Alee
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2007 | MAJOR
Music
Press
It has been a big year for Canadian country music singer/songwriter Alee starting with the release of her first video “Don’t Say You Love Me.” As if that were not enough, the young artist’s newest release “Crazy” has hit the Canadian Country Top 40.
Via Twitter on Aug. 27, Alee thanked fans for singing along and requesting “Crazy” which hit the Canadian Top 40 yesterday at number 37. “Crazy” ranked higher than “Red” by Taylor Swift at number 39 and right below Miranda Lambert’s “All Kinds of Kinds” at number 36.
Not only is Alee’s hit single “Crazy” on the Canadian Country Top 40, she is scheduled to appear at the Jiffy Lube FanFest at Country Music Week in Edmonton, Alberta. Alee was chosen by fans to represent the Association of Country Music in Alberta (ACMA) in an online national Facebook contest hosted by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA).
Fans are invited to join Alee for this free “larger than life festival” Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Halls ABC at the Shaw Conference Centre. Also scheduled for meet-and-greets and performances are Michelle Wright, High Valley, Hey Romeo, Jason Blaine, Gord Bamford, Chad Brownee, George Canyon, Tim Hicks, Kira Isabella, Charlie Major, Aaron Pritchett, Deric Rutta, Small Town Pistols, Dallas Smith and Bobby Wills. - Rachael Monaco
January 27th, 2014 (Red Deer, AB) – The Association of Country Music in Alberta (ACMA) announces the winners of 2013 Association of Country Music in Alberta Awards at the Dinner & Awards event at Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta.
Bobby Wills who had 4 nominations this year, took home the 2013 ACMA Awards for Male Artist of the Year, the SOCAN Song of the Year for “ Somebody Will” along with co-nominees Walt Aldridge and Mike Pyle and Album of the Year for “ If It Was That Easy”.
Brett Kissel also had 4 nominations and was awarded with the 2013 ACMA Awards for Single of the Year for “Started with a Song” and the Calgary Stampede Rising Star.
The winner of the 2013 ACMA Female Artist of the Year went to Alee who was nominated in a total of 4 categories.
The 2013 ACMA Group/Duo of the Year was Calgary’s own PEAR and for the 2nd consecutive year, Grande Prairie’s Tenille took home the 2013 Fan’s Choice.
Other wins from the evening include Jody Seeley for Industry Person of the Year and Panhandle Productions for Talent Buyer of the Year.
The Honourable Gene Zwozdesky and CCMA Hall of Fame Inductee Ed Harris presented the 2013 ACMA Hall of Fame Award to Albert music pioneer, R. Harlan Smith.
The list of 2013 ACMA Award winners highlights of the evening can be at www.abcountrymusic.ca. - ACMA
Toronto, ON – January 28, 2014 - Within the first few tender notes of an Alee concert, it is clear that this Canadian rising star is a natural talent. Her powerful voice, undeniable charisma, and pin-drop stage presence combine to create an unforgettable live experience. In 2013, the Canadian country music charts have echoed this sentiment, seeing three songs from this Alberta born songstress climb into the Canadian Country Top 20. Alee celebrated by taking home the Female Artist of the Year at the 2013 ACMA’s (Association of Country Music in Alberta) and blew the audience away with a performance of Don’t Say You Love Me this past Saturday in Red Deer, AB. Alee was nominated for four ACMA’s including Rising Star, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and her big win for Female Artist of the Year. Further details can be found at: http://abcountrymusic.ca/news.aspx
Alee had this to say about her first win at the ACMA’s, “I am truly grateful for each day I am able to continue to do what I love, and nothing even begins to explain how much it means to have received the award for Female Artist of the Year. The journey up until this point has been amazing, and this is such an exciting way to kick off 2014...I can't wait to see what the year ahead has to bring!”
