The last decade has seen an explosion in the world of Canadian Country Music. Never before have so many artists from Canada been recognized around the world for their contribution to the art of country music. This explosion has inspired a whole new generation of aspiring artists to look to their horizon and make the commitment needed to forge a career in the most demanding of businesses.
The latest to accept this challenge is Sudbury native, Diane Chase. Challenge has always come naturally to Diane as she grew up being the youngest child in a family of ten. “Sometimes it took a while to get noticed in our family, just because there were so many of us” Diane fondly recalls, but with the release of her first single it seems that getting noticed by the Canada’s Country Music establishment will be the least of her problems. The first single “In The Middle of Something” zoomed into the Top 10 (almost unheard of for a new artist) and stayed entrenched at the top of radio play lists for almost two months. As well, the video was a favorite on CMT earning a spot at #9 on their Top 20 Countdown.
Diane began singing at age five and by the time she was a teenager she was touring Ontario and Quebec as the lead singer of the popular band “Flirt”. Soon it was obvious that if Diane wanted to sing professionally, she was going to have to move to Toronto. However, before she could go, there was the matter of finding a replacement. There was a girl from Timmins that was causing a stir, so they recruited her to join the band. Eileen (later to become known as Shania) Twain took over as lead singer of Flirt and Diane made preparations to move to “the big city”.
Once in Toronto Diane firmly established herself as one of the top female vocalists in town. She also earned her Canadian securities license and began working in investment banking during the day. Eventually, realizing that music was too big a part of her, Diane made the commitment to become a recording artist. She knew the only way this was going to happen, was if she got out and made it happen. She started knocking on doors in Toronto and Nashville and the search led her to Cedar Tree Studios in Kitchener, home to such well known artists as Jamie Warren, Beverley Mahood, John Landry and Lace as well as CCMA Producer of the Year, Rick Hutt.
“Cedar Tree is like a family. As soon as I walked in the door I had the chance to work with some of the most talented musicians and singers in Canada”, states Diane. “Working with Rick Hutt is an education every day. He really knows how to draw the best out of people and create an environment where you open yourself up to possibilities you would never have otherwise considered. I really think that is why he has helped to create so many hit records”.
Diane’s accomplishments over the past three years have certainly set her on a course for success. Her 2nd single “Walkin’ Away With You” earned Top 20 status (#6 video on CMT), her 3rd single “Taking Back my Heart” climbing to yet another Top 10 position (#9 video on CMT), 4th single “There I Go Again” went Top 20 ( video #8 on CMT), 5th single “Crazy In Love” yet another Top 20 hit. She earned awards for Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2000 & 2002 Ontario Country Performer & Fan Association Awards as well as numerous CCMA nominations.
