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ROMI
MAYES PAST NEWS:
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JUNE
2010: Hey everybody! Welcome to the
new Romi Mayes Band website! It has been a while since my last
update so I thought it was time to let you know what's been going
on since the inception of the new Romi Mayes Band.
The
line up features one my longest and all time
best friends Jason Nowicki (of The Perpetrators fame) on lead
guitar. He has upped the ante in the band and has brought The
Stones to my Joan Jett. I have never rocked harder and it has
everything to do with Jay. If you haven't seen The Perpetrators
before, do yourself a favour and check out The
Perpetrators MySpace. They are one of my all time favourite
bands. The young slick and rockin rhythm section is made up of
David Landreth on bass and Ryan Voth on drums. Dave brings the
smooth Ray Charles to the table and Ryan's hard hitting shuffle
keeps us on track and solid.
It
has been an exciting and busy time for us lately. Since last fall,
the Romi Mayes Band played The Western Canadian Music Awards,
where I picked up Songwriter and Album of The Year, we have been
down South through the MidWest to Texas twice, including shows
at SXSW, played The Junos in Newfoundland (where I was nominated
for Album of The Year), we have played The Olympics in Vancouver,
and we just returned from a tour overseas in Germany, Holland,
Sweden and the UK. I also went on a duo tour with Danny Michel
to Europe last November to Germany, Holland, and Belgium.
Needless
to say, it's been awesome to tear each town a new one, rockin
stages, makin new friends all over the globe. We are prepping
now for our summer touring and festival dates in Manitoba, Ontario,
Quebec, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, which we're really looking
forward to. Highlights include sharing the stage with John Hiatt
and Levon Helm. Check the tour page for
more detailed tour info.
We
are also excited to announce that we'll be heading out on an East
Coast Canadian/US tour out to Newfoundland and back in October
2010 as well as recording a LIVE ROMI MAYES BAND ALBUM this December.
Stay tuned for more info on those!
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JANUARY
2010: First
off, Happy New Year to everybody! 2009 was quite a notable year
in music. Springsteen released 'Working On A Dream", Metallica
was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame, Iron Maiden
released their 'Flight 666' documentary, Michael Jackson and Vic
Chesnutt died, and Faith No More reformed for a tour.
Meanwhile, a little closer to home I had the greatest year with
the release of "Achin In Yer Bones". Three U.S. tours,
two European tours, two Canadian tours, ten festivals, and well
over 200 shows. I was honoured to have 3 nominations for album
and songwriter of the year in Canadian music awards, two of which
I was so humbled to take home at The WCMAs in September. That
was a great weekend where I also got to perform with one of my
all time favourite bands from Saskatoon, The Sheepdogs.
I had the greatest opportunity of having The Weber Brothers back
me up for 6 months of the year. We toured the globe and they are
some of the most talented musicians anyone can have on stage with
them. I presently have the honour of having Jason Nowicki (of
The Perpetrators fame) officially join the band this winter, along
with rock steady and true champion of music David Landreth on
the bass. The newest addition to the band's line up is Canada's
own Ryan Voth, an off the charts solid heartbeat of a drummer
who we are all really excited to hit the stage and the road with.
There's
a lot to look forward to for 2010. The new band line up and I
will be touring South of the border down the midwest to Texas
and then Western Canada in the spring. We will also be heading
back over the pond to Europe in May (Germany, Holland, UK and
Sweden). I am also presently working with Anagram Pictures to
write the soundtrack to a movie they are working on. More info
on that coming soon.
As
I hunker down for my three months off this winter, I'll be doing
more writing (and sleeping... OKAY, OKAY... and some festive drinkin)
trying to rest up and gear up for another great year of music,
touring, new friends, reuniting with old friends, and all around
givin'er.
Thank
you so much to everyone that is reading this, cuz that means you
give a shit to some capacity and have helped support what I do
along the way and I absolutely couldn't do all this without you.
Hope to see you out there again in 2010!
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SEPTEMBER 2009: MAYES WINS!