Not one to rest on the laurels of her early success, Alee has met this opportunity with a tireless work ethic - touring, writing, and recording all across North America over the past year. From Vancouver to Nashville, this rising star has charmed country critics and fans alike, and has landed her first record deal with Canadian independent label Wax Records. Currently, Alee is busy writing and recording her debut label release, while she continues to promote her recent single Crazy. -
Newcomer Alee recently hit Top 25 on the Canadian charts with her single ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’. Let’s get to know her a bit better.
Q
What is the story/inspiration behind ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’?
A
Where do I even start… the song came to be years ago now. It was a time in my life where I had finally let my guard down, and began to really trust somebody. I like to think the best of someone, no matter what — and to this day I still love the person, but things happen. Those are the times where you just need “a song to eat Ben & Jerry’s to”, and move on. I came home one night, couldn’t sleep, grabbed a notebook and started writing words down. It wasn’t until later on that I actually sat down at the piano, and put the words to a melody. “Don’t Say You Love Me” helped give me the strength to let go.The story lives on, too… I’ve been getting messages from numerous people who’ve heard the song on their local station, explaining their story, and how DSYLM came at the perfect time in their life. Writing the song definitely helped me – but it truly becomes a life changing experience when it goes one step further, to help someone else.
Q
Describe the feeling when you heard your single went Top 25. A rare feat for an independent artist.
A
Honestly?… I don’t think it’s hit me yet… haha! It’s an honor to be recognized and seen as part of the Canadian country music industry. I’ve been working a long time for this, and there’s so much more yet to do….it’s all about the little victories.
Q
Is there an album in the works?
A
YES! It’s coming… I don’t like to just jump into things – have to wait for it to feel right. When I stepped into MCC Studios in Calgary a few years back, and met Dave Temple & Johnny Gasparic (Johnny 6Pak – who produced/engineered the album) I undoubtedly knew it was where the recording process, and all it’s magic, would take place. The album is filled with songs I wrote, including a co-write, with Emma-Lee and Karen Kosowski, that never fails to amaze me. I was fortunate enough to have a group of unbelievable musicians jump on board, too, and oh man was it ever mind-blowing to hear them in a room together! Everyone who was part of the project made it what it is, and I cannot wait to share! There’s already been three charting singles off the album, and it’s not even out yet…so I guess you can say ‘slow and steady’ has paid off, thus far! Watch for “This Road Goes Everywhere” this Summer!
Q
What is your most memorable moment to date in your career?
A
There have been so many firsts over the past few years. When I was 16, I went to Nashville for the very first time – I was invited backstage to a Grand Ole Opry show one night, to watch, and hang out with some of country music’s best, including Little Big Town, Jimmy Wayne, and George Hamilton IV. If that experience doesn’t make you want to pursue music further, I don’t know what does! The excitement continued when I got off stage after playing in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Linda Davis (Country music legend & mother of Hillary Scott – Lady A) came up, and said nothing but kind words to me, and my little sister (she’s my secret weapon) – only in Nashville! Aside from that, I think the whole build up to where I am today has been memorable…just when you think it’s as good as it gets, life surprises you again. I’m thankful for all I’ve been able to do and accomplish.
TC’s Fun 5
1. Dream duet parter? – Blake Shelton. I love that man.
2. Favourite clothing item? – I guess it depends if I’m at home or going out. Sweatpants are the best clothing item ever invented if you’re staying in. Otherwise, cowboy boots, easily!
3. Song you wish you wrote? – Do you know how hard that is?! ‘It Is What It Is’ of the new Kacey Musgraves album.
4. Favourite sports team? – I think I’m required to say the Edmonton Oilers?…. but I love watching a good game no matter the team, preferably hockey.
5. Specialty dish you cook/bake? – That’s a good toss up between spring rolls and hot wings…. and now I’m hungry! - Top Country
pages 14-15 - Riverbend Ragg October 2010
page 14 - Riverbend Ragg December 2010
Alberta resident Alee is a 18 year old Rising star to look out for in the country pop scene. Alee has been recording her original material on a home Pro Tools recording rig and collaborating with Atlantica Studios via Skype for laying down drums, bass and guitars for the final mixes of her songs. Maritime musicians Alison Hovey (drums), John Collier (bass) and Phil Bustard (guitars) rounded out the songs as the session musicians.
