Stephanie Mainville

Stephanie Mainville's first CD release, Family, truly is an answer to prayer.

The Darlings Island mother of four traces the roots of her Celtic / Gospel recording to a simple but earnest prayer she breathed prior to the Worship Together Conference held in Saint John in the fall of 2001.

After declaring her willingness to be a vessel He could speak through, she asked, "Lord, where are the songs that represent the sounds of our region and Your heart in destiny for us in Atlantic Canada?"

God, she says, was quick to answer.
"That very night I wrote the lyrics to what is now The Maritime Song on the CD," recalls Mrs. Mainville, 34-year-old wife of management consultant Kenn Mainville.

"The next day, I sat down and all the music came. It was a real flood of activity for me, just to be be hearing the sounds and putting all that music together."

The lyrics read: "Flow Lord, make our people free. Take us to Your sea. Our hearts hear Your voice through the wind and the waves. There's a sound that's calling me. God of the islands and all who smell the sea - the Atlantic, you Maritimes, rise up! The Lord's come to meet you and He's dancing."

Excited and a bit overwhelmed, the accomplished vocalist, violinist and pianist first thought that maybe God was treating her to her own personal symphony.

She shared her song the first time with Days of Elijah songwriter Robin Mark and his band members when they visited the region. "We prayed (together) and we felt God had imparted something," Mrs. Mainville says. "They encouraged me to keep writing."

With the encouragement of her own pastor, Rev. Eric Phinney of St. James the Less Anglican Church in the Renforth section of Rothesay, and the help of pastor/producer Tim Davidson of the Saint John Vineyard Christian Fellowship, she recorded and released a demo of The Maritime Song in January of 2002.

"After I started to share The Maritime Song and sing it in different churches, there was a tremendous response from the people," Mrs. Mainville says. "They felt the sounds, or prophetic nature of that song. Some were responding in intercessions and others were really released in the dance. There was just a real awareness of God's unique plan and purpose for us in the Atlantic Region.

"So, for myself, God just kept giving me a heart for our region, our area. I continued to be open to Him to use the sound of the fiddle to express worship and thanks, and to give gratitude to the God who made us to be, our history, and who we are going to become."

And the music, she says, just kept coming prompting a decision in October of 2003 to put together a whole CD project. Mr. Davidson agreed to engineer and produce the album. They went into the studio in February of 2004 and the CD was completed last fall.

She said the confirmation she had been seeking came out of an August 2003 conference in Summerside, P.E.I., where Vineyard recording artist Graham Ord was leading worship. "Now, where are the fiddles?" he asked. "I thought you people (in the Maritimes) were known for your expression and your vitality and your dance."

Mrs. Mainville knew he had been hearing about other East Coast musicians, secular perhaps, since there was little in the area of Christian music reflecting that distinct sound.

She e-mailed Mr. Ord. He encouraged her with words, prayer, and gave her a real big boost by taking time out during the 2004 Atlantic Awakenings Conference to spend four days in the studio with her. He and his bass player, Peter Daveyduck, both contributed to Family.

I found this album is easy on the ears and evokes a response to worship but, for non-musician like myself, it's difficult to describe the diverse musical mix.

So, I will defer to those promoting it.
"This independent release is a Celtic/gospel recording that takes listeners on a musical journey with songs bursting with high-energy Maritime fiddling, rocking inspirational praise songs, and deeply moving, intimate heart-filled worship," they say.

That, however, only tells a small part of the story because each song has one.

Take the title cut Family, for example.
Mrs. Mainville says it came out of her own desire "to see all generations come together in our church communities, fellowshipping together, worshipping together, doing outreach together."

The youngest of three children of Carolyn and Duke Murray of the Kingston Peninsula, Mrs. Mainville's family has always been important to her. Her sister and viola player Shannon Creary is among a strong lineup of local musicians who have contributed to the album.

There's a lot more than could be said about this attractively packaged first CD if space allowed. But better still, check it out for yourself. Family is already available for purchase at Anglican House, the Canadian Bible Society and the Baptist Bookroom in Saint John, La Bonne Nouvelle in Moncton, or at http://www.stephaniemainville.com/ on the web.

You're also encouraged to atten - Telegraph-Journal

SAINT JOHN, NB – Known as a passionate worship leader, Stephanie Mainville officially launched her debut album – Family – on March 14. Family is refreshingly God-centred, capturing a unique Maritime sound bursting with high-energy fiddling, rocking inspirational praise and deeply moving, intimate worship.

Family is an accomplished collection of 14 original compositions highlighting Mainville’s lively fiddling. Mainville wrote [both] music and lyrics, with the exception of “The Winds of God” (although she created a new arrangement, the lyrics are not original). Graham Ord helped refine some of the lyrics on “He’s A Faithful God” and “We Will Arise.”

