Podcast
In The Country with Dave Woods
Hosted by Dave Woods · EN
Dave talks with country artists & plays their songs. You'll hear about career highlights, current projects, stories behind the songs & more.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Interview with Sykamore
Apr 200:36:03Tap to summarizeFollowing the success of her debut album Pinto, which has accumulated over 10 million streams, Sykamore returns with a heartfelt track that has already become a fan favourite at her live shows. The country-pop singer wrote “He’s Mine” after attending a family member’s wedding and realizing there wasn’t a song for the mother–son dance portion of the reception.“I couldn’t help but notice there are a lot of eyes on the father giving his daughter away at a wedding, which is a beautiful thing, but people hardly ever speak of what a mother endures when she gives away her son,” said Sykamore. “I have to imagine there’s a lot of mixed emotions that go along with that experience.” Produced by Bobby Campbell (Nashville TV Series) and written by Sykamore, the track is already gaining attention from radio stations internationally, including Australia and the United Kingdom. The song is everything you would hope a mama’s boy ballad to be; chock-full of sweet memories, intricate details, and a chorus that sweeps its listeners right off their feet. Discovered in 2017 by veteran songwriter Rhett Akins, Sykamore signed a songwriting deal with Home Team Publishing (founded by Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett, Virginia Davis, and Roc Nation/Warner Chappell). Fusing classic singer-songwriter storytelling with a fresh country-pop sound, Sykamore has continued to gain momentum in the genre
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Interview with CATTO
Feb 2400:29:25Tap to summarizeCATTO is one of Canada’s fastest-rising Christian country artists — a storyteller with grit, heart, and an unwavering faith.A 2× Covenant Award winner with GMA Canada, and a 5× nominee with Country Music Alberta, CATTO blends rootsy country, heartfelt worship influence, and blue-collar authenticity into a sound that is unmistakably his own.CATTO has shared the stage with major artists including Red Clay Strays and Jordan Davis, while carving out a touring circuit that stretches across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.His ministry-driven approach puts connection first — bringing hope, testimony, and high-energy acoustic performance to churches, festivals, and communities nationwide.With new faith-forward music and a record number of tour dates on the horizon, CATTO is stepping into a new era of bold, uplifting Canadian Christian country.
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Interview with Chase Stevens
Jan 2600:33:20Tap to summarizeChase Stevens is an award winning singer/songwriter from Mississauga, Ontario. Recognized for his heartfelt lyrics and visual imagery, Chase says his songwriting style is a blend of New Country and Singer/Songwriter, or as he likes to call it “Troubadour Country”.His initial musical inspirations came from the songwriters of the 1970’s, people such as Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, and Cat Stevens among others before he moved toward the Country genre after hearing the music of Keith Urban. A subsequent trip to Nashville to explore the songwriting scene, cemented his musical direction.Chase continues to record his music in Nashville and Toronto. He says, "I have been recording with the same group of session players in Nashville for over 10 years. Not only are they incredible players but their intuition to capture what I am going for is amazing. And I have a wonderful studio close to home where I do my guitar and vocals". I've got two of his latest releases - "Songs In An Old Diner" & "Holes In The Night" - to play on the show as I welcome Chase to the podcast to chat about his music career & his thoughts on songwriting.
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Interview with Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers
Jan 1600:31:49Tap to summarizeFormed in 2004 by CCMA Hall of Famer Jason McCoy, and rounded out by the powerhouse talents of Clayton Bellamy and Chris Byrne, The Road Hammers have blazed a trail as Canada’s most celebrated country-rock trio. Known for their explosive fusion of gritty outlaw, classic country, and Southern rock, the band has earned a loyal following with their raw sound and full-throttle live shows. With over 60 million career streams, 11 million YouTube views, and an arsenal of accolades, including multiple CCMA Awards, a JUNO Award, and gold and platinum certifications, The Road Hammers have carved out a legendary lane all their own.From the moment their self-titled debut album roared onto the scene in 2005, debuting at #1 on the Canadian country albums chart, they’ve been breaking new ground ever since. With 3 Top 5, 3 Top 10, and 4 Top 20 singles, they’ve proven time and again that they’re a force to be reckoned with. Frontman Jason McCoy - also a CMA Global Artist of the Year, CCMA ‘Personality of the Year Award’ recipient, CMAO ‘The Real McCoy Award’ recipient, and CCMA Hall of Fame inductee - brings unmatched charisma to the band’s sound and spirit.And they’re not hitting the brakes anytime soon. Hot on the heels of “Dirty Hands, Clean Money,” The Hammers have just released their high-octane new rock single, “Till The Wheels Fall Off.” Fueled by roaring guitars, relentless drive, and a spirit that never quits, this new track embodies exactly who the band is at its core: lifers who keep rolling no matter what. “Till The Wheels Fall Off” delivers extra horsepower with features from Big Wreck's Ian Thornley and Theory of A Deadman’s Tyler Connolly - turning this into a full-throttle collaboration made for the open road and the fighters who never back down. “A lot of modern music is in such a rush to get to the chorus,” says Clayton Bellamy, “but we wanted to extend that intro, let the chant build, let the groove simmer, and get into your soul like a slow burning whiskey."Clayton joins me on the podcast to talk all about The Hammers & their new music!
