping information, please visit www.bigvalleyjamboree.com, or phone 1.888.404.1234.

Manitoba Singer/Songwriters Up For International Songwriting Prize

Several Manitoba singer/songwriters are finalists and semi-finalists in this year's prestigious International Songwriting Competition.

Jaylene Johnson's song "Handsome," co-written with Winnipeg-based producer/songwriter Chris Burke-Gaffney and Halifax-based sister act The Keats, is a finalist in the country category. Johnson's song "Joy," co-written with fellow Winnipegger Arun Chaturvedi, is also a semi-finalist. Last year, two of Johnson's works were in the finals. Johnson also co-wrote The Keats' song "Give Me A Ring," which is up for an East Coast Music Award, and contributed to Eagle & Hawk's Juno-nominated album, The Great Unknown.

MCMA Artist Showcase

Join the Manitoba Country Music Association for an evening of country music sponsored by the CCMA. Featuring artists such as Hurricane Jenny, Jason Kirkness, Kayla Luky and Jason Petric, the MCMA Showcase will take place on Thursday April 28, 2011from 8pm to 12am inside the Canad Inns Destination Centre Windsor Park, with tickets available at the front desk for $6.00.

Visit www.manitobacma.com for more information.

Music Industry Associations Present United Front on Bill C-32

The Canadian Council of Music Industry Associations (CCMIA), representing more than 8,000 members, has prepared a position paper on the proposed amendments to Bill C-32. CCMIA Chair J.P. Ellson spoke to the House of Commons Committee reviewing the proposed amendments in Ottawa earlier this month to address this important issue affecting all Canadian music creators. Members of CCMIA hope that elected officials from all political parties diligently pursue fair, reasonable and contemporary copyright protection, as it is essential for artists to compete on a global basis.

The CCMIA position paper includes five main points to balance consumers' desire for access to copyrighted works, while providing fair remuneration to copyright owners and creators.

Visit www.amia.ca for details

Songwriter's Stage at Ecofest in Barrie

The Barrie Folk Society will be hosting the Songwriter's Stage at Ecofest Barrie, June 11 and 12, 2011. Artists may apply to perform 45 minute sets of original material or to be part of a "in the round" style workshop. Application deadline is April 15, 2011.

For more information, visit www.barriefolk.com.

Team Craven Poster Contest Returns!

Be a part of the Craven Country Music Festival and enter for your chance to win fantastic prizes! By helping to distribute Craven Country Jamboree posters in your community, you could win a backstage experience at the 2011 Craven Country Jamboree or other great prizes!

The Craven Country Jamboree will mail out the posters. All you have to do is put them up in high traffic locations (staff will provide a list of suggestions and restrictions) and send a list of locations and photos for verification. Posters must be hung and distribution lists submitted by the deadline on April 1, 2011 to be eligible for prizes.

For more information, visit www.cravencountryjamboree.com.

Terry Sumsion Passes Away

Country music legend Terry Sumsion passed away peacefully at the age of 64, surrounded by his loving family, at the Stedman Community Hospice on Saturday March 26th, 2011. Family & friends will be received at the Keith Ovington Funeral Home, 134 King Street, Burford on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m., and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 181 King Street, Burford on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Interment Harley Cemetery.

Terry's fondest wish was to assist a local student with a love of music to further their musical dreams. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Terry Sumsion Musical Scholarship Fund or the Stedman Community Hospice.

WCMA and BreakOut West Submissions Open March 1

Submissions for the 2011 Western Canadian Music Awards & BreakOut West Festival opened on March 1, 2011 and will close Friday April 15, 2011.

Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of BreakOut West 2011 in breath-taking Whitehorse, Yukon from October 20 -23. After the unprecedented success of BreakOut West 2010 in Kelowna BC, this year's 3-day workshop conference, 2-day showcase festival, the Western Canadian Music Awards Gala and Industry Awards Brunch are sure to create some noise up north!

Visit www.breakoutwest.ca for more information.

Winnipeg Folk Festival - Young Performers

Applications for the 2011 Winnipeg Folk Festival (July 6 to 10, 2011) Galaxie Young Performers Program are now available online . Open to emerging musicians aged 14 to 24, the program offers a day of workshops and mentoring with professional musicians performing at the festival and a chance to perform on-stage at the 2011 Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Visit www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca for details.

