Take A Look At The New Services

We Have Re-Branded

Who We Are

Roster

Now Offering Worldwide Radio Tracking!

Welcome

Black Mountain Music & Media started out as a Social Media Company. Over time our focus and passion has changed. With the name change from Black Mountain Social Media to Black Mountain Music & Media, not only was their a Brand change their was a slow service change. Our focus is now more on International Radio Tracking and Promotion, Management, and Artist Development. We still have a passion and fire for Independent Artists, and helping artists reach their own personal success whatever it may be is success to us. 
 
At Black Mountain Music & Media we won't just take anyone for a client. We believe it's important to be true fans of our clients for us to be truly passionate! Our network is from Nashville to the UK! Contact us today to see how we can expand your fan base and keep your current base engaged.
 

Services

Radio Promtion & Artist Development

 

Artist Development Part of The Package 

As Black Mountain developed their service plan over the years they found Indie Artists were in need of much more than Social Media, making posts to their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. We found Artists required assistance with Brand Development, Interview Assistance/Coaching, Risk Assessment, Fund Sourcing, and assistance with Public Relations. To excel at Social Media Black Mountain believes all these areas of A&D must be well managed and developed, therefore we now provide a full Artist Development program. We help not only emerging artists but established indie artists identify the gaps in their “team” or areas of their music business they are struggling to complete and identify ways to for the artist to better manage their business. Many of these tasks are areas Black Mountain Music & Media can facilitate allowing the artist to focus on recording and creativity. 

 Areas Covered

We help the artist build a commercially viable product, establish a fan base, attain critical music business skills. (*out of house referral extra cost may apply)

*Exceptional vocals, musicianship and songwriting skills 
Genuine Performance Ability 
Image creation and maintenance 
Plan of action, goal setting 
Exceptional promotion materials, including photographs, press releases, and artwork 
Business management skills 
Marketing, publicity, and promotion knowledge, online and offline 
Professional Management 
Knowledge of producing, engineering, and mastering for International and National
Knowledge of manufacturing, distribution, and sales online, and radio airplay. 
Good choices in members, staff, and advisors 
Physical and mental preparedness 
Basic knowledge of finances, accounting 
Law and legal issues: publishing, copyrighting and trademarks 
*Bookings and tours locally, nationally and internationally.

 

““Black Mountain Music and Media was just what I needed to push my song to all ends of this globe. I’m forever grateful for the exposure and their hard work!” ” - Jackie Guy Artist

International Tracking

The radio game has been changing rapidly over the past 10 years, and as we head into the 20's the entire music industry has been faced with a crisis never seen before. Many artists have had to make the hard decision to leave their careers behind, in order to survive. Other musicians are trying to figure out how to survive in a new world where live shows are on hold until who knows depending on where you are in Canada. When live music does come back where will we go to hear the music? Some of Canada's longest and most beloved Country Bars the closest we had to a our Northen Cousin's Honky Tonks are gone. So how do artists make money the honest way? Organically? There's only so many festivals in Canada... and a lot of talent. There's the road block right there. CANADA. Don't get us wrong we are proud Canadian's but we believe country recording artists need to look outside the borders of Canada. We are mainly a Grass Roots radio tracking company. What does that mean? It's a great term a music friend of ours coined for our company! As our friend stated we primarily go after Grass Roots stations. 900+ at last count! Including the syndicated shows and stations. How does this help you? If you work at it you build new fans, and new fans equal what? Sales! Streams... and generally streams on Apple more than Spotify. 

We know everyone isn't the same, so neither are our plans. We have 3 plans to suit different budgets and release plans. Each plan comes with the following:

  • Distribution of your song 
  • With the distribution of your song and  OneBio © 
  • 2 tracking reports every week. 1 report tracks country count. 1 report tracks comments
  • Follow up email every week to stations who have not added
  • Arrange interviews and liners
  • Support from our team 
  • Three packages 6 week, 12 week, 24 week. The 6 and 12 week packages extra weeks can be purchased. 

For prices contact us today. 