Romi Mayes takes home Songwriter of The Year and Roots Recording
of The Year at The Western Canadian Music Awards on September
20th!
Through
the weekend Mayes rocked a WCMA festival showcase, played a SOCAN
Songwriters and Stories session, and slayed at the awards show
on a collaboration with rock band from Saskatoon, The Sheepdogs.
Mayes was also a valued panelist on a Demo Critique panel and
on an International Touring panel throughout the festival weekend.
The busy weekend paid off in the end at the awards show when Mayes
was called out to accept her two prestigious awards and was the
only multiple award winner of the evening.
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AUGUST
2009: NOMINATIONS, LIVE ALBUM, NEW BAND: TEXAS TOUR,
HOLLAND WITH DANNY MICHEL Achin In Yer Bones has been nominated
for ALBUM OF THE YEAR at The Western Canadian Music Awards. Mayes
is also up for SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR. The awards show will take
place September 20 in Brandon, MB. Mayes will also perform at
the awards show with Saskatoon's bext rock band, The Sheepdogs,
as her back up band.
The
epic Romi Mayes/Weber Brothers tour finished up at the beginning
of August. With almost 100 shows under their belts together in
Canada, Europe and US, they closed up the near 6 month tour with
a live recording at Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club.
The LIVE ALBUM is set to be released in 2010.
Mayes
will be heading down to TEXAS IN OCTOBER with a new line up consisting
of Jason Nowicki (of The Perpetrators) on guitar, David Landreth
on bass, and Daniel Jordan on drums. Check www.romimayes.com and
www.myspace.com/romimayes for tour dates as they come in.
In
November, Mayes will head to The Netherlands to do a run of duo
shows with Ontario's Danny Michel. The two have never collaborated
so it should be an exciting musical combination. Danny will back
Mayes up and open all of the shows.
Stay tuned for more information on that tour, as well.
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MARCH
2009: Well here we go... Finally. I'm on the road with
the new band and the new album. Lots of prep and anticipation
up to this moment.
In fact I'm writing this while we're in the van between Saskatoon
and Edmonton. We played The Roxy Theatre last night - what a beautiful
building and a great audience.
Yup, this ia a pretty exciting time. This extensive "Achin
In Yer Bones" CD release tour we're embarking upon has just
begun and the guys and I have settled into a groove. I'm only
sportin the electric guit on this tour so it's all giv'er and
it feels great. I'm pretty honoured to have such a rockn pro backing
band made up of such great guys. Ryan Weber on bass, Sam Weber
on guitar, Shai Peer on keys, and Emmet Van Etten on drums. We
also brought along the illustrious Cindy Klippenstein for some
road managing, merch help and over all good times. Quite the motley
crew we have goin on here.
After
Western Canada, we'll be heading to Europe, more of Canada (Ontario
and Quebec), and into the US. After that it's summer festival
season. Should be one hell of a ride. Gonna have to buckle up
for sure. Speaking of buckling up, I better get back to it here
on the road. Really hope to see you all out at the shows... The
response so far to the new album is overwhelming and I'm so thankful.
So incredibly good to see that so many people still come out,
buy albums, and support live music. Check the shows page for tour
info...
See
you out there - sincere and endless thanks!
Romi Mayes
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SEPTEMBER 2008: Summer's gone.
Just like that. What another ride. Highlights were the Edmonton
Folk Festival (Luke Doucet slayed) and Woody Guthrie Folk Fest
in Oklahoma was another blast. They know how to have a party over
there. I was in Europe and Texas (2 of my favourite stomping grounds)
and I finally made it out West this summer as well. It was a gooder
and now I'm sportin a big hoody and gettin back into the groove
of autumn.
I have a couple Alberta and BC dates at the end of this month,
and then I head back to Italy in October... not a bad deal I figure.