IMPORTANT CCMA DEADLINES

CCMA Membership Deadline

With just over a month left to renew your CCMA membership before the approaching deadline, time is of the essence! If your membership is expiring this year, be sure to renew it before the deadline on April 30, 2011. Check out the testimonial below from artist, producer and CCMA Hall of Fame Inductee, (among other achievements) R. Harlan Smith who has benefited greatly from CCMA membership:

"As a founding member of the CCMA, I could write pages on why anyone involved in Canadian country music should, without any hesitation, become a member. The CCMA provides a voice for all aspects of our Canadian country music industry from artists, writers, record companies, labels, distributors, owners, managers, agents, broadcasters, and just plain friends of Canadian country music to gain awareness, to be heard and acknowledged by the public, government and private business, and the consumer; all those who use and buy the talents and intellectual properties that our industry produces.

Further, through the CCMA’s annual convention and awards show weekend, opportunities to interact, network, learn and know and become known is something that for those of us who have been fortunate to have been there in the beginning, throughout the years, and still today, it is most obvious that, without our CCMA many of us would not, in my view, have achieved the successes which we have. Looking back on my own career, as an artist (7 albums & numerous singles), writer (over 100 songs recorded by myself and others), producer (two-time CCMA Producer of the Year), Canadian label/distributor company founder (Royalty Records), all benefited, I believe, from my being a CCMA member. I therefore urge anyone and everyone who is involved in any facet of our Canadian country music industry to join now and become part of our great Canadian country music family."

– R. Harlan Smith, Artist Producer & CCMA Hall of Fame Inductee and Proud CCMA Member # 0013L

If your membership is set to expire, please visit www.ccma.org to renew your membership today! Renewals received after this deadline will not be eligible to vote in the 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards; there are no exceptions regarding access to voting*, and without payment by April 30 the right to vote in 2011 will not be extended to you.

*While all CCMA members may participate in the Fans’ Choice balloting process, only those at the Industry or Corporate levels may participate in the Canadian Country Music Awards balloting process.

CCMA Showcase Submissions

Don't forget to submit your showcase application for the 2011 CCMA New Artist Showcase or Songwriters' Café at Country Music Week 2011 in Hamilton, Ontario. This could be the big break you've been waiting for, not to mention the experience of a lifetime! For more information, or to submit your application, visit www.ccma.org before the deadline on April 30^th.

Country Music Week Full Delegate Package Early Bird Deadline

Full Delegate Packages and individual event tickets for Country Music Week 2011 to be held in Hamilton, Ontario from September 9 - 12 are now available to purchase online. To maximize savings, be sure to take advantage of the early bird special on the Full Delegate Package (for Members Only) at $530.00 (plus HST). This package gets you access to every event at Country Music Week as well as a ticket to the Canadian Country Music Awards. Register now…the early bird special ends May 31.

In addition to the Early Bird savings, we have reduced last year's prices on the Full Delegate Packages as well as some of the individual event tickets to minimize the impact of the Ontario Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 13% as well as to encourage you to attend this annual event.

The best deal is Visit www.ccma.org before May 31 to see the savings for yourself!

CCMA Awards of Achievement

The CCMA Board of Directors is reaching out to all Members requesting suggestions for candidates for the CCMA Awards of Achievement ("Awards"). This year the following three Awards are eligible to be presented at Country Music Week 2011 to be held in Hamilton, Ontario:

Humanitarian Award

This Award recognizes a person(s) and/or event(s) that have made an outstanding contribution of time and energy in the support of humanitarian causes through country music in Canada. To view a list of past recipients, visit
http://www.ccma.org/halloffame/ awards_of_acheivement.cfm.

Leonard T. Rambeau International Award

This Award recognizes someone who has demonstrated extraordinary effort in assisting the aims and initiatives of the Canadian country music industry internationally. To view a list of past recipients, visit
http://www.ccma.org/halloffame/ awards_of_acheivement.cfm.

The Hank Smith Award of Excellence

This Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond in contributing his or her time and talents behind the scenes for the advancement of Canadian country music. To view a list of past recipients, visit
http://www.ccma.org/halloffame/
awards_of_acheivement.cfm.

If you would like to suggest an individual for consideration for any of these three Awards of Achievement, please contact Brandy Whelan at the CCMA Office for more information; by email at bwhelan@ccma.org or by phone at (416)947-1331 ext. 213. All names brought forward for consideration for the 2011 Awards of Achievement must be received by the CCMA Office no later than April 15, 2011.

