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"ACHIN IN YER BONES" is the #1 album for 2009 roots/blues Earshot cross Canadian campus and community radio charts! Click here to see the charts!

ROMI (pronounced 'raw-me') MAYES NEWS: 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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ROMI MAYES PAST NEWS:

 

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- read the article* 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.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR ROMI MAYES RECORDED ON KUT IN AUSTIN, TEXAS (December 18, 2006)

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.

MORE SHIRTS!!!
"Our apologies...Romi Mayes cancelled - too drunk to play"
MORE SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE!!! CHECK OUT THE MERCH PAGE!

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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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