Saskatchewan singer/songwriter Ray Whitton has been winning over audiences, peers, and music industry professionals since he first stepped on to the stage in the fall of 2006. Armed (at the time) with little more then a few chords, and his unique voice, he has built a modest, and loyal Saskatchewan fan base that stretches from Clearwater, to Estevan, Hudson Bay to Swift Current, and all places in between. "My focus will always be making music people can relate to," says Ray. "Sharing similar experiences and writing honestly connects me as an artist with music fans. I'm an average guy, writing about common experiences we all share." Ray has released a self-titled EP under the watchful eye of 2007 WCMA Producer of the Year winner David J. Taylor. The songs include Ray's co-writing collaborations with Saskatoon's Kim Fontaine, and The Northern Pikes' Jay Semko. Ray is currently writing and working towards completing his first full-length album due in 2011.

In 2007, Ontario Country artist Dawson Reigns was introduced to Jason Barry, one of Canada's most respected producers. After meeting Dawson and listening to his music, Jason agreed to produce his debut album at Barrytone Studios in Waterloo. Dawson's debut single, "If Crazy Wasn't So Beautiful", (from his album entitled Enjoy The Ride) was released to radio on January 11, 2010 and went Top 20 on the Canadian Country Charts. Recently that debut single - thanks to fans and radio in Australia - became a number one hit for Dawson. He followed that success up with two more singles – Empty Handed and Girl Next Door. In September 2010, Dawson was chosen to perform at the New Artist Showcase in Edmonton, Alberta for Canadian Country Music Week. Following his time in Edmonton, he returned home and quickly repacked his bags to head to the UK for his first radio tour. While there, he performed at the British Country Music Awards. Tune in to catch up with all the latest news from Dawson and hear some songs from his debut album.

Saskatchewan Country artist Donny Parenteau is a talented multi-instrumentalist who performs with energy and enthusiasm on the fiddle, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitars, and the unique mandocaster. Throw in his singing & songwriting and you have an artist on the rise in Canada. After 12 years touring with Neal McCoy, this seasoned entertainer has performed with numerous country artists and genuine music icons such as Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and Reba McEntire, to name a few. The 22nd SCMA’s (Saskatchewan Country Music Association) nominations were recently announced for 2011 – Donny Parenteau leads the pack with 11 nominations including: Male Vocalist Of The Year, Song Of The Year (My Girl) & Fan's Choice Entertainer. He's just released his new album, "To Whom It May Concern" featuring his latest single, "My Dirt". Tune in as we learn about the making of Donny's new CD & hear some songs from it.

Growing up with music as a strong influence throughout his life, Alberta Country artist JT Moore has been performing since he was just eight years old. He took guitar lessons early in life but found it to be quite the challenge so he switched over to drums and excelled at them. Family functions were looked forward to, as he was able to jam with his Grandpa who played the harmonica and spoons. But his musical family doesn't stop there...his Dad played the electric guitar, his Uncle played the accordion and his cousin played the piano and trumpet. Although he still plays drums, JT returned to playing the guitar to assist in his songwriting. With a passion for poetry, he enrolled in writing classes to learn how to put his words with music and has been songwriting ever since. One of the songs JT wrote (A Dollar Short And A Dream Too Late) was produced in Nashville by Jim Allison, who has produced award winning songs for the likes of LeAnn Rimes, Del Reeves, Billy Ray Cyrus, Reba McEntire and others. In 2008, he was chosen over 4,500 competitors as a regional finalist for the NBC talent search show Nashville Star. Tune in to hear JT talk about his start in music, songwriting, the upcoming release of his debut album "What I Live For" & much more.

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Country artist Mikelle began taking steps on her musical journey at a very young age. At age 6, she won the role of Annie in a Broadway produced performance. At age 8, she performed in Lee Ann Womack's video for the hit song, "I Hope You Dance". During those young years, Mikelle also won numerous awards in competitive dance - and dancing is something she incorporates into her present day concerts. Watching one of her videos at www.MikelleMusic.com will quickly let you see and hear that she is an entertainer who easily holds the attention of her audience. Her debut album is called "Right On Time" featuring a mix of uptempo songs & ballads - and also includes a moving cover of the pop classic, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow". Mikelle will be part of the Hot New Country Tour - along with Country act Pearl Heart - at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario for 14 shows between May 8th and June 1st. Tune in as Mikelle joins me to talk about her start in music, her love of performing on stage, her debut album & much more.