CCMA PARTNERS IN PERSPECTIVE - CARAS

If you're already a member of the CCMA, you may want to consider becoming a member of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS). CARAS' main focus is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music. CARAS needs your participation to properly identify, reward and promote the achievements of Canadian artists.

You involvement is key and as a CARAS member you will:

• Support the Canadian music industry
• Nominate, vote & participate in the JUNO Awards process
• Have access to exclusive JUNO Awards weekend packages
• Receive CARAS news and updates

For more information, contact: Josh McIntyre
Phone: 416-485-3135 ext.232
Fax: 416-485-4978
Email: josh@junoawards.ca

ON THE HORIZON WITH
JERRY SEREDA

When you look in the right place, you're bound to find talent, and Dauphin MB native, Jerry Sereda is certainly not one to blend in with a crowd. On the contrary, his commanding voice and stage presence have put him on the same stage as Johnny Reid, Shane Yellowbird and Jason Blaine to name only a few, all while propelling his career in country music forward at breakneck speed.

Picking up momentum and fans along the way, Jerry has also accelerated tempos in his music, exchanging his previous preference for slower ballads with more upbeat numbers. "I always incorporate elements of classic country with a newer, more modern country style. I've really developed my songwriting over the years to reflect that sort of 'anthemic' country sound that makes the genre so great." Keeping with his trend of gathering speed, Jerry has also exponentially elevated his status as a songwriter.

The success received by Jerry for his debut album "Campground Cowboy" is not out of character for this talented singer/songwriter at all. The acclaimed album saw spins on NCI (Native Communications Inc.), was featured on the National aboriginal Countdown and was nominated for Best Country CD at the 2010 Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards. In spite of all this sudden, albeit merited, success, Jerry maintains a level of modesty and professionalism that makes him as refreshing and dynamic in person as his music is to your ears onstage.

Although he's currently turning heads and bending ears on the up-and-coming talent front, Jerry's not one to stop at that. "I have high hopes for my album and in five years, I'd like to be able to fully support myself through my music. I also aim to further my songwriting abilities and work with a publishing company - I want to be a working country artist in full stride." Jerry's never been known to take baby steps and at this rate, he's well equipped to outrun and even overtake the competition.

But what had made Jerry Sereda so swift to establish a name for himself and his music? "It's got a great deal to do with perserverence. In my job as a high school teacher, I've always had the energy to engage an audience and make them feel a part of the performance; I think this experience translates very well to the job of an artist. I have also never been afraid to seek advice from anyone, including artists, labels, etc. I even sent my album to experts in the industry and asked what it would take to make it work - I got lots of valuable feedback." Jerry's story just goes to show you that you never know what you might find if you look in the right place.

Artist Biography

Jerry is a Canadian Country Recording artist from Dauphin MB, who has gained popularity performing festivals across Canada, and the USA and is "making his mark on the Canadian Country Music scene".

Jerry began writing songs in 2003 and through his music he has secured two National # 1 hits with his debut album "Campground Cowboy" (nominated for "Best Country CD" at the 2010 APCMA's), which displays a hint of the traditional music the Winnipegger grew up with, balanced with today's contemporary country, all delivered with a pleasing vocal exuding confidence."

Support from Manitoahbee, and the Aboriginal Community nurtured the drive in Jerry to pursue his dream of becoming a country music singer. After placing 2^nd in the 'Star Catcher' competition Jerry's first single "Time" was released and featured on the Star Catcher compilation CD in 2007. In 2008, Jerry auditioned for Canadian Idol, and made the first round of cuts to the Top 100 contestants.

To kick off his second studio album release, (featuring writers like Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Eric Church and many more) tour, he released the first single "Ain't Learned Nothing Yet", from his new album, along with the music video.

For more information, visit
www.jerryseredamusic.com

DMDS TOP 5 COUNTRY DOWNLOADS

1. Shane Yellowbird -I Can Help You With That


2. Dean Brody - People Know You By Your First Name


3. Brad Paisley - Old Alabama


4. Taylor Swift - Mean


5. Dierks Bentley - Am I The Only One

CCMA MEMBER NEWS

The CCMA invites any members in good standing to submit industry relevant information by the 18^th of each month for consideration and inclusion in this newsletter. As such, any news or statements presented in this part of the newsletter are not necessarily representative of and/or endorsed by the CCMA. Send your news items for inclusion to country@ccma.org.

E-SOURCE ADVERTISING

For e-SOURCE advertising opportunities or to submit content, please contact country@ccma.org.