Josh Ross and his whisky-soaked ballad of heartbreak and hope took residence high honours Saturday as okay.d. lang obtained the band again collectively on the 2024 Canadian Nation Music Affiliation Awards.
Ross, from Burlington, Ont., captured single of the yr for “Hassle.” The 28-year-old former faculty soccer participant turned nation star additionally took residence male artist of the yr and entertainer of the yr on the present, held at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
“This music was a surreal music,” Ross mentioned, including it highlights the struggles he felt when shifting to Nashville to pursue his music profession.
Ross mentioned he and his band play roughly 150 exhibits yearly and are by no means residence, however mentioned he feels that taking residence entertainer of the yr made the onerous work price it.
“I thank each one in all you,” he mentioned.
Josh Ross wins Entertainer of the 12 months through the CCMA Awards in Edmonton on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
On Friday, he additionally gained two trade awards for top-selling Canadian single of the yr (“Hassle”) and top-selling Canadian album of the yr (It’s Sophisticated.)
Alberta’s MacKenzie Porter took residence a high prize as feminine artist of the yr, ending the five-year run for Tenille Townes.
The win was candy reduction for Porter, of Drugs Hat, Alta., who had been nominated for the award seven occasions within the final decade earlier than capturing her personal lightning in a bottle Saturday.
She gained video of the yr for “Chasing Tornadoes,” a toe-tapping salute to the swirling winds of romance set towards the lonely Nevada desert and the brilliant lights of Las Vegas.
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Porter mentioned it takes quite a lot of onerous work and hustle to succeed as a feminine within the nation music trade and gave a shout out to her fellow singers and new child daughter.
“I’ve been nominated (for the CCMAs) 28 occasions and that is one in all my first wins,” mentioned Porter in her first televised look since having a child.
“So to all of you artists on the market, preserve pushing.”
Porter was up for six awards, tying the highest nomination spot with Jade Eagleson of Bailieboro, Ont. Eagleson took residence album of the yr for Do It Anyway.
Porter co-hosted the present with American crooner Thomas Rhett, and together with the music, there was somewhat hockey. Edmonton Oilers gamers Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry got here on stage and dubbed Rhett an honorary Canadian as he donned an Oilers jersey.
Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl, left, offers a jersey to host Thomas Rhett through the CCMA Awards in Edmonton on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
The spotlight of the night time was lang celebrating her induction into the Canadian Nation Music Corridor of Fame by reelin’ and rockin’ with The Reclines for the primary time in 35 years.
They carried out “Large Boned Gal” — from the final album they recorded collectively in 1989 — concerning the gal within the blue costume with the bounce in her step shakin’ and snakin’ on the legion corridor.
Lang embodied the character within the music as she strutted throughout the stage, clad in a blue and inexperienced western-style costume.
“That was a bit of cake,” lang instructed reporters after her efficiency. “Good friendships have this capability to erase time. That actually occurred once we obtained collectively.”
Okay.D. Lang performs through the CCMA Awards in Edmonton on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Lang, from Consort, Alta., burst onto Edmonton’s music scene within the early Nineteen Eighties with The Reclines, a tribute band to American nation star Patsy Cline.
She instructed the group she’s “profoundly grateful” for the experiences she’s had in her profession and thanked Canadians for happening the journey together with her.
“I really like you, large time,” mentioned lang.
Among the many different winners, the James Barker Band from Woodville, Ont., took residence group of the yr and the followers’ alternative award. Throughout their acceptance speech, frontman Barker hinted at new music and a attainable tour in 2025.
Owen Riegling of Mildmay, Ont., additionally gained for breakthrough artist of the yr and finest songwriting for “Previous Grime Roads.”
Talking on the purple carpet earlier than the awards present, Riegling remembered writing the music 5 years in the past in a single hour and recorded it as a demo.
As soon as he signed with Common Music Canada, they recorded a brand new model.
“It’s had a protracted journey, and it’s cool to see it lastly connecting with individuals and reaching individuals,” he mentioned.
“By no means would have ever guessed I’d find yourself right here.”
© 2024 The Canadian Press
