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Since hitting the country music scene in 2002, Alberta’s own Craig Moritz, has been wowing crowds with his from-the-heart performances that are packed with vivacious vocals and rockin’ beats. Born in Medicine Hat, Craig grew up listening to country...
Since hitting the country music scene in 2002, Alberta’s own Craig Moritz, has been wowing crowds with his from-the-heart performances that are packed with vivacious vocals and rockin’ beats. Born in Medicine Hat, Craig grew up listening to country music, and could often be heard singing along to Don Williams, Randy Travis, George Strait, Mac Davis and Tanya Tucker. Even at an early age, Craig knew he was destined to be a country singer. After moving to Fort McMurray at 12-years-old, Craig explored his passion for music through the school band playing saxophone, but as he says, “I figured if I couldn't wear a cowboy hat, strum a guitar and sing a few country tunes, it just wasn't for me."
For a few years, Craig tried his hat at a variety of jobs, including being a realtor, car salesman, bartender, labourer and grocery manager, but his heart was always drawn to country music. He realized the only hat he really wanted to wear was the cowboy kind.
After a chance meeting with Toby Keith at a concert in Regina, Craig was encouraged by his mentor to pursue his dreams. Knowing he wouldn’t feel fulfilled if he couldn’t perform his own songs for country music lovers, Craig formed a band, picked up his guitar, put on his trademark black cowboy hat, and pursued a full-time career as a solo artist.
His first big break came with an invitation to perform at the prestigious new artist showcase during the 2004 Canadian Country Music Awards music week. For the past few years, Craig has landed front and centre onstage; opening shows for various artists, including: the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jason McCoy/the Road Hammers, Aaron Lines, Charlie Major, George Canyon and David Lee Murphy. Craig has become a touring mainstay on the Fort McMurray/Edmonton/Calgary club circuit and has cultivated a legion of fans.
Since the official release of his 2005 debut album, “The Way I Feel,” which was produced by Tom McKillip, Craig has been touring vigorously to bring his hit tunes to the masses. Response to the first album was overwhelmingly positive, and left fans wanting more from the kickin’ country crooner.
After spending some time with chart-topping music super group, Lonestar, Craig flew down to Nashville in mid-2007 to work on several new tracks with keyboardist and noted music producer, Dean Sams. This led Craig to engage both Sams and another Dean - Dean Miller, son of country music legend Roger Miller and a successful songwriter and producer in his own right - to produce tracks for his next album called "Down and Dirty," which will be released on Royalty Records in July 2008.
The sensational first single to the new album, “Good at Lovin’ You,” generated significant buzz with fans during its unofficial, advance release, and the track was featured on Prime Time Country’s 8 Second Ride leading up to its official release in mid-January of 2008. His next single "Hey Y'all" has been his most successful new release to date, and was picked up by country music radio stations across Canada on its first day of release. Craig is focused, fired up and dedicated to giving listeners a killer album they can sing and dance along to.
Packed with powerhouse party anthems layered with honest and heartfelt ballads, the highly anticipated new album gives listeners a relatable view of who Craig Moritz is, and is now available on iTunes or through www.royaltyrecords.ca
For a few years, Craig tried his hat at a variety of jobs, including being a realtor, car salesman, bartender, labourer and grocery manager, but his heart was always drawn to country music. He realized the only hat he really wanted to wear was the cowboy kind.
After a chance meeting with Toby Keith at a concert in Regina, Craig was encouraged by his mentor to pursue his dreams. Knowing he wouldn’t feel fulfilled if he couldn’t perform his own songs for country music lovers, Craig formed a band, picked up his guitar, put on his trademark black cowboy hat, and pursued a full-time career as a solo artist.
His first big break came with an invitation to perform at the prestigious new artist showcase during the 2004 Canadian Country Music Awards music week. For the past few years, Craig has landed front and centre onstage; opening shows for various artists, including: the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jason McCoy/the Road Hammers, Aaron Lines, Charlie Major, George Canyon and David Lee Murphy. Craig has become a touring mainstay on the Fort McMurray/Edmonton/Calgary club circuit and has cultivated a legion of fans.
