The CCMAs this year were in Saskatoon and I had too much fun!

Industry weekends and networking events used to weigh on me quite heavily, and I know so many artists who feel the same. The weekends are long – everyone is trying to talk to whomever they think will be useful in their careers and businesses, and there are so many performance opportunities and events to attend. There is so much pressure to look great, be in the right place, and always say the right thing. They truly are exhausting weekends… but I’ve learned that they don’t have to be. 

Over the last couple of years, I have really tried to switch my mindset when going into these weekends. I have made so many artist friends in my 10 years of doing music, and most times you only get to see them at industry weekends. So last year at CCMAs in Kelowna, I decided I’m going to use industry events as an excuse to see my friends and have a good time. A way to celebrate another successful year of releasing music and playing shows, with everyone who shares the same passion. I love to meet new friends too. Making connections with people who love music as much as I do, truly makes all of the stress worth it.

This year at the CCMAs, I played a couple of showcases, which is always great to do especially in new markets, I went to so many parties and industry events, and got to hang out with new friends and old ones. It may have been a cold CCMAs, and I probably had enough wine to last me until Christmas, but I genuinely enjoyed myself.

Did I mention how much I love Saskatoon?

As fun as it was this year, I’m so excited for next year in St. Johns, as I will get to see the East Coast for the first time, and get screeched in. I will be fully going in with the same mindset as this year, and plan to have an amazing time in such a beautiful part of the country! 

This summer was so busy, but my heart is so full.

Playing shows is a lot of work, a lot of road hours, and a lot of chaos, but I can’t complain. It makes me so happy to be on stage playing for people who love country music, and who want to have a good time wherever we are in the moment.

From 45-minute acoustic sets, to 3+ hour rodeo cabarets, I have sung more cover songs than the average Spotify playlist. Even though I love singing my own songs, I think it is important to pay my dues by playing songs people already know and love, especially at this point in my career. I have been able to connect with people through songs I love to sing and that the crowd loves to listen to and dance to. I feel that there is definitely some judgment when it comes to primarily playing the party/cover gigs from other artists as well as industry folks. I get it, everyone wants to share their art, I do too, but playing a cover gig doesn’t make one any less of an artist. It’s a way to pay for a career as an independent artist, and become a better entertainer while doing so.

My goal for the next year is to be able to share my original music more in a live setting, and I’ve already started to do so. I have grown enough confidence throughout this summer that I am looking forward to playing and sharing my art more, and hopefully adding some extra pizzazz when I’m with my band!

This summer was so rewarding, I thought fall would slow down a little bit, but I’m happy to have plenty of shows to carry me through the end of the year.

I love what I do and I love growing as an artist, singer, and entertainer.

I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and what the rest of 2026 has in store!