 Extra Services  

  • Social Media Management. 
  • Attend gigs and photograph/record for Social Media (posting afterwards is not extra)
  • Experience in crowdfunding. Need help? It's a big job! 
  • Attend shows and sell  Merch
  • Consulting services 
  • Personal Assistant services 
  • Radio tour services: driving, photography, documenting tour on Social Media 

Black Mountain Music & Media Doesn’t Have Clients We Have Family!

“Looking for Management? Email us about our Management Services. ”

Updates From The Mountain!

Shawn Adams

Releases 1st International Single

Shawn Adams has been working hard since 2018 to get a song out to international radio. It took finding the right producer to get the sound out of Shawn. Enter Aspen Beveridge of SkullCreek studios in PiaPot Sask. With vocal coaching from Rayne Beveridge, and the talents of Aspen's production and playing ability (he plays the instruments and sings the harmonies on the track) Other Side Of Midnight came to life. Released June 8th to fantastic reviews on the international airwaves the entire team couldn't be more excited. Said Adams when he was told his song had been added to 345 stations "wow, I am just in absolute shock... just in shock".

Shawn Adams

Brandy Records Canada & Black Mountain Music & Media

We Are the Sole International Tracker For Brandy Records

As of May 16th Black Mountain Music & Media and Brandy Records Canada have joined together to provide Brandy Records top quality International Tracking. We are proud to work with a Label like Brandy Records Canada, who has similar vision for artists as Black Mountain Music & Media, a vision focused on the artist not profit. Black Mountain Music & Media will still be providing individual tracking and distribution service to Independent artists directly through Black Mountain so nothing changes there. As Pinky Simms stated "Nothing changes for the clients we have already been serving. We still have a heart for the Independent artists and that is where our focus lies, but Brandy Records Canada is also artist driven and we felt they were a good fit. We look forward to working with their team and clients"

Tracy Millar Joins Back40 Distillery

In releasing "Loretta's Moonshine"

Available Feb 13/21 from Camrose's own Back40 Distillery, Loretta's Moonshine. Made with Alberta Sugar Beets and based on the real Loretta's homemade Moonshine, this smooth "liquor" will be available in select liquor stores and online at Back40. Rumour has it, Loretta's Moonshine gives you super powers!

Order from Back40
country music, singer, songwriter, Alberta country music, international radio, worldwide tracking, radio promotion, roots artists, australia country music, Australia,

Tracy Millar Starting 2021 Off With A Bang

Award Nominations, Near Viral Video, Artist of the Month!

It's not even January 15th and Tracy Millar has had more success in the first month of January than some artists have had in an entire year. We here at Black Mountain don't take the success lightly and neither does Tracy. 

So far, Tracy is the feature artist on 840 CFCW Country Music Alberta Homegrown Spotlight. The release of her video Loretta's Moonshine to fit with the feature on 840 CFCW is proving to be a fan favourite! Within 24 hrs of it's release the video had 1.5k views. After 1 week the video has over 3k followers. 

January 3/21 Tracy was put up for final nomination for Country Music Alberta #FansChoice award. 

January 12th Loretta's Moonshine was released to International Radio, the feedback has been phenomenal. Immediately added to ABC Country in Australia and KIXX in Australia! 

If 2021 has started off with such a bang and it's only January we can't wait to see how the rest of the year goes! 

Tracy Millar Website

Shawn Adams On Telemiracle

Raising Money For Kin Moosejaw

Our very own Shawn Adams was in Moosejaw in late January, filming a performance for the mainstage of the Kin Telemiracle Telethon. Due to the Covid19 pandemic, no artists were allowed to be on the actual Telethon live so all performance were filmed ahead of time. Shawn has recieved great support from the media of Moosejaw in his efforts to support the only all Canadian service club Kin Canada.

Cotswold Country Feature

Black Mountain Music from Canada

Cotswold Country radio approached Pinky Simms to produce a one time show called Black Mountain music from Canada, featuring the music we have submitted from 2019-2020. Nov 7th the first time the show will air, with a repeat on Nov 8th. The show will also be broadcast on Atlantic Country. Cotswold Country can be found on NCCR in the UK. 

