Two of Manitoba's rising country music powerhouses, Prairie Line and Kate’s Outlaw, are making waves this year with numerous nominations each at the Manitoba Country Music Awards (MCMAs), earning praise and recognition for a whirlwind year of performances, songwriting, and growth.
For Brad Moggie of Prairie Line, the recognition is still sinking in. "We're very thankful, don't get me wrong, but I haven't been caught up with the MCMA stuff just yet. That’s insane."
Prairie Line is nominated for Group or Duo of the Year, Roots Artist/Duo or Group of the Year, Emerging Artist of the Year, and Single of the Year for their hit track Long Way to Go. Individual band members are also up for their own awards. Jonathan Peters (drums), Josh Gareau (bass), and Clinton Giesbrecht (lead guitar) each landed nominations, while Moggie himself is nominated in the Specialty Instrument (Mandolin/Utility) category.
"It's weird, this is my first year in I don't know how long that I'm not on the list for Guitar Player of the Year," Moggie said. "But I'm actually thankful. I want someone else to experience it."
Moggie reflected on the band's fast rise, noting they've only been together for about two years.
"We never thought we'd be doing what we're doing now. To me, it's just about bringing entertainment to people and being humble."
Their nominated single, Long Way to Go, holds personal meaning. Co-written with fellow Manitoba artist JR Charron, the song pays homage to small-town life, weekends with friends, and the comfort of coming home.
"We tried to stray away from the classic country lyrics, but at the end of the day, it's about where we're from," said Moggie. "Whether it's a deck, a field, or somewhere in the bush, everyone has that one place they look forward to."
Meanwhile, Kyle Nault, frontman of Kate's Outlaw, shares the same sense of humility.
"We are feeling pretty excited and humbled," he said. "The album was just something we wanted to do for ourselves, our friends and family. It's cool to see it being recognized."
Formed in 2015, Kate's Outlaw is also enjoying seven nominations, including the Faye Walker Song of the Year for Long Rider Religion, a track close to Nault's heart.
"That one really means the most," he said. “It wasn't long ago, I didn't think I had what it took to write songs. So, to have one nominated like this is super special."
Both bands toured heavily this past summer, with Prairie Line headlining major events like Party in the Dirt and Kate's Outlaw rocking the main stage at Dauphin’s Countryfest and Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa.
Looking ahead, both groups are focused on continuing their momentum. Prairie Line plans to hit the studio for new singles this fall, while Kate's Outlaw is halfway through recording their next album, with a new single set to drop in this October.
As Manitoba's country music scene continues to thrive, artists like Prairie Line and Kate's Outlaw are proving that the heart of Canadian country isn't just alive, it's booming!
The Manitoba Country Music Awards will be held November 8. To see a list of all the nominees head to the Manitoba Country Music Association Facebook page.