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Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Podcast
Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Podcast
Author: Brian Tremblay - The Lonesome Cowboy
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© Brian Tremblay
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Listen to the stories of solo musicians who are trying to pursue a career all the while doing everything themselves from booking to recording to distribution and promotion.
thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com
thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com
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https://danielraymondmusic.com/Daniel Raymond was nominated as a finalist for 'Songwriter of the Year' and his album 'Suspension' was nominated as a finalist for 'Album of the Year' in the 2023 Oshawa Music Awards (wearetheomas.ca). The song ‘115’ from ‘Soft’ was also nominated for ‘Durham Song of the Year’ in the 2021 Oshawa Music Awards. The song ‘Waiting’ from ‘Suspension’ has been performing well on Spotify with over 50,000 streams since its release in March of 2022. Raymond's songwriting and musical style have been described as 'distinctly Canadian' - with a number of his songs, including 'Palmateer', '115' and 'Peterborough' referencing specific Canadian people and places. Raymond is also active as a live performer, playing often in the Greater Toronto area, with recent slots opening for The Skydiggers, Jim Bryson and Catherine MacLellan since the release of his latest E.P.Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
I want my music to be an escape from the present. It should let you forget about the daily grind … at least for a little while. Let your imagination and emotion transport you into the stories. Treat the music like a mini vacation that leaves you feeling renewed.Jazz is always at the root of my music, because I love to improvise. But I am no purist… I love to mix it up with traditional and popular songs from around the world. And I have even been heard improvising over a Baroque theme! I just don’t see a reason to limit my musical choices. That’s why I sing in six different languages!Now that my children are grown, I am free to give the music all I’ve got. My voice is stronger than it has ever been. I want to enchant you with my vocals. I still play piano, but only in the shower! And I have been working on learning guitar.https://www.rachelbeausoleil.ca/Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Amie has also worked in marketing and management at Coalition Music and as the Programming Coordinator at Folk Alliance International. She is Past-President of Folk Music Ontario, a former MMF Canada board member, and an alumna of Harris Institute for the Arts and the Artist Manager Program with Canada's Music Incubator. Based in Toronto, Amie is president of the Toronto & York Region Métis Council, a part-time kayaker, meditator, beader, and the proud owner of a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. She is passionate about building community in the music management sector and supporting and empowering it through access to resources and networks to help managers and self-managed artists thrive.https://mmfcanada.ca/Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
When she was thirteen years old, her Dad took her on a trip to Nashville, based on their shared love for country music. In August of 2014, Kate moved to Nashville to pursue her musical career. A few years later, in September of 2017, she released her debut EP, titled “Pink and Gold.”. The album gained quick success on Spotify, with over 3 million streams on Spotify and was noted for its “…make-you shiver vocals, lyrics that stick in your head and tug at your heartstrings…” (Beach Metro June, 2020). Her single to follow, Not Having Fun, gained over 2 million streams and was featured on Q with Tom Power. Her songs have been featured on various Spotify editorial playlists such as Folk and Friends, Best Folk Songs of 2021 Canada, and New Music Friday Canada. Kate's music is every bit of hope and heartbreak that her soul has lived and breathed. Her transparent and vulnerable writing complements her poetic storytelling, finger picking, and witty persona to create something truly special. Kate's music has the power to lift people up and heal them, just as it has always done for her.https://www.kategillespiemusic.com/ Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
https://www.joshritchiemusic.com/To describe Ritchie as just a singer-songwriter/guitar slinger is a massive understatement. This is a young man with complete control and understanding of his craft. He is an arranger, composer and poet; each song is meticulously thought out to serve the listener his chosen themes, stories and commentary on the world.As a young and ambitious person of colour, Ritchie quickly became fascinated with the relationship between art and activism. Growing up, he was influenced by bands and artists that weren’t afraid to make a statement with their art, and he strives to do the same himself. In 2021, Ritchie put this into practice, releasing a self-titled EP about his experiences growing up BIPOC in rural Ontario. His second studio album, Love at the End of the World, which further explored these themes, had a sold-out launch event at Lee’s Palace in Toronto and went on to obtain attention throughout North America through such outlets as The CBC, Cashbox Radio, Canadian Beats, Record World International, Volatile Weekly and many more.Now Ritchie prepares for the release of his third studio album, So Much More Than a Dream, in 2025. This epic concept album tells the story of a young adult searching for peace and purpose in our increasingly turbulent world. Keep a close eye on Josh Ritchie as his artistic and musical prowess soars to new heights in the years to come.Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi takes her time crafting lyrics that are poetic and meaningful, often using unusual rhymes and surprising turns of phrase. She spent years on the road playing solo shows at festivals and in concert halls, train cars, backyards, and living rooms, supporting her warm, clear voice with intricate fingerstyle guitar accompaniment, and drawing energy from shifting landscapes and long drives through Canada and the United States. After taking a break from the road to rest, reflect, and write, Shawna returns with her fifth album, Hurricane Coming, a collection of raw, deeply personal songs set against a backdrop of colourful cinematic soundscapes. Shawna also created a series of abstract paintings inspired by the songs on the album, seamlessly combining her work as a musician and visual artist.Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
https://tylercraigmusic.com/Born in Perth and raised amidst the small town rhythms of Eastern Ontario, Tyler learned early that music could be both refuge and community, a lesson that would shape his approach to songwriting.As a teenager, he split his time between hardcore bands and the quiet pull of country music, absorbing the craft of storytelling from writers like Guy Clark and John Prine. That blend of grit and reflection would later define his own voice, earnest, grounded, and deeply human.After nearly two decades of performing mostly behind the scenes, Tyler confronted health challenges in 2021 and 2022. The pause gave him a new perspective, and he returned to music with renewed focus, leaning on the community that had nurtured him since childhood. In 2023, he began writing seriously, quickly amassing the material for his debut album. He recorded it at Brock Zeman’s studio with The Weber Brothers as his backing band, and it was polished by Steve Foley at Ottawa’s Audio Valley Recording Studio. The record captures Tyler’s blend of roots, country, and narrative-driven songwriting.Following his album release show at Bowie’s in Smiths Falls, Tyler has been steadily performing throughout the Ottawa Valley, crafting songs that draw from lived experience and a lifetime of listening. He is currently at work on his second album, slated for early 2026.Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
https://www.roseerinstokes.com/What is undeniable is the deeply honest approach to her musical storytelling, a wide-open emotional tableau that is representative of the silence of the vast forests and big open skies of the northern Ontario city of North Bay, where Stokes was born and raised.Stokes is a five-time Northern Ontario Music and Film Award nominee. Her Sophomore LP, ‘When The Sun Goes Away’, earned her a nomination for Album of the Year at the Ontario Folk Music Awards.Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
https://familynamemusic.com/Their music carries a playful push-and-pull—Ben leans into newgrass and old-timey roots, while Jacob brings a flair for indie-folk and classic country. The result? A dynamic sound layered with heartfelt lyrics, hope, and hard-earned wisdom, all delivered with brotherly charm and just the right amount of tension.The Family Name have just released “Don’t Choke,” their second single recorded at Little Known Studios. Producer and multi-instrumentalist David James Allen plays several instruments on the track - an upbeat departure from the duo’s typical stripped-down acoustic sound.The duo looks forward to releasing a new EP in 2026 and to announcing supporting concerts and tour dates.Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
https://www.graciejet.com/A multi-faceted artist, Gracie is not only a songwriter and performer but also a practicing nurse who worked tirelessly on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those experiences of resilience, compassion, and exhaustion profoundly shaped her perspective and songwriting. Her lyrics often read like journal entries — raw, honest reflections that illuminate her humanity and strength.Since her 2022 debut, Gracie has released a steady stream of singles supported by FACTOR Canada, earning international radio play and over 250,000 views on the self-directed music video for her breakout track Sister. Her follow-up singles Sway and Forest Fire were featured on the national television program CMCTV Talent, further solidifying her rising profile.Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