Mainville explains that fiddling is “a style of music that resonates with people.” She longs to see “the sound of the fiddle being reclaimed for worship.” Her music conjures up visions of windswept highland, ocean spray and the voice of God.

Although the Maritimes is renowned for its fiddling and Celtic dance, fiddling has long been frowned upon in some religious circles and rarely heard in church worship as it was considered to be the “instrument of the devil” so much so, that some senior Atlantic Catholics can recall when fiddles were gathered and burned in their parishes.

Mainville recalls praying about her longing to record a Celtic/gospel album at a worship conference in Saint John, New Brunswick in the fall of 2001. After declaring her willingness to be the Lord’s vessel, she asked, “Lord, where are the songs that represent the sounds of our region and Your heart in destiny for us in Atlantic Canada?

She says God was quick to answer. “That very night I wrote the lyrics to what is now “The Maritime Song,” explains Mainville.

The lyrics read: “Flow Lord, make our people free/Take us to Your sea/Our hearts hear Your voice through the wind and the waves/There’s a sound that’s calling me/God of the islands and all who smell the sea – the Atlantic, you Maritimes, rise up!/The Lord comes to meet you and He’s dancing.”

As many people reacted positively to her song, Mainville felt an increasing awareness of God’s distinctive plan for her. “God just kept giving me a heart for our region, our area. I continued to be open to Him to use the sound of the fiddle to express worship and thanks to the God who made us to be, and for our history and who we are going to become.”

Born in New Brunswick, Mainville began writing songs while in her church choir and later joined a band in the early ‘80s that played for youth events in the southern part of the province. She played violin with the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia youth orchestras, and has since traveled many countries of the world playing formally and on mission outreaches. She has sung on CBC Radio, played fiddle on a number of Maritime artists’ recording projects and enjoyed many opportunities to lead worship in local churches and conferences.

Family has been nominated for Inspirational Album of the Year at the Shai Awards 2005, Canada’s version of the People’s Choice Awards for gospel music.

For more information,
Visit www.stephaniemainville.com - Christian Week

Stephanie Mainville's first CD release, Family, truly is an answer to prayer.

The Darlings Island mother of four traces the roots of her Celtic / Gospel recording to a simple but earnest prayer she breathed prior to the Worship Together Conference held in Saint John in the fall of 2001.

After declaring her willingness to be a vessel He could speak through, she asked, "Lord, where are the songs that represent the sounds of our region and Your heart in destiny for us in Atlantic Canada?"

God, she says, was quick to answer.
"That very night I wrote the lyrics to what is now The Maritime Song on the CD," recalls Mrs. Mainville, 34-year-old wife of management consultant Kenn Mainville.

"The next day, I sat down and all the music came. It was a real flood of activity for me, just to be be hearing the sounds and putting all that music together."

The lyrics read: "Flow Lord, make our people free. Take us to Your sea. Our hearts hear Your voice through the wind and the waves. There's a sound that's calling me. God of the islands and all who smell the sea - the Atlantic, you Maritimes, rise up! The Lord's come to meet you and He's dancing."

Excited and a bit overwhelmed, the accomplished vocalist, violinist and pianist first thought that maybe God was treating her to her own personal symphony.

She shared her song the first time with Days of Elijah songwriter Robin Mark and his band members when they visited the region. "We prayed (together) and we felt God had imparted something," Mrs. Mainville says. "They encouraged me to keep writing."

With the encouragement of her own pastor, Rev. Eric Phinney of St. James the Less Anglican Church in the Renforth section of Rothesay, and the help of pastor/producer Tim Davidson of the Saint John Vineyard Christian Fellowship, she recorded and released a demo of The Maritime Song in January of 2002.

"After I started to share The Maritime Song and sing it in different churches, there was a tremendous response from the people," Mrs. Mainville says. "They felt the sounds, or prophetic nature of that song. Some were responding in intercessions and others were really released in the dance. There was just a real awareness of God's unique plan and purpose for us in the Atlantic Region.

"So, for myself, God just kept giving me a heart for our region, our area. I continued to be open to Him to use the sound of the fiddle to express worship and thanks, and to give gratitude to the God who made us to be, our history, and who we are going to become."

And the music, she says, just kept coming prompting a decision in October of 2003 to put together a whole CD project. Mr. Davidson agreed to engineer and produce the album. They went into the studio in February of 2004 and the CD was completed last fall.

She said the confirmation she had been seeking came out of an August 2003 conference in Summerside, P.E.I., where Vineyard recording artist Graham Ord was leading worship. "Now, where are the fiddles?" he asked. "I thought you people (in the Maritimes) were known for your expression and your vitality and your dance."

Mrs. Mainville knew he had been hearing about other East Coast musicians, secular perhaps, since there was little in the area of Christian music reflecting that distinct sound.

