Saskatchewan’s Next Big Star is Katie Morgan of Saltcoats.
Morgan, supported by her band NFA, earned the title at a contest at the Longbranch in Saskatoon as a lean-in to the recent Saskatchewan Country Music Association awards weekend.
Morgan told Yorkton This Week the win came as a surprise.
“They announced the second place first, but I thought they announced the winner, so I was like yay I got second. ‘Wait a minute,’ then I realized that I didn’t get second but in fact got first,” she said.
The win is something Morgan said she hopes will open a few doors, suggesting it is important “exposure” which can help in terms of “recording for my band NFA.
“It’s so fun and so good. I hope the exposure gets me out there.”
For Morgan music simply comes naturally.
“I always liked to sing but my mom got me singing lessons,” she related. “I was classically trained in opera and musical theatre since I was six years old.”
Morgan’s mother was also instrumental in her being in the Saskatoon competition.
“My mom heard about it and I thought I wouldn’t get in but I entered anyways just for the fun of it,” she said.
Morgan said in preparing for the event she did take stage coaching and belting lessons.
As for the song selection she went with those she was familiar with.
“The songs I chose I played with my band NFA before, but the competition was only for solo artists,” she related.
The songs included; ‘Shallow’ by Lady Gaga, ‘What’s Up’ by 4 Non Blondes, and ‘Stone Cold’ by Demi Lovato.
Each of the songs was chosen for a reason.
“They show off my range and vocal talent and they ‘Wow’ people,” she said, then adding, “And everyone loves 4 Non Blondes.”
After her set Morgan admitted she was not feeling particularly confident being her own harshest critic.
“I am very picky with myself so no I didn’t,” she said.
With the win on her resume Morgan said she is now ready to take another step with her music.
“I want to record an EP and get gigs with my band and tour,” she enthused.