This episode of The Lonesome Cowboy Podcast includes discussion about mental health matters and mentions suicide prevention and loss. If you’re in distress, you can call or text 988 from anywhere in Canada for support 24/7/365. You matter. Please take good care of yourselfhttps://www.maureenpollard.org/https://maureenpollardassociates.com/Maureen Pollard is a registered social worker with a private practice in Cobourg, Ontario. She specializes in supporting people as they integrate the experiences of grief and trauma. Maureen provides compassionate care for individuals and groups in therapy, and she is a dynamic speaker, delivering effective training and workshops to professionals, volunteers, and community members.Writing stories captivated Maureen at a young age, perhaps beginning with the class newspaper in Mrs. Voy’s grade four class. For many years, Maureen’s writing focused on telling the stories of real people in professional reports. In 2010, Maureen found her way back to creative writing, gently prompted by a conversation with her eighth-grade teacher, Mr. McLean, and embraced with compassionate encouragement by Firefly Creative Writing. In 2020, Maureen discovered songwriting and embarked on a new adventure of telling stories in a whole new way. Keen to learn more, Maureen picked up the guitar in 2021, deepening her connection with the music she’s writing.These experiences have shifted her personal life and enhanced her role as a professional as she explores the therapeutic power of story and song. Her creative heart has cracked wide open, and there’s no looking back.Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and want to support me financially, please go to the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Like everyone, James has had his share of challenges. He was an energetic and creative child who was always daydreaming and displaying his imagination through acting and drawing. That, of course, was challenging for James’ academics. He struggled in school, except in art class, in which he excelled. His imagination really sparked when, at 16 years old, a friend put a guitar in James’s hands. Right from the start, James didn’t take lessons and didn’t want to learn other people’s songs. He wanted to write his own songs, create his own characters and tell his own stories. Although a happy individual, he enjoyed writing about life’s struggles. James would pull from experiences that he saw happen to people around him. Stories of love, determination, cheating, abuse, and heartache.While still passionately writing, recording, and performing his own music, James’ storytelling skills, along with his evolving drawing abilities, led him to a successful career as a Storyboard Artist. His hard work paid off. From there, in 2007, he ended up co-founding Jam Filled Entertainment, an animation studio that now has 700 employees with offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Halifax.Shortly after the release of his third solo album in 2015, These Weights, James took a long hiatus from recording and performing music for personal reasons…Reasons he now regrets. But in January 2020, James was slammed with the biggest challenge he had ever faced; his 23-year marriage came to a shocking and devastating end. How did James make it through? James dug deep and wrote songs that were from a place he had never been before. He wrote with new eyes, new ears, and new emotions. His songs now became personal as opposed to observational.country music, traditional music, traditional country, americana, americana music, art, songwriter, old school country, old school country music, old time music, old time country, folk music, folk, storyteller, folk music, folk song, roots, roots music Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
What’s to tell? East Coast background, from a family with a musical mother and a TV-holic father. Started playing music seriously later in life and rekindled the love of writing music when I met two lovely young ladies by happenstance (yes, that’s where the name came from) at a local music festival. After 8 years and 3 studio albums, the band sadly dissolved. But when one chapter ends, another begins!https://www.gallaghermakesmusic.com/Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and want to support me financially, please go to the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
https://irishmillie.ca/Irish Millie is an 18-year-old Canadian fiddler, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer from Peterborough, Ontario, blending East Coast drive, Bluegrass energy, and Contemporary Trad grit. A 7-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, she has been recognized with two 2026 nominations for her latest EP Between Then and Now — Young Performer of the Year (her fifth in this category) and Single of the Year for her song You Were There. Her previous album GRACE earned her two 2025 CFMA nominations, and she was also nominated for Folk Music Ontario’s 2025 Performing Artist of the Year.She has performed across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, appearing at Musik over Præstø Fjord (Denmark), Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival, Peterborough Folk Festival, Live From the Rock, St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage, and for over 10,000 people at Peterborough Musicfest. She recently showcased at Folk Music Ontario, performing on official stages presented by Folk Canada. Millie has also co-written with Tim Chaisson (The East Pointers) and continues to push her sound forward as both a player and songwriter.Her all-original album GRACE earned praise from Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who called it “Fresh, lively… cool tunes and great playing,” while Alex Monaghan (FolkWorld Magazine) wrote, “What most grabs me about Irish Millie’s music is the passion — full of fun, fire, and feeling for the music she loves.” A past Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist of the Year and a committed community builder through her ‘Fiddling for Fox’ campaign (which earned her the Peterborough Civic Award for Community Betterment), Millie is now studying Music Industry & Technology at the University of Toronto while touring, writing, and recording new work.Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and want to support me financially, please go to the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Her debut EP Afrikaanman Fairytale was released in May 2024, went #1 on campus radio charts, and was featured on notable Spotify playlists. She has performed at the Ontario’s Black Music Conference, opening for artists like Jully Black, and has received the 2025 Canadian Emerging Artist Music Awards (CEAMA) Artist in Residence in Toronto.https://zochimusic.com/Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me financially, please visit the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
James Gedda Music Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Taking their namesake from a track off their 2022 album “Heartache Kid,” Matt Moran & the Palominos were born.Following the release of Heartache Kid, they hit the road at a near constant pace. This work ethic has garnered them a loyal fanbase as well as mentions on national outlets such as American Songwriter and Saving Country Music. They are currently working on their next full-length album. “It’s definitely alternative country,” says Moran. “We’re taking things up a notch.”Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and want to support me financially, please go to the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Bree Taylor’s artistry has already been recognized with nominations, competition placements, and national attention, but her journey is only just beginning. With her “Rebel Country” sound, undeniable stage presence, and relentless drive, she is poised to become not just a Canadian success story, but an international force in country music. Bree Taylor is a fearless songwriter and performer, and her story is one of resilience, passion and the power of chasing a dream without compromise.https://www.breetaylor.com/Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and want to support me financially, please go to the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Joel Brogon is a Folk/Americana Singer/Songwriter from South Texas. His musical journey is deeply influenced by a rich tapestry of genres, drawing inspiration from classic Singer/Songwriters, folk sounds of the 70s, and traditional 90s Country music. At the heart of Brogon’s artistry lies a profound commitment to narrative storytelling, weaving tales inspired by his own life experiences and those of the community around him. Through his songs, he sheds light on a wide range of topics, from the beauty of nature to social justice issues like LGBTQ+ rights and environmental stewardship. Brogon’s preference for small-scale performances speaks to his desire for intimacy and connection with his audience. He values the shared experience of music in close quarters, where the audience can truly engage with the stories he shares. Beyond his musical endeavours, Joel Brogon is deeply entrenched in local activism and serves as a spiritual leader within his community. He shares his life with his husband Christopher and their fur-children, embodying the values of love, inclusivity, and compassion both on and off the stage.https://www.joelbrogon.com/Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and want to support me financially, please go to the subscriptions and make a pledge. Thank you! Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe
REVIEWS:"Ann Ramsey offers a rare combination of musical, vocal and songwriting delight. Her guitar playing and vocal clarity work together in a way that sweetly carry the evocative lyrics of her originals and timeless covers, captivating the listener and leaving us eager for more.Ann is as good a performer -- and as nice a person -- as they come. Find out for yourself!"--Andy Phillips, Host, Music Makers Open Mic"Ann Ramsey creates beautiful and hypnotic contemporary folk songs with a nod to traditional folk stories and harmonies. Her voice and intricate guitar-playing draw you into each song. A wonderful performer and person, whose music and performances you should seek out."--Tom Cooney, Recording Artist & Host, Philadelphia Folksong Society/Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance Open Mic"Ann is a fingerstyle, classic-sounding folk singer-songwriter, who is creating for herself a niche: great stories with a distinct Anglo-Celtic feel that’s all her own. On top of it, her voice is reminiscent of Judy Collins!!”--Rob Lincoln, Co-Chair, Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance Get full access to Brian Tremblay's Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast at thelonesomecowboypodcast.substack.com/subscribe






