Tracy Millar Making It Big Down Under!

I'm Not 29 No More Playing On Top Stations

Tracy Millar's latest single and title track to upcoming EP is breaking open doors for her down under! Just the second single to be released to Australia, and already Millar is playing on KIX FM, and ABC Australia's largest syndicated radio network. Tracy has made no secret she would love to play the festival circuit down there, so playing on the same radio stations as other Canadian artists such as Gord Bamford, Tim Hicks, and Jess Moskaluke is a pretty big deal. Once it is safe to travel watch for this team to be heading to the land down under! 

Tracy Millar
We are very saddened by the sudden passing of our client Brett T Williams, 3rd generation artist. Brett was the grandson of CCMA Hall of Fame member Elmer Tippe and nephew of BCCMA Hall Of Fame Member Rick Tippe. There is a Gofundme campaign to help raise money for his widow and baby girl.

We are very saddened by the sudden passing of our client Brett T Williams, 3rd generation artist. Brett was the grandson of CCMA Hall of Fame member Elmer Tippe and nephew of BCCMA Hall Of Fame Member Rick Tippe. There is a Gofundme campaign to help raise money for his widow and baby girl.

Our Roster

Tracy Millar

ACMA Singer Songwriter Performer

Meet Tracy Millar. If you’re from Alberta and you love Traditional Country Music with a modern twist then you’re likely no stranger to Tracy’s music. After a little hiatus from releasing music, it should be noted she never stopped performing, Tracy released a beautiful Christmas single in 2019 and in 2020 she has started releasing more music with an EP on the way. When asked why she decided to return to writing and radio Tracy stated she felt she had more to say. Well we’re glad she did as is radio! 

Tracy Millar

Will Ardell

2013 SCMA Rising Star winner

Will Ardell may have gotten a later start at music than others but it hasn’t held him back. Will started writing as a poet and when he picked up his first guitar he began to translate his poetry skills into the craft of songwriting. Will’s first two albums were received well by both critics, radio anc fans, however Will himself was not as pleased with his music and the “business side” of the industry. Frustrated as well as dealing with some serious family health issues Will stepped away from the industry. In 2016 Will released Breakin Fences a song he once described as his swan song or farewell to music. In 2017 Will slowly entered the industry again accepting an invitation to play a showcase during the 2017 CCMAS. In 2018 Will Ardell began writing his third album “The Truth”. He has described his upcoming album as unapologetically real, incredibly raw and authentic. Will has described the music on the album from lyrics to make the listener think, to lyrics to provide comfort. No exact release date has been set. So far in 2021 Ardell has released two incredibly powerful singles. Both singles are well over 20K streams on Spotify and growing every day.

Will Ardell

SHAWN ADAMS

SCMA CCMA Recording Artist

Diagnosed with Lewy Body Frontal Lobe Dementia, Shawn Adams was sent home to his family die. Shawn lost everything but his spirit. During this time Shawn wrote an incredible song “Please Remember Me”. and recorded a video as well. The video went on to have well over 100k views on Facebook alone. Luckily for Shawn and all that love him the Drs were wrong. Shawn suffered from a severe case of sleep apnea. Adams now an advocate for C-Pap machines and Sleep Apnea awareness is back in the studio and back at making music! 

Shawn Adams

Travis Dolter

CCMA/CMAlberta

Travis Dolter, raised on a working farm right in the middle of the Alberta prairies, far from the bustle of the big cities of Eastern Canada and long after the heydays of Barenaked Ladies, yet somehow the humour and musical influence of the Canadian iconic group has slipped into Dolter's pure Canadian sound. Although Dolter is just at the beginning of his career he has already proven to be an artist of note. The pandemic of 2020 hit just as Travis was set to hit the festival season and prove himself on the stages many talented Alberta artists had gone before. With the festival season cancelled, Dolter was not dissuaded and set up a Drive In show long before it was the "in thing", attracting 114 cars. Clearly a forward thinker, Travis believes in writing not for radio today, but for radio "a year from now". Keep your eye on this young emerging artist. His current release Layla-14 is now available on all streaming platforms and out on Canadian radio and International Radio.