She e-mailed Mr. Ord. He encouraged her with words, prayer, and gave her a real big boost by taking time out during the 2004 Atlantic Awakenings Conference to spend four days in the studio with her. He and his bass player, Peter Daveyduck, both contributed to Family.

I found this album is easy on the ears and evokes a response to worship but, for non-musician like myself, it's difficult to describe the diverse musical mix.

So, I will defer to those promoting it.
"This independent release is a Celtic/gospel recording that takes listeners on a musical journey with songs bursting with high-energy Maritime fiddling, rocking inspirational praise songs, and deeply moving, intimate heart-filled worship," they say.

That, however, only tells a small part of the story because each song has one.

Take the title cut Family, for example.
Mrs. Mainville says it came out of her own desire "to see all generations come together in our church communities, fellowshipping together, worshipping together, doing outreach together."

The youngest of three children of Carolyn and Duke Murray of the Kingston Peninsula, Mrs. Mainville's family has always been important to her. Her sister and viola player Shannon Creary is among a strong lineup of local musicians who have contributed to the album.

There's a lot more than could be said about this attractively packaged first CD if space allowed. But better still, check it out for yourself. Family is already available for purchase at Anglican House, the Canadian Bible Society and the Baptist Bookroom in Saint John, La Bonne Nouvelle in Moncton, or at http://www.stephaniemainville.com/ on the web.

You're also encouraged to atten - Telegraph-Journal

Canadian Gospel Music Association honours Stephanie Mainville with Instrumental Song of the Year Award.

by David Shipley
Telegraph-Journal

Darlings Island Celtic/Gospel singer and songwriter Stephanie Mainville has won a national Christian music award.

Ms. Mainville was awarded the Instrumental Song of the Year Award on Saturday during the Canadian Gospel Music Association’s 27th annual Covenant Awards in Toronto.

The award was for her song, Ern’s Waltz, from her debut album, Family.

“It was a really nice acknowledgement from CGMA,” she said, adding she felt honoured to be at the award ceremony and also privileged to be a presenter.

She helped present awards in four categories including Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year, Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year, Special Events/Compilation Album of the Year and Urban Song of the Year.

The awards ceremony took place at the McVety Centre on the campus of the Canada Christian College.

In addition to attending the awards, Ms. Mainville is also using the trip to visit her family in Ontario as well as a chance to meet other Christian artists.

“It’s very encouraging to come and be in the presence of other artists, great musicians and people with a passion to share their music with the nation and share the gospel in that way,” she said.

Along [the] way home this week she will be stopping at a radio station in Belleville, Ont., to co-host an afternoon show.

“They’ve been tremendous supporters of my music and they’ve asked me to come and to tape an hour with them,” she said. Ern’s Waltz is a special song for Ms. Mainville.

“It was written to honour my grandfather,” she said. The song honours his support and encouragement of her fiddling.

It was her grandfather and grandmother who purchased a violin for her when she was in high school. She still uses it today.

“The song was written to kind of bring some new light to memories of dancing with [my] grandfather at weddings when I was a child,” she said. “That brought a lot of joy to me.” - Telegraph-Journal

One artist that seems to keep appearing in this column is Saint John area musician Stephanie Mainville. Musicians get press for a lot of reasons and Mainville's is perhaps the best; she simply puts a lot into her work and always seems to have something on the go.

Her musical efforts paid off in a big way last week when she was announced as a regional finalist in the Canadian Radio Star songwriting competition. Previous winners include the likes of Joel Plaskett and Chad Hatcher. For Mainville to win the chance to represent the region was surprising because up until a songwriting workshop she hadn't given the competition too much thought.

"I knew it was coming up, but didn't think I was going to enter," she says. "In the fall they ran some songwriting workshops and part of the reason they came was to publicize the competition. So we thought we'd give it a shot, but didn't really think too much about it." Mainville entered just under the deadline, submitting her recently recorded song Wait.

The song is to be one of the more pop-oriented offerings on a soon-to-be-released disc and she figured it would be the best song to enter. Last week while making lunches for kids and trying to rush them out the door to school Mainville's phone rang.

"I got a nice little phone call," Mainville laughs over the phone trying to conduct an interview while helping her 13-year-old son with homework. "Gary Stackhouse from Big John FM called and I knew it was going to be on the radio because he seemed to be using his 'broadcast voice'. Turns out I was named regional finalist and I'm completely excited about it!"

As part of the judging committee, Stackhouse, a musician in his own right, found Mainville's song to be a cut above the competition.

"The field of songs this year was amazing, once again proving my long held belief that this area has a HUGE reserve of undiscovered talent. The top 10 were all great songs, but Stephanie's song Wait was a fully realized vision, ready for the airwaves as it sat, with a well-crafted arrangement to compliment a work that was already powerful musically and lyrically." As a regional finalist Mainville receives a Garrison acoustic guitar, some top quality Sennheiser microphones and headphones among other things including an all-expense paid trip to Canadian Music Week in Toronto where the national winner will be named.

