Number of Juno nods for Sask. talent ‘pretty amazing’

SASKATOON Every local nominee who gets time in the national spotlight at the 2020 Juno Awards is a testament to the music programs throughout the province, says Tourism Saskatoon’s president and CEO.

“The Hunter Brothers are nominated for two different categories this year ... and it is proof positive that there is enough support still in Saskatchewan for music and musicians to grow and develop and go on to performing careers,” Todd Brandt said on Tuesday following the announcement of the 2020 Juno nominees.

The 49th annual Juno Awards are set for March 15 at Sasktel Centre in Saskatoon; Juno Week runs March 9-15. Nominees for the awards were announced in Toronto at a ceremony that aired on a live stream at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park.

As the event was broadcast in the Prairieland Park conference room, organizers and supporters — some sporting new “Saskatoon Junos” sweaters — whooped and clapped whenever a Saskatchewan nominee was announced.

The Hunter Brothers — five real-life siblings from Shaunavon — earned nominations for breakthrough group of the year as well as country album of the year. Regina’s Foxwarren is nominated for alternative album of the year, and fellow Regina-based band The Dead South is nominated for traditional roots album of the year.

In a more unique category, Terri Fidelak and Carey Shaw are nominated for album artwork of the year for their work on Belle Plaine’s new album Malice, Mercy, Grief & Wrath.

Singer-songwriter and multitime Juno winner Alessia Cara was announced as host of the awards show. The 23-year-old from Ontario leads all artists with six nominations and will also perform at the Junos.

Prior to Tuesday’s announcement, Saskmusic president Kurt Dahl teased the possibility of Saskatchewan nominees. The unveiling did not disappoint, he said.

“It’s pretty amazing. We talk a lot about how great the music scene is in our province, but when you get a nomination ... it really does drive that point home.”

Dahl said it’s impressive to see how much things have grown in the Saskatchewan music scene over the past decade. Saskatoon previously hosted the Junos in 2007, while Regina served as host city in 2013.

“We do really amazing work in the music (business) considering the size of the population,” Dahl said.

“We’ve got more talent per capita here than anywhere else in the world, and I’ve been saying it for a long time and it’s starting to be heard, all over the country.”