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Interview with Amanda & James
Dec 2200:52:01Tap to summarizeAmanda & James are getting ready to release their next single "Comeback" early in 2026!The duo's previous releases include "Another Round", "Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right" and a cover of the holiday classic "Last Christmas".In 2025, Amanda & James received a nomination for Group or Duo of the Year at the CMAOntario Awards. Along with that recognition, they performed their song "Another Round" on the awards stage.A BIT ABOUT AMANDA...Amanda Kind is gutsy, grounded, and gloriously unpretentious. A West Coast girl with a heart full of lyrics and a head full of vocal pedagogy, she’s equal parts singer, vocal coach, and the kind of friend who’ll hype you up and tell you when your eyeliner’s crooked. Whether she’s singing her soul out on stage or talking real-life stuff like confidence, body image, or the beauty of imperfection, Amanda shows up with a big voice and an even bigger heart.She’s a sought-after commercial voice teacher and vocal nerd, teaching private clients through her company Vocal Versatility and classes at Wilfrid Laurier University. She has training from Kwantlen University College, Canadian College of Performing Arts, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, Boston Conservatory, CCM Institute at Shenandoah, and beyond. She believes in staying curious, learning constantly, and helping artists find their voices on and off stage. A BIT ABOUT JAMES...James Downham is the kind of guy who can belt out a country ballad on Saturday night, then show up on your porch Sunday morning with a power drill and a double-double (Timmies forever). With a voice that lands somewhere between butter and velvet, a toolbox of cheeky jokes, and enough small-town charm to run for mayor (of at least three towns), James brings heart, humour, and honesty to everything he does. In 2023, he released his solo album The Long Way Home, featuring radio singles like One Mile at a Time, Raised On, Unwind, and Wine & Whiskey. A sweeping duet called We’re Okay with Amanda changed the game. After two more collaborations - In the Mood for Christmas and Another Round - the pair officially combined forces with a countrified cover of Dirty Dancing’s (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life. A duo was born. He lobbied for James & Amanda, but ultimately let Amanda & James win lol.Learn more about the duo at amandaandjamesmusic.comTune in to hear the duo's conversation with Dave which also features 2 of their recent releases plus the new single!
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Interview with Genevieve Fisher
Nov 2600:21:16Tap to summarizeOntario country artist Genevieve Fisher has just released a brand new beautiful love song called "Must Be Listening" and she's dropping by the podcast to share it with us!We'll also hear a previous release "Thank You Music" which is a very personal song for Genevieve and she'll explain why.A BIT ABOUT GENEVIEVE...Born and raised in London, Ontario, Genevieve has earned 9 top 50 hits on both Billboard’s BDS and Mediabase Canadian National Country Chart. Genevieve has earned recognition within the Canadian Country Music scene by earning 7 Female Artist of the Year nominations, inlcuding 2023, as we well as numerous nominations for Single of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the Country Music Association of Ontario Music Awards. While still in her teens, The Canadian Country Music Association recognized Genevieve’s emerging talent with her CCMA performance selection at the 2012 New Artist Showcase in Saskatoon. Her songwriting skills continue to be acknowledged by the CCMA as witnessed by her selection to perform for the prestigious Songwriters Series in 2016 and 2018. Her Indigenous background has allowed her to register 3 number 1 hits on the North American Indigenous Music Countdown chart. Genevieve has had the opportunity to perform at some of the biggest music festivals in Canada including Boots and Hearts, Havelock Jamboree, Lucknow Music In The Fields, Manitoulin Country Fest, Trackside and Indigenous Day Live. She has had, and continues to have, the privilege of writing with some of Country music's brightest songwriters including Jason Blaine, Steven Lee Olsen, Patricia Conroy, Michelle Wright, Jason Massey, Jennifer Schott and many more.
