100.1FM The Ranch Local Spotlight

This weeks Ranch Local Spotlight shines on Milverton's own...

Scotty Kipfer!

Scotty joins Jackie on air to chat about everything he's been working on recently!

"Scotty Kipfer was born into a musical family and grew up in small-town Milverton Ontario surrounded by musicians who always encouraged him to play. By three years old, he was tagging along with his dad to perform with the Milverton Legion Band at local nursing homes, with a plastic saxophone in tow. At seven, he was playing fiddle in a family band. He played piano and a number of brass and woodwind instruments until he became enamoured with country music. Scotty was 17 when he finally picked up a guitar and began to write songs. 

Since then, Scotty has worked for record labels and management firms, as a radio announcer, a cartoonist, and a touring guitar player with several artists. He even transported bodies for the Ontario coroner’s department and local funeral homes which had a tremendous impact on his perspective. “You quickly come to terms with your own mortality doing a job like that,” Scotty explains, “and you’re exposed to a huge range of human emotion. It really made me want to squeeze every bit of joy out of every day I get down here.”

After spending years working in different facets of the music business, Scotty felt the urge to develop his songwriting. He started spending more time working with a community of writers in Nashville while honing his live show with performances throughout Southern Ontario and the American Midwest. At one of his writing sessions, the song “Taking My Time” was born. “I’ll never forget heading home on I-40 after that session,” says Kipfer, “I was listening to the work tape of this goofy love song we’d written, and I finally became aware of who I am and who I was going to be as an artist. It was a light bulb moment for me. I always loved the lightheartedness of the old syndicated country music shows like Hee-Haw and The Grand Ole Opry. I was so drawn in by the wit and charm, and it struck me that these guys were just having a tremendous amount of fun. I knew I had to make a record, and that it had to tap into that essence. It’s funny to me that “Taking My Time” was the song that helped me figure it out - it definitely took long enough!” 

Scotty would spend the next two years writing and producing the eleven song album. Rooted in the deep tradition of country music, and influenced by artists like Diamond Rio, Vince Gill, Randy Newman, and Willie Nelson, the record is built on catchy hooks, nostalgic melodies, and clever lyrics. Scotty Kipfer is a country music original. “The record is pretty whimsical. It’s light and fun,” he says. “A lot of it exists purely to make you smile. I try not to take myself too seriously.”

The first single, “Falling Like The Rain”, is a semi-autobiographical song about a shy guy who lands a date with a free spirited girl. When the storm clouds roll in on them, his inclination is to run for shelter but she convinces him to stay a while. She pulls him out of his shell as they dance in the rain, and he falls for her as the raindrops wash away his inhibition. “Stepping outside your comfort zone can be a little awkward,” Scotty says, “but when you give yourself over to it, that’s when the magic happens.”"

Happy Birthday, Meghan! Back to back CCMA Female Artist of the year, Meghan Patrick joins Jackie on air to chat about the release of her brand new single "Never Giving Up On You," on her birthday!!

"Meghan Patrick is one of the most exciting country artists today.  In addition to her two year reign as the CCMA Female Artist of the Year, Meghan has been nominated for 8 CCMA awards including Album of the Year nominations for both of her studio albums.  She recently received Juno Award nominations for Country Album of the Year and Breakthrough Artist. 

Meghan also recently made history by becoming the first solo female artist to take home the Fans’ Choice Award at the Country Music of Ontario Awards. With her debut album, Grace and Grit generating four Top 20 singles and a Top 10 hit with Still Loving You, Meghan Patrick released her sophomore album Country Music Made Me Do It in 2018 to great fanfare.  The first single from the album, also titled “Country Music Made Me Do It” reached the Top 5, while the most recent single “Wall Come Down” rocketed to the #1 spot on the country radio charts and “The Bad Guy” was a Top 15 hit.

In concert, she’s shared the stage with superstars like Lady Antebellum, Dwight Yoakam, Kip Moore and Martina McBride, as well as performing a duet with Keith Urban at the Timmins Stars & Thunder Festival.   For the latest on Meghan Patrick, go to meghanpatrickmusic.com or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube."