- Atlantica Centre for the Arts
see attached. - Alternative Trends Magazine Winter 2010
Discography
Debut Album "This Road Goes Everywhere" - available July 18th 2013
"Crazy" hits Canadian Country Radio - June 2013
"Don't Say You Love Me" hits Country Top 25, Canadian Country #8, and debuts on CMT Canada
"Don't Say You Love Me" BDS Most Added Single - January 28, 2013
"Dont Say You Love Me" Mediabase Charts - Top 6 Most Added All Genres, Top 4 Most Added Country - January 28, 2013
"Don't Say You Love Me" hits iTunes and Canadian Country Radio January 2013
"What're We Waitin' For?" Debuts at #48 on Mediabase
"What're We Waitin' For?" - hits iTunes and Canadian Country Radio August 2012
"Real" - hits Canadian Country Radio - March 19th 2012
"Real" - hits iTunes - February 1st 2012
Photos
Bio
At the age of 22 she has already proven herself as having a natural intuitive understanding and pulse on music and its industry, garnering respect from radio teams, labels, publishers, and fans, throughout Canada, and across the border.
Her third self-penned independent single was #1 BDS Most-Added, and with Most-Added All Formats with Mumford & Sons, Ke$ha, One Direction, Justin Timberlake, and Lady Antebellum, and was referred to as the “fastest rising indie country single at radio” for 2013. Local Edmonton production company Back Road Productions threw together a video the week that the song climbed into the Country Top 30, and sent it to CMT, never expecting their reply of support –the video was immediately added into heavy rotation. After only 7 weeks, the song had already hit into the Top 25, and climbed until it saw #22, and #8 Canadian. Alee had three second-ballot nominations for the CCMA’s (Canadian Country Music Association) including Female Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year (as the sole writer of “Don’t Say You Love Me”), and Rising Star Award (based on Mediabase spins). She was recognized for the 2013 Canada’s Walk of Fame as of one of the Top 6 Emerging Artists. She also received the unexpected honor of a Top 5 nomination for the Canadian Radio Music Awards as voted by Canadian Radio, with Tim Hicks, Brett Kissel, Autumn Hill, and Wes Mack. Alee’s fourth self-written single off of the album, “Crazy”, was released in June of 2013, and once again garnered a spot in Most-Added All Formats, received adds from across the country, and resided on the Top 100 Chart for an unreal 53 weeks. Radio has been buzzing ever since, anticipating what would next from this Canadian songstress.
She shortly after signed to Wax Records, in September of 2013. She has been writing up a storm ever since, proving her writing, and music abilities across Canada, and into the United States. Her co-writers have included some of country & pop music’s top songwriters, and this is just the beginning.
In January of 2014, she was named the ACMA (Association of Country Music in Alberta) Female Artist of the Year. She kicked off the Big Valley Jamboree Main Stage in a line-up with The Stellas, Clay Walker, Dean Brody, and Hunter Hayes. This September, she played her debut United States show, opening up for multi-platinum CMA and ACM award winning recording artist, Tracy Lawrence to a crowd of 13,000+ people in Clarksville, Tennessee. She then flew to New York City to record the video for her debut label release “Only The Strong Survive” with the support of CMT Canada.
Industry folk are still shocked by what she was
able to achieve as a completely independent artist, with the common question
being “how did you even know to do that?”. Every person she meets has been
genuinely excited for this debut release and for what it will bring to Canadian
music. She is working non-stop with only one goal in mind – to share her music
with the world. And it looks like she just may be the first Canadian Country
artist in a long time to do just that… because only the strong survive, only
the brave will fight… and she plans on doing just that.
Band Members
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