SHANE YELLOWBIRD SNAGS 5 COUNTRY-MUSIC NOMINATIONS Cassandra Szklarski – Canadian Press Established country-music stars including George Canyon, Emerson Drive and Paul Brandt have racked up multiple nominations for this year's Canadian Country Music Awards, but upstart singer Shane Yellowbird stole the spotlight Wednesday with an impressive five nods for a debut disc.
The Alberta-bred cowboy said he can barely believe he is up for coveted prizes – including independent male artist of the year and the Chevy rising star award – so soon after arriving on the music scene.
The Cree artist, originally from the small community of Hobbema, Alta., released his debut album, Life is Calling My Name, in November after getting his first taste of performing through a string of karaoke contests five years ago.
Yellowbird, whose cousin is Conan Yellowbird of the Grammy-nominated drumming group Northern Cree, said he has been amazed to see audiences starting to sing along to his songs in concert, or stop him on the street to say they're a fan.
The 28-year-old, who struggles with a stuttering problem, said he's grateful for a remarkable rise to the spotlight despite several hardships.
“I grew up poor and I don't take things for granted, really,” Yellowbird says when reached by phone at his home in Ponoka, Alta., about 100 kilometres south of Edmonton.
“When things start happening, I keep a good head on my shoulders and take it in stride.... but I'm living a dream and I'm taking it all in while it lasts.”
Yellowbird credited his aboriginal fans with helping him find success.
“All the Indians across the country have heard of me and had all the shows and all the bookings and stuff, plus all the cowboys and everything (have been supportive),” said Yellowbird, who grew up travelling the rodeo circuit with his parents.
He suspects it is his unassuming nature that resonated with audiences.
“I was just this kid, I stuttered, and I was down to earth,” he said simply, adding he hopes never to change with increased fame.
Canyon, a country music veteran originally from Nova Scotia who rose to prominence after reaching the finals on Nashville Star, is the only artist with as many nominations.
The chiselled singer said he was insulating a barn on his ranch just south of Calgary when he heard he was up for some of the night's biggest trophies, including single and album of the year and the fans' choice award.
Years of success and accolades have done nothing to dull the thrill of CCMA nominations, he says.
“It feels just like it felt the very first time, the very first nomination I ever had,” said Canyon, who earlier this year took home a Juno and three East Coast Music Awards for his disc, Somebody Wrote Love.
“It's extremely exciting, we're extremely blessed. We're always, to be dead honest, we're always quite shocked.”
Canyon said he is especially touched by being recognized for his song, I Want You To Live, dedicated to Canadian Forces overseas.
The awards will be handed out at a televised gala in Regina on Sept. 10.
Brandt, Doc Walker, Emerson Drive, Brad Johner and Carolyn Dawn Johnson each drew four nominations.
The late John Allan Cameron, known as the godfather of Celtic music, will be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
The association will also induct Sheila Hamilton, the former executive director of the CCMA, and broadcaster Cliff Dumas. |