This week's Ranch Local Spotlight shines on...

Bruce Worthington!!

Jackie and Bruce chat about what he's been up to throughout the pandemic, his brand new single "The Ice Is Breaking Up and so Should We," and a new EP that's in the works!

"Bruce is a one of a kind talent in the the world: a theologian of significant note who has published books and numerous articles on topics related to the Christian bible; while at the same time writing and recording fun loving, heartfelt country songs for release on country radio. 

Bruce's music can be heard on over 70 stations across the country of canada, including CBC Radio, and across the world on Sirius xm satellite radio. He has released two singles to radio, both of which have reached top 10 on yangaroo DMDS countdowns for their respectively release dates. Bruce typically plays over 70 shows per year, to audiences ranging from Nashville Tennessee to Arviat nunavut.

bruce has recently completed his phd dissertation (wycliffe college, university of toronto) so be sure to look out for that new title when it arrives from Fortress Academic press. the title will be "Christianity appears first as itself: Alain Badiou and the study of christian origins." The book will be released in the fall of 2021. 

finally, bruce has been in the studio over the pandemic and will be releasing a new ep called "Hot and ready," with the lead track heading to radio in the spring of 2021. Look out for the title track, it will be called "the ice is breaking up, and so should we." Fun!!"

This weeks Ranch Local Spotlight shines on...

London, Ontario’s The Scott Howarth Band!!

"With influences ranging from Hank Williams and Elvis Presley to Luke Bryan and Eric Church, The Scott Howarth Band brings a mix of traditional and modern country with hint of rock ‘n’ roll for an uplifting slice of Country Music with heart felt lyrics, infectious guitar instrumentation with catchy harmonies and anthemic choruses.

The Scott Howarth Band was formed by a great group of friends with a passion for making music together. Having played together on various projects over the years they felt it was time to pool their creative talents towards a common sound. Through time together on the road and in the studio The Scott Howarth Band is a group of brothers separated at birth and reunited through music."

This weeks Local Spotlight Shines on...

Suzi Kory!

Suzi joins Jackie to chat about her story, International Woman's Day, being a woman in the music industry and her brand new single "Time!"

Canadian country star Brett Kissel joins Jackie on air for a very special announcement!!

"If you’re a fan of country music, you probably already know Brett Kissel’s story – owned his first guitar before he was even in school, released his first album before he could even drive – leading to him becoming Canada’s most dynamic country music artist before he turned 30 years old. The farm-and-ranch-raised artist has 15 top 10 radio singles, 3 #1 songs, and a tractor bucket full of gold and platinum plaques. He set records on his 112-date cross-country tour, played over 20 shows with his hero Garth Brooks, and has won 18 CCMA Awards and 2 JUNO Awards."

This weeks Ranch Local Spotlight shines on...

Durham County Band!!

Jackie chats with Pete about the band and their new single!

"Durham County Band, hailing from Southern Ontario, is southern country rock that keeps your ear hooked. Lead by writer/producer Pete Wheeler the DCB sound is full of amazing melodies, walls of harmonies, and great signature guitar-playing - Durham County Band has it all.  Whether performing a stadium anthem or an introspective ballad, these guys know what's at the heart of country music and deliver it every time."

With local roots in Clifford, this weeks Ranch Local Spotlight shines on...

Juanita and the Big Deal!!

Jackie and Juanita catch up on  everything that the bands been up to!

"Juanita and the Big Deal, 5 pc Rocking Roots Americana band, based in South-Western Ontario specializing in 80's/90's female Country N Rock Music."

This weeks Ranch Spotlight shines on....

Graham Scott Fleming!!!

Tune in everyday this week around 11:50am to hear his brand new single “Déjà Vu”!

Graham joins Jackie on air this Thursday during the 11am hour to chat all about his career!