Since the official release of his 2005 debut album, “The Way I Feel,” which was produced by Tom McKillip, Craig has been touring vigorously to bring his hit tunes to the masses. Response to the first album was overwhelmingly positive, and left fans wanting more from the kickin’ country crooner.
After spending some time with chart-topping music super group, Lonestar, Craig flew down to Nashville in mid-2007 to work on several new tracks with keyboardist and noted music producer, Dean Sams. This led Craig to engage both Sams and another Dean - Dean Miller, son of country music legend Roger Miller and a successful songwriter and producer in his own right - to produce tracks for his next album called "Down and Dirty," which will be released on Royalty Records in July 2008.
The sensational first single to the new album, “Good at Lovin’ You,” generated significant buzz with fans during its unofficial, advance release, and the track was featured on Prime Time Country’s 8 Second Ride leading up to its official release in mid-January of 2008. His next single "Hey Y'all" has been his most successful new release to date, and was picked up by country music radio stations across Canada on its first day of release. Craig is focused, fired up and dedicated to giving listeners a killer album they can sing and dance along to.
Packed with powerhouse party anthems layered with honest and heartfelt ballads, the highly anticipated new album gives listeners a relatable view of who Craig Moritz is, and is now available on iTunes or through www.royaltyrecords.ca
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Video Finals Grand Prize Winner December 2010
Reached 20th in Best of Country chart in 2016. In the top 20 for 1 week.
Reached 20th in Best of Country chart in 2015. In the top 20 for 1 week.
Video Finals Grand Prize Winner December 2010
Reached 20th in Best of Country chart in 2016. In the top 20 for 1 week.
Reached 20th in Best of Country chart in 2015. In the top 20 for 1 week.
Reached 18th in Best of Country chart in 2014. In the top 20 for 1 week.
Reached 3rd in Best of Country chart in 2013. In the top 20 for 18 weeks.
Reached 26th in Best of Country chart in 2011. In the top 100 for 47 weeks.
Reached 34th in Best of Country chart in 2011. In the top 100 for 27 weeks.
Top 10 in Country Videos, July 2014
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Top 10 in Country Videos, November 2012
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Country Winner, January 2012
Top 10 in Country, June 2011
Top 10 in Country Videos, December 2010
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October 2009 Country Videos
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April 2009 Country
Top 40 in Country Videos, October 2014
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Top 40 in Country Videos, December 2012
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Top 40 in Country, December 2011
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A Year of Highlights for Spruce Grove Singer by Edmonton Journal
Alberta continues to break out more new country-music talent than any other region of Canada. One of our rising stars plans to keep the heat turned up on his career over the holiday season. Craig...
Alberta continues to break out more new country-music talent than any other region of Canada. One of our rising stars plans to keep the heat turned up on his career over the holiday season. Craig...
Moritz Hits Stage by The Calgary Herald
Tonya Zelinsky For the Calgary Herald Sunday, July 06, 2008 When it comes to producing burgeoning country music stars, there must be something in Fort McMurray's water. Growing up in the northern...
Tonya Zelinsky For the Calgary Herald Sunday, July 06, 2008 When it comes to producing burgeoning country music stars, there must be something in Fort McMurray's water. Growing up in the northern...