"That's the most incredible part because I've been able to make it to the ECMAs for about six years and I attended the Canadian Country Music Awards when they were in Saint John . . .Getting out there and making contacts is so important. My husband Ken and I were trying to think of a way to get to CMW, but we just couldn't find a way to make it happen. Now I get an all-expense paid trip and there's so much to take advantage of at an event like that. I'm simply grateful for all this."

While in Toronto in March for CMW, Mainville will no doubt be looking to draw attention to her yet to be released disc, Mainville's second full-length. Working with highly-sought producer Kevin Fox, Mainville's new disc is a collection of acoustic live off the floor recordings of new music with a couple covers thrown in to reference Mainville's musical influences. Like Wait, the songs are well-crafted adult-oriented pieces that wouldn't sound out of place in a quiet coffee shop or on a romantic movie soundtrack.

The recording, tentatively due out in March or April, is a departure for Mainville as she moves gently away from her roots as a gospel/contemporary Christian artist and more toward the secular side of things, all while maintaining a certain grace that her music has become known for. Alongside working with an entity as well-known in Canadian music circles as Kevin Fox, Mainville had the opportunity to collaborate with one of her musical inspirations. A collaboration that came about, believe it or not, from Facebook.

"My husband Ken was on Facebook and he saw a producer friend of ours' status as 'in the studio with Hugh'. Ken messaged and asked, 'that wouldn't be Hugh Marsh would it?'" As it turns out, it was indeed longtime Bruce Cockburn violinist Hugh Marsh and Marsh did in fact have some time to work with Mainville.

"What's so exciting is that when I was in university studying music I wanted to take my violin somewhere else. I wanted to try some explorations in jazz because I heard some of what Marsh was doing and thought it was incredible. Having him play on a couple of tracks was. . .it was groovy! Hugh is really hard to get a hold of now because he's done all the Narnia soundtracks and he's always in demand . . . and now he's playing on my record. It's unbelievable." So approximately 20 years after being inspired by someone and finally having the chance to play as equals would it be odd to hear her name in the same sentence?

"Nelson! You'd be the first to do it!" Mainville explodes over the phone half-joking. "You can put my name in the same sentence as Hug - [here] NB

Canadian Gospel Music Association honours Stephanie Mainville with Instrumental Song of the Year Award.

by David Shipley
Telegraph-Journal

Darlings Island Celtic/Gospel singer and songwriter Stephanie Mainville has won a national Christian music award.

Ms. Mainville was awarded the Instrumental Song of the Year Award on Saturday during the Canadian Gospel Music Association’s 27th annual Covenant Awards in Toronto.

The award was for her song, Ern’s Waltz, from her debut album, Family.

“It was a really nice acknowledgement from CGMA,” she said, adding she felt honoured to be at the award ceremony and also privileged to be a presenter.

She helped present awards in four categories including Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year, Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year, Special Events/Compilation Album of the Year and Urban Song of the Year.

The awards ceremony took place at the McVety Centre on the campus of the Canada Christian College.

In addition to attending the awards, Ms. Mainville is also using the trip to visit her family in Ontario as well as a chance to meet other Christian artists.

“It’s very encouraging to come and be in the presence of other artists, great musicians and people with a passion to share their music with the nation and share the gospel in that way,” she said.

Along [the] way home this week she will be stopping at a radio station in Belleville, Ont., to co-host an afternoon show.

“They’ve been tremendous supporters of my music and they’ve asked me to come and to tape an hour with them,” she said. Ern’s Waltz is a special song for Ms. Mainville.

“It was written to honour my grandfather,” she said. The song honours his support and encouragement of her fiddling.

It was her grandfather and grandmother who purchased a violin for her when she was in high school. She still uses it today.

“The song was written to kind of bring some new light to memories of dancing with [my] grandfather at weddings when I was a child,” she said. “That brought a lot of joy to me.” - Telegraph-Journal

Darlings Island singer/songwriter Stephanie Mainville has been invited to perform songs from her award-winning debut CD, Family, at an official JunoFest Showcase in Halifax. The concert will take place on April 1 at [8 p.m.] at the Salvation Army, Halifax Citadel Community Church 1327 Barrington Street, Halifax.

Stephanie recently performed at two official East Coast Music Awards Showcases, including an inspiring performance at the ECMA Girls Night Out on the main stage at the Delta hotel in Charlottetown .

Family was recorded and produced in Saint John by Tim Davidson. Since its release in 2004, the album has received critical acclaim and industry recognition from across the country. The recording was nominated for Inspirational Album of the Year (2005 Shai Awards), and Gospel Recording of the Year (2006 ECMAs). Stephanie also received two nominations for Instrumental Song of the Year at the 2005 Covenant Awards. Her song, Ern’s Waltz, received Canada ’s Instrumental Song of the Year award from the Canadian Gospel Music Association last fall.