Travis Dolter

Meta Data Tagging

Are you getting paid? 

Without the proper Meta Data on your tracks the answer is no! Meta-What? You may be asking yourself is this another thing I have to learn to do? Again, the answer is no! However, as an artist you do need to know if your music is properly tagged. Whose job is it to properly tag my music? 

It is your producers or engineers’ job to put the Meta-Data on your tracks.  

Why do I need this? 

You may be asking yourself why do I have to do this anyways? I don’t have to do worry about any of this when I release in Canadian radio? Besides I entered all the same information when I uploaded to CD Baby or TuneCore, can’t I just use those tracks? The short answer is, no. 

International radio release is not like releasing to Canada, or the USA for a variety of reasons, but for today let’s just focus on song distribution. In Canada as most artists know, a song is uploaded to radio through a system known as DMDS. Many artists and engineers are familiar with Joe at RDR, when Joe uploads a single to DMDS he enters all the meta data manually. DMDS then tags the Meta Data automatically to the song.  

There are some electronic tracking systems for the USA and International radio, the largest being MPE. MPE works like DMDS. But wait, before you start thinking fine, I’ll just use MPE, unless your name is Blake Sheldon, or Miranda Lambert you may want to rethink this plan. Even the biggest artists in Canada (other than Shania) are just getting known on the international stage. MPE is similar to a large iTunes for Radio. They search your name to find you. Now they do have ways of finding emerging talent BUT let’s be realistic with only a small little profile card to sell yourself how likely are you going to be added? So back to sending your music out with a company such as Black Mountain or by yourself. So how is your music going to be sent? The simple and short answer is your music is sent over in an email in either MP3 or WAV file format.   

What Meta Data Tags are needed? 

When you show this list to your producer or engineer, they may question you on why you need some of the information listed below. Feel free to bring this page and show them! The following Meta Data is almost identical to what is uploaded to CD Baby when you upload your single, and it is the same Meta Data uploaded to DMDS. If your single was not properly tagged and you have now decided to release to international radio you cannot just download your song off of CD Baby, Spotify or any other streaming platform. The Meta Data does not stay with the file. The reason for Genre is stations overseas play multi-genre shows unlike Canada. They don’t know you yet, so they need to know your genre in the event your song goes to a Central Music Director and then is forwarded to the correct Programmers. Having the ISRC Code insures you get your Royalties. Naming the performer, and songwriter does not always insure you get paid.  

Please note, having this information tagged onto your single at the time of Mastering is much easier than after! Not many producers have the program to add Metadata to WAV files after mastering. You do not have to wait to have for CD Baby or TuneCore to issue you an ISRC Code. Ask your producer or engineer to help you find a company.  

Finally, here is the list of Meta Data you need! If you wish to keep a copy of this article for referencing later see the files below, under "Downloadable Meta Data Info". For engineets and producers I have included a printable list of the Meta Data required.Feel free to download and share with your producer/engineer friends.

I feel this should be a no brainer but it actually is commonly missed and can cause your song to be rejected!!! Make sure your song is properly titled on the file itself. 

Example:  track name Final Mix. mp3 WRONG

Example track name artist name.mp3 Correct

 

Meta Data Tag 

-Song name 

-Artist Name 

-Songwriter Name (s) 

-IRSC Code 

-Duration 

-Genre 

-label (if applicable)  

Myths 

*WAV files cannot have Meta Data added to them after mastering. They can, it’s just more difficult to find legitimate programs. Again, why it is best to have this done before mastering is finished.  

*Just send the ISRC code along with the song like DMDS. This is not how DMDS works, and if your song does not have your name and song title on it the file will not even be opened. Without the ISRC code you will not get paid Royalties. International radio receives anywhere from 3-5000 songs a month. They don’t have time to enter your codes manually.  

*If the song has the Meta Data on it for CD Baby or another streaming platform, you’re fine. Wrong the two things have nothing to do with each other. 

