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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. Happy 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 seemed that getting noticed by the Canada’s Country Music establishment would be the least of her problems. The first single “In The Middle of Something” zoomed into the Top 10 and stayed entrenched at the top of radio play lists for nearly 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.
Diane’s accomplishments over the next four years 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 to date.
Diane’s previous CD, THE RIDE, launched in June 2004 is a “top down, music up, fun-filled journey through some of country’s back roads and city streets”, states Chase. “There are some introspective moments giving you an idea of who I am, and where I came from.” THE RIDE boasted two Top 20 hits with the release of the self titled single The Ride followed by I Hate Love.
Of late, Diane’s time has been filled with writing and touring the globe in support of her success. She’s criss-crossed the country many times performing over 85 concert dates in the last few years and has been honored to have the opportunity to entertain our Canadian Forces troops in both Afghanistan/The Persian Gulf and our Canadian north not once but 5 times, an experience she says has been life changing. Just last year she toured France and is looking forward to return appearances this year. A consummate professional with the ability to captivate and engage an audience, Diane leaves each an every concert ticket buyer looking forward to her next performance with CD in hand. She appeals to both male and female country fans alike and has the ability to endear herself to all.
With a brand new CD titled “Gettin’ There” on the launching pad and in stores April 28th, and its first single “Rich Girl” just released to radio Diane beams with excitement at what lies ahead. All indications support the belief that this CD, like its predecessors will no doubt deliver yet another collection of hits to country radio and country fans alike!
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