New international initiative creates opportunities for Canadian and Australian country artists to build audiences, industry relationships and long-term career growth across both markets.
CANADA/AUSTRALIA (Friday, August 28, 2026) – The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) is excited to announce the launch of the Canada-Australia Country Music Exchange Initiative, a new pilot program designed to create meaningful international opportunities for country artists while strengthening connections between the Canadian and Australian music industries.
The inaugural exchange will feature CCMA Award-winning Canadian artist Jade Eagleson and rising Australian country artist Tyla Rodrigues, with coordinated market development and in-market opportunities taking place across Canada and Australia throughout 2026 and into 2027.
Developed in collaboration with industry partners in both countries, the initiative brings together radio, digital streaming platforms, festivals, media and other industry stakeholders to support each artist before, during and after their time in market. The goal is to turn an introduction to a new territory into lasting connections, increased visibility and opportunities for continued career growth.
Throughout August and September, Tyla Rodrigues will build her presence in the Canadian market via festival and live performance opportunities, industry meetings, writing sessions, media engagements and other market development activities.
Her Canadian activities will culminate at Country Music Week 2026 in Saskatoon, September 16–19, where Tyla will take part in showcase opportunities, media activities, industry networking and additional programming as part of the CCMA’s international initiatives.
The goal is to provide Tyla with multiple opportunities to connect with Canadian fans and industry professionals while establishing relationships that can continue well beyond her initial time in market.
Early in 2027, Jade Eagleson will travel to Australia for the next phase of the exchange. His time in market will include live performance opportunities, industry meetings, media engagements, networking and other market development activities designed to introduce Jade to new audiences and strengthen relationships within the Australian country music industry.
“Canada and Australia share incredibly passionate country music communities, and we see a real opportunity to create stronger pathways between our two markets,” says Amy Jeninga, President, Canadian Country Music Association. “This is about more than sending an artist to another country to perform a show. It’s about bringing industry partners together around them, opening doors and creating relationships that can support meaningful, long-term career growth. We’re thrilled to have Jade and Tyla lead our first exchange and excited about what this can become for artists in the years ahead.”
The exchange is designed to build momentum beyond a single market visit. By coordinating support across radio, streaming, festivals, live music and media, the program aims to give participating artists multiple entry points into a new territory and a stronger foundation for continued growth.
“Canada has been a place I have always dreamt about visiting, so to have the opportunity to bring my music to Canadian audiences makes this that little bit more special! I cannot wait to meet Canadian fans, play these songs live and experience the country for myself. It’s such an incredible opportunity, and I’m so grateful to be able to take my music across the world.” – Tyla Rodrigues
“Being part of the first Canada-Australia Country Music Exchange is a really exciting opportunity for me. Australia has such a strong country music community, and I’m looking forward to getting over there, playing for new fans and connecting with artists and people in the industry. I’ve always believed that country music has a way of bringing people together, no matter where you’re from, and I’m proud to represent Canadian country music as part of this initiative. I’m excited to see where these connections can lead and hopefully help build something that creates opportunities for artists in both countries for years to come.” – Jade Eagleson
While 2026-2027 marks the pilot phase, the CCMA’s goal is to establish a structured and repeatable exchange program that can support additional artists in future years.
Following the inaugural exchange, the CCMA will evaluate the program with the goal of expanding artist participation, developing a structured application or selection process, and building deeper industry and funding partnerships.
At its core, the initiative is about two country music communities investing in one another while creating opportunities for artists, strengthening industry relationships and building new pathways between Canada and Australia.
More details on the Canada-Australia Country Music Exchange Initiative, including upcoming activities for Tyla Rodrigues and Jade Eagleson, will be announced in the months ahead.
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About the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®)
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and recognizing Canadian country music. Now in its 50th year, the CCMA celebrates the spirit, community, and creativity fostered by country music through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.
