Strait South

When it comes to making great music, kindred spirits somehow seem to find each other and such is the case with Straight South. Two talented musicians from Niagara Falls Canada -- Steve Fortin and Kathleen Fortney --make a vibrant sound that honors country music’s roots while creatively pushing the envelope with their seasoned musicianship, dazzling harmonies and insightful songwriting.

With one listen to Straight South, it’s obvious the duo has forged a unique sound shaped by their individual influences and anchored in their own distinctive gifts. Each grew up in a rural part of Niagara where farming, faith and family provided a firm foundation and offered a springboard for their musical aspirations.

Steve Fortin is an Award Winning Recording Artist and is originally from Welland Ontario, but Steve has also travelled and lived in Nashville Tennessee. Steve Fortin performs and records in the Music City; a place he also likes to call home and the inspiration for many of his songs. Steve Fortin is a Native of Welland, Ontario. As a young boy his talent was discovered by Ronnie Prophet, and he was invited to tour with Ronnie along with Marie Bottrell at the young age of fourteen. Today, Steve is an Independent Recording Artist; and has made appearances with Lynn Dee and Emmit Jarvis. In addition, Steve has appeared with the “Time Jumpers”, a Nashville Tennessee super group that includes the very elite musical talent that Nashville has to offer, its members include Vince Gill, and a cast of supporting musicians who work regularly with Jeannie Sealy, Jimmy C. Newman, and Riders in the Sky. The members of the “Time Jumpers” are also the most “in demand” recording session musicians in Nashville today. Steve has most recently been named as a Grammy Nominee for being part of the Walter Ostanek band. Steve Fortin also performs on a regular basis at at Festivals, Fairs, and Corporate Events. Steve had the opportunity to perform live at the prestigious "Havelock Jamboree", the largest Country Music Festival in Canada and was asked to play guitar for "The Ladies of Country Music" and members of The Grand Ole Opery, Jeany Seely, Jan Howard, Jean Shepard and Helen Cornelius. Steve Fortin was joined by some of the world's greatest musicians and performers such as Martina McBride, Billy Currington, and Shanendoah, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Del McCoury, Tommy Hunter, Joe Nichols and many more.

Steve's says "I have had many musical journey's but working with Kathleen is great, we gel and I love the way our voices sound together. We don't know what the future holds but we do know it involves performing and traveling!"

With her unique vocals and diverse musical genre, Kathleen Fortney has been making quite an impression whenever she performs. From her youth performing with her father, an inspirational country musician, and a journey man pedal steel guitarist, Kathleen has the love and passion for music deep within her roots. Kathleen began her musical career travelling and performing with The Ukrainian Mandolin Orchestra. Kathleen was an elite vocalist in the Orchestra’s choir and sang alto. Kathleen was told that she has the desire and drive to become a very talented musician. Today Kathleen still has a strong will and determination to live out her dream and be successful in doing what she loves to do the most and that is being a singer/songwriter. Kathleen has had many opportunities to travel to Music City Nashville Tennessee and explore the singer/songwriter world. Nashville Tennessee is somewhat like a second home to Kathleen as well, Kathleen says “It feels wonderful to be around other artists, that have the same love and passion for music as I do, and there is no shortage of this vibe in Nashville” These opportunities in Nashville presented to be great learning experiences for Kathleen and have inspired her to write unique material that has extraordinary potential, to become a listeners choice. However at the same time Kathleen just enjoys being creative and expressing her love for music, by performing and writing. Kathleen just recently was Awarded First place at the KWA Music Festival in the country/pop genre.

Kathleen says " I really enjoy working with Steve and I love the Musical Chemistry that we have, it makes performing so enjoyable"

In July 2011, Steve and Kathleen decided to join musical forces and form a duo. The response to their performances together has been outstanding with raging reviews. Steve and Kathleen have just recently returned from Nashville Tenessee, where they have teamed up with another songwriter, Sheriff Cuzic and together the three of them have begun working on a collaborative project to create an album of upbeat songs that inspire and celebrate music, family love and good times with friends.