Youngtree & The Blooms Are Nominated For New/Emerging Artist(s) of the Year at 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards
Hailing from the vibrant musical scene of Newfoundland, Youngtree & The Blooms burst onto the scene with their debut album in 2018, earning the coveted Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year award. Led by the charismatic frontman Youngtree, the band proved their staying power with the release of their self-titled second album in October 2022.
Nominated for the prestigious New/Emerging Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, this dynamic group is redefining the landscape of folk music with their infusion of spirit and authenticity.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Peter Youngtree, songwriter and recording artist. I’m from Newfoundland and I front the band Youngtree & The Blooms, am the co-creator of the duo Youngtree & Carole Bee, and I do my own solo things as well. I’ve recorded three albums of original music, and our band just released a single yesterday called “Something’s Gonna Come For Me.”
Congratulations on being nominated for the Canadian Folk Music Awards. How does it feel to be recognized among such a talented pool of Canadian folk musicians?
It’s cool to be recognized on the national stage, and among talented folks. Nominations and awards are not something I place my emotions in, quite intentionally. Music and performance and writing make me feel good all by themselves.
What inspired your latest works or albums that brought you to be nominated for the CFMAs?
Our self-titled album was released in late 2022. I wrote most of it during social distancing and stay-at-home orders and all that. Like many people at that time, I dove back into a lot of the pop and alternative music I grew up on in the early-mid 90’s. I embraced my love of that, and I also really wanted to write music that would have a positive, hopeful vibe and make people feel good when they heard it.
We just released a single on March 29th of this year that was written around the same time, but I wouldn’t put it on the album because it’s dark and moody, but it’s probably my favourite thing we’ve done to date. It’s called “Something’s Gonna Come For Me” and you can hear it on all streaming platforms now. Find it through our Linktree at www.linktr.ee/pwy
CFMA president Graham Lindsey mentioned that the CFMAs are an important moment for Canada’s folk music community to celebrate outstanding talent. How has the folk music community shaped your journey as musicians, and what does this recognition mean to you in that context?
Early on, Jan Hall at Folk Roots Radio became interested in my first solo album in 2015 and had me do a feature interview on her program. She later had me showcase at her room at the Folk Music Ontario conference. A bunch of other Folk and Roots DJs and stations took an interest, and I was able to tour by connecting with other musicians around the country, even when I had absolutely no clue what I was supposed to be doing or how successful touring worked. Little by little, I’ve made connections with musicians and writers I really respect.
With the CFMA Awards Weekend taking place in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, what are you most looking forward to during this celebration of folk music?
I live in St. John’s, and I’m looking forward to hanging out with fellow musicians and fans during the CFMA Awards Weekend. It’ll be nice to see some old and new friends.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring folk musicians who hope to one day be recognized on a platform like the Canadian Folk Music Awards?
Only do what you love to do, only write what is meaningful and interesting to you, and follow your natural interests and curiosities. Enjoy being a writer and a musician. Recognition is neither here nor there.
Connect with Youngtree & The Blooms:
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