Born in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Marlee Scott's family moved to St. Albert, Alberta when she was 6 years old. Shortly after her cross country move, she discovered her strong desire to perform, first with ice-skating lessons, then with flute lessons...almost. Upon arriving at her first music lesson at age 7, her teacher remembers, "Marlee's mom had called to schedule flute lessons for her. When it came time for Marlee's first lesson I asked her, 'So, you want to play the flute?' She smiled at me and pointed to a pink electric guitar that I had in corner and said, 'No, I want to play that.'" Fast forward: Marlee moved to Nashville permanently in the summer of 2007. She eventually caught the attention of Gerry Leiske (a fellow Canadian), the president of Big Ride Entertainment. She was signed to Big Ride and released a self-titled album which features the popular single, "Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow" - the song is up for a Canadian Radio Music Award in the Country category at this week's Canadian Music Week. Marlee joins me on the show to talk about her music career, her album and her latest projects including her new song (and video), "Here To Heaven".

Maddy Rodriguez has been singing since she was a young girl and started writing songs when she was 13. Her sound is part Pop and part Country. She credits musical influences like James Taylor, Elton John and Bread as well as Contemporary Country artists like Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain and Taylor Swift. At 15 years old, Maddy auditioned for Disband (a MuchMusic hit show) and was selected from among 1,000 bands/artists to be part of the 13 artists featured in season 2. She went on to release her first EP entitled “As Seen On Disband” with acoustic versions of her songs “Summer Love,” “Happier Than Ever” and “Break Down." In November 2010, a few weeks before her 17th birthday, she signed an administration/co-publishing deal with Nettwerk One Publishing, one of Canada's most respected music publishing companies. She'll be releasing her first single (which she co-wrote) and music video, "Falling Up", this month. Maddy will be performing at Canadian Music Week's Canadian Music Fest (in Toronto) from March 9th to the 13th.

Tia McGraff was born in Port Dover, Ontario and began writing and recording at the age of 19. After releasing 2 CDs on her label Bandana Records, and 4 videos on CMT Canada, she moved to Nashville to further her writing career. It was there that she met her partner in life and on stage, songwriter/producer Tommy Parham. Together they have released 3 albums; toured main stage festivals and songwriter venues around the world (including the famous Bluebird Café); have songs placed in film/tv and recently had their song, All Of Us, placed in an Australian TV commercial promoting multi-culturalism. "Diversity" (produced by Tommy) is the title of Tia's fifth studio album, and the follow-up to her 2007 critically-acclaimed album "Day In My Shoes". Tune in as Tia talks about her music career, songwriting, her latest album & much more.

BC Country artist Kristy Howes has been captivating audiences with her unique and progressive sound since she began singing at age eight. Her career accelerated to new heights when she met Trey Gray, an award-winning drummer and talented producer who has worked with acts including Faith Hill, Jewel and Brooks & Dunn. They met in October 2009 and Trey listened to an original song written and composed by Kristy called “Not 4 You”. Impressed by what he heard, Trey invited Kristy to Nashville in January 2010 to record an EP with his studio – Littleton Music Group. Eventually, she recorded more tracks (she had a hand in writing all of the songs) to complete her debut CD entitled The December Sessions. Kristy says, "…writing gives me a chance to vent, a chance to express what I’m really feeling. It’s the perfect remedy for a bad day". Along with touring in 2011 to promote her debut record, Kristy is currently writing new material for her upcoming studio project. She joins me on this edition of In The Country to talk about her CD, songwriting, musical influences & much more.

From the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Spinney Brothers are comprised of Allan Spinney , Rick Spinney, Gary Dalrymple and Darryl Hebb. Brothers Allan and Rick debuted their band in 1992, showcasing a tight brother duet vocal style that was immediately recognized for it's energetic and distinctive sound. The cornerstone of the Spinney Brothers musical identity is the sound of traditional, southern-flavoured bluegrass music. The bluegrass legends have been an important musical influence, yet their music is equally shaped by their personal lives and local heritage. By incorporating original material, the Spinney Brothers effortlessly intertwine the past with the present. They've won a bunch of East Coast Bluegrass Music Association awards and were inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.