Several singles from Family are receiving regular radio airplay across Canada . Stephanie’s single You!, which features two guitarists from Saint John’s Three Season Ant is currently number six on UCB Canada’s Canadian Top Ten Countdown in Belleville , Ontario .

The JunoFest Christian Music Showcase will also feature The Contact, Three Season Ant and 2006 Juno Nominee Amanda Falk. Tickets are available online at www.yourticketzone.com. For more information about Stephanie Mainville, please visit www.StephanieMainville.com.

As published on page 29 on March 18, 2006
- KVstyle

Inspiration Darlings Island singer provides touching moment for Imperial Theatre audience


by Mike Mullen
Telegraph-Journal | News - As published on page B1 on September 11, 2006

SAINT JOHN - Darlings Island's Stephanie Mainville left an indelible impression on Sunday's CCMA gospel showcase audience at the Imperial Theatre not only as an accomplished artist, but as a caring individual.

In what was the most touching moment of an inspirational 90 minutes, hosted by New Brunswick's the LaPointes, the mother of four dedicated a song from 2004 ECMA nominated album, Family, to the grandfather who inspired her to write the haunting Ern's Waltz.

With Frederictonians Ernest and Rebecca Hiscott, nearing 90 and their 65th wedding anniversary, in the audience, Mainville spoke lovingly of how as a child she loved to dance with her grandfather, especially at weddings. And sometimes, added the devoted Christian, "I believe this journey with God is a dance."

Mainville, and her backup musicians, offered a style of Celtic fiddle music that won a loud and prolonged applause from an appreciative audience.

She also joined Kent Hodgin from the Ottawa Valley for a moving musical rendition of The Lord's Prayer that set the stage for two powerful performances by the LaPointes - Joel, Andy and their sister Jancie LaPointe-McLaughlin - of new vocal arrangements, from their new CD, of the old standards How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace.

Hodgin, who also delivered the song Wood and Stone from new latest CD, told the audience how Mainville had put him and his wife up when she found they had yet to book a place to stay.

"I didn't tell him I have four kids," she said.

The LaPointes, members of New Brunswick's first family of gospel, also shared the stage with Saskatchewan native Eli Barsi, who now makes her home in Branson, Mo., and Adam Gregory of Edmonton, who recorded his first country album at the age of 14.

Barsi, a traditional bluegrass and western singer who was making her fourth appearance at an CCMA gospel showcase, sang two songs from her new album Closer To Home, including the title track. Gregory spoke and sang a song about his recent conversion to Christ, delivered and old favourite - Go Rest High On That Mountain - from past gospel showcase appearances and when asked, sang a third song. All the performers, with Hodgin taking the lead, came together for yet another version of Amazing Grace to bring the concert to the end. It won them a standing ovation from the audience. - Telegraph-Journal

Inspiration Darlings Island singer provides touching moment for Imperial Theatre audience


by Mike Mullen
Telegraph-Journal | News - As published on page B1 on September 11, 2006

SAINT JOHN - Darlings Island's Stephanie Mainville left an indelible impression on Sunday's CCMA gospel showcase audience at the Imperial Theatre not only as an accomplished artist, but as a caring individual.

In what was the most touching moment of an inspirational 90 minutes, hosted by New Brunswick's the LaPointes, the mother of four dedicated a song from 2004 ECMA nominated album, Family, to the grandfather who inspired her to write the haunting Ern's Waltz.

With Frederictonians Ernest and Rebecca Hiscott, nearing 90 and their 65th wedding anniversary, in the audience, Mainville spoke lovingly of how as a child she loved to dance with her grandfather, especially at weddings. And sometimes, added the devoted Christian, "I believe this journey with God is a dance."

Mainville, and her backup musicians, offered a style of Celtic fiddle music that won a loud and prolonged applause from an appreciative audience.

She also joined Kent Hodgin from the Ottawa Valley for a moving musical rendition of The Lord's Prayer that set the stage for two powerful performances by the LaPointes - Joel, Andy and their sister Jancie LaPointe-McLaughlin - of new vocal arrangements, from their new CD, of the old standards How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace.

Hodgin, who also delivered the song Wood and Stone from new latest CD, told the audience how Mainville had put him and his wife up when she found they had yet to book a place to stay.

"I didn't tell him I have four kids," she said.

The LaPointes, members of New Brunswick's first family of gospel, also shared the stage with Saskatchewan native Eli Barsi, who now makes her home in Branson, Mo., and Adam Gregory of Edmonton, who recorded his first country album at the age of 14.

