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Small Town Getaway - https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/small-town-getaway/id1024764732?i=1024764736

Canadian country/pop duo Northern Heights makes warm and lively tunes that tell tales of memory, hope, heartbreak, human connections and the joys of life’s twisting path. Steered by experienced, gifted artists and songwriters Chad McMonagle (guitar, mandolin, banjo, vocals) and Eli Budwill (lead vocals), the group’s vivid lyrics, bright, lush instrumentation and vocal harmonies, infectious hooks and engaging live performances invite audiences to join them in celebrating each moment through well-crafted music.

Inspired by their love of contemporary country international superstars including Lady Antebellum and Keith Urban as well as favourite Canadian country acts like Dallas Smith and Brett Kissel, Northern Heights’ dynamic synergy and love for experimenting with fresh sounds shimmers in the premiere single, "Small Town Getaway." Co-produced by Juno Award and Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA) nominee musician Chris Byrne (The Road Hammers) and lauded touring musician and producer Johnny Gasparic (Charlie Major, Jake Matthews, Ray Griff), the catchy, summery song was recorded at MCC Recording Studios in Calgary, winner of multiple CCMAs. This stunning recorded debut also features backing band of all stars: one of Canada's most sought after live and session drummers, CCMA Drummer of the year Chad Melchert (Gord Bamford, Deric Ruttan); multi-award winning guitarist Russell Broom (Alee, Lady Antebellum, Jann Arden); CCMA Keyboard Player of the Year Bart McKay and CCMA Bass Player of the Year nominee Chris Byrne.

Long-time collaborators, McMonagle and Budwill first bonded through their passion for music and their ability to draw melodies, harmonies and poetry from their everyday lives. The two met as young teenagers and though living far apart, formed a pop punk band, writing songs together via live chats on the Internet. As part of the five-piece ensemble Run Romeo Run, they played shows throughout Canada, opened for rock groups such as Loverboy and showcased at Canadian Music Week. Though the project broke up, McMonagle and Budwill recorded an EP as a pop duo and continued to keep in touch as they explored the music industry and fine-tuned their respective musical talents. A string aficionado, McMonagle began a career booking cross-Canada tours for bands and promoting shows while learning the intricacies of acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, banjo, piano, bass, plus drums. Budwill attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City where he studied voice and musical theatre, traveling the U.S. as Conrad Birdie in a touring production of Bye Bye Birdie.

Bursting with song ideas from their many escapades, the two reunited to write together and came up with the concept for Northern Heights in January of 2015 after realizing the new tracks they were recording were tailor-made for the emotional and imaginative stories that can be expressed through country music. The pair decided to move into a house together and build a home studio in their basement, and the tunes have been flowing ever since.

McMonagle and Budwill have won multiple contests over the years for their work and have had their songs featured on the radio and played hundreds of shows together across Canada. Through Northern Heights, they are able to combine the rich sounds of the country and pop music genres with their background in punk, rock and musical theatre in order to create music that is both relatable to audiences and full of surprises.

“Small Town Getaway” is available NOW. Northern Heights will soon begin a Canadian radio tour that will end in Halifax at the 2015 Canadian Country Music Awards show in Halifax.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NorthernHeightsAB
Twitter - https://twitter.com/northernhts
Instagram - NorthernHeightsMusic
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/northernheightscountry