By the time I get back from Italy it's 'go time' and Gurf and
I finally get back into the studio to record a follow up album
to 'Sweet Somethin' Steady'. Really really stoked on that. By
the time it's released in spring of 2009 it will have been almost
3 years since 'Sweet Somethin Steady' was released. I couldn't
have dreamed up the great response to that album... I can't begin
to thank you all for a kick ass few years performing that album
North, South, East and West.
The touring schedule is coming together for the new album release
so check in once in a while to see when we're comin yer way. I'll
have a new kick ass back up band (who are on their own The Weber
Brothers) and we're really looking forward to touring the album
next year in the MidWest to Texas in February, Western Canada
in March, Europe in April, Eastern Canada and Eastern U.S. in
May/June... and then the summer festival season 2009 kicks off
and the band and I will be covering some large ground over July
and August.
Please stay tuned for more new album info... It should be available
in Canada March 2009.
Thanks so much for giving a shit thus far... it's truly incredible...
I can't do any of this without you guys...
Romi Mayes
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JUNE
2008:
Hey all - Well, summer's startin to swing and I'm starting to
get in the swing of things with it. I just got back a couple of
weeks ago from a month of overseas shows - I was in Holland, Sweden,
England, Ireland and Scotland. There were so many moments where
I couldn't believe this was my job. The shows went well and I
made some really great friends out there. Andrew Neville was a
great lead guitar player for the tour and was a blast to have
with me. I plan to go back overseas this October, but this time
back to Italy. The plan is to head back to Holland in April 2009.
I just went out to a small fest in Tofield, Alberta called Wild
Oats and Notes with The Sheepdogs (kick ass band from Saskatoon)
and had a blast. Next week I look forward to returning to Woody
Guthrie Folk Festival in Oklahoma, followed by some pickin time
up here in Winnipeg with Nashville's Tom House, Edmonton Folk
Festival in August, some pre-production out at Gurf's cabin, and
then a trip back down to Texas... it'll be bloody hot, but I miss
it so it should be great to get back there.
Other than that, there are some other shows that fill the calendar
so check the dates and hope to see you all out there.
This
November, Gurf Morlix and I will be working on a follow up album
to Sweet Somethin Steady, which will be released in the spring
of 2009. I know it's taking a while but I am hoping it will be
worth the wait.
As
always, endless endlessthanks to you all - Romi Mayes
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APRIL
2008:
After another great run of shows with Gurf Morlix, I returned
from Texas at Christmas time looking forward to the first substantial
bit of time off the road that I'd had in over three years. I've
really been enjoying layin low in my hometown of Winnipeg with
my family and friends for the last few months. I have been catching
up on sleep, watching a lot of movies, drinking a lot of lazy
beers, eating too much, and working on some songs for the album
I plan to record at the end of this year. I will bring Gurf back
up to Canada in November and hammer out a follow up to 'Sweet
Somethin Steady'... really excited about that. I don't plan to
tour as hard this year as I have for the last few. I know the
new album will bring a push so I'll try to take advantage of the
down time.
Had
a great short run out to Ontario and then over to Calgary with
Andrew Neville and The Poor Choices last month. At the end of
May I look forward to getting back overseas for a few weeks to
Sweden, the UK, and Netherlands. After that, summer festival season
starts, but in theme with my new found relative relaxation, I
anticipate a mellow summer schedule.
Hope
you all are doing well... and hope to see you out at a show sometime
soon. Thanks, as always, for your endless support,
Romi
Mayes
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NOVEMBER
2007:
Hey all... October has been an incredible month... The Sue Foley
Guitar Woman Tour was incredible. Sharing the stage with great
guitar players like Sue, Roxanne Potvin, Rochelle Van Zanten and
Ellen McIlwaine was an honour.
I was humbled and learned so much. I got me some guitar work to
do. If you get a chance to see these ladies live, do it. They
definitely bust up all stereotypes regarding chics and guitars.
My
European tour across the pond was off the hook. I was in 5 countries
with 5 different languages, and 4 different currencies in 3 and
a half weeks. Italy, Germany, Sweden, the UK, and Czech Republic.
