Once Upon A Country Song: Honky Tonks and Happily Ever Afters

604 Records rounds up Canada’s country stars for a nostalgic covers album.

By: Glenn Alderson via RANGE

Sometimes the best ideas start the old-fashioned way — with artists stuck at home, a few good friends, and a bit of nostalgia. That’s exactly how Once Upon A Country Song, the new covers compilation from Vancouver’s 604 Records, first took shape. What began as a pandemic-era side project quickly grew into something much bigger. The 11-track album is a celebration of beloved fairytale-era songs reimagined through the warm twang of contemporary Canadian country music.

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“Artists couldn’t tour when the world shut down so they found themselves at home with extra time on their hands,” explains 604 Records project manager Emilie Pallick. “While being stuck at home and falling down memory lane, JoJo Mason came up with the idea to have some friends cover nostalgic songs. What was expected to be a small EP quickly turned into an 11 song album as more and more artists from across the nation heard about the project and wanted to join.”

The album brings together a cross-country cast of country favourites including Robyn Ottolini, Jess Moskaluke, Tyler Joe Miller, The Washboard Union, Tim & The Glory Boys, and JoJo Mason himself. The concept is simple but irresistible: take some of the most recognizable storybook songs ever written and give them the boots-and-barstools treatment.

Each artist selected their own song, which helped shape the album’s eclectic personality.

“Each artist on this compilation got to pick the song(s) they covered and were able to make it as authentic or country as they wanted,” says Pallick. “We really wanted to focus on the passion aspect of this passion project.”

The results run the emotional gamut — just like any good country record should.

The Washboard Union kick things off with a feel-good rendition of “You Got A Friend In Me,” while Tyler Joe Miller’s easygoing spin on “The Bare Necessities” leans into the laid-back acoustic charm of its original. Danielle Ryan delivers one of the album’s most tender moments with “Remember Me,” while Kelly Prescott brings a wistful, outlaw-country touch to “Not In Nottingham.” Elsewhere, Jess Moskaluke and Tyler Shaw pair up for a soaring duet on “Whole New World,” and Tim & The Glory Boys close things out with a heartfelt take on “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

According to Pallick, the overlap between these nostalgic songs and country music’s storytelling tradition felt like a natural fit. “Country music is known for its lyricism and storytelling aspects,” she says. “Much like these nostalgic tracks, a great country song can take you on a journey so detailed that you feel like you lived it too.”

The celebration won’t stop when the album drops. On March 15, fans can step straight into the storybook at the Fairytale Country Party at Vancouver’s legendary Roxy Cabaret. With the venue’s famous Country Sunday house band playing live and the album spinning between sets, the night promises a playful mix of honky-tonk energy and fairytale flair.

“The Roxy’s famous Country Sunday felt like the perfect place to add a little bit of magic,” says Pallick. “Dress up in your best boots, ballgown, crowns, or costumes and come down to see where fairytales meet honky tonks.”

Because sometimes happily ever after sounds a lot like a steel guitar or banjo at a kid’s birthday party.

Listen to the full album HERE.