Tyla RodriguesThe Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has introduced the Canada-Australia Country Music Exchange, a new pilot program designed to create opportunities for country artists and strengthen relationships between the two countries.
The inaugural exchange features two impressive country music names: CCMA Award-winning Canadian artist Jade Eagleson and rising Australian country star Tyla Rodrigues. As part of the program, both will benefit from coordinated market development and in-market opportunities.
Industry partners in Australia and Canada have helped develop the initiative, which brings radio, digital streaming platforms, festivals, media, and other industry figures together to support each artist.
How it works? Tyla Rodrigues is set to expand her presence in the Canadian market throughout this month with live performances, industry meetings, writing sessions, media engagements, and more. Her activities in Canada conclude with this year’s iteration of Country Music Week, taking place in Saskatoon in mid-September.
Meanwhile, Jade Eagleson is scheduled to head to Australia in early 2027 to lead the next part of the exchange. He’ll enjoy live performance opportunities, industry meetings, media engagements, networking and more, introducing himself to new audiences and strengthening relationships with the Australian country music industry.
The Canada-Australia Country Music Exchange has been designed to build momentum beyond a single tour or visit, thanks to its coordinated support across radio, streaming, festivals, like music, and media.
While the newly announced pilot phase is just beginning, the CCMA is looking to establish a structured, recurring exchange program that continues supporting artists in Canada and Australia. The CCMA will evaluate progress after its inaugural exchange program and aims to expand in several ways in the future.
More details on the pilot phase, as well as upcoming activities for Tyla Rodrigues and Jade Eagleson, will be announced soon.
In a statement, Amy Jeninga, President of the Canadian Country Music Association, said Canada and Australia share “incredibly passionate” country music communities and expanding markets.
“This is about more than sending an artist to another country to perform a show,” Jeninga explained. “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.”
Tyla Rodrigues expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Canada-Australia Country Music Exchange, revealing that she’s always dreamed of visiting Canada.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Jade Eagleson also expressed excitement about participating in the program and heading to Australia next year. “Being part of the first Canada-Australia Country Music Exchange is a really exciting opportunity for me,” he said.
Eagleson continued, “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.”
