'now & then' Thursday

For our very first 'NOW & THEN THURSDAY' Feature we'd like to spotlight a very special lady who we first showcased as our February 2019 'Emerging Indie Artist'. Kelsi Mayne emerged that year as one of the top three finalists of the SiriusXM contest in Calgary during CCMA week. 

Shortly after she released her debut album, “As I Go,” in March of 2020, Covid hit and the world literally shut down. Unfortunately with it, her new album-launch plans, including release parties and Canadian tour were put on hold. It was a big blow for the Windsor native and Toronto transplant, who had put her life savings and nearly three years into creating, writing, and producing the 11-song labor of love. Instead of dwelling on what she couldn't control she put her own music career on hold to help others throughout the Covid 19 pandemic, dusted off her nursing degree, and jumped directly into being a Frontline worker.

Despite the pandemic, in 2020 she was up for 'Rising Star' at the Country Music Association of Ontario Awards and in 2021 she was nominated for 'Female Artist of the Year'!

Fast forward to 2024, Kelsi Mayne has seamlessly transitioned into one of Canada's fastest-rising independent artists who single-handedly is proving that there is nothing she can't accomplish when she sets her mind to it! With over 3 million streams under her belt and a track record of performances alongside industry heavyweights, the 3x Country Music Association of Ontario Award nominee, SiriusXM Top of the Country finalist, and 2024 International Songwriting Competition winner she is just hitting her stride.

Recently hailed by 519 Magazine as "hands-down one of the best up-and-comers in Canada today," Kelsi enthralls audiences with her infectious melodies, high energy, and powerful stage presence— gracing major festivals like Boots & Hearts Music Festival, Calgary Stampede, and Cavendish Beach Music Festival, national television, stadiums, and has supported theatre tours with Meghan Patrick  and Russell Dickerson. 

We can't even count the times we've been lucky enough to see her perform live in the last 6 years and we're taking bets on 2025 being the best year yet for Kelsi. She brought in the New Year turning heads with her latest single 'All Or Nothing' which is looking to be a lot of people's country/rock anthem of the year and which will hopefully propel her to the next level of stardom in the Canadian Country music genre!

Drawing inspiration from her Detroit Music City roots, her latest blend of Rock & Soul-infused Country has got the #MayneTrain racing full steam ahead so grab your seat now cause that train is burning up the tracks!

Kelsi Mayne is undeniably our FEBRUARY pick as "Emerging Indie Artist"! 

This promises to be a "festive" year for this songwriter/singer/actress as she builds on her list of 2018 breakthroughs. We first noticed her as the lead female character in the "Cherry Bomb" video by the River Town Saints and finally had the opportunity to meet her after her performance at the emerging Artist showcase at the CMAOS last June. She blew away the crowd and we knew right then and there that she was someone we wanted to follow. Her captivating performances at the CCMA showcases in Hamilton this past September sealed the deal for us.Make sure you watch for her on the international film-festival circuit, as she plays the title role in an adaptation of Stephen King's short story, "Willa." 

In addition, expect to see Kelsi at country-music festivals across Canada in 2019, as she promotes her late-2018 release, "Takin' U Home." It is available on Spotify & iTunes and it will be on her debut album due in the spring.She just recently announced that she is on the bill for the Big Valley Jamboree in Alberta and Havelock Country Jamboree in Havelock Ontario this coming August."Takin' U Home" was introduced on national television during last year's Canadian Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. And it was reprised, again for a national audience, on a Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour telecast. These gigs came on the heels of numerous shows at high-profile venues throughout Ontario, from the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, to the main stage at the Boots and Hearts country-music festival, where Kelsi shared billing with Florida George Line and Alan Jackson.

Kelsi currently divides her time between Toronto and Nashville. She is also the world's only country singer with a nursing degree and a one-time nationally ranked hurdler. ... So if you fall ill at one of her concerts, she can either help you on the spot, or go for help!! Real fast. Put her at the top of your watch list for 2019..not only is this lady super talented & the voice of an angel she's beautiful inside and out!!! Best of luck to you Kelsi! C To C Canadian Country Music Insider can't wait to see what is in store for your future!