A Year of Highlights for Spruce Grove Singer by Edmonton Journal
Alberta continues to break out more new country-music talent than any other region of Canada. One of our rising stars plans to keep the heat turned up on his career over the holiday season. Craig Moritz spent 2008 attending to all aspects of his career. The Spruce Grove singer, who grew up in Medicine Hat and Fort McMurray, says he has enjoyed his most productive year so far in the music business. Even though there was a lot of time spent writing and recording the Down and Dirty album, I played more live shows than ever before," Moritz says. "Looking back over the year, the Calgary Stampede week really stands out. Our shows at the Nashville North stage on the Stampede grounds were a blast." Over the holiday season, Moritz plans to keep performing in his own backyard, including a Boxing Day show in Clymont, just west of Edmonton on Highway 60. The 350-seat Clymont Community Hall is a 20-minute drive from Spruce Grove, and 10 minutes from Devon. Tickets are $30 at the door, which opens at 7 p.m. Moritz plans to showcase most of the songs from the latest album, play early hits like Love's Hard from his debut disc, The Way I Feel, and round out the night with a few tunes from Keith Urban, Mark Chesnutt and Joe Diffie. Down and Dirty was produced in the U.S. by Dean Sams of Lonestar and Dean Miller, son of the late country music legend Roger Miller. In another of the year's highlights, Moritz found himself writing with Nashville's Byron Hill, who penned George Strait's Fool Hearted Memory -- a song Moritz remembers singing endlessly as a kid. It was something to walk into his (Hill's) place and see the gold record for Fool Hearted Memory on the wall. Working with Byron was definitely my best songwriting experience yet, and I think we came up with a good song in They Don't Make 'Em Like You." Moritz releases his third single from Down and Dirty, titled Blame You, on Jan. 12, and the accompanying video will be sent to the CMT network a few weeks later. Our treatment for the video is a spoof on a National Enquirer theme."
Alberta continues to break out more new country-music talent than any other region of Canada. One of our rising stars plans to keep the heat turned up on his career over the holiday season. Craig Moritz spent 2008 attending to all aspects of his career. The Spruce Grove singer, who grew up in Medicine Hat and Fort McMurray, says he has enjoyed his most productive year so far in the music business. Even though there was a lot of time spent writing and recording the Down and Dirty album, I played more live shows than ever before," Moritz says. "Looking back over the year, the Calgary Stampede week really stands out. Our shows at the Nashville North stage on the Stampede grounds were a blast." Over the holiday season, Moritz plans to keep performing in his own backyard, including a Boxing Day show in Clymont, just west of Edmonton on Highway 60. The 350-seat Clymont Community Hall is a 20-minute drive from Spruce Grove, and 10 minutes from Devon. Tickets are $30 at the door, which opens at 7 p.m. Moritz plans to showcase most of the songs from the latest album, play early hits like Love's Hard from his debut disc, The Way I Feel, and round out the night with a few tunes from Keith Urban, Mark Chesnutt and Joe Diffie. Down and Dirty was produced in the U.S. by Dean Sams of Lonestar and Dean Miller, son of the late country music legend Roger Miller. In another of the year's highlights, Moritz found himself writing with Nashville's Byron Hill, who penned George Strait's Fool Hearted Memory -- a song Moritz remembers singing endlessly as a kid. It was something to walk into his (Hill's) place and see the gold record for Fool Hearted Memory on the wall. Working with Byron was definitely my best songwriting experience yet, and I think we came up with a good song in They Don't Make 'Em Like You." Moritz releases his third single from Down and Dirty, titled Blame You, on Jan. 12, and the accompanying video will be sent to the CMT network a few weeks later. Our treatment for the video is a spoof on a National Enquirer theme."
