We go behind the scenes of the CCMAs with the Musical Director of the Gala Dinner and Industry Awards, Douglas Romanow. Read our interview with him below to learn more!
Douglas Romanow has been the Musical Director for both the Gala Dinner and the Industry Awards for four years in a row. In addition to his leadership role for these CCMA events, Doug is a respected Toronto-based record producer/engineer and a published songwriter who has recently written with Michelle Wright, Patricia Conroy and Eddie Schwartz as well as many songwriters across Canada and in Nashville.
Q: How did you get started working in the country music industry?
A: When my siblings and I were very young, my Dad would sit on the edge of the tub and sing us country songs while we took our baths. I’ve had country songs kicking around in my head my whole life. I started producing indie artists in the early 90s, and some of them were country. But it has been my friendship with mastering engineer Hank Williams [Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Alan Jackson] that has really helped me sort out my approach to country music production.
Q: What are some of the responsibilities you have as ‘Musical Director’? What goes into organizing, preparing and executing the Gala and the Industry Awards?
A: I have conversations with the artists about the desired approach to their songs and performances. I chart the music if necessary, hire and rehearse the bands and then lead the band from the keyboard station.
Q: How much have things changed since you started four years ago?
A: I’m observing a growing confidence in the Canadian Country music industry. The artists are becoming better-known in homes across Canada, which is a direct result of the work of the leadership team within the CCMAs. Our presence, as writers, producers and artists in Nashville is strong and well-respected. I expect that will continue to grow.
Q: What’s the best work-related advice you’ve ever received?
A: I once heard that if I wanted to become one of the top five producers in Nashville, I was going to need to buy a house. [LOL]. Nashville is a friendly town, but it is also a loyal and close-knit community. With thousands of new artists, musicians, producers and engineers arriving all the time, it makes sense that if you want to work there, you need to prove you are committed to the community. I absolutely love Toronto and I’m a proud Canadian, but Nashville has become a second home. I deeply value the musicians, artists and studios who have contributed to the records I produce.
