MJ Show Podcast

This was the first time Brett Kissel and I had the opportunity to chat. Based on this conversation, it will not be the last, and the next time it’ll be a more extended discussion; it’s necessary.  In the short amount of time we did have this time around, Brett instantly demonstrated how and why he’s achieved longevity in such a challenging industry: his enthusiasm and passion for his work, as well as the gratitude he feels for the lessons, the challenges, and the people who have supported him through it all.  It was beautiful to watch and listen to Brett share his excitement for his most ambitious collection thus far in his decade-long career; The Compass Project. There are four installments/albums, all being released this year (2023); the first, titled South Album, is available now.  There are many motivational speakers around the globe. Then there’s Brett, a motivational singer and songwriter who inspires through music and doesn’t take the opportunity he’s been given to do so for granted! - MJ   The Compass Project - South Album available here: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-compass-project-south-album/1658197466  Check out "Watch It" video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkKLaFH3i-U

"If you have ever been in a toxic/abusive relationship (or not sure if you're in one right now), my hope is that this conversation with @Ila Barker brings you clarity and peace!" -MJ   MJ and Manitoba artist, Ila Barker, talk about what makes her a special soul, while diving into a powerful and enlightening conversation about toxic and abusive relationships, leaving them, and the growth process afterwards. For Ila, that process led to the singles "Intuition," her recently released song "25," and her upcoming full-length project out in the fall.  Watch the "25" video here:  https://youtu.be/O3MLTpn3uMs

MJ caught up with Canadian country artist, Sacha, shortly after being announced as a SiriusXM/CCMA Top of the Country contest semi-finalist. Sacha has since been named 1 of 3 finalists (July 5). Sacha shares why she fell in love with country music, growing up in a small town, and what her success thus far in the industry means to her and anyone pursuing a dream.

MJ speaks with singer/songwriter from the rural North Georgia mountains, Jacob Bryant, about his experience and struggle with addiction, the loss of his mom in 2010, and how pursuing a career in country music became both a way for him to heal and make his mother proud. His latest album, Bar Stool Preacher, came out in January this year (2022) and is a project that reflects his growth as a person and an artist. First, however, MJ and Jacob dive into and chat about his 2019 debut album, #PracticeWhatIPreach.

MJ speaks with Canadian artist, Lindsay Ell, about her NEW single, "Right On Time." First, Lindsay talks about her musical influences, when and why she started playing the guitar, and the inspiration behind her last three albums, The Project (2017), The Continuum Project (2018), and Heart Theory (2020).  In a statement regarding her new single, Lindsay says, "This is a new dawn for me. I’m stepping into my new music, unapologetically feeling that I can be certain I’m right where I want to be. 'Right On Time' is my own theme song – I’ve been told I’ve missed my chance more times than I can count. If women in country believed that, we would not triumph in the way we always do. So this song is for anyone who needs to hear and be inspired by the idea that you can’t be late to the party in your own life!”    Follow MJ: https://linktr.ee/mjradiofm  #LindsayEll #RightOnTime #Country #MJShowPodcast  #CanadianCountry #CountryMusic #CanadasGotTalent

MJ speaks with Nashville, Tennessee singer and songwriter Ernest about his new album, Flower Shops. Ernest shares the inspiration behind the title track and why the rest of the album was built around it. Ernest also talks about his passion for rap, R&B, and classic country and why he chose to go down the country music lane.

MJ speaks with Producer/Songwriter, Karen Kosowski, who produced #MickeyGuyton's national anthem performance at Super Bowl LVI, and the majority of Guyton's Grammy-nominated album, #RememberHerName. Karen describes the writing and recording process of one of the album's most powerful songs, #WhatAreYouGonnaTellHer. Karen also talks about the schools and programs in Winnipeg that played a role in developing a deep passion and understanding of music. #CountryMusic #Country #GrammyAwards #SuperBowl

MJ speaks with singer, songwriter, and actress, #MacKenziePorter, about her latest single, #Pickup. MacKenzie also shares which artists she grew up listening to, how she got her record deal with Big Loud, and achieving three consecutive No. 1s with #AboutYou, #TheseDays, and #SeeingOtherPeople, making her the first woman (Canadian or American) to land three consecutive No. 1s on Canadian country radio since Shania Twain.WATCH THE INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE!WATCH 'PICKUP' VIDEO HERE!Follow MacKenzie Porter:SpotifyApple Music