Moritz Hits Stage by The Calgary Herald
Tonya Zelinsky For the Calgary Herald Sunday, July 06, 2008 When it comes to producing burgeoning country music stars, there must be something in Fort McMurray's water. Growing up in the northern community better known for producing bitumen than musical talent, there's little doubt Craig Moritz has the makings of a hot, young, country star. For starters he's got the look: blond hair, blue eyes, dimples, a handsome face hidden ever-so-slightly by the shadow of his cowboy hat. He's witty and self-effacing, almost shy, a man of few words. But when asked about why he loves country music and what it's like to play the stage of Nashville North, Moritz can't stop talking. It's awesome to be in front of that many people, to be on a big stage with a big light show, the atmosphere is unbelievable. There's no holding back, everyone wants to party and that energy makes it easy to give (a performance with) lots of energy and actually play a great show," says the 32-year-old. From the time he was a kid growing up in Fort McMurray, Moritz always wanted to play country. His grandparents used to fill his house with the sound of country singers. When the likes of Kenny Rogers, Eddie Rabbit and Hank Williams played on the local radio station, he fell in love with it. I was always surrounded by it, that's what I remember as a kid and I loved it. I was a nerd I guess; liking country music when I was a kid. Oh well," he says, "When I was in high school my little group of friends was into country and not much else. It wasn't really accepted then as much as it is now." Finding a band and kicking off his professional music career five years ago as Craig Moritz and the Tailgate Band in a smoky pub in Fort McMurray, Moritz was signed by Edmonton's Royalty Records in 2005 and released his debut CD, The Way I Feel, later that year. Promoters also took notice of Moritz and it wasn't long before he was booked to play his first Calgary gigs during the Stampede. These days he's a regular at Nashville North, performing this weekend for his third year in a row. Someone at the record company was trying to get into (Nashville North). Then he called and told me I was in. I can't remember that day but I remember that phone call. The ball is rolling and it's scary at times because I left stability. (With music), it could end any day. But I love doing it so it's a give and take; giving up security for something I love. I'm really thankful." Moritz is scheduled to release his second CD, Down and Dirty, sometime in August. In the meantime he's excited to be playing the Stampede again. He takes the stage of Nashville North. He can also be seen at Ranchman's on Macleod Trail throughout the Stampede. Preview Craig Moritz performs tonight at Nashville North and at Ranchman's throughout Stampede © The Calgary Herald 2008
Tonya Zelinsky For the Calgary Herald Sunday, July 06, 2008 When it comes to producing burgeoning country music stars, there must be something in Fort McMurray's water. Growing up in the northern community better known for producing bitumen than musical talent, there's little doubt Craig Moritz has the makings of a hot, young, country star. For starters he's got the look: blond hair, blue eyes, dimples, a handsome face hidden ever-so-slightly by the shadow of his cowboy hat. He's witty and self-effacing, almost shy, a man of few words. But when asked about why he loves country music and what it's like to play the stage of Nashville North, Moritz can't stop talking. It's awesome to be in front of that many people, to be on a big stage with a big light show, the atmosphere is unbelievable. There's no holding back, everyone wants to party and that energy makes it easy to give (a performance with) lots of energy and actually play a great show," says the 32-year-old. From the time he was a kid growing up in Fort McMurray, Moritz always wanted to play country. His grandparents used to fill his house with the sound of country singers. When the likes of Kenny Rogers, Eddie Rabbit and Hank Williams played on the local radio station, he fell in love with it. I was always surrounded by it, that's what I remember as a kid and I loved it. I was a nerd I guess; liking country music when I was a kid. Oh well," he says, "When I was in high school my little group of friends was into country and not much else. It wasn't really accepted then as much as it is now." Finding a band and kicking off his professional music career five years ago as Craig Moritz and the Tailgate Band in a smoky pub in Fort McMurray, Moritz was signed by Edmonton's Royalty Records in 2005 and released his debut CD, The Way I Feel, later that year. Promoters also took notice of Moritz and it wasn't long before he was booked to play his first Calgary gigs during the Stampede. These days he's a regular at Nashville North, performing this weekend for his third year in a row. Someone at the record company was trying to get into (Nashville North). Then he called and told me I was in. I can't remember that day but I remember that phone call. The ball is rolling and it's scary at times because I left stability. (With music), it could end any day. But I love doing it so it's a give and take; giving up security for something I love. I'm really thankful." Moritz is scheduled to release his second CD, Down and Dirty, sometime in August. In the meantime he's excited to be playing the Stampede again. He takes the stage of Nashville North. He can also be seen at Ranchman's on Macleod Trail throughout the Stampede. Preview Craig Moritz performs tonight at Nashville North and at Ranchman's throughout Stampede © The Calgary Herald 2008