Barsi, a traditional bluegrass and western singer who was making her fourth appearance at an CCMA gospel showcase, sang two songs from her new album Closer To Home, including the title track. Gregory spoke and sang a song about his recent conversion to Christ, delivered and old favourite - Go Rest High On That Mountain - from past gospel showcase appearances and when asked, sang a third song. All the performers, with Hodgin taking the lead, came together for yet another version of Amazing Grace to bring the concert to the end. It won them a standing ovation from the audience. - Telegraph-Journal

By Nelson Hansen

Cover story as published on September 7, 2006

SAINT JOHN - After four years of planning and anticipation, the Canadian Country Music Week wagon lands in Saint John for five days of music, showcases, seminars and of course Monday night's Canadian Country Music Awards.

It's a big weekend for the Canadian Country Music Association who haven't held their annual awards in New Brunswick since 1983 in Moncton and haven't been east of Ottawa in 20 years. The association has been making headway in spreading the country music word beyond its traditional stronghold of Alberta and the Prairies.

Coming East helps illustrate that country music is indeed a national phenomenon strong enough to maintain an identity outside of the Western provinces.

While the weekend is no doubt valuable to the Canadian Country Music Association in terms of growing the brand nationwide, the city of Saint John and country musicians on the East Coast stand to benefit as well. From Thursday (September 7) to Tuesday (September 12) there will be in excess of 700 delegates in town taking up hotel rooms, eating in restaurants and drinking in bars. The economic impact of the event is roughly that of the East Coast Music Awards coming to town. To have the CCMAs arrive in town at the traditional end of the tourist season extends the hospitality industry's peak season for an extra weekend.

For country musicians in the region it's a chance to strut their stuff in front of influential agents, producers, bookers, buyers and record labels. Getting signed to a record deal isn't as easy as playing the right gig at the right time with the right person in the crowd and signing on the dotted line. But there is a strong chance that there are enough opportunities to be seen, heard and advance your career.

East Coast interest in the event has had a significant impact on the Canadian Country Music Association of which you have to be a member to be included in the awards process.

Brandi Mills speaks for the CCMA, a transplanted New Brunswicker herself, she sees this weekend as win-win for the association and the artists it represents.

"For the CCMA our membership on the East Coast has grown over 200 per cent this year." Having the industry in town with so many showcases can better a musician's odds of success in the country music genre and beyond.

"You're not just getting the country music industry, you get the cream of the crop of the Canadian Music Industry. Having this in town gives the artists endless opportunities." Among those looking to take advantage of the opportunities are two New Brunswick acts that at first glance, couldn't be farther apart but yet appear to be taking the same tactic in their CCMA weekend plans.

Darlings Island based fiddler and gospel music artist Stephanie Mainville has won praise for her 2004 recording Family. She has been a featured showcase performer at the Junos, the ECMAs and N.B. Music Week. Her heartfelt songs of praise have earned her recognition at the ECMAs, the Mercy Awards, the Shai Awards and has received the Canadian Gospel Music Association's Covenant Award. While Mainville has received recognition, Moncton's outlaw country rebels the Divorcees have earned notoriety for raucous, booze-fueled live shows and a commitment to doin' things like Waylon and Willie used to do. It may seem the two acts are a universe apart but conversations with both reveal that they are each taking a decidedly similar approach to the weekend.

Despite the appearance of distance between the two artists, Divorcees guitarist Alex Madsen recognizes and respects the efforts of the talented gospel singing Mainville.

"We're gonna show the rest of Canada what New Brunswick's all about. She (Mainville) is going to show New Brunswick's strong gospel roots. She's as good at being good as we are at being bad, we're one step away from chickenwire." Indeed the Divorcees have a well earned rep for boozy, take no prisoners sets and the word is starting to spread that their debut disc and single You Ain't Getting My Country has been creeping onto alt-country playlists since its release.

Just don't confuse boozy with schmoozy as the band has no plans to schmooze and kiss up to industry butt in efforts to advance their profile and career. "It's really not important to us," Madsen explains.

"Like Waylon Jennings once said, 'the best thing to do is to plant your feet and get good.' So we're making sure we've got the best show possible and that we like doing it. Everything falls into place after that. I don't want to be the guy who puts the cart before the horse. To be chasing down the industry would be doing just that. show, not for sucking up to industry people." Madsen and fellow bandmates Jason Haywood, Turtle Arseneault and Brock Gallant aren't totally removing themselves from any networking opportunities at the CCMAs.

Madsen is particularly interested in meeting with the Roadhammers' Jason McCoy - [here]

By Nelson Hansen

Cover story as published on September 7, 2006

SAINT JOHN - After four years of planning and anticipation, the Canadian Country Music Week wagon lands in Saint John for five days of music, showcases, seminars and of course Monday night's Canadian Country Music Awards.

It's a big weekend for the Canadian Country Music Association who haven't held their annual awards in New Brunswick since 1983 in Moncton and haven't been east of Ottawa in 20 years. The association has been making headway in spreading the country music word beyond its traditional stronghold of Alberta and the Prairies.

