Don Amero

It's a welcome recognition, an affirmation and a bit of encouragement. But it certainly isn't what will define Don Amero's music or career.

The Winnipeg-born singer-songwriter was named Male Entertainer of the Year at this year's Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, and he considers the honour to be another step in what has been the slow, steady process of building a career.

"I was nominated 19 times before (in numerous categories), so to finally win one is nice," says Amero, 32, who has been touring and recording constantly since the fateful day in 2007 when he walked away from his day job as a hardwood floor installer to pursue music full time.

"I never wanted to be that guy who kept emailing everybody, saying 'Vote for me! Vote for me!' so it basically took six years to get enough fans on board to win one. But when I did, it meant the world to me, because I knew that the fans were really behind me."

With four albums to his credit -- including his latest, Heart On My Sleeve, which was released in October -- Amero feels like he's poised for a breakthrough in the mainstream music world.

"Every opportunity I get to compete in the non-aboriginal marketplace, I will take," he says. "Maybe 'competing' is the wrong word, but I'll use it in this case. Anyway, it's a matter of competing at that level, not just in the smaller pool of the aboriginal music scene, but the overall music scene in Canada and North America. That's where I'd like to be; I want to get my foot in that door, for sure."

A product of Winnipeg's North End, Amero says his first musical inspirations were his parents, whom he describes as fairly talented themselves and blessed with diverse musical tastes.

"My parents would have these kitchen parties, and I would hear them playing," he recalls, "and then they would always play records, and it would be Elton John and Alabama and Bruce Springsteen. Those are the things I grew up hearing.

"And when I got into my middle-to-later teens, I was listening to people like Jann Arden and Barenaked Ladies and Blue Rodeo -- and for me, that's kind of where it started, and that's who inspired me. Even to this day -- we actually just emailed Jann Arden and Blue Rodeo about their upcoming tours, to see if there's any possibility of getting on the bill with them. We're keeping our fingers crossed."

Amero's own musical style might best be described as a rootsy combination of country and folk and soul, with songs that draw heavily on personal experiences and observations. His most recent collection soars with joyful declarations and also digs deep into some of life's most painful moments.

In truth, there's a fair amount of heartache on Heart, but Amero says it's a reflection of where he's at and what he's feeling.

"One of the things I take pride in is that I won't write a song unless I can tell a story, and the story has to be something that I'm close to," he says. "I feel like your songs are like your children, and you really have to embrace them that way.

"A lot of the songs deal with heartbreak that I've seen -- there's one song called Alone that's a sad, sad song about a guy who kind of blew it, and his life is gone. That's inspired by my great uncle, who unfortunately was a slave to alcohol and just never was able to get it together. It was a sad thing to see him suffer that way; in a way, that song was my attempt to steer others away from that path, because I've seen how destructive it can be.

"There are a lot of songs in all four of my albums that go to those places, dealing with my family struggles and my home life growing up -- it's all very personal stuff. Lately, I've been saying that every night I get to go onstage and read my journal to the crowds. It's like I'm on the couch, and they're my therapist."

All of which is not to say, however, that Amero's life is a bleak, dark place. With a career in forward motion and a home life that includes one-year-old son Oscar, there's plenty to feel good about.

"I think I'm way more emotional than I was before," he laughs. "Maybe it's because I'm not getting much sleep these days... When I look at my past catalogue of songs, before Oscar was born, I feel very proud of them. But I think (fatherhood) has actually improved my writing."

Where he's headed next as a songwriter and performer, however, is something Amero can't readily identify.

"I don't know," he says. "It depends what I'm being inspired by. This particular chapter that I'm just coming out of (which produced Heart On My Sleeve) has been very introspective, probably because I'm a new dad, and I've thought a lot about where I'm going and what I want to do with my life.

"I'm 32, so I'm nowhere near thinking about my life's ending, but I guess I am thinking about what kind of legacy I'm going to leave behind for future generations. That's where I've been in my head lately."
- Winnipeg Free Press - December 2012

It's a welcome recognition, an affirmation and a bit of encouragement. But it certainly isn't what will define Don Amero's music or career.

The Winnipeg-born singer-songwriter was named Male Entertainer of the Year at this year's Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, and he considers the honour to be another step in what has been the slow, steady process of building a career.

"I was nominated 19 times before (in numerous categories), so to finally win one is nice," says Amero, 32, who has been touring and recording constantly since the fateful day in 2007 when he walked away from his day job as a hardwood floor installer to pursue music full time.

"I never wanted to be that guy who kept emailing everybody, saying 'Vote for me! Vote for me!' so it basically took six years to get enough fans on board to win one. But when I did, it meant the world to me, because I knew that the fans were really behind me."

With four albums to his credit -- including his latest, Heart On My Sleeve, which was released in October -- Amero feels like he's poised for a breakthrough in the mainstream music world.

"Every opportunity I get to compete in the non-aboriginal marketplace, I will take," he says. "Maybe 'competing' is the wrong word, but I'll use it in this case. Anyway, it's a matter of competing at that level, not just in the smaller pool of the aboriginal music scene, but the overall music scene in Canada and North America. That's where I'd like to be; I want to get my foot in that door, for sure."

A product of Winnipeg's North End, Amero says his first musical inspirations were his parents, whom he describes as fairly talented themselves and blessed with diverse musical tastes.

"My parents would have these kitchen parties, and I would hear them playing," he recalls, "and then they would always play records, and it would be Elton John and Alabama and Bruce Springsteen. Those are the things I grew up hearing.

"And when I got into my middle-to-later teens, I was listening to people like Jann Arden and Barenaked Ladies and Blue Rodeo -- and for me, that's kind of where it started, and that's who inspired me. Even to this day -- we actually just emailed Jann Arden and Blue Rodeo about their upcoming tours, to see if there's any possibility of getting on the bill with them. We're keeping our fingers crossed."

Amero's own musical style might best be described as a rootsy combination of country and folk and soul, with songs that draw heavily on personal experiences and observations. His most recent collection soars with joyful declarations and also digs deep into some of life's most painful moments.

In truth, there's a fair amount of heartache on Heart, but Amero says it's a reflection of where he's at and what he's feeling.

"One of the things I take pride in is that I won't write a song unless I can tell a story, and the story has to be something that I'm close to," he says. "I feel like your songs are like your children, and you really have to embrace them that way.

"A lot of the songs deal with heartbreak that I've seen -- there's one song called Alone that's a sad, sad song about a guy who kind of blew it, and his life is gone. That's inspired by my great uncle, who unfortunately was a slave to alcohol and just never was able to get it together. It was a sad thing to see him suffer that way; in a way, that song was my attempt to steer others away from that path, because I've seen how destructive it can be.

"There are a lot of songs in all four of my albums that go to those places, dealing with my family struggles and my home life growing up -- it's all very personal stuff. Lately, I've been saying that every night I get to go onstage and read my journal to the crowds. It's like I'm on the couch, and they're my therapist."

All of which is not to say, however, that Amero's life is a bleak, dark place. With a career in forward motion and a home life that includes one-year-old son Oscar, there's plenty to feel good about.

"I think I'm way more emotional than I was before," he laughs. "Maybe it's because I'm not getting much sleep these days... When I look at my past catalogue of songs, before Oscar was born, I feel very proud of them. But I think (fatherhood) has actually improved my writing."

Where he's headed next as a songwriter and performer, however, is something Amero can't readily identify.

"I don't know," he says. "It depends what I'm being inspired by. This particular chapter that I'm just coming out of (which produced Heart On My Sleeve) has been very introspective, probably because I'm a new dad, and I've thought a lot about where I'm going and what I want to do with my life.

