Local singer/songwriter/guitarist Jamie Woodfin has certainly had an outstanding 2015 – and it’s not over yet.

He’s just released a new single to radio, which will also be available on iTunes Oct. 27th. This follows the successful release and enthusiastic reception of the single Just Feels Right this past April.

He made the journey for a memorable trip to Nashville this summer, and stopped off at the CCMAs (Canadian Country Music Awards) in Halifax in September. It proved an amazing time of meeting other artists and making some really key connections.

So as indicated, there’s an exciting momentum to Woodfin’s career these days with a growing number of opportunities to share his music as well. Originally from Ponoka, he now calls Red Deer home.

Just Feels Right, hit Canadian country radio this past April. An engaging, bold and polished country/rock single – it proved the ideal selection for showcasing Woodfin’s strength and originality as a vocalist and a gifted musician.

“The new single is called We Go Together,” he explained during a recent chat. “We’ll be doing some radio tours again – we did that with Just Feels Right. I think I’ll be doing a Saskatchewan radio tour, plus some Alberta dates and possibly we are looking at B.C. as well. So were really getting that going, and I’m pretty excited just about getting it out to people.

“There have been a few radio stations asking for new music, so I think that’s a really good sign.”

A teaser video for the new tune can also be found on YouTube and his facebook page as well.

“I was really surprised at the response,” he said, pointing out that as of last week there had been some 3,000 views on it.

“I was pretty excited about that,” he said, adding that We Go Together can be described as an upbeat song talking about the different combinations of people that can go together. “For me, hearing a song like that I just connected to it. It’s got a good groove and melody to it.

“I’m hoping people grab onto it.”

Meanwhile, Woodfin is enjoying the ride so far. Earlier this year, he opened for Brett Kissel in Fort McMurray, and it was a tremendous experience. “From there, we released the single and it’s kind of been a whirlwind. We had the single picked up across Canada in various location, which has been an amazing response for me as an independent artist,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I was hoping we’d get played once – period,” he added with a laugh. “Just to be on the radio anywhere was amazing.”

Woodfin later learned the song landed on Sirius satellite radio as well. And when he was in North Carolina a few months back for a wedding, he heard the song on the radio as well. “So that was pretty cool – just to know it’s being played in different parts of the country and people are hearing it.”

When Woodfin was in Nashville, Kissel also was making his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. “I’m pretty good friends with his bandmates and him as well – we’ve gotten to connect on several occasions over the past six months.

“We went to watch him play the Opry and it was really great to see a Canadian up there, and my buddies that had played on my song were playing there, too,” he said. “So it was really a special night for them.”

Woodfin indeed finds the country music community to be most welcoming.

The CCMAs were also a memorable experience. “That was amazing – it was my first year as a member of the CCMAs – as an artist. I played a showcase there as well. “Just before I went to play – we do a short acoustic set – Dean Brody and Chad Brownlee are sitting in the lobby right across from me and Alan Doyle from Great Big Sea walks by me. It was amazing.

“After going and attending all the events I could, I would never miss another one now! It’s really cool, because everyone is so easygoing and friendly,” he said.

Woodfin really treasures opportunities like this, and they provide plenty of inspiration for him as he continues to make his musical mark locally and dream of what’s to come. Another highlight this year was opening for country-alt singer Corb Lund in June. “He’s been a long-time musical influence. Back in my punk rock days, I used to listen to him play with the Smalls – I was a big follower of them.”

Looking back, he has long been drawn to making and performing music. He first picked up guitar when he was about 13. A penchant for the drums and a powerful singing voice soon surfaced as well. Woodfin was also only 14- or 15-years-old when he started writing his own music.

Through high school, he played in a band called The Dirties that were refining their own unique punk/rock sound. It took a little bit of getting used to when it came to performing, but Woodfin soon found himself comfortable onstage.

During his years with The Dirties, the band produced an EP featuring songs that were written by the group. They played consistently across Central Alberta as well.

Meanwhile, he’s enjoying every step of the way. “We also have more music coming – we are slated to have another release in the New Year. So we are working at it, and we aren’t slowing down. If anything we are probably going faster than ever.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better time.”

Check out Woodfin on facebook, twitter and Instagram.

editor@reddeerexpress.com