Born in Surrey, BC, Tyler Joe Miller became the first independent Canadian artist to debut with back-to-back No. 1 hits on the Billboard Canada Country chart with "Pillow Talkin" and "I Would Be Over Me Too." He received 4 2021 CCMA nominations AND was announced the winner of Sirius XM's Top of the Country contest last year (2021). Tyler and MJ discuss the moment he heard about his first No. 1 single, why his second No. 1 is particularly special, and the impact his third single ("Fighting") had on fans across the country. Tyler also shares what's next, including his brand new single, "Wild as Her." Follow Tyler Joe Miller:Spotify Apple Music

I loved speaking with Muscadine Bloodline's Charlie and Gary, true friends who finish each other’s sentences in the same way they harmonize in their songs; seamlessly!   What I love most about this duo is how well they have combined their diverse musical influences into a unique style that instantly grabs your attention, especially when you hear one of their songs on country radio, as was the case with “Dead On Arrival” from their Dispatch to 16th Ave album (2022) and “Me On You,” from their NEW album, Teenage Dixie (Feb 24)! After putting both songs in rotation, I received countless texts and messages asking about them. As an MD who loves to take chances on different songs in style and subject matter, a listener response like that feels like hitting the jackpot!    Their new album is a “collection of stories and experiences in South Alabama.” I cannot WAIT to dive in and be taken to a place I’ve never been!    “When you stop chasing what’s popular and just start chasing what makes you happy the real magic happens.” - Muscadine Bloodline   Teenage Dixie by Muscadine Bloodline:  https://music.apple.com/ca/album/teenage-dixie/1661081868

With the release of "The Wolves," "Too Much of a Good Thing," and the announcement of her upcoming 'Crashlanded' album (Nov 4, 2022), MJ speaks with Madeline Edwards about growing up in California and Texas, her family, and the different styles of music she listened to as a child. They also talk about country music, the genres that have shaped its sound throughout history, and why Madeline feels her jazz, gospel, and soul influences naturally led to country.   Watch the official visualizer for “The Wolves” here: https://youtu.be/ckDGd6g4FHk  Watch "Too Much Of A Good Thing" (Official Music Video) here: https://youtu.be/eflm0CROfgE  Pre-order/pre-save 'Crashlanded' album here: https://madelineedwards.lnk.to/preord...

MJ spoke with Canadian artist, JOSH ROSS, before the 2022 CCMA Awards and Country Music Week in Calgary. Josh shared his excitement about being a SiriusXM Top of the Country Contest finalist, and his CCMA Rising Star award nomination. He also shares some of his musical tastes that has influenced and shaped his diverse sound, and the direction he believes he'll go in moving forward in his career!  Listen to 'On A Different Night' here!

MJ speaks with Tom and Jason from Winnipeg's Petric about their new single, Night Up. The brothers also share their excitement about the Turn The Night Up Tour, which hits the road in the fall (2022) and features special guests Jerry Sereda and Jason Kirkness. Watch the "Night Up" video here. Turn The Night Up Tour details & tickets here. 

MJ speaks with Canadian artist, Nate Haller, about his recent CCMA Rising Star nomination (2022), his debut Top 10 single (Lightning In A Bottle), working with The Reklaws, and his most recent single, "Ain't Like Me." Nate shares the embarrassing and adorable moment he met his girlfriend, Jocelyn, that inspired the recording and release of the new single.   MJ Show Podcast

MJ speaks with Don Amero and Kyle McKearney about their 'Let Em Lie' collaboration.   Full song here! All proceeds will be donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society of Canada http://irsss.ca/  "Don Amero and I wrote this song with the intention of keeping the conversation progressing. "Let Em Lie" is written from the perspective of a residential school survivor and touches on some of the hardships so many had to face and are still living with. " - Kyle McKearney   "While Kyle and I haven't attended Residential Schools, we have felt the burden of the weight that those places cast upon Indigenous peoples in this country. After the uncovering of the 215 children in Kamloops, we felt compelled to share a perspective of some of the stories we hear all too often from some of those that have survived. " - Don Amero   #DonAmero #KyleMcKearney #LetEmLie