Area well-represented at SCMAs

The Yorkton area is again well-represented among nominees for this year's Saskatchewan Country Music Awards.

Both Langenburg's Jess Moskaluke and Yorkton's Samara Yung are up for Female Vocalist of the Year. Yung won the award in 2012.

"It feels pretty crazy, and it was definitely unexpected! But I'm extremely appreciative of the nod, and am honored to be up against such amazing and talented women. No matter what happens, I know our province is being represented well," said Moskaluke.

"Honestly, it would be a huge honour and I would definitely gain some momentum from a win, but no matter what happens in my career, it's always going to go on. This is just a welcome bonus, but it won't make or break me. It's just an indicator that I'm hopefully doing something right, and that's always a good sign."

Yung is happy to be up for the award again too.

"It is always such an honour to be nominated for this award as singing is something I have worked so hard at for so long, I know I am not the best singer in the world and I believe that I still have a lot to learn but I continue learning with each day and each performance," she said. "To be nominated just gives you the recognition that someone out there is listening and liking what they are hearing and it gives you the support and encouragement to keep working at it."

Yung is also a finalist in several other categories including Entertainer of the Year.

Yung's single Mardi Gras is up for Song of the Year (Composer) with co-writer Steve Fox and Single of the Year and Video of the Year.

"Mardi Gras is one of my favourite songs on my album and I do very much believe it is a winner but I am a little bias since I had a hand in writing it," she said. "But when I sent it out to national radio is has been my most added single and most played song ever to be released as well at the independent video we did with CCMA award winning director Stephano Barberis was added to CMT at medium rotation I never have any expectations for any nominations as there are so many talented singers and songwriters from this province. It is just amazing to me that a song I helped write, that this song has been a huge highlight and a huge part of my career so far it's great to see it nominated for all three awards (song, single and video) and it feels pretty darn awesome."

Ronda Yung, Samara's Mother is up for Manager of the Year.

"It is always a thrill for me to see my family recognized for working so hard to help me follow and live my dreams," said Samara Yung. "It truly is a family business and I very much could not do this without my mom, Dad and husband. No one works harder and cares more about my feelings and career than they do and they are always there for me through the hard times as well as the accomplishments. There is no one I would rather have beside me through this roller coaster ride then them. Without my mom I probably would have no idea where I needed to be, who I needed to call and where to even start with the paper work."

Steve Gibson from Theodore is a finalist for All Star Band (Guitarist). As is Murray Yung of Yorkton.

Murray Yung is also nominated for Country Music Person of the Year.

"Dad says that he's even surprised he made it into that category, but he is truly honoured to be considered and nominated by his peers. He also says that there is an old saying that says that if you want to effect change you need to step up," offered Samara Yung.

"I on the other hand am not surprised, he is the president of the Saskatchewan country music association and he truly does care about each and every member of our association and what our association can do to help us succeed in our adventures as artists, managers, publicists, musicians or any other aspect of the industry and wants to help us in any way possible.

"Dad also says that throughout his presidential term he has worked on some huge initiatives, a few being a change to the voting process, a new image to carry on for future generations and the introduction of new categories for our awards recognizing our youth and the diversity of country music today. As well as better communication between Inter-provincial associations as well as the CCMA's.

"He also says that without the support of his board members and the association as a whole none of these accomplishments would be possible. He is just happy to be a part of some pretty significant steps forward."

Danny Ismond of GX94 radio is up for two awards, On Air Personality (Secondary Market) and Music Director (Secondary Market).

GX94 is up for Radio Station of the Year (Secondary Market) as well.

Other award finalists with a local connection include Stephen MaGuire for the Rising Star Award, and Codie Prevost and Blake Berglund for Male Vocalist of the Year, one of seven nominations for Berglund originally from Kennedy, SK. Other Berglund nominations include Roots Artist of the Year and Roots Album of the Year for Coyote.

The winners will be announced at the SCMA Industry Awards and Brunch and prestigious Awards Gala Saturday, April 27 at the Dakota Dunes Casino in Saskatoon.