"I'm 32, so I'm nowhere near thinking about my life's ending, but I guess I am thinking about what kind of legacy I'm going to leave behind for future generations. That's where I've been in my head lately."
- Winnipeg Free Press - December 2012

For Don Amero, a Christmas tour just made sense.

As a guy with a positive musical outlook and a deep-rooted inclination to spread joy during the festive season, the Winnipeg-born singer-songwriter says a series of festively focused gigs seemed like a natural thing to add to his schedule as his career and audience began to grow.

"I just got to thinking about how much effort you put into learning all these Christmas songs, and I figured that it would be great to get to use them more than once," says Amero, whose fourth annual holiday concert effort, Amero Little Christmas, stops this Friday at the West End Cultural Centre. "So I thought, 'Why not bring them around to some of our friends on the Prairies?'


"I started out by taking it to a few communities that I have some connections and family ties to, and then it grew from there. It started out as just getting a few folks out to celebrate Christmas with some songs, and we've actually turned it into more of a show now, with some video and some other great artists that I'm partnered with."

Amero Little Christmas features musical contributions from Amero, the recent winner of the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award for male entertainer of the year, and from local folk/roots trio Red Moon Road. The show features a mix of traditional and original festive tunes, including songs from Amero's seasonal EP, Christmastime, which was released last year.

There is, without question, a strong indication of Amero's affection for all things Christmas in the fact he has devoted so much energy to writing his own collection of yuletide tunes.

"The season of Christmas, to me, is about giving and remembering and family, and that's the kind of person I am anyway," says Amero, 32, whose festive season this year will be focused mostly on watching his one-year-old son, Oscar, celebrate his first Christmas as a toddler. "So writing songs about those themes isn't particularly hard for me, because I do want to give back, and I do want to support people in my community and abroad. That's something that has always been close to my heart."

Amero says there's a delicate art to creating the set list for a Christmas show, because even audiences filled with fans of his original music will arrive expecting to hear a lot of the tried-and-true holiday staples.

"I think it's about starting off with songs that are somewhat familiar, on a happy note that gets people tapping their toes and in the mood for the evening," he explains, "but even with traditional Christmas songs, I try to put a bit of my own spin on them. It's a matter of really carefully crafting a set that's a balance -- not too much original stuff, because people do want to hear those songs that they're familiar with at this time of year. I think we've done a really nice job with it; I think it's a really good balance of originals and classics."

Amero admits that it's a bit tricky to put his own "spin" on a seasonal favourite such as Silent Night, which has been sung to essentially the same musical arrangement for centuries, but is quick to add that he thinks it's a chance worth taking.

"Obviously, there's some risk," he says. "But as I say at the outset of every show, this is our flavour of these songs, and I think we keep them close enough that people can hang in there with us if they want to sing along. There are a couple of songs that are very traditional in the way we're singing them, but there some others, like a very groovy version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, that are a bit different.

"That one was inspired by this great bass riff that Daniel from Red Moon Road came up with the other night, and we all said, 'That is so cool; we have to do it that way.' For me, it's fun to put our own twist on things. As an audience member, I always love hearing other artists' interpretation of songs."

Which is not, however, to suggest that Amero is in favour of abandoning the traditional approach to seasonal songs. Consider his answer to the inevitable question about what his own favourite Christmas songs are:

"Oh, that's easy," he says. "Anything by Bing Crosby."

You can sample Don Amero's festive music at http://donamero.com/christmastime

brad.oswald@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @BradOswald

CONCERT PREVIEW

Amero Little Christmas


Featuring Don Amero and Red Moon Road

óè Friday, 7:30 p.m.

óè West End Cultural Centre

óè Tickets $15 at Ticketmaster, WECC, Music Trader and Winnipeg Folk óè Festival Music Store


Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 13, 2012 C9
- Winnipeg Free Press - December 2012

Local folk and country musician Don Amero will be taking his new holiday-themed concert Amero Little Christmas to Winnipeg Dec. 14.

He’ll be bringing his Christmas cheer and John Mayer-meets-Keith Urban sound to seven venues across the province in 10 days.

Amero won Male Entertainer of the Year at the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards last month, following the release of his fourth full-length album, Heart On My Sleeve. He is known for his storytelling and the message of hope he brings to every performance, which the album clearly reflects.

Amero had noticed several other local artists arranging Christmas-themed events in the city, such as Quinzy’s popular Quinzmas concert every year at the Burton Cummings Theatre, and decided to create one with his own twist.

Last year, Amero released an EP called Christmastime, which included covers of Christmas classics such as “Silent Night” and “Let It Snow”, as well as a few original songs for the holidays. One of these originals, “All I Want This Christmas”w, reached the fifth spot on the indie downloads chart on dmds.com.

“I loved getting Christmas cards and seeing the old scenes on them with people all bundled and carrying presents and a sleigh ride in the background,” says Amero. “I love the warmth of it all.”

For the last several years, Amero has worked closely with From The Top Arts Camp, a summer camp for teens held in downtown Winnipeg. This summer he put on a special performance at the camp for the kids and staff.

“I have been involved in the performing and visual arts for 28 years, and Don Amero is one of the hardest working artists that I know,” says Kev Wood, president and artistic director of From The Top Performing and Visual Arts.

“His music, artistry and life transcend cultural differences.”

Local folk trio Red Moon Road will also be performing at all seven tour stops. Amero says that in addition to individual sets, the audience can expect to hear collaborations between Red Moon Road and his own band.

Partial proceeds from the event will go to Canadian Feed The Children, an organization helping children affected by poverty in Canada and around the world.

The West End Cultural Centre hosts Amero Little Christmas Dec. 14 at 8 p.m.. Advance tickets are $15 and are available at Music Trader, the Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store, and Ticketmaster.

Tickets will be available at the door for $20.
- The Projector (Winnipeg) - December 2012

Local folk and country musician Don Amero will be taking his new holiday-themed concert Amero Little Christmas to Winnipeg Dec. 14.

He’ll be bringing his Christmas cheer and John Mayer-meets-Keith Urban sound to seven venues across the province in 10 days.

Amero won Male Entertainer of the Year at the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards last month, following the release of his fourth full-length album, Heart On My Sleeve. He is known for his storytelling and the message of hope he brings to every performance, which the album clearly reflects.

Amero had noticed several other local artists arranging Christmas-themed events in the city, such as Quinzy’s popular Quinzmas concert every year at the Burton Cummings Theatre, and decided to create one with his own twist.

Last year, Amero released an EP called Christmastime, which included covers of Christmas classics such as “Silent Night” and “Let It Snow”, as well as a few original songs for the holidays. One of these originals, “All I Want This Christmas”w, reached the fifth spot on the indie downloads chart on dmds.com.

“I loved getting Christmas cards and seeing the old scenes on them with people all bundled and carrying presents and a sleigh ride in the background,” says Amero. “I love the warmth of it all.”

For the last several years, Amero has worked closely with From The Top Arts Camp, a summer camp for teens held in downtown Winnipeg. This summer he put on a special performance at the camp for the kids and staff.

“I have been involved in the performing and visual arts for 28 years, and Don Amero is one of the hardest working artists that I know,” says Kev Wood, president and artistic director of From The Top Performing and Visual Arts.

“His music, artistry and life transcend cultural differences.”

Local folk trio Red Moon Road will also be performing at all seven tour stops. Amero says that in addition to individual sets, the audience can expect to hear collaborations between Red Moon Road and his own band.