I have only been back in Winnipeg for a couple of days so the
whole experience still seems surreal. I met some great musicians
and a whole slew of great new friends. I am officially addicted
and plan to go back in May or early June. More stories and pics
to come from that tour for sure. Thanks to Andrea Parodi, Max
Larocca, Python, Stefano, Ingemar,
Craig (Old Seed), and Tony and NIcki. Great promoters and musicians.
Check out www.youtube.com (and search 'Romi Mayes' for some live
performances from this tour.
I
definitely want to make mention how honoured I am to have walked
away with the Western Canadian Music Awards wins for both album
and songwriter of the year. I truly didn't expect the wins and
I feel really fortunate. Gurf Morlix, Chris Carmichael, Dan Walsh,
Scott Nolan, Tom Fodey, and Lenny @ Bedside have just as much
to do with those wins as I do... so I thank them. Thank you all
SO much for your votes... What an overwhelmingly generous compliment.
New
t-shirt idea. I am thinking of using my friend Rob Vaarmeyer's
(of Andrew Neville and The Poor Choices) idea for the next run
of shirts: "Mama raised me, but Romi Mayes'd me" - RV
I am definitely interested in any feedback from anyone and everyone
before it goes to print. And... if you think you can do better,
bring it on. All ideas are welcome. Game on.
Onward
for the rest of November and December 2007... Check the SHOWS
page for tour dates and stay tuned... I am looking into late 2008
for a new album.
Sincerely,
Romi Mayes
MORE
NOVEMBER NEWS:
PENGUIN EGGS MAGAZINE puts 'Sweet Somethin Steady' as 8th best
album of 2006.... NO DEPRESSION MAGAZINE puts Mayes' song 'Bible'
as song #12 of 20 for songs of the year. New t-shirts: "Mama
Raised Me But Romi Mayes'd me" available now!! Go to merch
page* Also check out the recently released album 'Beverley Street'
CD... the songs of David Essig by Romi Mayes and The D.Rangers
- available for sale through this website. Check it out on the
music page. Romi Mayes hit the EuroAmericana charts November 2007!
Click here to see the current charts.
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SEPTEMBER
2007:
Hey all! It was one busy summer but now I'm enjoying settling
into home for the month. Lots of good times, great fests and new
songs this summer. Woody Guthrie Folk Fest in Okemah, Oklahoma
was a highlight for me. An honor to play indeed. North Country
Fair, Winnipeg Folk Fest, Ness Creek Festival, and Fred Eaglesmith's
Northern Picnic were all other fests this summer that stand out.
The
bands I really dug seeing this summer are The Divorcees, The Sheepdogs,
Deep Dark Woods, Jesse Dayton, Elliot Brood (as usual), The Weber
Brothers, Billy Joe Shaver, Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, Todd
Snider, The Iguanas, Hayes Carll (as usual), Eliza Gilkyson, Redd
Volkaert, Jeff Plankenhorn, and Bob Schneider... All strongly
suggested to check out.
I'll
be takin it easy in Sept, but October kicks off with joining Sue
Foley for her 'Guitar Women' theatre tour for dates in Alberta...
See tour page. Then off to Italy, Germany, Sweden and The UK for
shows... very excited. November is down time and then back to
Texas in December for shows with Gurf Morlix... This Canuck is
no fool... If ya can't stand the cold, get out of the freezer.
I
can't thank everyone enough for coming out to shows, buying CDs,
and yer every day support... I can't do any of this without you...
Sincerely,
Romi Mayes
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MAY
2007:
Romi Mayes has been touring all over Canada and the US for February,
March and April and has had the pleasure of performing with and
sharing the stage with some of North America's finest. May will
offer some down time for Mayes to do some writing and to gear
up for another busy summer and festival season.
Shows
in Ontario with Houston's John Evans, NXNE, and shows in Manitoba
with Vancouver's Dustin Bentall kick off 2007 summer this June...
