Yorkton country artist Jackie Guy has a big year coming up in 2014, and it has already begun on a high note. Guy is up for Female Vocalist of the Year at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards.
This is not the first time she has been up for a SCMA. Her first album was nominated for the Country Gospel Album of the Year in 2012. Guy says that getting attention from the SCMAs is a huge honor for any musician in the province, and just being considered among the other women up for the award is a big honor.
"This one is extra big and extra special. I'm very excited because there's a lot of a good, talented people in the running for it, so I'm very honored."
The nomination also comes as a surprise to Guy, as she is currently in the midst of recording her second album, which won't be released until later this year. She did not expect any attention until after the album was complete, and has been focused on getting the record together.
The new album is upbeat and on the pop side of mainstream country, Guy says. She also says she is about three songs away from having the album complete. She says the change in direction from the first album has been driven by a desire to do something a bit different.
"I wanted to switch it up a bit and make it a bit more lively, a bit more happy and a different feel. Sometimes when you're writing different songs come to you at different times, and it just has a bit of a different feel to it."
The recording process for the second album has been a more comfortable one than the first, Guy says, since she's gone through the process and knows what she needs to do and how to accomplish it. She also credits working with a familiar producer with helping with that comfort, since she's working with someone who she knows can bring out the best in her and the songs.
"You feel freer, you can toss around ideas and you're not feeling intimidated. You know who you're working with because you're friends and you have that partnership."
Guy was away from the music industry for many years, since raising seven children doesn't give much time to write, record or tour, and she's happy to see that a decision to return to the music industry has been the right one to make.
"A lot of people would think I'm crazy, a mother of seven going back to music. It's not an easy career to go into, it's extremely competitive, you have to be self motivated and able to handle a lot of disappointment... But I love it, I believe when you're meant to do something you get energy from it, and I know it's definitely where I'm supposed to be," Guy says.
With finishing the second album and putting a band together to tour, Guy anticipates that 2014 will be an extremely busy year, but also a very rewarding one, and she hopes that with the new record she is able to connect with a wide audience over the coming months.
Guy will be at the Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert from April 24-26 and at the Painted Hand Casino on May 21. The SCMAs will be held in Nipawin this year from April 11 to 13.