Partial proceeds from the event will go to Canadian Feed The Children, an organization helping children affected by poverty in Canada and around the world.

The West End Cultural Centre hosts Amero Little Christmas Dec. 14 at 8 p.m.. Advance tickets are $15 and are available at Music Trader, the Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store, and Ticketmaster.

Tickets will be available at the door for $20.
- The Projector (Winnipeg) - December 2012

Don Amero

Heart On My Sleeve (Independent)


Winnipeg singer/songwriter Don Amero is proof positive that hard work and the right choices and chances can propel an artist to success. At four full-length albums (not including a seasonal album) into his career Amero has established his integrity as a powerful stylist with plenty of room to expand his repertoire.

Amero's wheelhouse is pretty much centred on his sweet-as-maple-syrup vocals and earnest, laid-back way with a song. It works, to a point, on Heart. After the initial warm glow initiated by the first few tracks, the sameness of the delivery plows through.

It's one thing to wear your heart on your sleeve track after track, but after a while you need something to catch the blood. The album features a pair of songs twice, yet the versions offer no noticeable difference from their twin.

As a stage memento it works, and Amero's busy schedule should get this into a lot of happy hands. 'Ö'Ö 1/2
- Winnipeg Free Press - November 2012

Musician Don Amero supports Tuxedo Stan

Winnipeg musician Don Amero, currently touring eastern Canada, has decided to help Tuxedo Stan, the cat running for mayor in Halifax to improve the welfare of felines.

He is asking people to bring cat food to his concert Friday, 7:30 p.m., at the Music Room, 6181 Lady Hammond Rd. If they do they will get the $20 ticket price cut in half.

All admission fees and cat food will be donated to Tuxedo Stan’s favourite cause, Spay Day HRM. The Spay Day Program addresses the cat over-population crisis in HRM by assisting students and low-income families to spay and neuter their cats.

“I’m a cat lover, and actually believe in what Tuxedo Stan stands for,” Amero said in a news release. He releases fourth album Heart On My Sleeve on Oct. 24.

According to the press release: “Tuxedo Stan strongly approves of this message.”
- Chronicle-Herald (Halifax) - September 2012

Since he burst onto the local scene in 2006/07 with his sweet tenor voice and his beautiful acoustic songs, Don Amero has been called one of its brightest lights. On this album, Amero and producer Arun Chaturvedi take a confident step into the world of country pop. Ready to Love is surely a hit, with its memorable, hummable chorus, while songs such as Through the Storm and Right Where I Wanna Be toughen up Amero’s sound with a rocked-up, roadhouse vibe. There are also softer reminders of Amero’s unadorned roots in the form of Isabel’s Song (Coming Home) and opening cut Life’s Been Sweet (featuring slide and dobro).
(3.5 out of 5 stars)
-- John Kendle - Uptown Magazine (Winnipeg) - February 2011

By Bryon Gislason - House of Bands
(Free Press Publication)

Independent local musicians' latest offerings

When you hear Don Amero sing his songs you know he's lived them. Friends and lovers--once a source of comfort have grown distant and out of reach. Dreams that we once thought were best left behind in the past now appear before us.
What ever the theme of Amero's songs, his clear, soft voice gives reassurance and a sense of peace. The journey Amero's songs take us on we follow willingly, knowing the emotions he uncovers will enlighten and strengthen us.
Is it important to know Amero is also an artist of First Nations heritage? Absolutely. Aboriginal culture is rich in the tradition of storytelling, teaching and healing. Amero's songs and his stage performances weaves all three into his own urban experience and the influence of his Aboriginal awakenings.
The humour he brings to the stories he tells between songs makes you smile until your cheeks ache. His songs transcend cultures and reach out to all people through their intimacy, strength and personal insight.
Amero will be the next Aboriginal recording artist to break through into the mainstream. His universal stories sung over lilting melodies and cascading chords will get him there.
Amero is releasing his second full-length CD--currently untitled--on February 27, 2009. We'll have more details for you next month. - Urban NDN (Winnipeg) - January 2009

Urban NDN magazine described Don Amero as a "Métis Mayer," and I think that's an apt comparison. The 28-year-old singer/songwriter's smooth voice is definitely similar to John Mayer's. Not quite as bluesy as the mega-popular American musician, Amero has more of a country vibe; although I wouldn't go as far as labeling it country music. Sugary sweet with plenty of soul and pristine production, this album will definitely appeal to fans of the soft-rock genre. Amero proves to be a versatile artist, with half of Deepening being heavily studio-produced and the other half suggesting he's capable of a more stripped-down sound. B+
— Jared Story - Uptown Magazine (Winnipeg) - May 2009

Three years ago, Don Amero was working as a hardwood floor installer when he chose to quit his day job and plunge into a full-time music career. Today, the folk/pop singer/songwriter is an inspiration to many and, as his latest single Right Where I Wanna Be suggests, life is sweet.

Amero is up for three Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, including best pop CD, best album cover design and best aboriginal songwriter — a category that will pit him against APCMA vets Eagle & Hawk and bluesy rock ’n’ roller Billy Joe Green.

In addition to the nominations, he’s fresh off the release of his third album, aptly titled The Long Way Home. The record was inspired by his time away on tour, and yearning to be home with loved ones.

"A lot of the themes to the music deal with home. I think because I’m gone so much and I’m on the road travelling around, my heart is sort of in two places all the time. It’s sort of the nature of the game," he says.

While the album stays true to an acoustic pop sensibility that’s been compared to John Mayer, there’s also a country nuance.

"I haven’t labelled this album country, but it definitely does swing in that realm a little bit. It was sort of by accident. As we were going along, we were like, ‘This song needs a Dobro and this song needs a mandolin,’ and we were kind of like, ‘Oh, this sounds country,’" he says with a laugh.

Nine of the 10 songs on the album were co-written with local songwriters Arun Chaturvedi, Chris Burke-Gaffney and Sandy Taronno (of Quinzy), among others.

Amero says he found the process "weird" because it forced him to give up a bit of himself.

Listening to Amero’s music, it becomes clear what’s important to him as an artist is to send out a positive message.

"When I decided I was going to do this as my career, I said that I wanted to write songs that world encourage and inspire the listeners to do greater things for themselves and the world around them," he says.

Dark Horse, from The Long Way Home, is a song that is doing just that.

Inspired by a cab driver Amero met while on his way to a concert in Toronto, the tune deals with issues of addiction.

"I got an email just yesterday about the song Dark Horse," Amero says. "It was played on the CBC in Kelowna. And this guy, we’ve never met before, he heard my song as he was on the way to the liquor store. He heard the song on the radio and he turned around and he went home. It helped him continue on in the healing process of getting away from alcoholism. That was such a big story for me.

"I’ve had a lot of people tell me that they’ve been encouraged by the music, and that’s all I can ask for."

BY: JULIJANA CAPONE - Uptown Magazine (Winnipeg) - April 2010

The singer-songwriter talks Keith Urban, his new album, and balancing life on the road with his family

Don Amero has to be one of the hardest working musicians on the local scene.

But with the release of his new album, The Long Way Home, he’s learning to spend less time working and more time with family and friends.

“I think because I am a torn man between the love of my friends and family and also my love for the road, I feel like I’m always taking the long way home,” said Amero via email from Calgary.

“A lot of the songs on the album are about love, being lost in love and even being too far from love. I spent so much, probably too much, time working and this year I’ve really tried to balance my workload with some downtime.”

The road to becoming an award-winning musician started when Amero was 15, with an old Gibson and a few basic chords.

