For Nikki English, Keith Robertson and Matt Williams, music has been a driving force in their lives for as long as they can remember. Together since 2007, they are the members of Western Avenue. This 2013 Ontario Country Music Association award-nominated (Best Duo or Group,) twice-nominated International Music and Entertainment Association Award and Nashville Universe Award-winning trio (Best Vocal Group) is winning over audiences with its “hot country” sound, including the catchy first single, “Highway Headin’ Out of Town,” which was picked up by Canadian country radio in the summer of 2012.

With the release of their new single, “Wherever You Are,” from their February 2013 self-titled debut EP, Western Avenue is taking their melody-driven blend of country and pop music to radio in the US and around the globe. Already #1 on the Roots Music Report Pop Country chart #1 on New Music Weekly and #77 on Music Row, the single is poised to take Western Avenue to new heights, and introduce them to a worldwide audience of country music fans.

English and Robertson, who are married, live in Peterborough, Ontario, while Williams is from neighboring Cobourg. The three musicians met through Canadian country artist Tara Lyn Hart, who lived in Port Hope at the time and had a music program in Cobourg. Robertson and Williams were hired as back-up musicians for English, for one of her performances.

Since those early days, the members have matured--developing their music style and songwriting. Their undeniable chemistry has remained intact: “I think it has all come from playing together for so long,” English says. “We get along so well, and I couldn’t ask for better band mates. We click. We’re always open to suggestions from each other.”

Growing up, English fondly remembers her father Frank always playing guitar and singing around their house. He died in 2001 after a battle with cancer. KRRM

Frank Palangi is an indie rock recording artist homegrown from Upstate New York that reignites the fuel on the genre that refuses to die. His gravelly, deep n gritty, vibrato voice delivers across a room with his charismatic charm. Whether it's a raw, unplugged acoustic set or the full driving sound of the electric guitar, the passion of rock is imprinted in his veins. Frank is a millennial that wears many hats from recording, mixing, producing, teaching guitar lessons and video work. His positive outlook on life is one of you don't just give up & you stay on it however long it takes. His mission statement is "I have no plan b in backing down on my dreams." His style tips the hat on the past 30 year evolution of the 80s & 90s rock & post grunge genres mixed with a taste of heavy metal.

Where did Frank start? Influenced by bands from the 80's (Metallica, Ozzy, Def Leppard, Megadeth), 90's (Creed, Godsmack, 3 Doors Down, Drowing Pool), 2000's (Daughtry, Three Days Grace, Shinedown, Hinder), his natural talent for self learning from the age of 13 lead to him being a multi-instrumentalist. "I was a shy kid with health issues growing up with no sports so I turned to creative outlets instead like music and film. Learning from DVD's (early days of the net) TV interviews & live shows from the past decades I knew I wasn't going for the typical drinking, smashing hotel rooms rocker lifestyle that it is known for. I could focus more on the music, , the career, the fans, and the drive to grow & learn and of course that rock n roll rebel yell feeling to stand up for yourself." -FP

This podcast is hosted by KRRM

Two powerhouse women are on a mission. A mission to share their gifts and talents with the world and most especially with the world of country music.

Allison and Krystal Steel are 2Steel Girls. An unbelievable mother and daughter duo who are making history even if most folks don’t know it yet.

Not since The Judds has a mother and daughter duo made such a statement in an industry that is…at times…unforgiving and cruel. It’s tough in the music industry whether your male or female but for a team like 2Steel Girls it’s a mountain they are willing to climb.

Accolades and accomplishments for the duo include The Voice as part of Team Blake, appearances on Hallmarks Home & Family Show 2013, Debut of their first single on the Today Show with “Train Wreck” May 2013, Release of 2SG debut CD in 2013 that was independently distributed with over 10,000 copies to date, and Nashville Universe Artists of the Year & Song of the Year in 2015. They have also worked with Emmy winning producer Trey Bruce. Their release in 2015 of “Mad Black Magic” set them on the road to great success in the music industry.

This podcast is hosted by KRRM