Downloadable Meta Data Info

Meta Data Tag Print Out If you are a producer or engineer here is a handy print out to pin up in your studio of what needs to be tagged to the both the MP3 and the WAV file. Artists feel free to download this list as well and take it to your producer. 699 KB
Are You Getting Paid? A copy of the article on Meta Data and international radio release. Download the entire article to have easy access while working on your own worldwide radio release. Make sure you have the correct meta data in place to collect all possible royalties. 705 KB

Radio Tracking Clients

Gord Bamford

#Rednek

Tracking Gord Bamford’s 2019 release to Radio in Europe! The 1st single off his upcoming 9th album. 

Sweet Summer Nights

Craig Silver

Craig's debut single. Released to international radio only. Black Mountain Music & Media is providing Social Media Support as well.

Steve Newsome

"One Good Radio"

Tracking Steve Newsome first release for 2020, "One Good Radio". Feb 2020. 

Girls Like Fishing Too

Tracy Millar

Tracy's first release in 2020 off her upcoming EP Sept 2020. Tracked May 2020

I'm Not 29 No More

Tracy Millar

Released to international radio August 31st. Within 24 hours added to Australia, UK, USA, France, Italy. Expecting a huge impact at worldwide radio from I'm Not 29 No More.

Dan Washburn

DIRT

Right on message. Dirt takes a look at how the world is dealing with politics in 2020. A clever thought provoking but still fun single. Dirt is the hottest hit from Dan on the International market since we started working with him. The video is in our Pinky's Pick section. Available on all streaming platforms. Oct 2020

Tracy Millar

Loretta's Moonshine

Before Loretta's Moonshine was even released to radio, our friends at CFCW radio in Alberta featured Tracy as their Country Music Alberta Home Grown Artist of the month. Loretta's Moonshine video was put up to Youtube and had over 1500 hits within 24 hours. Now as LM heads out to International Radio January 12th, the video is at 3k views in just over a week online! Watch on our "Pinky's Country Pick's" page. 

Ollee Owens

Every Step of the Way

An Alt-Country, single taking International Radio by storm. Within the first week out the feedback has been phenomal. Recorded in Nashville with some of today's top session players. A feel good song, performed in only the way Ollee Owens can.

Kim Thompson

Heartache Heartbreak

International recording artist from Calgary, AB released Heartache Heartbreak to International Radio Feb 9/21. In a climate of 3-5000 songs being sent to radio a month, a situation never seen before, Kim's single is already rising to the top of the lists. A Country girl through and through it is surprising to hear her put out a Modern/Pop country song. Recorded at award winning studio MCC, the mix is fresh and fun. 

Travis Dolter

Blue Seas & Palm Trees

Dolter's second release in 2021 to International Radio. Blue Seas & Palm Trees brings out the Barenaked Ladies influence on Travis, with the fast talking intro and pinches of "fast-talking" sprinkled throughout the song. Dolter's single has been referenced as a "Canadian Jimmy Buffett or Kenney Chesney". Blue Seas & Palm Trees is a true summer anthem!

Kim Thompson

Heartache Heartbreak Remix

Following in the footsteps of her idol Shania Twain, Kim Thompson has released her single Heartache Heartbreak in a total dance bar format! Many Canadians may not be aware but Twain released a dance mix version of Up! to Europe only back in the early 00's, and Thompson being a huge Twain fan is following in her footsteps. Thompson's most recent single is being released only to International Radio, smart marketing as Europe is know for loving a great dance song! If you're looking for a song to dance to around the patio this summer download Heartache Heartbreak the Remix whereever you stream your favourite music from.

Myranda Christi

Pure

July 6th Pure is released to international radio. From the beautiful piano solo to strength of her "pure" voice this love ballad is sure to make an impact on radio around the world. A hidden gem from the Alberta praires we expect Myranda will be impacting radio for many years to come. Pure is the first single off her upcoming Record.

Tony True

Diesel Dave

Tony True’s first worldwide release to radio. A throwback to the great country songs of the 80’s dedicated to Truckers everywhere! 

