In 2004, America is becoming the land of the "Free."

Midale native and country music artist Brad Johner will be releasing his solo album Free in the U.S. early next year on Florida-based Lou-Do Records, with distribution by Compendia Music.

The initial single off Johner's 2003 album will come out in February, with the CD release slated for March.

Free, which was released earlier this year, has already enjoyed considerable success in Canada, spawning several radio and video hits.

Johner has also received two Canadian Country Music Association nominations and a Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding Country Recording.

Breaking into the U.S., however, is an opportunity too large to pass up.

"I'm excited because it's going to take my music to a whole different territory. The big audience is the U.S. one. And come February, with the first single and video coming out, we've got a ticket to a broader base," said Johner in a news release.

Brad said he feels the first single "Free" will be the perfect introduction for the U.S. market.

"This song and video has been a big hit in Canada, there's really no reason for it not to work in the U.S. We just have to get it on the air," he said.

Meanwhile, Brad's third single and video Different made its debut on CMT Canada last Monday.

Brad is currently completing his cross-country tour with the Huron Carole, performing with Tom Jackson, Beverly Mahood, Michelle Wright and others. He will cross Canada again before Christmas on the CP Rail Holiday Train tour.