A former Hyas resident has joined two other well-known Canadian singer-songwriters to release a song that is raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Dean Kush of Regina, who was raised in Hyas and is a brother of Brenda Kondratoff of Kamsack, has partnered with JJ Voss, who performed at the Kamsack Playhouse in December 2013 as one of the season’s Stars for Saskatchewan performers, and Alex Runions, a Kipling resident whose musical trajectory is said to be “rapidly moving upward,” wrote and performed Just Watch Me.
In efforts to honour fans and families who want to fight back against cancer, artists and invited guests kicked off the Just Watch Me Community Challenge on April 7 at the Canadian Cancer Society in Regina, and among the persons in the audience were Brenda and Allan Kondratoff of Kamsack.
Just Watch Me was inspired by one very dedicated and special fan, but it was created in honour of everyone who is trying to make a difference in the fight against cancer, whether his or her own fight or the fight in honour of others,” said JJ Voss in a release issued by the Canadian Cancer Society.
The trio, performing as The Brothers Wayward, knew they wanted to help fight back and develop something memorable for everyone, the release said.
“The song was designed to capture the emotion and share the dedication, drive and passion that people have in the fight against cancer,” said Voss. “Whether you are a survivor, a caregiver or someone who is working to change the future of cancer, we want you to know it matters.”
The release of the song was aimed to invite others to post their reasons for getting involved in the fight against cancer.
The trio hopes to kick-start a movement by individuals and communities, it said. The community that donates the most to the Just Watch Me Community Challenge will be crowned champions for the year.
“The Canadian Cancer Society in Saskatchewan along with J.J., Dean and me will be throwing an event in the winning town with a special mystery guest,” Runions said. “It’ll be worth it, trust me.”
The website www.justwatchme.ca will track downloads, stories and donations.
“These artists have immeasurable talent and we welcome this unique opportunity to work alongside them on this challenge,” said Keith Karasin, executive director of the Society in Saskatchewan. “We are so grateful for this partnership and appreciate the artists’ dedication and passion to make a difference.”
“Cancer affects everyone and, as artists, we are inspired by the dedication of our fans,” Kush said. “Like so many others, we too have lived the experience through family members and friends.
“Every download, every donation, every share with the hashtag #justwatchme will allow people to fight back for their own reasons while supporting a great cause,” he said. Donations will have an impact in every community for much-needed cancer research, information, programs and support.
A singer/songwriter and performer, JJ Voss delivers an unmistakable brand of outlaw Country music derived from his rural roots in Western Canada, said information on the website. “Having received airplay on radio throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe, JJ has been hard at it building his fan base throughout Canada and all over the world.
“With performances at prestigious music festivals from Nashville to The Netherlands and all across Canada, JJ’s career continues to grow,” it said. This year Voss is executing a tour of Northwestern Europe and recording new songs in preparation of a new album release for the end of the year.
With a billboard erected in his hometown by the folks of Kipling, Alex Runions is a familiar act in the Saskatchewan music scene, but industry experts are betting the singer/songwriter will break out nationally in 2016, the information said. With the release of his third charting single, If I Won the Lotto, and a fun and heartwarming music video shot in Nashville, Tenn., Runions’ trajectory is rapidly moving upward.
As the 2016 top nominated male artist with the Saskatchewan Country Music Association, Runions leads with nominations in five categories: Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Album of the Year.
Performing across the country for over a decade and on the same stages as Gord Bamford, Dallas Smith and Rodney Atkins, Runions’ resume includes Big Valley Jamboree, Craven Country Jamboree and Dauphin CountryFest, it said. “With his honest voice, tireless dedication and heartfelt approach, Runions is someone to watch.”
Dean Kush has been a highly respected singer/songwriter in Canada for the past 20 years, it said. He is best known as the fearless lead man for the award-winning group, Faster Gun. Faster Gun has won 12 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards and was once nominated for Group of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards. In the late 2000s, Faster Gun dominated the airwaves and in one year the group was the most played Saskatchewan group, of all music genres, on Canadian radio.
Kush is also well known for his unique brand of songwriting, it said. He has received honourable mention in the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition (that’s no small feat…that’s the top one per cent of over 20,000 entries). He has been a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and one of his songs was nominated for a Canadian Radio Music Award. He has written the majority of Faster Gun’s album cuts and has had seven other artists record his songs on their albums.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer.
“Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada,” the release said. “Make your gift today at cancer.ca.”
