Their success grew out of a dream that began in Grand Prairie, Alberta and today through tireless work, perseverance and sheer talent, they're topping the charts and have gained a big following.
Hot country band Emerson Drive will be performing in Yorkton later this week and it's a show band member Dale Wallace says fans won't want to miss.
"It all started about 15 years ago up in Grand Prairie... in the basement of Brad's (lead singer) parent's house... the band started jamming, entered a talent contest, won the contest and decided to keep going... it was a little fun that turned into something serious."
From there Emerson Drive started playing the bars and touring and things took off detailed Wallace in a recent interview with The News Review.
A trip to Nashville helped the band secure their first record deal. In 2001 they were signed to Dreamworks. "And that's where it all kicked off," adds Wallace who entered into the picture at this point.
"But I still consider myself part of 10 years of Emerson Drive - a decade of drive."
There have been challenges over the years - and successes - bringing Emerson Drive to where they are today, embarking on a new tour for the release of their fourth album - Decade of Drive.
"As we look back at the ups and downs we've gone through in the last eight years in our business and personal lives... it's obvious they have molded us into something very strong.
"Obviously business can be not as nice to people as we'd like it to be, especially the recording business... but after living and learning (and signing with a variety of record labels) we've taken a lot of the business under our own wings," says Wallace.
"It's too bad you have to live and learn but that's just the way it is..."
Challenges aside, there has also been an abundance of success.
"We've been nominated for a Grammy for our song called Moments, that's a very big up, that's the highest in music you can get for accolades." He enjoys telling the story he says, because they lost out to music legends The Eagles.
"We're also the first Canadian country group to have a number one song in the states."
Currently Emerson is touring promoting their newest album A Decade of Drive. "It includes all of our singles we've released in Canada... it's pretty cool, we have a greatest hits album, who knew that would happen?... We're pretty proud of it."
They're also proud of their distinct sound which Wallace describes as unique.
"We're not traditional country... when you put the five of us together each guy in the group has their own background. Personally I grew up in the 80s playing in rock bands. David our fiddle player is classically trained. Danick is traditional country and Mike our drummer is a metal head so if you put all that into a pot that's what Emerson Drive is."
When in Yorkton, fans can expect a high energy show that won't disappoint assures Wallace.
"We're going to be playing as many of our greatest hits as we can... we'll be putting in some new stuff... we'll throw in some covers as well.. it's just a lot energy, a lot of sweat and a lot of entertainment."
While being on the road can be demanding, the band can't imagine life any other way.
"I wouldn't trade this for anything. I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to do and I think I can speak for the other guys as well. We're bouncing down the highway on a tour bus... playing the Grand Ole Oprey and doing things a lot of people would just dream of. We thank our lucky stars every day and never take things for granted."
Emerson Drive will be performing in Yorkton February 20 at the Anne Portnuff Theatre.