Coming East helps illustrate that country music is indeed a national phenomenon strong enough to maintain an identity outside of the Western provinces.

While the weekend is no doubt valuable to the Canadian Country Music Association in terms of growing the brand nationwide, the city of Saint John and country musicians on the East Coast stand to benefit as well. From Thursday (September 7) to Tuesday (September 12) there will be in excess of 700 delegates in town taking up hotel rooms, eating in restaurants and drinking in bars. The economic impact of the event is roughly that of the East Coast Music Awards coming to town. To have the CCMAs arrive in town at the traditional end of the tourist season extends the hospitality industry's peak season for an extra weekend.

For country musicians in the region it's a chance to strut their stuff in front of influential agents, producers, bookers, buyers and record labels. Getting signed to a record deal isn't as easy as playing the right gig at the right time with the right person in the crowd and signing on the dotted line. But there is a strong chance that there are enough opportunities to be seen, heard and advance your career.

East Coast interest in the event has had a significant impact on the Canadian Country Music Association of which you have to be a member to be included in the awards process.

Brandi Mills speaks for the CCMA, a transplanted New Brunswicker herself, she sees this weekend as win-win for the association and the artists it represents.

"For the CCMA our membership on the East Coast has grown over 200 per cent this year." Having the industry in town with so many showcases can better a musician's odds of success in the country music genre and beyond.

"You're not just getting the country music industry, you get the cream of the crop of the Canadian Music Industry. Having this in town gives the artists endless opportunities." Among those looking to take advantage of the opportunities are two New Brunswick acts that at first glance, couldn't be farther apart but yet appear to be taking the same tactic in their CCMA weekend plans.

Darlings Island based fiddler and gospel music artist Stephanie Mainville has won praise for her 2004 recording Family. She has been a featured showcase performer at the Junos, the ECMAs and N.B. Music Week. Her heartfelt songs of praise have earned her recognition at the ECMAs, the Mercy Awards, the Shai Awards and has received the Canadian Gospel Music Association's Covenant Award. While Mainville has received recognition, Moncton's outlaw country rebels the Divorcees have earned notoriety for raucous, booze-fueled live shows and a commitment to doin' things like Waylon and Willie used to do. It may seem the two acts are a universe apart but conversations with both reveal that they are each taking a decidedly similar approach to the weekend.

Despite the appearance of distance between the two artists, Divorcees guitarist Alex Madsen recognizes and respects the efforts of the talented gospel singing Mainville.

"We're gonna show the rest of Canada what New Brunswick's all about. She (Mainville) is going to show New Brunswick's strong gospel roots. She's as good at being good as we are at being bad, we're one step away from chickenwire." Indeed the Divorcees have a well earned rep for boozy, take no prisoners sets and the word is starting to spread that their debut disc and single You Ain't Getting My Country has been creeping onto alt-country playlists since its release.

Just don't confuse boozy with schmoozy as the band has no plans to schmooze and kiss up to industry butt in efforts to advance their profile and career. "It's really not important to us," Madsen explains.

"Like Waylon Jennings once said, 'the best thing to do is to plant your feet and get good.' So we're making sure we've got the best show possible and that we like doing it. Everything falls into place after that. I don't want to be the guy who puts the cart before the horse. To be chasing down the industry would be doing just that. show, not for sucking up to industry people." Madsen and fellow bandmates Jason Haywood, Turtle Arseneault and Brock Gallant aren't totally removing themselves from any networking opportunities at the CCMAs.

Madsen is particularly interested in meeting with the Roadhammers' Jason McCoy - [here]

As the title suggests, Out of Nowhere captivates the listener out of nowhere with its incredible unassuming majesty. Stephanie Mainville is in amazing talent and has already amassed a lengthy tally of accolades in her native Canada. Out of Nowhere is Mainville’s second solo album and will undoubtedly continue to earn her more much deserved recognition.

Assisting her in this magnificent creation is longtime friend Kevin Fox who produced, arranged, recorded and mixed the album. He is also the first artist heard on the opening track “Nice To Know” with his light acoustic guitar strumming. Fox and Mainville have delivered a finely polished work where every instrument is cleanly balanced, the instrumentation is divine and Mainville’s vocals sparkle like precious gems in every song.

The first single off Out of Nowhere is “Wait,” with Kevin Anderson on piano. This dramatic love song opens quietly, then builds in the second verse with the addition of the drums. This gentle ebb and flow culminates with a vocal break before the last chorus where Mainville’s vocal mordents expertly lift over the piano and Fox gracefully adds background vocals as the piece decrescendos.

