Edmonton Country Band The Prairie States Receive CCMA Award Nomination for Video of the Year
11-time Country Music Alberta Award-winning band The Prairie States recently received a Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA) nomination for Video of the Year for “Trouble Is” (Willing Records / Universal Music Canada), the title track off their latest album.
The CCMA nomination follows the release of the band’s new single “Not So Much No More”. With themes of love, loss, and second chances, The Prairie States showcases their evolving sound and dedication to raising the bar in their work.
Formed in 2017, The Prairie States is composed of Mat Cardinal, Jeff Dick, Mike Nash, Jay Der and Doc de Groot. Emerging from the heartland of Canada, the band delivers rock-infused country anthems through authentic storytelling. Since the release of Trouble Is, their third album and first LP on Willing Records, the band has achieved remarkable success, including two charting singles and their breakout hit “Waiting On You,” which reached number 24 on the Canadian charts. Trouble Is has also surpassed six million streams since its January 2024 release.
First off, care to introduce the Prairie States to our readers?
We’re a country band out of Edmonton, AB that formed in 2017. We’re a couple of friends who love to put on a big and loud show. I think we have a bit of a rock flair to us and are not afraid to show it when we’re on stage. We’re ready to hit the road and make new fans.
Your latest single, “Not So Much No More,” delves into themes of love, loss, and second chances. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this song?
I think when we first heard the song it was an easy yes. It’s a breakup anthem to lift the spirits of those going through it. The song speaks of the turning point in a breakup when you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and finally breathe again.
Congratulations on your CCMA nomination for Video of the Year for “Trouble Is”! How did it feel to receive that recognition?
It’s pretty amazing to have the recognition. We work hard at this thing and to be in a category with such talented artists makes me excited. It feels like we’re moving in the right direction.
With “Trouble Is” being your third album and first LP on Willing Records, what was the creative process like compared to your previous works?
We did a lot of writing and a lot of looking around for songs that would take us to the next level. I don’t think the creative process ever changes for us. We love writing and we always have fun in the studio.
Emerging from the heartland of Canada, your music carries authentic storytelling. How do your Canadian roots influence your songwriting and musical style?
This beautiful land gives us the fuel we need for any song. We write about the things we love! Whether it’s the road or if I’m back at home fishing and hunting, there’s always a story to be written.
What’s next for The Prairie States? Are there any upcoming projects or tours that fans should look forward to?
More shows and more music are coming! We’re excited that the CCMA’s is in our hometown of Edmonton so we’ll be out and about, hopefully, see some fans and friends. We’re also excited to be on several of the tour dates coming this fall with the Washboard Union.