Dan Washburn

I'll Have To Drink About That

Dan wrote this one in the kitchen with a writer friend over lunch and a lot of laughs. First release in many years to worldwide radio. June 2020.

Jackie Guy

I Did It Anyway

Tired of the same old, cookie cutter music? Then its time for Jackie Guy! A combination of Shania Twain and Bonnie Tyler is the epic sound of Jackie Guy, and never better highlighted in her new single "I Did It Anyway". 

Shelley Lynch

Dreams and Gasoline

When a relationship ends and a woman gets mad often times you get...gasoline! Not with Shelley Lynch! She took a break up and turned it into Dreams and Gasoline! The title track off her upcoming EP. A powerful voice that brings us back to the sound of the 90's the best decade of country music!

Travis Dolter

Layla 14

Travis Dolter's first major release to International Radio. Layla-14 a little bit of Nashiville brought to Canada and beyond. Definitely Layla-14 illustrates Travis's abilities as a songwriter. Considered an emerging artist, the young Travis Dolter is already showing signs of the great lyricist he is destined to become. Layla 14 fantastic video now in Pinky's Picks. Out to International radio Jan 19th Streaming everywhere now.

Steve Newsome

Cold Beer Communion

Released to Canadian radio in Nov 2020, our great friend Steve Newsome waited to release Cold Beer Communion to Internationl Radio until March 2021. Steve's voice has matured since his last release "One Good Radio". With a new whiskey smooth sound. His latest song, is masterly produced by award winning produced by Bart McKay. The laid back, groovin orchastration fits perfectly with Steve's laid back sounding voice. Lay back and chill with your favourite beer. 

Shelley Lynch

Make It To Memphis

Following up on the incredible success of Dreams and Gasoline, Shelley Lynch teamed up with writer Travis Pickering again to bring a song so perfect her voice it's hard to believe Travis wasn't thinking of Shelley when he wrote it. It was during a jam session between the two artists when Travis presented the song to Shelley. With an immediate connection to the lyrics Shelley accepted the chance to record Make It To Memphis. True to Shelley's hands on approach to her music business she added a touch of Shelley making the song fit her voice and style perfectly. Released April 20th to International Radio Make It To Memphis hit over 400 stations in its 2nd week!

Gord Bamford

Heaven On Dirt

Multiple CMA and CCMA Award winner Gord Bamford releases his new single today, “Heaven On Dirt” (Anthem Records).  The “home is where your heart is power ballad” embraces Country storytelling and reflects on the feeling of finding your true joy in life. Penned by Jason Lee Owens, Jr., Philip Eugene O'Donnell, Casey Beathard and Jenee Fleenor “Heaven On Dirt” projects a signature sound that has previously elevated Bamford to the top of the Country singles chart and is a glimpse of what’s to come off of his forthcoming new album due out this summer.

 

“I have always been a guy that goes off of my instincts and gut feelings. This was written by some of my favourite hit songwriters, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to record it. This type of song only comes along once in a lifetime, so I hope you all love it as much as I do.” – Gord Bamford

 

 

Other Side Of Midnight

Shawn Adams

Shawn Adams releases his first International single on June 8th. Within the first week the single was added to 345 stations, to rave reviews. Produced by Aspen Beveridge of SkullCreek studios, a small studio in Saskatchewan with a huge amount of talent. Their first joint release, but not the last. Other Side of Midnight is a Tough Man Publishing song from Nashville, with writers: Dave Thomas Tough, Ben Daniel Goldsmith and Jeff Kingsley, credited with co-writes on some of todays biggest stars. Available on all streaming sites as well as Shawn's website.

Stephen B Lawrence

Crazy

Stephen B Lawrence releases his first full Interantional release with Black Mountain Music & Media with an edgy country rock ballad. Staying true to his form, Crazy is about how it feels when everything you love is gone. Country rock as a genre has gotten grittier over the years and Stephen's voice has the perfect edge to pull it off. Crazy now streaming everywhere.