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FYI

Serena Ryder: Ice Age

The new single from her Utopia album has a positive message that is reinforced with a poignant yet uplifting video, and Ryder's powerful vocals.

Serena Ryder: Ice Age

By Kerry Doole

Serena Ryder - Ice Age” (Serenader Source/Universal Music Canada): The platinum-plated singer has been making some noise this holiday season via her collaboration with Shawn Hook on a cover of John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)."


She is now back in the solo spotlight with the release of this new single from her album Utopia, following on from earlier Top 10 radio hits "Got Your Number” and “Electric Love.” 

In a press release, Ryder explains that the song was inspired by “how freeing it is to really come out the other side of a broken heart and a broken mind" and realize that the only thing broken "are the words   we choose to define ourselves and our situation by."

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She adds: "This is a song about breaking free from the icy chains of the past and thawing into an epic new shiny relationship with life.” 

Aided and abetted by a poignant yet uplifting video filmed in a retirement residence in Regina, the track reaffirms that few singers out there pack the emotional punch of Ms. Ryder. The tune is well-paced and has heft in its production.

Earlier this week, Ryder announced the West Coast leg of her headlining tour. Beginning February, the 12-date tour will stop in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg with a date in Thunder Bay at the end. Tickets go on sale today (Dec. 8). She also plays four shows in Ontario this month. Check dates here.

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Tenille Townes
Courtesy Photo

Tenille Townes

Awards

Nate Haller, Tenille Townes, The Strumbellas To Perform at 2026 CCMA Awards

High Valley, Thelma & James have also just been announced as performers for the Sept. 19 awards show in Saskatoon, joining Dean Brody, The Reklaws, Owen Riegling and more.

The lineup of performers at the 2026 CCMA Awards just got a lot more star-studded.

A second wave of artists has been announced by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). The new additions to the list of those taking the stage at Sasktel Centre in Saskatoon on September 19 include multiple 2026 CCMA Awards nominees Nate Haller, Tenille Townes and Thelma & James plus High Valley (nominated in one category this year), and Juno-winning multi-platinum alt-folk band The Strumbellas,

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