Romi is also happy to inform folks that there will be more 'Temporarily
Employed' shows this summer! Three members of The D.Rangers (Jaxon,
Chris, and Twisty) will be backing up Mayes at some fests and
shows this May, June and July... Check the SHOWS page for updated
tour schedule.
Sweet
Somethin Steady DVD is still in the works and should be released
sometime this year... Sorry for the delay.
In
other news - the Romi Mayes t-shirt ("Romi Mayes Cancelled
- Too Drunk To Play") limited edition is officially sold
out and the hunt for a new t-shirt idea is on. More details coming
soon.---
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DECEMBER
2006: It has been a great year for Mayes and her latest
album "Sweet Somethin Steady". She has been touring
steadily all over the Canada and the US in support of the new
album which has been charting across radio stations across the
globe. Mayes just finished up a very successful tour in Texas
with Gurf Morlix and Sam Baker. She will be doing shows in Alberta,
The Yukon, BC, Ontario as well as back in Texas in February and
March. Post festival summer, there are plans in the works for
an Italian tour fall 2007, as well. Check the tour page for more
information.)
IN
OTHER NEWS... LIVE DVD COMING SOON!! After a very successful hometown
CD release in October 2006 in Winnipeg, fans can anticipate a
live concert DVD of the night soon to be available. The DVD will
include behind the scenes footage as well as the concert. Look
out for that May 2007.
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NOVEMBER
2006: This just in - Romi Mayes is nominated for 'Songwriter
of The Year' for Sweet Somethin Steady by 'The Canadian Folk Music
Awards!!' Mayes is gearing up for some winter touring in honour
of 'Sweet Somethin Steady'. She will head West accompanied by
Chris Carmichael for shows in Saskatchewan and Alberta in November.
Most of the dates will be a double CD release tour with Alberta's
own country troubadour Matt Masters. In December she heads South
to release 'Sweet Somethin Steady' in Texas with producer of the
album, Gurf Morlix. She will be doing three weeks of shows with
Mr. Morlix all over Texas, as well as with Southern heavyweight
Sam Baker. She will also share the stage with Adam Carroll and
Hayes Carll for various shows. Check the tour dates for more info.
Early 2007 will take Mayes North to the Yukon and Alaska, West
to British Columbia, as well as to the East Coast of Canada later
in the spring.
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JUNE
2006:
Romi Mayes just finished up at Bedside Studio in Winnipeg recording
her new album 'Sweet Somethin Steady' with acclaimed producer
Gurf Morlix from Austin, Texas (Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier,
Ray Wylie Hubbard, Slaid Cleaves, Robert Earl Keen). Appearing
alongside Mayes are Dan Walsh, Chris Carmichael and Scott Nolan
as well as performances by Mr. Morlix. Other guests included Jaxon
Haldane of The D.Rangers and Sky Onosson from The New Meanies
as well as l'il Ashley Mayes. The album will make its debut at
The Calgary Folk Festival July 27th-30th and will be available
for sale online through the website August 2006 and Festival Distribution.
You can check the merch page at the beginning of August for purchase.
Check the shows page regularly to see when Mayes will be touring
near you for the new CD release tour.
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FEBRUARY
2006:
T-shirt winner announced. T-shirts will be available for purchase
May 5th, 2006. Thanks for your patience. Image of the actual new
shirt will be up on the merch page soon!
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DECEMBER
2005:
Dan Walsh has parted ways with The Fred Eaglesmith Band and has
joined up with Romi Mayes as her dobro player. No longer temporarily
employed, Walsh will back up Mayes through her upcoming album
in June along with Chris Carmichael and Scott Nolan. Walsh, Carmichael
and Mayes will carry on through the summer festival season and
onward touring out the album on a Canadian CD release tour. Get
ready for the newest addition to the Romi Mayes sound.
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OCTOBER
2005:
Romi Mayes' album: Romi Mayes and The Temporarily Employed - The
Living Room Sessions: Volume I was nominated for Outstanding Roots
Recording for The Western Canadian Music Awards. The awards were
held in Vancouver, British Columbia on October 23rd, 2005.
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