Major SCMA awards for Yung

Yorkton's Samara Yung has been named the 2012 Female Vocalist of the Year by the Saskatchewan Country Music Association.

"To be honest I really hardly remember how I was feeling as my two awards were back-to-back and this one was the second one of the night," said Yung. "I was still numb from the first one (which was for Single of the Year)."

Yung said awards always come as a surprise and something she is very thankful to have even been nominated for.

"It's always such an honour just to be nominated but to win an award such as female vocalist which is voted on by your fellow artists and musicians feels amazing," she said. "I truly believe that every time an artist takes the stage they learn a little bit more about themselves. I really just want to keep learning and growing as an artist and winning an award like this just helps give you the strength to keep at it and the knowledge that you are going down the right path."

Certainly of the two awards presented at the awards ceremony on the weekend Female Vocalist of the Year carried the most prestige, and by Monday that was soaking in for Yung.

"Yes it probably would be the biggest award I was up for as it is a reflection of who I am as an artist -- a vocalist," she agreed. "I've been working at it for quite awhile now and it's always nice to be recognized for something you are passionate about and have worked hard at. I like to say that for me it's not always about the vocal pyrotechnics or how high of a note I can hit; it's also about the emotions and intent that go along with it.

"If you sing from your heart people will hear you no matter what. Like I said before I always try to keep learning and pushing myself to get better, this award just means that I need to keep going."

Asked if the award was a benchmark in her young career, the former GX94 Talent Search winner said it probably was.

"Yes I guess you can say that," said Yung. "To me it really just means that dreams really can come true, and that when you put your mind to something, and work hard at it that one day your hard work will not go unnoticed.

While the win is being enjoyed, Yung said she isn't putting too many expectations into what it might lead too.

"I really hope that this is just the beginning but I really have learned that with a music career you need to celebrate the wins and shake off the losses," she said. "Set goals and never give up.

"And most importantly believe in yourself and surround yourself with people that can help you remember why you need to keep going when you feel like giving up."

As for the Single of the Year, Yung said having a song recognized is a special feeling.

"The song is 'Everyday Matters', and I am always overwhelmed by the support that I receive," she said. "Steve (Fox) and I really did write this song with the intent to try and write a song that wasn't an angry chick song and I think that when you really sit down and listen to the words it will touch you in one way or another as we are all guilty for forgetting how important every day is.

"For this award though I not only need to thank my fans for buying my album and supporting my songs that way, but I also need to thank the people who get my music out to the people -- radio. All of the stations that are playing my songs throughout Canada and have taken a chance and added a newbie like myself to their playlists and I truly need to thank GX94 right here in Yorkton for all of their support throughout my career so far."

Yung said the Single of the Year award definitely started an amazing night on a high.

"It feels really crazy to me to have won this award as the history of winners is truly the best of the best here in Saskatchewan. Past winners include Codie Prevost, Brad Johner, Donny Parenteau and Kal Hourd and in the past 12 years a woman has only one this award three-times, including myself this year," she said. "The last year a woman won was Jessica Robinson in 2006."