Since then Amero has released three albums, including 2006’s Change Your Life and 2009’s Deepening, and won an exhausting list of awards. He won Male Artist of the Year at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards and Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

-Don Amero will release his new CD at the Pyramid Cabaret on Saturday, Nov. 6
-Sonia Eidse and Cris Derksen will also perform
-Tickets $10 at the door?
-Visit www.donamero.com

This time around, Amero is nominated for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year, Best Album Cover Design and Best Pop CD at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards happening Nov. 5.

Although he has garnered comparisons to John Mayer and Jack Johnson, The Long Way Home has more of a country flavour, which Amero explains to be partly accidental and partly influenced by the music he’s listening to these days.

“I’ve been listening to a lot of Keith Urban this year,” said Amero, adding Mayer, Blue Rodeo, and Martin Sexton to the list. “I think my likes in music have been swinging a little more country and so that’s obviously influenced my writing and playing.”

The album also features song collaborations from some of Winnipeg’s best songwriters, including Arun Chaturvedi, Chris Burke-Gaffney, Sandy Taronno and Jay Tooke.

“It’s been great. I think with co-writing you can get a more focused song,” Amero said. “With co-writers we’re always making sure the song makes sense to everyone in the room.”

Although he will be on the road promoting the new album for most of November, he has something special planned for the Christmas season.

“This Christmas I am doing a little show called Amero Little Christmas,” he said. “It’s a bunch of traditional carols sung in our own way.

“My hope is to get people to slow down and relax for an evening and just enjoy some of their favourite songs while sipping on some apple cider and eating a few homemade goodies.”

By: Robin Dudgeon - Uniter (Winnipeg) - November 2010

The singer-songwriter talks Keith Urban, his new album, and balancing life on the road with his family

Don Amero has to be one of the hardest working musicians on the local scene.

But with the release of his new album, The Long Way Home, he’s learning to spend less time working and more time with family and friends.

“I think because I am a torn man between the love of my friends and family and also my love for the road, I feel like I’m always taking the long way home,” said Amero via email from Calgary.

“A lot of the songs on the album are about love, being lost in love and even being too far from love. I spent so much, probably too much, time working and this year I’ve really tried to balance my workload with some downtime.”

The road to becoming an award-winning musician started when Amero was 15, with an old Gibson and a few basic chords.

Since then Amero has released three albums, including 2006’s Change Your Life and 2009’s Deepening, and won an exhausting list of awards. He won Male Artist of the Year at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards and Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

-Don Amero will release his new CD at the Pyramid Cabaret on Saturday, Nov. 6
-Sonia Eidse and Cris Derksen will also perform
-Tickets $10 at the door?
-Visit www.donamero.com

This time around, Amero is nominated for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year, Best Album Cover Design and Best Pop CD at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards happening Nov. 5.

Although he has garnered comparisons to John Mayer and Jack Johnson, The Long Way Home has more of a country flavour, which Amero explains to be partly accidental and partly influenced by the music he’s listening to these days.

“I’ve been listening to a lot of Keith Urban this year,” said Amero, adding Mayer, Blue Rodeo, and Martin Sexton to the list. “I think my likes in music have been swinging a little more country and so that’s obviously influenced my writing and playing.”

The album also features song collaborations from some of Winnipeg’s best songwriters, including Arun Chaturvedi, Chris Burke-Gaffney, Sandy Taronno and Jay Tooke.

“It’s been great. I think with co-writing you can get a more focused song,” Amero said. “With co-writers we’re always making sure the song makes sense to everyone in the room.”

Although he will be on the road promoting the new album for most of November, he has something special planned for the Christmas season.

“This Christmas I am doing a little show called Amero Little Christmas,” he said. “It’s a bunch of traditional carols sung in our own way.

“My hope is to get people to slow down and relax for an evening and just enjoy some of their favourite songs while sipping on some apple cider and eating a few homemade goodies.”

By: Robin Dudgeon - Uniter (Winnipeg) - November 2010

Recording artist Don Amero has come a long way since he quit his day job five years ago.


The former hardwood flooring installer will release his fourth album Heart On My Sleeve via an online, interactive house concert that will be broadcast live online at aptn.ca on Wed., Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. (CST).


The St. Boniface resident — who describes his style as a mix of roots, pop and country — is bucking the conventional trend and releasing the 12-track, self-produced and self-funded album at the end of his current tour cross-Canada tour, which is financially supported by Manitoba Film & Music.


The house concert will be held at a secret location in Winnipeg and feature special guests, the premiere of his music video for Turn These Grey Skies Blue and interactive Twitter chat and Facebook forums.


Amero — whose previous albums Change Your Life, Deepening and The Long Way Home garnered numerous awards and nominations — is excited about releasing the new album "in such a different and dynamic way."


"In essence, I’m putting my heart on my sleeve for the entire world to see," said Amero, who is nominated for three awards at the upcoming Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, which will be held Fri., Nov. 2 at MTS Centre.


"My music has been therapy for me. It allows me to work through some aspects of my life, so I can vent. I can put my heart out there and everybody else can listen and share," he added, noting he grew up in Winnipeg’s North End and attended Sisler High School.


"When I look at my career so far, it’s been a lot of hard work to get here and there (are) so many days on the road. But when I think about it some days, I still can’t believe it. My fans have been so supportive."


A self-proclaimed cat lover, Amero’s song Life Gets Better has just be chosen as the official campaign song for Tuxedo Stan, the now-famous feline who is running for mayor in Halifax. Sales of the song have helped raise money for spay and neuter awareness and programming in Nova Scotia.


"Stan is a big cat and he’s also cool, calm and collected," Amero said, in light of his meeting with the political wannabe.


Amero’s sisiter-in-law, Kim Oost, has known him for the past 10 years and always saw the potential for commercial musical success.


"Knowing from where he came from, knowing he came from such a rough background, he always had the drive to do whatever he was involved in," said Oost, who lives in Transcona. "His love for music and the arts gave him something to dream about and hold on to."


Amero also helped push Oost — a singer and keyboard player whose stage name is Kimberly Jane — out of her comfort zone to record and release a six-track EP entitled Light Hearted earlier this year.


Oost has also provided backup vocals on several tracks on Amero’s last three albums and the pair also enjoys writing songs together.


For details about the concert on APTN Webstage Pass, visit aptn.ca. To learn more about Amero, visit donamero.com.
- Canstar News (Winnipeg) - October 2012

Recording artist Don Amero has come a long way since he quit his day job five years ago.


The former hardwood flooring installer will release his fourth album Heart On My Sleeve via an online, interactive house concert that will be broadcast live online at aptn.ca on Wed., Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. (CST).


The St. Boniface resident — who describes his style as a mix of roots, pop and country — is bucking the conventional trend and releasing the 12-track, self-produced and self-funded album at the end of his current tour cross-Canada tour, which is financially supported by Manitoba Film & Music.


The house concert will be held at a secret location in Winnipeg and feature special guests, the premiere of his music video for Turn These Grey Skies Blue and interactive Twitter chat and Facebook forums.


Amero — whose previous albums Change Your Life, Deepening and The Long Way Home garnered numerous awards and nominations — is excited about releasing the new album "in such a different and dynamic way."


"In essence, I’m putting my heart on my sleeve for the entire world to see," said Amero, who is nominated for three awards at the upcoming Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, which will be held Fri., Nov. 2 at MTS Centre.


"My music has been therapy for me. It allows me to work through some aspects of my life, so I can vent. I can put my heart out there and everybody else can listen and share," he added, noting he grew up in Winnipeg’s North End and attended Sisler High School.