Craig Moritz - Down and Dirty, CD Review by Country Music News
Country Music News (October 2008) By Larry Delaney Alberta's Craig Moritz makes his second trip down 'album alley', and takes his music and his persona to new leves with this impressive collection. Moritz delivers the material with a Dierks Bentley style vocal swagger; and shows some well-rounded talent by co-writing seven of the album's 11 songs. Down and Dirty has already served up a couple of radio winners in the lead single Good at Lovin' You and the current Hey Y'all, and there are several more here that will certainly follow suit. There's some serious 'country hurt' happening in tunes like Fool Inside of Me, and the ballsy ballad Till Now; while that 'Dierks' sound makes Blame You one of the album's more attractive cuts. Listen also for some creative energy in the album's title track Down and Dirty, and the rockin' Don't; with lots of bounce also showing up on winners Gimme Last Night and the punchy They Don't Make Them Like You, a tune co-written by Craig Moritz with Nashville hit-maker Byron Hill, who has teamed up on Gord Bamford's recent successes. Down and Dirty was recording in Nashville studios with Dean Sams (of Lonestar fame) handling production of five numbers; while Dean Miller (son of hall of famer Roger Miller), putting his production touches to the other six songs featured here. Some of Nashville's top session players add their special talents, helping to make this a breakthrough album for Craig Moritz.
Country Music News (October 2008) By Larry Delaney Alberta's Craig Moritz makes his second trip down 'album alley', and takes his music and his persona to new leves with this impressive collection. Moritz delivers the material with a Dierks Bentley style vocal swagger; and shows some well-rounded talent by co-writing seven of the album's 11 songs. Down and Dirty has already served up a couple of radio winners in the lead single Good at Lovin' You and the current Hey Y'all, and there are several more here that will certainly follow suit. There's some serious 'country hurt' happening in tunes like Fool Inside of Me, and the ballsy ballad Till Now; while that 'Dierks' sound makes Blame You one of the album's more attractive cuts. Listen also for some creative energy in the album's title track Down and Dirty, and the rockin' Don't; with lots of bounce also showing up on winners Gimme Last Night and the punchy They Don't Make Them Like You, a tune co-written by Craig Moritz with Nashville hit-maker Byron Hill, who has teamed up on Gord Bamford's recent successes. Down and Dirty was recording in Nashville studios with Dean Sams (of Lonestar fame) handling production of five numbers; while Dean Miller (son of hall of famer Roger Miller), putting his production touches to the other six songs featured here. Some of Nashville's top session players add their special talents, helping to make this a breakthrough album for Craig Moritz.
Moritz a Man of Many Hats by Regina Leader-Post
From Fort McMoney to Music City, Craig Moritz has lassoed a living he loves. Moritz wore many hats before becoming a country music artist. The Albertan worked as a real estate agent, bartender, car salesman, labourer and grocery manager, but he won't be hanging up his cowboy hat anytime soon. The singer and songwriter went from working the aisles of a Fort McMurray grocery store five years ago, to working crowds with his sophomore album, Down and Dirty, which was written and recorded in Nashville. I don't think I could ever go back to doing a regular job," the 32-year-old said. "Not anytime soon. I'll just play it day-by-day and do it as long as I can." Moritz had been thinking about singing for longer than he's been performing. He played sports growing up but liked music more. He sung along to songs and wanted to sing in front of crowds, but he never thought it was possible for him to do it as a profession. It was 2003. Moritz's wife, now his ex-wife, knew he was blue and asked him what made him happy. I like to do music," Moritz replied. "I like to sing." Well you should do it," she said. "Get out there and do it." And he did. Moritz started a band and booked a couple gigs in Fort McMurray. They scheduled a few shows on the road