"Graham Scott Fleming is a singer/songwriter from Elmvale, Ontario with a voice that is unlikely to be forgotten. After winning first place in a competition called North of Nashville star in 2011, Graham’s career as an independent artist was launched. From there he hit the ground running and didn’t look back. He began writing his own original music which eventually led him to open for acts like Derrick Ruttan, High Valley, and Jason Blaine. He has also had the opportunity to collaborate and co-write with such names as Jason McCoy, Jane Bach, Phil Barton, JT harding and many others.

Graham released his first EP ‘Young Wild & Free’ in 2016, at a time which could easily be described as a slightly ‘chaotic’ period in Graham’s life! Not only was Graham writing original music and planning an EP release, he was starring as Charlie Price in Mirvish’s production of Kinky Boots. Kinky Boots was a smash hit in Toronto running for 2+ years, and was extended three times due to the success of the show. Graham was nominated for a Dora Award for Best Male Actor in a musical for his memorable performance. After Kinky Boots closed in Toronto, Graham made a big move to NYC where he made his Broadway debut in Miss Saigon. Between NYC and Ontario, Graham also starred in such shows as the Canadian Premier of Ghost: The Musical, the World premier of Jukebox Hero, and the World Premier of My Very Own British Invasion plus snagged a supporting lead role in a Hallmark movie called Love You Like Christmas, where he wrote original music for the film score. Needless to say, Graham has had a pretty incredible run in many sectors of the music industry, which he is forever grateful for. 

Missing his small-town roots and the music he grew up listening to, Graham is emerging himself back into the country music scene with a 2021 release of his new single ‘Déjå Vu.’ More details on the full EP, produced by the boys of The Agenda, will be released in the near future, but for now Graham is gearing up for an exciting new single release for the first time in four years. Influenced by duo Dan & Shay, these tunes are sure to have you belting out loud and catching all the feels.

It’s been a long and difficult year for many due to the pandemic, and Graham is hopeful that things will start to look up in 2021. One thing is for sure - music will always be there to provide that much needed positivity and light, and Graham hopes sharing his stories through music will do just that. Be sure to check out his new single ‘Déjå Vu’ on all streaming platforms - out everywhere!! Don’t forget to follow along the journey on Instagram @grahamsfleming!"

THIS WEEKS LOCAL SPOTLIGHT...

Shines on Stratford, Ontario's own...

Justine Chantale!

Jackie chats with Justine about her brand new, recently released, radio single and ep!!

"One of the most promising artists in Canada's up-and-coming music scene, Justine Chantale has been described as the small-town girl with the big voice, and even bigger heart. After all, for this Stratford chanteuse, music has been a driving force for as long as she can remember."

"I started singing when I was eight, in the school choir — but I never really got into playing guitar or taking voice lessons until later on," she explained. "It wasn't until I stumbled upon an open mic that I really realized what I could do."​

And while the would-be singer/songwriter had been unsure about which direction her career might take, mom and dad had already set her on an epic path of inspiration, one paved with a mutual love of country music and classic rock.

"I grew up listening to a lot of country, my mom was into musicians like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, while my dad was all about CCR and Blue Rodeo." she said with a smile. "That appreciation really created a lot of diversity in the kind of music that would influence me down the line. I'm pretty lucky that way."

Now, showcasing a blend of country and pop, Justine has continued to make a name for herself across the region, not only hitting the stage during Country Music Week at the 2016 Canadian Country Music Association Awards in London, Ont., opening for landmark artists including Jess Moskaluke, Chad Brownlee and Bobby Wills, but a number of venues including London Music Hall and Trackside Music Festival, as well as recently opening for The Proud Sons at London's downtown staple, Rum Runners.

Justine will also be hitting the studio next spring, continuing to work on her second EP, a follow-up to 2015's Stepping Stones.

"For me, writing and playing has always been a form of self-expression, but also a way to get my point across to people and to connect," she said. "Sometimes words don't always do the job — but music does. Getting up and performing is so therapeutic ... and if it can really touch people, that's why I do it."

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