Country & Western Showcase @ The Rec Room

Fishbum Records & The Rec Room present…

Contrary to what popular opinion may say, the tradition of country & western songwriting is still alive and well in Canada. Although it may be overshadowed to a degree by manufactured pop-country and the likes, authentic songwriters and troubadours have been blooming all over North America – playing smaller dive bars and honky tonks, and barely making enough money to put food on the table. This is where the magic happens, and this is where the artist can truly connect with the audience. Here at Fishbum Records, we are proud to gather at The Rec Room in Barrie, Ontario on March 30th, 2024 to present our very first Country & Western Songwriter’s Showcase, featuring:

❂ Fraser Wayne (Springwater, ON) ☾

-featuring Darryl Hannah on pedal steel

https://linktr.ee/therealfraserwayne

Born and raised in rural Ontario, bandleader and songwriter, Fraser Wayne, cut his teeth in the music world after moving to Montreal in 2014. After years fronting seminal garage rock band, The Fuzzy Undertones, and playing in local bands such as Light Bulb Alley, LEMONGRAB, and Lovers Suicide, Fraser chose to break off to pursue a new vision and sound, with a focus on honest songwriting and imaginative storytelling. The resulting project breaks into some diverse influences, ranging from Americana, folk-rock, spaghetti western soundtracks and more. His prolific output over the past couple of years, including 3 full length LP’s, an EP, and a handful of singles, have all been released on his own label, Fishbum Records.

A man of many hats – you can catch Fraser playing an intimate solo set at your local dive bar, or headlining festivals with a full backing band – always blending his country / rock n roll influences with honest-to-the-bone lyricism. Just recently, Fraser moved back to his hometown of Springwater, Ontario, and he’s currently working on new material to release in 2024. With years of performing and touring experience behind him, including supporting slots for Paul Jacobs, Spindrift, Li’l Andy, Bobby Dove, and The Sadies, Fraser Wayne’s haunting, gothic take on country and western is set to take no prisoners.

❂ Jolie Smith (Collingwood, ON) ☾

https://www.instagram.com/jolieanastasiaa/

Introducing the talented Jolie Smith, also known as “JoJo” to her nearest and dearest. With a voice that resonates from the depths of her soul, it’s no wonder she leaves listeners spellbound. At only 20 years young, JoJo is an old soul who transports her audience to a bygone era with her nostalgic and familiar sound, reminiscent of legends Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake. But don’t be fooled by her vintage vibes, JoJo’s music is a breath of fresh air that defies current trends.

As soon as you hear JoJo’s celestial vocals paired with her exceptional acoustic guitar skills, you’ll be hooked like the rest of her fans. Her music has a way of captivating crowds wherever she goes. Without a doubt she’s a rising star.

❂ Brock Mattsson (Barrie, ON) ☾

https://linktr.ee/brockmattsson

Brock Mattsson is a singer/ songwriter that creates smooth gentle sounds of sorrow. Living in Edmonton, Alberta for a short stent, Brock was reintroduced for his love of Country Music. Having his songwriting come from past experiences, he mixes them with soft slow notes to calm and ground listeners. He hopes to share his songwriting to those whose love for country music still thrives.

LIVE AT THE REC ROOM (BARRIE)

8 N Village Way, Barrie, ON L4N 0M7

March 30th, 2024 – 9pm

$20 advance tickets

The City of Barrie acknowledges the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We also acknowledge the Wendat Nation (Huron) who occupied these lands prior to the middle of the 17th century.