and were rebooked by some of the clubs. So the band members did the rational thing -- they quit their jobs. Without a steady income and knowing little about the music industry, Moritz was "scared to death." But he doesn't regret the decision. I've never had a job or a career that I've been this much in love with," he said. "I love getting on stage and seeing people's reactions and making everyone have a good time. They forget about the work week and all the stresses of normal everyday life. When people come up to you at the end of the night and say, 'You guys are great -- I love your tunes,' you're making a difference in a small little part of someone's life." Moritz met Lonestar keyboardist Dean Sams at the Calgary Stampede a couple of years ago. Sams wanted to do some production work so he invited Moritz to Nashville to write and record his follow-up album to The Way I Feel, which was released in 2005. It was awesome," Moritz said. I got to write seven out of the 11 tunes, so there's a lot more of my personality and experiences on this album -- it's pretty much me. It's high energy and the tunes are fun." The remaining songs were penned alongside legendary songsmith Byron Hill -- whose work has been recorded by Ray Charles, Alabama, George Strait and Kenny Rogers -- and Canadians Tim Taylor and Steve Fox. I kind of figured I'd just be sticking to Canada," he said. "I had no idea I'd be down in Nashville. Things happen and I'm just glad things worked out the way they did." For the year to come, his goals are to tour hard, garner major radio play and buy a brand-new tour bus. That would be nice," he said, joking about the bus. "But I couldn't afford the gas even if I got one." If he did buy a bus, he might have to put the driver's hat on, too. © The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008
From Fort McMoney to Music City, Craig Moritz has lassoed a living he loves. Moritz wore many hats before becoming a country music artist. The Albertan worked as a real estate agent, bartender, car salesman, labourer and grocery manager, but he won't be hanging up his cowboy hat anytime soon. The singer and songwriter went from working the aisles of a Fort McMurray grocery store five years ago, to working crowds with his sophomore album, Down and Dirty, which was written and recorded in Nashville. I don't think I could ever go back to doing a regular job," the 32-year-old said. "Not anytime soon. I'll just play it day-by-day and do it as long as I can." Moritz had been thinking about singing for longer than he's been performing. He played sports growing up but liked music more. He sung along to songs and wanted to sing in front of crowds, but he never thought it was possible for him to do it as a profession. It was 2003. Moritz's wife, now his ex-wife, knew he was blue and asked him what made him happy. I like to do music," Moritz replied. "I like to sing." Well you should do it," she said. "Get out there and do it." And he did. Moritz started a band and booked a couple gigs in Fort McMurray. They scheduled a few shows on the road and were rebooked by some of the clubs. So the band members did the rational thing -- they quit their jobs. Without a steady income and knowing little about the music industry, Moritz was "scared to death." But he doesn't regret the decision. I've never had a job or a career that I've been this much in love with," he said. "I love getting on stage and seeing people's reactions and making everyone have a good time. They forget about the work week and all the stresses of normal everyday life. When people come up to you at the end of the night and say, 'You guys are great -- I love your tunes,' you're making a difference in a small little part of someone's life." Moritz met Lonestar keyboardist Dean Sams at the Calgary Stampede a couple of years ago. Sams wanted to do some production work so he invited Moritz to Nashville to write and record his follow-up album to The Way I Feel, which was released in 2005. It was awesome," Moritz said. I got to write seven out of the 11 tunes, so there's a lot more of my personality and experiences on this album -- it's pretty much me. It's high energy and the tunes are fun." The remaining songs were penned alongside legendary songsmith Byron Hill -- whose work has been recorded by Ray Charles, Alabama, George Strait and Kenny Rogers -- and Canadians Tim Taylor and Steve Fox. I kind of figured I'd just be sticking to Canada," he said. "I had no idea I'd be down in Nashville. Things happen and I'm just glad things worked out the way they did." For the year to come, his goals are to tour hard, garner major radio play and buy a brand-new tour bus. That would be nice," he said, joking about the bus. "But I couldn't afford the gas even if I got one." If he did buy a bus, he might have to put the driver's hat on, too. © The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008
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