"When I look at my career so far, it’s been a lot of hard work to get here and there (are) so many days on the road. But when I think about it some days, I still can’t believe it. My fans have been so supportive."


A self-proclaimed cat lover, Amero’s song Life Gets Better has just be chosen as the official campaign song for Tuxedo Stan, the now-famous feline who is running for mayor in Halifax. Sales of the song have helped raise money for spay and neuter awareness and programming in Nova Scotia.


"Stan is a big cat and he’s also cool, calm and collected," Amero said, in light of his meeting with the political wannabe.


Amero’s sisiter-in-law, Kim Oost, has known him for the past 10 years and always saw the potential for commercial musical success.


"Knowing from where he came from, knowing he came from such a rough background, he always had the drive to do whatever he was involved in," said Oost, who lives in Transcona. "His love for music and the arts gave him something to dream about and hold on to."


Amero also helped push Oost — a singer and keyboard player whose stage name is Kimberly Jane — out of her comfort zone to record and release a six-track EP entitled Light Hearted earlier this year.


Oost has also provided backup vocals on several tracks on Amero’s last three albums and the pair also enjoys writing songs together.


For details about the concert on APTN Webstage Pass, visit aptn.ca. To learn more about Amero, visit donamero.com.
- Canstar News (Winnipeg) - October 2012

On October 24 at 8 p.m. CT, Don Amero gets Up Close & International with an evening of songs and stories for all to see at APTN.ca/webstagepass.

This special concert will give fans at home a chance to listen to Don’s latest album, Heart On My Sleeve, enjoy fan favourites, and see the video premiere for Turn These Grey Skies Blue.


“Don Amero has a way of captivating audiences of all ages with his powerful vocals, percussion-style guitar play, and engaging storytelling. His message is one of encouragement, positivity and beauty. He continues to impress wherever he goes.” CBC Music

Check out one of Don’s hits, Right Where I Wanna Be:

For more information, visit Don Amero’s website.

Watch the live concert on Oct 24 at www.APTN.ca/webstagepass. There will be opportunity for Q & A on Twitter (#DonAmero) and Facebook forums – all happening live from Winnipeg.
- Travel Manitoba: What's Hot - October 2012

You can call Winnipeg’s Don Amero one of the hardest working independent musicians in showbiz today. Since leaving his job as a hardwood flooring installer five years ago to pursue music fulltime, the singer/songwriter has toured coast-to-coast, headlined concerts, presented at festivals, performed with the symphony, and played national television.

Amero’s musical style has been likened to John-Mayer-meets-Keith-Urban. His three albums (Change Your Life, Deepening, The Long Way Home) have generated five national and international awards – Best Country Song (2012 Indian Summer Music Awards), Aboriginal Recording of the Year (2011 Western Canadian Music Awards), Best Folk Recording (2011 Native American Music Awards), Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year (2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards), Male Artist of the Year (2009 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards) – and 21 more nominations.

Prior to his Thunder Bay concert, Amero will release his new CD, Heart On My Sleeve, at an intimate house concert in Winnipeg – for all the world to see. On October 24 at 8:00pm CST, his fourth album will be introduced during an interactive evening of songs and stories. Don Amero: Up Close & International is a 90-minute concert that will stream live at www.aptn.ca/webstagepass. The show will also feature the premiere of the music video for Turn These Grey Skies Blue and there will be opportunity for Q & A on Twitter (#DonAmero) and Facebook forums.

Amero will play in Thunder Bay on October 26 at Hope CRC (1315 Crawford Avenue). Doors open 7:00pm and the show starts at 7:30pm ; tickets are $10 at the door and a portion of proceeds will be donated to www.canadianfeedthechildren.ca

www.donamero.com
- The Walleye (Thunder Bay) - October 2012

You can call Winnipeg’s Don Amero one of the hardest working independent musicians in showbiz today. Since leaving his job as a hardwood flooring installer five years ago to pursue music fulltime, the singer/songwriter has toured coast-to-coast, headlined concerts, presented at festivals, performed with the symphony, and played national television.

Amero’s musical style has been likened to John-Mayer-meets-Keith-Urban. His three albums (Change Your Life, Deepening, The Long Way Home) have generated five national and international awards – Best Country Song (2012 Indian Summer Music Awards), Aboriginal Recording of the Year (2011 Western Canadian Music Awards), Best Folk Recording (2011 Native American Music Awards), Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year (2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards), Male Artist of the Year (2009 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards) – and 21 more nominations.

Prior to his Thunder Bay concert, Amero will release his new CD, Heart On My Sleeve, at an intimate house concert in Winnipeg – for all the world to see. On October 24 at 8:00pm CST, his fourth album will be introduced during an interactive evening of songs and stories. Don Amero: Up Close & International is a 90-minute concert that will stream live at www.aptn.ca/webstagepass. The show will also feature the premiere of the music video for Turn These Grey Skies Blue and there will be opportunity for Q & A on Twitter (#DonAmero) and Facebook forums.

Amero will play in Thunder Bay on October 26 at Hope CRC (1315 Crawford Avenue). Doors open 7:00pm and the show starts at 7:30pm ; tickets are $10 at the door and a portion of proceeds will be donated to www.canadianfeedthechildren.ca

www.donamero.com
- The Walleye (Thunder Bay) - October 2012

Don Amero recalls his times with BreakOut West Festival and talks about his newest album

Kyle Leitch
A&C Writer

This weekend, the tenth edition of the BreakOut West Festival will occur in Regina. The current incarnation of the festival evolved from the “All Indie Weekend” festivals that were held in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba from 1995 through 1999. The Western Canada Music Alliance –member groups from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and Yukon — puts on the BreakOut West festival annually. As its name implies, BreakOut West is meant to be a showcase of Western-Canadian music and artists. One such artist is the quickly-rising star Don Amero. From humble beginnings in Winnipeg to BreakOut West and beyond, Don Amero is always looking ahead while never forgetting his roots.

“I started songwriting when I was fifteen or so,” Amero recalls fondly. “I picked up my dad’s old Gibson guitar, learned E minor and C and played that for about six months, and I kind of felt the melody take over. That was about 17 years ago, now, so I’ve been at it ever since.”

In 2006, Amero decided to make music his full-time career, beginning with his first release, Change Your Life. Now in 2012, Amero is gearing up for his fourth studio effort, Heart on My Sleeve.

“This one hearkens back to my first days when I first began, when I produced and engineered myself,” Amero explains. “Only now I’ve got six years of knowledge in the industry, in the engineering department.”

Amero wrote, recorded, produced, and engineered both his first release and his upcoming album, and the evolution he’s undergone in six short years really shows.

“This one, I kind of did it myself, and I really wanted it to be more of my voice than ever before, and I don’t just mean literally, I mean figuratively as well. Having producers and engineers involved, you get their voice as well. You can get a nice compilation sound, but for this one, you’re getting the real me … the heart of the artist is what I’m really hoping people will get on this one.”

Amero’s passion for songwriting and performance really shine through on the singles that have thus far been released via his YouTube channel.

“Like with anything, with a little bit of time and experience you become more refined, and I feel like this is the best album yet,” Amero explains. “I’m hoping that it’s still far from the best album I’ll ever release.”

Speaking of the album’s release, Amero and company are tackling that in a very unique way. Those who are able to catch Amero on his current tour will be able to pick up the physical copy of his new album.

