Lainey's Blog

Aaron Lines

Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, country star Aaron Lines has done four albums since his 2001 debut, "Love Changes Everything." A four-time JUNO nominee, his latest album, "Moments That Matter," reflects his heartfelt lyrics in songs like "Somebody's Son" and his playful side with songs like "Let's Get Drunk" and the No. 1 hit "Cheaper to Keep Her."

Anne Murray

Anne Murray's most recent album, Duets: Friends & Legends, is a collection of her hits re-recorded as duets with some of her favourite women of song, including Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Nelly Furtado, Jann Arden, Sarah Brightman, k.d. lang, and Anne's daughter, Dawn Langstroth. Duets: Friends & Legends, Anne’s 35th album

Avril Lavinge

Avril Lavigne rocketed straight to superstardom, at just 17 years old, when she released her debut album, Let Go, in 2002, which sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, garnering eight Grammy nominations and four JUNO Awards. Avril’s most recent album, The Best Damn Thing, is considered her best yet. She was involved in every aspect of the album’s production from writing to recording.

Feist

Feist’s already legendary album, The Reminder, continues to astound listeners, having sold over one million copies worldwide. The hit single “1234” is one of the most popular downloaded songs and videos since being featured in a commercial for the iPod nano. Feist recently garnered four 2008 Grammy nominations.

Finger Eleven

Finger Eleven rocketed back into the music limelight with the introduction of their latest musical creation, Them vs. You vs. Me, released in March 2007. The album’s first single, “Paralyzer,” was an instant success becoming a multi-format, No. 1 hit in Canada and the U.S. with an accompanying No. 1 video on MuchMusic’s Top 30 Countdown.

Gord Bramford

Hailed as one of the young guns of "honest" country, Gord Bamford released his debut album, "God's Green Earth," in 2000. With a 2008 JUNO Award nomination for Country Recording of the Year, Bamford's third album, "Honkytonks and Heartaches," features the Top 10 hit singles "Blame It On That Red Dress" and "Stayed 'Til Two."

Hedley

Hedley's 2005 self-titled album was the most successful domestic rock debut of the year, reaching nearly double-platinum status in Canada. Their most recent release, "Famous Last Words" (Universal Music Canada), shows an edge that only comes from experience. Hedley has been nominated for a total of six JUNO Awards since 2006, including Group of the Year at the 2008 JUNO Awards.

Jann Arden

In February 2007 Jann Arden released her ninth album, "Uncover Me," featuring the Top 10 singles "At Seventeen" and "Son of a Preacher Man." "Uncover Me" debuted at No.1 on the Digital SoundScan Chart and went platinum in April 2007. With eight JUNO wins and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, Arden is now acting, writing and producing.

Johnny Reid

Born in Scotland but Canadian-bred, Johnny Reid released his debut, "Born to Roll," in 2005. The first single, "You Still Own Me," reached Top 15 on country radio while the video reached Top Five on Country Music Television. His most recent release, "Kicking Stones," has gone gold in Canada, selling more than 50,000 copies and earning a 2008 JUNO Award nomination for Country Recording of the Year.

Jully Black

Jully Black's much-anticipated sophomore album, "Revival," serves as a shining reflection of who she is, where she is, and how she got there. Produced by Black Eyed Peas' drummer Keith Harris, the album's lead single "Seven Day Fool" was a No.1 hit song and video in Canada. Black is nominated for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year and Single of the Year at the 2008 JUNO Awards.

Measha Brueggergosman

Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman has emerged as one of the most magnificent performers and vibrant personalities of the day. In addition to a highly acclaimed sold-out recital at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, she has appeared in solo recitals at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and Edinburgh and Verbier festivals, as well as in concert performances with leading orchestras across North America and Europe.

Michael Bublé

2007 was another landmark year for Michael Bublé. His album Call Me Irresponsible topped international charts on the strength of his self-penned No. 1 hit "Everything" and his subsequent tour saw him playing to sold-out arenas and theatres including London, Paris, New York and Sydney.

Paul Brandt

Paul Brandt is the voice of country music in Canada. Singing since the age of 13, his debut album, "Calm Before the Storm," was recognized as "Billboard's" Best-Selling New Male Artist Album in 1996. The most-awarded male Canadian country artist in history, Brandt will receive the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award at this year's JUNO Awards. His album "Risk" also received a JUNO nomination for Country Recording of the Year.

Sarah Brightman

Sarah Brightman is the world's best-selling soprano. Her enchanting new album, "Symphony," brought Brightman her highest chart debuts ever in Canada (No. 4) and the U.S. (No. 13) this year. "The Phantom of the Opera" star has sold more than 26 million albums and two million DVDs. She's a trailblazer who transcends and blends many musical styles.

Shane Yellowbird

In just a few years Shane Yellowbird has gone from quietly pursuing a fine arts degree at Red Deer College to becoming a rising country music star. In 2006 he released his debut, "Life is Calling My Name," which won three Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards including Best New Artist, Single of the Year ("Beautiful Concept") and Best Video ("Beautiful Concept"). He is nominated for a 2008 JUNO Award for Country Recording of the Year.