Mainville’s enunciation throughout the album is impeccable. Her mature speak-singing and ability to slightly change vocal tones for each song is well noted. The majority of the songs on Out of Nowhere are her original works; however there are two covers including “Shelter” by 80’s American roots rock band Lone Justice. This group featured Maria McKee on lead vocals with the help of Steven Van Zandt (Bruce Springsteen’s guitarist). This earthy rock song is an excellent fit for Mainville and adds further dynamics to an all ready interesting album.

The most uninspiring piece on Out of Nowhere is “Out West,” not due to musicality but more so for the banal lyrics. Whether Mainville meant to or not, the lyrical content is a collection of clichés encircled in a country folk waltz. The first verse ends with an ill-fated allusion to the superstitious number thirteen as she muses on being “invited to dine at a table for twelve,” before launching into the underwhelming chorus: “Cuz I’m just a square peg in a round hole / the shoe doesn’t fit anymore…” Thankfully to some extent, Mainville’s cute melodic singing throughout does manage to salvage the tune. One not-so-great song however should not deter anyone from thoroughly enjoying this album. The crystalline quality of Mainville’s voice is reminiscent of Celtic Woman Hayley Westenra finely mixed with the power and energy of Lisbeth Scott.

Although the album cover features Mainville in a garden with her violin, the majority of the string work on Out of Nowhere lies in the shadows and serves to add depth and beauty to the music instead of taking center stage. This mold is broken however in “Hold Me Down” featuring guest violinist Hugh Marsh (heard on the Chronicles of Narnia soundtracks). His sweet, somber string work lays the perfect foundation for Mainville to deliver an exquisite performance where her high notes ringing with the timbre of a cherub’s lullaby.

There truly are not enough kind words to say about Out of Nowhere. Mainville and Fox should be proud of the work they have done. It is an aural work of art, finely crafted and destined to give a warm feeling of serenity to any listener who is blessed enough to partake.

Review by Kelly O’Neil - Kelly O’Neil

As the title suggests, Out of Nowhere captivates the listener out of nowhere with its incredible unassuming majesty. Stephanie Mainville is in amazing talent and has already amassed a lengthy tally of accolades in her native Canada. Out of Nowhere is Mainville’s second solo album and will undoubtedly continue to earn her more much deserved recognition.

Assisting her in this magnificent creation is longtime friend Kevin Fox who produced, arranged, recorded and mixed the album. He is also the first artist heard on the opening track “Nice To Know” with his light acoustic guitar strumming. Fox and Mainville have delivered a finely polished work where every instrument is cleanly balanced, the instrumentation is divine and Mainville’s vocals sparkle like precious gems in every song.

The first single off Out of Nowhere is “Wait,” with Kevin Anderson on piano. This dramatic love song opens quietly, then builds in the second verse with the addition of the drums. This gentle ebb and flow culminates with a vocal break before the last chorus where Mainville’s vocal mordents expertly lift over the piano and Fox gracefully adds background vocals as the piece decrescendos.

Mainville’s enunciation throughout the album is impeccable. Her mature speak-singing and ability to slightly change vocal tones for each song is well noted. The majority of the songs on Out of Nowhere are her original works; however there are two covers including “Shelter” by 80’s American roots rock band Lone Justice. This group featured Maria McKee on lead vocals with the help of Steven Van Zandt (Bruce Springsteen’s guitarist). This earthy rock song is an excellent fit for Mainville and adds further dynamics to an all ready interesting album.

The most uninspiring piece on Out of Nowhere is “Out West,” not due to musicality but more so for the banal lyrics. Whether Mainville meant to or not, the lyrical content is a collection of clichés encircled in a country folk waltz. The first verse ends with an ill-fated allusion to the superstitious number thirteen as she muses on being “invited to dine at a table for twelve,” before launching into the underwhelming chorus: “Cuz I’m just a square peg in a round hole / the shoe doesn’t fit anymore…” Thankfully to some extent, Mainville’s cute melodic singing throughout does manage to salvage the tune. One not-so-great song however should not deter anyone from thoroughly enjoying this album. The crystalline quality of Mainville’s voice is reminiscent of Celtic Woman Hayley Westenra finely mixed with the power and energy of Lisbeth Scott.

Although the album cover features Mainville in a garden with her violin, the majority of the string work on Out of Nowhere lies in the shadows and serves to add depth and beauty to the music instead of taking center stage. This mold is broken however in “Hold Me Down” featuring guest violinist Hugh Marsh (heard on the Chronicles of Narnia soundtracks). His sweet, somber string work lays the perfect foundation for Mainville to deliver an exquisite performance where her high notes ringing with the timbre of a cherub’s lullaby.

There truly are not enough kind words to say about Out of Nowhere. Mainville and Fox should be proud of the work they have done. It is an aural work of art, finely crafted and destined to give a warm feeling of serenity to any listener who is blessed enough to partake.

Review by Kelly O’Neil - Kelly O’Neil