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Interview with Kelsi Mayne
Nov 1800:41:10Tap to summarizeFormerly a nationally ranked sprint hurdler, Kelsi Mayne has seamlessly transitioned into one of Canada's fastest-rising independent artists. With over 3 million streams under her belt and a track record of performances alongside industry heavyweights, the 3x CMAOntario award nominee, SiriusXM Top of the Country finalist, and 2024 International Songwriting Competition winner is just hitting her stride. Her recent releases "All Or Nothing", "Breaking Bad", "Georgia Off My Mind" & "Someone Who Knows" showcase not only her talent but also her ability to change up her sound.Kelsi has performed on major stages across the country including Calgary Stampede, Cavendish Beach Music Festival in addition to opening for Meghan Patrick and Russell Dickerson. This past summer, Kelsi returned to Boots and Hearts for the fifth time, solidifying her status as a festival favourite.
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Interview with Blue Ridge Band
Nov 1500:34:11Tap to summarizeQuebec’s hottest rising country act, the award-winning Blue Ridge Band, is ready to turn up the volume with their sophomore album High On You!Fresh from a summer packed with 45+ tour dates and a debut at CCMA Country Music Week, the band is channeling that momentum into a record built for big singalongs and road-trip playlists. High On You features breakout singles “The Rush” & the title trackl "High On You" alongside sun-soaked anthems and party-ready tunes that showcase their signature blend of country, pop, and rock.BRB recently signed with The Feldman Agency which is further proof big things are in their future.“We are so excited to welcome Blue Ridge Band to the TFA family! They are an electrifying young country band with an already-impressive track record in the live space and are a seamless fit with our current roster,” says Stefanie Purificati of The Feldman Agency. “We look forward to helping them expand their business in both the Canadian and Quebec markets.” The trio — Jeremy Plante, Samuel Jalbert-Raymond, and Martin Aubin — has quickly built a reputation for high-energy country music and incredible live shows.Tune in to hear my conversation with Jeremy Plante all about Blue Ridge Band!
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Interview with Hayden Ryann
Nov 1101:06:34Tap to summarizeHayden Ryann - born & raised in the Beaches area of Toronto - is riding high after the release of her latest anthem song "No Room For Bitchin'" which is expected to birth a line dance craze in the near future!At just 21 years old, Hayden combines a modern lyrical directness with the warmth of country storytelling and the energy of pop, crafting music that resonates with young listeners who value authenticity and empowerment.“I’ve written over a hundred songs,” Hayden shares. “Songwriting is how I make sense of the world. It’s how I hold onto joy, let go of frustration, and find strength.”One of those songs was her first release "Mindless Words" earlier in 2025 and she shares the story behind that song on this episode.In October 2025, Hayden performed a sold out show with her band at The Painted Lady in Toronto.Now she's getting ready for the release of the music video for "No Room For Bitchin'" (produced by Roadhouse Productions) as well as her upcoming 2026 single "Cowboy".Enjoy my conversation with this rising star on the country scene!
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Interview with Annika Catharina
Oct 3000:57:29Tap to summarizeThough pop and rock were the genres that Annika Catharina first loved, it was the songs of Patsy Cline that drew her to country music. After hearing “Walking After Midnight” and “Crazy”, she wanted to perform country songs any chance she got.Based in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Annika started singing country covers along with other classics. In 2021, Annika began releasing music for the first time – first with a collaborative cover of “Sweet Child of Mine” with Sad Puppy and DuoViolins that netted over 3 million Spotify streams, as well as four 2022 singles as part of the country duo Broadway Crush.Fast forward: Annika’s first single of 2024, “What if I”, marked new milestones for the artist by hitting 170K streams on Spotify through the editorial playlists “New Music Friday Country”, “Country Frontier”, “North Country”, “Next From Nashville”, “RADAR Canada”, and “EQUAL Canada”. Apple Music featured it on the “Canada’s Country” editorial playlist, charted at #2 on SiriusXM Top of the Country Radio in Canada.The release of her debut EP “You and Me” capped a groundbreaking chapter and led to two more breakthroughs – reaching the Boots and Hearts Music Festival’s Emerging Artist Showcase as a finalist and being chosen as both the iHeart Radio Future Star for July and August and the Rogers One to Watch for “Love and Hate”, which sent the track to the Billboard Canada Country Top 50. Not to be outdone, her next single, “Under Covers” brought her further recognition as the JR Country Artist of the Month for September.With her newest release, “Better Hands”, Annika Catharina is excited, inspired, and – more than anything – grateful for being able to record music and share it with the world.
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