BY: JESSICA BEUKER
It’s been a great year for country music, and even better for Canadian country music. These artists have proven they belong at the top through their many successes over this past year. Here are the best country artists of 2017 in no particular order.
Dallas Smith
Dallas Smith also took to the road this year to tour, performing old hits as well as songs from his newest album, Side Effects. Smith took home the CCMA Album of the Year. He also had three consecutive number one singles on the radio.
Dean Brody
Dean brody had a super successful year performing and touring. He was the first Canadian country headliner to take over the Budweiser Stage. His song, Beautiful Freakshow, didn’t get as much love from radio, but it turns out he didn’t need it, as the streaming numbers were so high that the song was a big success. He was the subject of a CMT documentary, as well as the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) Fans’ Choice winner.
James Barker Band
James Barker Band joined forces with both High Valley and Madeline Merlo on Dean Brody’s Tour, as well as touring with fellow Canadian country artist, Tim Hicks. More importantly, they released their debut EP, Game On, which saw their single “Chills” peak at number one. They were also number one on the Top Country fan-voted videos chart for four weeks in a row.
Meghan Patrick
Meghan Patrick supported legend Tom Cochrane on his 25th anniversary tour for his album Mad Mad World. In addition to this remarkable success, Patrick was also named Female Artist of the Year at the CCMA Awards.
Madeline Merlo
Madeline Merlo released “Motel Flamingo”, her highest charting single, in 2017. She also starred in a movie alongside fellow country superstar, Jana Kramer. Along with High Valley and James Barker Band she opened for Dean Brody on his tour.
High Valley
Canadian country duo, High Valley, released three singles this year, the first reaching number one on the charts. They also crossed the borders and made large waves in the U.S. country music scene as well.
Jess Moskaluke
When she wasn’t busy getting engaged, Jess Moskaluke released her third EP, Past the Past. She also won the coveted title of Country Album of the Year at the 2017 Juno Awards.
Tim Hicks
Tim Hicks launched his Shake These Walls Tour, had his highest charting single with “Slide Over”, played the Budweiser Stage, and was the subject of Sudbury Saturday Night, a live concert documentary special. If that wasn’t enough he was also surprised by Ron McLean, who presented him with two gold records at Niagara Falls’ Hometown Hockey Tour and he opened for Tom Petty at Bluesfest. Not a bad year!
Brett Kissel
Brett Kissel released his seventh album this year and his hard work seems to be paying off. He was given the CCMA Male Artist of the Year award.
Hunter Brothers
Breakthrough country act, Hunter Brothers released their debut album, Getaway. Their “Born and Raised” video was shot during their charity event, which raised $60, 000, and as an added bonus has helped the song climb the radio charts.
