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Rising Canadian country duo, Banned & Outlawed, has been nominated for two Josie Awards.
The Josie Awards is a show held in Nashville, Tenn., showcasing independent musical artists of all genres.
Their song “Keepin It Western” is up for Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year, marking this a proud moment for the band.
“It’s a pretty surreal feeling, something that a couple Canadian brothers can only dream of,” says Jon.
Western ties, Nashville vibes
The brother duo, Jon and Dan Hnatishin, from Hazelridge, Man., said their song was inspired by spirit of Western Canada – farming, ranching, and the blue-collar grind.
The duo said they had travelled through parts of Western Canada and wanted to bring the similarities of the provinces to their track.
“All the stuff that brings the prairies together,” says Jon.
The song was born in Nashville, where Banned & Outlawed co-wrote with Madison Wolfe, from Winsconsin, and Chriss Feniak, from Alberta.
Filming the fields of gold
The music video, shot by Unreel Creative, was filmed in their hometown.
“It’s probably one of the best videos I’ve ever seen,” says Dan.
The video begins with the brothers driving a Dodge truck into a field and then performing on a stack of hay bales – an homage to their stomping grounds.
“(We) got to use one of our friend’s trucks, and that was a lot of fun,” says Jon.
The video has been aired on national television in the United States.
Big wheels keep on turning
Banned & Outlawed will be heading to Nashville for the Josie Awards in November, where they hope to celebrate with other independent artists.
Before the big night, the duo is booked and busy – working on a new album, releasing a few singles, and hitting the road across Manitoba and Ontario to play events like Grand Palms RV Resort and the Threshermans Reunion.
A message to the fans
As they prepare for what’s to come, the brothers are quick to thank those who have supported them along the way.
“We want to thank Country 107.7, and all the people who listen... we are really appreciative,” says Dan
“If you guys have any dreams, make sure you follow them because you never know what (will) happen,” says Jon.
Follow Banned & Outlawed on Instagram for tour dates and more!
Written with files from Carly Koop