Quinton Blair took home the Male Artist of the Year award at the 2024 Manitoba Country Music Awards. Following the win, Blair shared his thoughts on the recognition, the importance of his bandmates, and his hopes for the future of Manitoba's country music scene.
"It’s nice to know that your peers recognize the hard work you put in every day. It's a testament to the effort of my band, who show up every night with me. We work hard, and it’s rewarding to see that hard work pay off."
Blair's win was part of an impressive sweep by a group of Portage la Prairie artists at the awards. Nelson Little took home the Roots Artist, Duo or Group of the Year, and several other Portage musicians were honored in different categories. Blair’s band, which includes many of these talented individuals, has played a significant role in his success. He shared that his band feels like family.
"We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with our own families."
Despite the triumphs, life on the road is never without its challenges. Blair joked about the mishaps they’ve encountered with their tour bus, affectionately named the 'Kal Deck Truck and Trailer Honky Tonk Heartbreaker,' but expressed deep gratitude for the team that keeps the bus running smoothly.
Looking ahead, Blair is focused on new music, with three tracks coming out soon. He plans to travel to Toronto in December to complete final recording sessions. The road ahead is filled with promise as he continues to pursue his passion for live performance.
"I’m not great at content creation or TikTok videos," emphasizing his focus is on live, authentic music.
"We’re a band that loves to play. We're real. When we're on stage, you’re hearing what we play, no backing tracks or support tracks. It’s us in the moment."
As he reflects on his career and the future of Manitoba’s country music scene, Blair is quick to highlight the incredible talent in the province, though he believes it deserves more recognition.
"Manitoba is often overlooked. There’s so much talent here, but other provinces like Alberta tend to get more media attention and financial backing. I think Manitoba musicians are just as good, if not better. But we need more grassroots support from the media and industry to push our artists into the spotlight."
Blair, who also manages a farm and has a family, understands the balance between the creative life and the demands of day-to-day responsibilities. He often finds himself juggling phone calls, social media posts, and grant writing while on the road. But it’s all part of the hustle.
"Most musicians have a day job. It's not just about performing. It's about everything that happens behind the scenes: writing, booking, and promoting."
The support for Manitoba's country music community was palpable at the awards, where over 1,000 fans gathered to celebrate the province's best. Blair noted that the event was a perfect example of the kinship and camaraderie within the Manitoba music scene.
"It’s a tight-knit community. You see your friends and instantly connect; that’s the best part of being a musician. It's sharing that bond with others who understand the highs and lows of the industry."
For Blair, the music itself remains the focus, whether performing for thousands or just a handful of people in an intimate setting.
"I love playing in a small club or even a living room show with my buddies. It’s about connecting with people through music, telling stories, and sharing emotions."
As for his dreams of opening for some of his musical idols, like George Strait, Cody Johnson, or Miranda Lambert, Blair’s priorities remain grounded.
"It’s not about the big mainstage shows although I love that. It’s about the connection we have with our audience. But yeah, I could share the stage with George Strait."
For Quinton Blair the future looks bright, and as he continues to grow both as an artist and a person, the Manitoba country music scene is sure to grow along with him.