“That’s the only way to get the album right now, is on my tour,” Amero is careful to explain. “But that’s it; you can’t buy it in stores, you can’t buy it on iTunes, anything, until October 24.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is one of the ways Western Canada celebrates its own, so we can continue to grow … It builds camaraderie between us. It’s just another reason to network and do business between us.” – Don Amero

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On October 24, the full album will be released on the Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network (APTN) website as a streaming live concert shot in Amero’s neighbour’s house.

“Because this album is way more intimate, I feel like I would love to have a house concert with thousands of my friends across the country, but that’s not possible,” Amero laments. “Unless, that is, you get a bunch of cameras in there and film it, and I thought that that was a way to unify everybody in a cozy area, in a log cabin in the heart of downtown Winnipeg which is an unbelievable spot.”

The difficult thing about a streaming release is accessibility to a wider audience. Amero and company considered an official CD release in one of the many theaters in Winnipeg, but felt that an intimate house concert would remain true to the intimate feel of the upcoming album.

“This is a real gamble,” Amero admits, “but this is an opportunity to get to some of those places that I can’t get to on this tour.”

Before he had to run, Don Amero also had time to discuss the history of his involvement in the BreakOut West festival.

“My first year was a few years ago in Winnipeg, and I was so new to it, that I sat there in awe watching so many musicians that I’d heard about and seen, and I basically stood in the corner and didn’t say anything to anyone. [In the] next years, I kept going and applying to showcase and I got in and got to perform.” When asked about the importance of festivals like BreakOut West, Amero couldn’t say enough about the importance of these festivals.

“Basically what [BreakOut West] is is a huge networking event for people across North America: entertainment bookers; publishers; licensing people. This is one of the ways Western Canada celebrate - The Carillon (Regina) - September 2012

Don Amero recalls his times with BreakOut West Festival and talks about his newest album

Kyle Leitch
A&C Writer

This weekend, the tenth edition of the BreakOut West Festival will occur in Regina. The current incarnation of the festival evolved from the “All Indie Weekend” festivals that were held in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba from 1995 through 1999. The Western Canada Music Alliance –member groups from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and Yukon — puts on the BreakOut West festival annually. As its name implies, BreakOut West is meant to be a showcase of Western-Canadian music and artists. One such artist is the quickly-rising star Don Amero. From humble beginnings in Winnipeg to BreakOut West and beyond, Don Amero is always looking ahead while never forgetting his roots.

“I started songwriting when I was fifteen or so,” Amero recalls fondly. “I picked up my dad’s old Gibson guitar, learned E minor and C and played that for about six months, and I kind of felt the melody take over. That was about 17 years ago, now, so I’ve been at it ever since.”

In 2006, Amero decided to make music his full-time career, beginning with his first release, Change Your Life. Now in 2012, Amero is gearing up for his fourth studio effort, Heart on My Sleeve.

“This one hearkens back to my first days when I first began, when I produced and engineered myself,” Amero explains. “Only now I’ve got six years of knowledge in the industry, in the engineering department.”

Amero wrote, recorded, produced, and engineered both his first release and his upcoming album, and the evolution he’s undergone in six short years really shows.

“This one, I kind of did it myself, and I really wanted it to be more of my voice than ever before, and I don’t just mean literally, I mean figuratively as well. Having producers and engineers involved, you get their voice as well. You can get a nice compilation sound, but for this one, you’re getting the real me … the heart of the artist is what I’m really hoping people will get on this one.”

Amero’s passion for songwriting and performance really shine through on the singles that have thus far been released via his YouTube channel.

“Like with anything, with a little bit of time and experience you become more refined, and I feel like this is the best album yet,” Amero explains. “I’m hoping that it’s still far from the best album I’ll ever release.”

Speaking of the album’s release, Amero and company are tackling that in a very unique way. Those who are able to catch Amero on his current tour will be able to pick up the physical copy of his new album.

“That’s the only way to get the album right now, is on my tour,” Amero is careful to explain. “But that’s it; you can’t buy it in stores, you can’t buy it on iTunes, anything, until October 24.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is one of the ways Western Canada celebrates its own, so we can continue to grow … It builds camaraderie between us. It’s just another reason to network and do business between us.” – Don Amero

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On October 24, the full album will be released on the Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network (APTN) website as a streaming live concert shot in Amero’s neighbour’s house.

“Because this album is way more intimate, I feel like I would love to have a house concert with thousands of my friends across the country, but that’s not possible,” Amero laments. “Unless, that is, you get a bunch of cameras in there and film it, and I thought that that was a way to unify everybody in a cozy area, in a log cabin in the heart of downtown Winnipeg which is an unbelievable spot.”

The difficult thing about a streaming release is accessibility to a wider audience. Amero and company considered an official CD release in one of the many theaters in Winnipeg, but felt that an intimate house concert would remain true to the intimate feel of the upcoming album.

“This is a real gamble,” Amero admits, “but this is an opportunity to get to some of those places that I can’t get to on this tour.”

Before he had to run, Don Amero also had time to discuss the history of his involvement in the BreakOut West festival.

“My first year was a few years ago in Winnipeg, and I was so new to it, that I sat there in awe watching so many musicians that I’d heard about and seen, and I basically stood in the corner and didn’t say anything to anyone. [In the] next years, I kept going and applying to showcase and I got in and got to perform.” When asked about the importance of festivals like BreakOut West, Amero couldn’t say enough about the importance of these festivals.

“Basically what [BreakOut West] is is a huge networking event for people across North America: entertainment bookers; publishers; licensing people. This is one of the ways Western Canada celebrate - The Carillon (Regina) - September 2012

Who doesn’t enjoy a story with adversity, struggle, following one’s passion, dedication and finally, success? Canadian, singer-songwriter, Don Amero shared his own tale with us, and soon the rest of Canada on a cross-country tour releasing his fifth album, Heart On My Sleeve.


Don Amero grew up in the notoriously tough North End of Winnipeg where he encountered poverty, drugs, gangs and violence. Five years ago he left his job in Winnipeg installing hardwood floors to pursue music, and he was uncertain of what would come, but that not knowing allowed him to thrive. “I was in my glory,” he shared with the newspaper earlier this week. “I spent a few weeks booking a fall tour ... it was like I was for the first time spreading my wings. I am pretty sure I broke even on that tour, but to me that was success. It was enough to keep me going and from there on there was no turning back.”

Since his first tour, Amero has produced five full length albums earning him four national and international awards, including Best Folk Recording (2011 Native American Music Awards), and Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year (2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards).

Amero is kicking off his tour this Thursday at The Sister on Queen St West. As for what you’ll hear, Amero said, “It's more folk sounding than my last two, with a touch of country and pop. I feel that this may be my most honest performance and stories yet,” he said. As for this album as a whole, Amero described his intentions: “I really wanted the listener to feel that I am right there with them in the room. My hope is that people will (...) grab a cup of something warm, sit by a fire or near a window and just listen to the stories in the songs. If you listen [to the album] straight through, it tells a complete story,” he added.

Amero’s good nature and sincere sweetness play out both in his emotional pop, and his concern for social welfare. As a World Vision Artist, Amero was inspired to make change at home. He now supports Canada’s Feed The Children organization, with a portion of ticket and album sales going to the project. “I really wanted to be part of something that was affecting the problem right here in our own country,” Amero explained. “Sometimes we are so focused on hunger issues abroad and don't realize people right here are suffering due to malnourishment,” he added.

And that’s just the beginning of his mandate. Amero is of Metis/Acadian heritage, and found much of his identity in his Aboriginal roots. As he sweeps the country with sound and story-telling, he also aims to inspire; “One major thing I hope to do is empower a new generation of aboriginals to take hold of their future and break the chains of the past.”
- The Newspaper (Toronto) - September 2012

Manitoba’s hardest-working musician, Don Amero, is about to hit the road for a fall tour. Before he leaves his hometown of Winnipeg, though, Amero dropped CBC Music an exclusive cut off his yet-to-be-released fourth album, Heart On My Sleeve.

