Kal Hourd’s confidence in his lifelong dream of singing & songwriting must have soared after taking home awards for Album, Song and Single of the year at the 2010 Saskatachewan Country Music Awards. The award-winning album called Haven't Even Met Yet was also - believe it or not - launched into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour with Canadian Astronaut Julie Payette in June 2009. Ms. Payette, a fan of Kal's music, contacted him through his website requesting to take a copy of his album into space with her. Kal's musical roots formed as a child - playing guitar and singing at family functions. With the encouragement of family & friends, this talented Canadian started performing in talent competitions - and there was no looking back. "They encouraged me to go after what I wanted, and what I wanted was to be heard.”  Tune in to hear Kal talk about his influences, songwriting, successful debut album & more.

Jetty Road is now making waves in Canada and Europe as well as in their home country Australia. In January 2010, the group received one of Australia's highest Country music accolades, the CMAA Award (Golden Guitar) for Best Group. Group members are identical twin sisters, Lee and Paula Bowman as well as Julian Sammut and Simon Ross. Their new album - their fourth - is entitledFar Away Places featuring the first radio single Serves You Right. The project was recorded in Vancouver with producer Paul Shatto & features co-writes with George Canyon and Jason McCoy. Recently, Jetty Road took another big step forward by being signed to On Ramp Records, one of Canada’s premiere country music record labels.

Country legend Hank Williams died on January 1, 1953 - and just a few days later his daughter Jett Williams was born. "I maintain that as his soul was leaving this world my soul was coming into it," Jett reflects. She was adopted by Hank's mother and later by another family. It wasn't until the early 1980s that she learned who her biological father & mother (Bobbie Jett) were. In 1990, Jett published her autobiography Ain't Nothin' As Sweet As My Baby. In recent years, she's been passionate about promoting a great discovery of unreleased songs & old radio shows from her father. The collection is packaged as The Complete 'Mother's Best' Recordings. Listening to these recordings is a chance to get to know Hank better than ever. Jett joins me to share stories from her life & music career - and to talk about her famous father who wrote & performed timeless classics like Hey Good Lookin', I Saw The Light & I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry.

Originally from just outside of Detroit, Michigan, Rachel Williams now calls Nashville home. A finalist on USA Network’s Nashville Star 2, this gifted singer-songwriter has released several CDs and EPs, all available on iTunes.  She has shared the stage with artists like Wynonna, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, and Ronnie Milsap. Rachel's sound is Country at the core but reaches beyond into other genres. Mix Nashville with Motown and throw in a bit of edgy pop-rock and you have the recipe for her style. “I look at people like my idols, Bob Seger, Wynonna, Bonnie Raitt, and I see that after all this time, they are still as amazing as they ever were.  They stayed true to themselves and decades later, they still rock better than any concert I've ever seen!  That’s the kind of career I want." Tune in and get to know Rachel Williams & her music.

Since arriving on the Country music scene in 2002, Alberta's Craig Moritz has been wowing crowds with his from-the-heart performances that are packed with lively vocals and rockin' beats. Born in Medicine Hat, Craig grew up listening to Country music and could often be heard singing along to Don Williams, Randy Travis and George Strait. After moving to Fort McMurray at age 12, Craig explored his passion for music through the school band playing saxophone, but as he says, "I figured if I couldn't wear a cowboy hat, strum a guitar and sing a few country tunes, it just wasn't for me." After a chance meeting with Toby Keith at a concert in Regina, Craig was encouraged by the Country superstar to pursue his dreams. We'll catch up with Craig to hear his latest news - and to hear some of his newest songs which he co-wrote with Canadian hitmaker Steve Fox.

Country-Rock artist Steve Rivers released his debut album Beginnings Of A Work In Progress in 2008. That project has earned him success not only as a talented singer & guitarist, but also as an aspiring songwriter and producer. Steve performs regularly in Nashville and Canada. His music spills over into several genres: Country, Rock, Americana, and Blues. His musical influences include Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Bryan Adams and the Beatles. Steve is currently working on his follow-up album in Nashville to be released in 2011. Tune in to hear Steve talk about his start in music, songwriting and recording his upcoming album.

Linda M studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music and has been privately mentored by hit songwriters from the U.S. including Pat Pattison. She is a professor of Songwriting, Artist Development and Music Collaboration at Seneca College in Toronto and is currently completing her Masters Degree in Music at York University. Linda has received awards from Billboard, Songwriter Universe, The Great American Song Contest & The Dallas Songwriter's Association. Her songs have been recorded by Canadian and American artists including Erin Haley ("Can't Let You Go & Mamma Says"). She has also had her songs featured on TV and on movie soundtracks. As an artist, she has released two albums and has shared the stage with Amy Sky & opened for Paul Brandt. Linda is here to talk about her background in music and to discuss the art and craft of songwriting - and more..

"I love helping songwriters and artists find their voice and their audience," says Nashville music producer Kim Copeland. Although she spent time early on in her career performing on the stage, her home and heart are in the studio. In addition, she's a gifted songwriter and a song troubleshooter/coach for TAXI, the NSAI and The Songwriters Connection. "I don't like to be locked into a single style," she says, and thus she has brought her touch to styles ranging from Country and Bluegrass to Pop, from R&B to Texas roots music. As a producer, Kim does everything from songwriter demos to pitch packages to finished masters for radio. Some of the artists she currently works with are Rachel Williams, Drake Jensen and Annelise Walley - and she'll share some of their music on the show. Kim will talk with me about producing, songwriting, demos and much more. Be sure to visit her online at www.kimcopelandproductions.com.

Timmins, Ontario-born, Montreal-based Country artist Marven James knows the third time is the charm. His third album entitlted Tennessee Teardrops has all the elements needed for a great project: heartfelt vocals, strong songs and first class production. The album was recorded at Bayou Recording Studio in Nashville - as well as other studios. 9 of the 12 selections are produced by Canada's own Larry Wayne Clark. The album features songs written by Dave Frolick & Bill Osmond of the Oshawa-based Frozen North Music Publishing Company. They have their songwriting credits (collectively or individually) attached to nine of the songs on the album. Marven began with drums early on and then discovered his Country voice - and love of artists like Alan Jackson, Bobby Bare & Marty Robbins. Tune in as this talented Canadian Country artist talks about his start in music, performing live as well as recording his current album.

Friends of Jack consists of brothers Darryl and Chad John, cousin Paul John and long time friends - Kevin Connors and Steve Drake. All members of the band were born and raised in Newfoundland. Their music is high energy with sibling harmony - a key element to their sound. In 2008, the boys met Bruce Graham who has played a large part in the band moving forward - making key contacts in the music industry both here in Canada and the United States. In mid-2010 - Friends of Jack released their first single to radio - I Owe You One, followed by a media tour of Newfoundland and a radio tour in Alberta. They followed their success up with The Real Deal. Both singles have helped the band begin to build a strong following from coast to coast. Their debut album is now complete and ready for release - and features their brand new radio single, Cool Me Down.