Usually a musician will release a CD and then tour, but Amero is doing it in reverse. He’s going on a 11-city Canadian tour, then releasing his album at a not-so-private house concert in his hometown on Oct. 24.

“I’m really excited to be releasing my new album in such a different and dynamic way,” said Amero in a news release.

Amero’s CD release show will be webcast live via Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), the same way the network broadcasts their Aboriginal Day Live concerts that take place each June.

“House concerts allow for an intimate performance, and I play a lot of them when I tour,” Amero said. “So what better way to release Heart On My Sleeve than through an up-close-and-personal house concert that we can share with people everywhere?”

The self-produced album has already spawned the hit "Turn These Grey Skies Blue." Now Amero’s second single, "Young Forever," is being released exclusively here on CBC Music.

According to Amero's publicist, RoseAnna Schick, "Young Forever" is the musician's favourite song on the album – and the one he is most proud of. Amero found inspiration for the song in an airline magazine as he was travelling from Montreal to Moncton. The story made him think about what it means to stay young at heart, and it took him a mere two days to write "Young Forever" while touring PEI.

LISTEN
Listen to "Young Forever," by Don Amero.





Heart On My Sleeve tour dates:


Sept. 13: Toronto, Ont.
The Sister, 9:30 p.m.

Sept. 14: Toronto, Ont.
House Concert

Sept. 15: Milton, Ont.
House Concert

Sept. 16: Acton, Ont.
The Roxy Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20: Moncton, NB
Plan B, 10 p.m.

Sept. 21: Halifax, N.S.
The Music Room, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22: P.E.I.
Old Belle River, 8 p.m.

Sept. 24: Wolfville, N.S.
Al Whittle Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28: Regina, Saskatchewan
The Gaslight Saloon, 9 p.m.

Sept. 29: Regina, Saskatchewan
The Artful Dodger

Oct. 10: Whitehorse, Yukon
Old Fire Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19: Brandon, Man.
Lorne Watson Hall, 8 p.m.

Oct. 24: Winnipeg, Man.
House concert streamed online at APTN.ca
- CBC Music - September 2012

On the heels of an APCMA nomination for Best Pop CD, Métis singer-songwriter Don Amero is set to release a new album – Heart On My Sleeve – and launch a Canadian tour to support it.

The title reflects a new direction for Amero in eleven original songs, and two bonus tracks, that he produced himself in his own Winnipeg studio. Amero Nation Talk in Don Amero’s Heart is “On His Sleeve” with New CD:


“I feel like this album is quite a bit different from my previous releases, and in some ways, a brand new start for me,” explains Amero, one of Canada’s rising musical stars. “While I’ve worked with some amazing producers in the past, I just felt it was time to put more of my voice into the recording.”

So Amero went back to where it all began for him six years ago, when he self-produced his debut album. He spent the past several months in his own recording studio tucked away in the back of his community church, working diligently to complete the songs featured on Heart On My Sleeve.

“My thought has always been that as an artist, you need to evolve and grow. With this recording, I’m very happy with where I’ve come from and where I’m going,” he says. “When I listen to the songs, I feel like I’m being more honest than I’ve ever been before, hence the name Heart On My Sleeve.”

The Best Pop CD nod isn’t the only APCMA Amero is up for – he also garnered nomination for Male Entertainer of the Year and Best Single. One of the most hard-working musicians in Indian Country, his star is sure to continue rising with Heart On My Sleeve.

Catch Don Amero at one of the Heart on My Sleeve Canadian tour dates:

Thursday September 13th – Toronto ON
The Sister @ 9:30pm
1554 Queen Street
$10 at the door

Sunday September 16th – Acton ON
The Roxy Theatre @ 7:30pm
6 Mill Sreet East
$10 at the door

Thursday September 20th – Halifax
The Music Room @ 7:30pm
6181 Lady Hammond Road
$15 advance / $20 door

Saturday September 22nd – PEI
Old Belle River @ 8:00pm
1828 Trans-Canada Highway
Tickets TBC

Monday September 24th – Wolfville NS
Al Whittle Theatre @ 7:30pm
450 Main Street
$10 advance/ $15 door

Wednesday October 10th – Whitehorse YK
Old Fire Hall @ 7:30pm
1105 First Avenue
$15 advance/ $20 door

Friday October 19th – Brandon MB
Lorne Watson Hall @ 8:00pm
U of B Music Suite
$15 advance/ $20 door

Wednesday October 24th – Winnipeg MB
Special concert – details to be announced

Follow facebook.com/donameromusic and twitter.com/donaldamero to keep up to date on the latest news from Don Amero.
- RPM.fm - August 2012

"Don Amero is a triple threat talent in the Canadian Roots Music Scene as a songwriter, guitarist and a singer. His Aboriginal roots come through in his music but most importantly, his sheer talent shines through even more. He was an absolute pleasure to have at Musicfest as a person and musician and I can't recommend him enough."
- Doug Cox, Executive Producer Vancouver Island Musicfest



- Dog Cox

“Don Amero's spirit shines through his music like a beacon. Keep your eye on this up and comer.”
- Heather Bishop, Singer/Songwriter

- Heather Bishop

While Don Amero’s hometown is Winnipeg, he seeks to embrace a little bit of ‘home’ wherever he travels. That’s why he’s looking forward to touring again to many places he’s already been, seeing familiar faces, and renewing old friendships. And while he’ll be sharing songs and stories on his Home-Away-From-Home Tour, he’s asking fans to share something, too— their pictures of home.

“When I travel, I take a lot of pictures from the perspective of a visitor. But what I’ve always been interested in is how people perceive their hometowns. So during this tour, I’m asking people to share pictures of their hometown, and show me how they see their home through their own eyes,” says Amero.

Fans can email Amero their hometown pics at hometourphotos@gmail.com. The pictures will be featured on Don’s Facebook page during the tour. After returning home to Winnipeg, Amero will present the best of the batch in a slideshow during his hometown concert on May 27.

Amero is an award-winning singer/songwriter whose sound and style has been compared to John Mayer and Jack Johnson.

Amero will perform in Acton on Friday, May 13 at the Roxy Theatre, 6 Mill St. E. Joining him will be special guest, Isobelle Gunn. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20/person or $40 for a family and are available online at www.donamero.com. - Inside Halton - May 2011

Singer/songwriter Amero is an optimist who believes in the power of music to change the world, or if not the world, at least your life. On his 10-song debut Amero turns his gaze towards Winnipeg (Hometown), his parents (Protection) and offers up an action plan for global affairs (Help This world). With only an acoustic guitar as accompaniment on most songs, Amero paints stark melodic portraits that almost contradict his lyrical themes. But even though the simple chords can be bleak, the vibe remains positive.

3 ½ stars out of 5

Rob Williams
- Winnipeg Free Press - 2007

Very solid contingent at annual awards

Manitoba artists are up for nearly one-third of the 2007 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards. Twenty-one Manitoba bands and singer-songwriters earned 33 nominations in 16 categories, organizers announced yesterday. The awards take place Nov.2 at the MTS Centre as part of the expanded 10-day Manito Ahbee Festival. More than 60 artists are up for 21 awards in total.

Leading the list of nominees with five is Winnipeg singer-songwriter Don Amero who is up for best new artist, songwriter, folk/acoustic CD, album cover and producer/engineer for his self-titled debut…
- Winnipeg Free Press - August 2007

By M.A. Nyquist - Herald Reporter

The Watson Art Centre (WAC) is on the flight path of rising star, Don Amero.The Dauphin and District Allied Arts Council (DDAAC) presents the singer-songwriter with sister-in-law, Kim Oost, Jan. 30.
"It's a night of a folk rock, acoustic kind of feel," he explained.
The Winnipeg-based artist will perform his own original music in the cosy ambiance of WAC's fire hall.
"If people like groups like Blue Rodeo, kind of John Mayer-ish, that's our flavour," he added.
Amero made the music business his full-time job in September 2007.
"Until then I had been doing gigs and shows and stuff, but jumped in with both feet that September," he explained.
While he would not suggest all aspiring musicians drop everything for the entertainment business, Amero said it became his reality when he set a path by performing for a few years, while working a day job.
"The stars aligned at the right time," he laughed.
This is Amero's first time performing in Dauphin and he is looking forward to the fire hall, noting he has heard about the venue from other performers.
"I think it's going to be a good night. People that come out to the show, I think, are going to get some good laughs and some good music," Amero said.
He released his first solo CD titled,"Change Your Life" in October, 2006, which was nominated for five Aboriginal People's Choice Awards in 2007 and gained two more nominations in 2008. Doors to the Don Amero show open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. In support of the local Winter Lights Celebrations, DDAAC asks patrons to bring a tin for the bin, for the Dauphin and District Community Food Bank.
Tickets are $10 each and available at Dauphin Music and Electronics Fiddlelore Store and WAC. For more information call 638-6231, check out watsonartcentre.ca or look out for the WAC event on facebook. - The Dauphin Herald - January 2009

Don Amero is a singer/songwriter from Winnipeg. In September of 2007, he left his day job and decided to pursue a full time music career. He has performed throughout Canada, sharing hi passion and his gifts. You might have heard him on CBC radio, where his music is frequently played.
Don's first CD, "Change You Life" has sold over 1500 copies and was nominated for five Aboriginal People's Choice Awards in 2007: Best New Artist, Best Songwriter, Best Folk Album, Best Engineer Producer and Best Album Cover Design. In 2008 it was nominated for two awards. Don is now working on his second album, to be released in February of 2009.
Don's music is a blend of real-life lyrics and powerful vocals that all generations can relate to. Don's hope is that through his music, the listener will be inspired to take better care of themselves and the world we live in.
Kim (Van Aertselaer) Oost is a gifted musician, also from Winnipeg, who has studied music at Providence College. Using voice and keyboard, she has written several pieces in her own unique style. She has appeared at the Young Performers' Stage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. She regularly provides music leadership for worship in her local congregation. This fall she has been touring with Don, who is her brother-in-law. They have performed several times at Lady of the Lake in Brandon.
Don and Kim will be at St. Paul's United Church in Virden on the evening of December 19 (see ad). They will share some traditional Christmas music with a new flavour, as well as some music of their own musical creations.
All are welcome to come and enjoy Don and Kim's gentle genuine ways with people and their passion for how music can change your life. They will encourage you heart and lift your spirit. - Virden News - December 2008

Much anticipated album to be release in February

To be young and in love is something to be appreciated and be forever remembered. Like a warm summer night driving endlessly with no place in particular to go, the scent of blooming flowers and the warm summer air pressing against you hands as they stick out of the car window. You have no sense of time or place just as long as the one you adore, admire and love with all of your heart is sitting next to you. This describes the single from Don Amero, a singer/songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
His album which is due to be released in February 09' is yet to be titled but very much anticipated. With his stunning performances on numerous stages and endless nominations, Don is a force to be reckoned with. The power of a man and his guitar is something that we are all familiar with, but its bringing into consideration the talent and feelings of trust, admiration and true love that Don Amero so much illuminates in this song. The bongo's and beat of the drums is just the thing to add to the fire and desire of "My Lovely", and it is just that! The sweet yet light sound of the guitar give a high degree of control over the musical dynamics, texture, volume and timbrel characteristics which are complemented by Don's meaningful and talented voice.
For more info on Don Amero go to: www.donameromusic.com - Windspeaker - February 2008

The Long Way Home (Independent)
LOCAL singer-songwriter Don Amero is a road warrior torn between his need to tour and his desire to be home with his family. Those sentiments are perfectly captured on his third album, which finds Amero venturing further away from his folk beginnings to a more countrified sound with the help of full band arrangements and producer/co-writer Arun Chaturvedi.
A few songs, most notably the roots-rocker Right Where I Want to Be and Through the Storm, wouldn't sound out of place on contemporary country radio. Elsewhere he delves into some mellow pop on After the Rain and Ready to Love, adds a Latin groove to the mid-tempo Dark Horse and shows off his soft side on ballads like Home is Where My Heart Is, Isabel's Song (Going Home) and I Run To You.
The Long Way Home leans a little too heavy on the slower side of things, but the album's diversions show he has a few other tricks up his sleeve, too, and serves as a strong statement from an artist hitting his stride. (3 out of 5 stars)
-- Rob Williams - Winnipeg Free Press - December 2010

It would be all too easy to romanticize Don Amero’s story: A young, First Nations hardwood floor-installer from Winnipeg’s tough North End neighbourhood turned award-winning musician. But none of Amero’s success has come without intense commitment and hard work — and the guitar-strumming singer/songwriter says he isn’t out of the woods yet.

Amero is still running what is essentially a one-man show as rtist/promoter/manager, but he’s doing it with remarkable optimism and success, having toured five times across the country, released three CDs and ratcheted up a bevy of awards in just three years.

“When you [become a musician], you leave chance out of the window and you have to work really hard to make opportunities for yourself,” says Amero, over the phone from Winnipeg. “And it’s been great — I’ve been able to make a go of it for three years and it’s just getting better.”

Amero is one of the many talented artists performing at the Talking Stick Festival, a celebration of aboriginal arts and entertainment held in Vancouver until Feb. 13.
The 30-year-old channels a roots/ folk influence through his thoughtful lyrics and quiet melodies. And while his Metis heritage is important to him, Amero’s music is more about personal life stories that cross racial boundaries. “It’s about being honest and being relatable. I think people need to hear music that they listen to and go, ‘OK, I can actually hear the person telling their story,’” he says.

Before Amero dived into his musical career in 2007, he worked variously as a security guard, hip hop dance teacher and hardwood floor installer, the latter of which made him miserable. At the time he quit his day job, Amero had already self-released his debut album, aptly titled Change Your Life. His first single went to No. 1 on the national aboriginal countdown and the album was nominated for seven Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards.

His second album, Deepening, has also won critical acclaim, earning him a Canadian Folk Music Award and male artist of the year at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in 2009.

Friday’s show in Vancouver, themed around jazz tunes, will be somewhat of a departure for Amero, who will be leaving his acoustic style behind to jam with bassist Marie Josee Dandeneau and David Laroque, “one of the best guitar players I’ve heard in a long time.” He will also be performing original tunes from his latest album, The Long Road Home.

Three years into his new career, Amero says the biggest lesson he’s learned is that he’s “not owed anything.”

“Sometimes I’ll have a show where I sell one CD when I expected to sell a dozen... and you forget that that one person didn’t have to buy your CD and those seven people didn’t have to come and they did. And to any artist looking to get started, I’d just say remember you aren’t owed anything. The fact that I’ve been able to do this for three years is a real gift to me in my life,” he says.

By Lena Sin - Vancouver Province - February 2011