Aboriginal Nominees Gearing up for Juno Awards (Tonight Watch the Industry Gala Live Stream – Link Included)

The 2014 Juno Awards will take place this Sunday at Winnipeg’s MTS Centre and will air live on CTV (9pm Sask time). Only 6 of the 41 categories will be handed out tomorrow which will also feature special performances and appearances from Canada’s biggest music stars.

But if your a big fan of all varieties of Canadian music and need to get your fill, then tonight is the night. The rest of the Juno awards will be handed out at an Industry-Only Gala Dinner, which you can watch tonight on a live stream, check the link: http://junoawards.ca/live-stream/

It is not confirmed if the “Aboriginal Album of The Year” award will be handed out tonight or tomorrow during the big show. So chances are tonight is when you should tune in and watch the live stream, which will also feature a performance from 2-time nominees, A Tribe Called Red.

Below are some of the nominees and info on the albums they are nominated for;

Amanda Rheaume’s ‘Keep A Fire’ is a folk, roots blend album that highlights great stories, hauntingly honest vocals and a full warm acoustic driven sound. Amanda has been releasing music since 2007 and this Metis songstress has been honing her skills of weaving together true-life tales that drag your heart along for the ride.

Inez Jasper sang her way into the spotlight in 2010 when her debut album ‘Singsoulgirl’ was nominated in this same category. Proving that was no fluke, she has returned with her sophomore album ‘Burn Me Down‘ and has garnered another nomination. This is a far more Pop’d out version of Inez than her first soulful offering and her beautiful vocals float over strong danceable beats that make you want to shake something. She’s taking great steps towards becoming a household name across the country.

Desiree Dorion’s ‘Small Town Stories’ is a top shelf country album with some boot stomping attitude and a number of tracks that would fit seamlessly into the rotation of mainstream radio. The Winnipeg Juno’s should be proud to show off Desiree as her hometown is Dauphin, Manitoba.

Nathan Cunningham is a country artist who makes his home in Edmonton Alberta and his album ‘Road Renditions’ is an upbeat country album with an old school feel. This collection of songs is geared towards hard working blue collar folks and it definitely hits the mark. This album has held 5 number one spots on the National Aboriginal Top 40 and with his songwriting ever improving, Nathan is poised to be around for a long time.

We’re glad that we had a chance to interview George Leach and have him on RezX’s Winter edition cover. His album ‘Surrender’ earned three awards at the APCMA’s (Aboriginal Peoples Choice music Awards) and now he has received the Juno nod as well. The only rock album to be nominated in the category this year, it highlights George’s impeccable guitar playing and his incredible vocal range. When asked about the acclamation George said, “The Juno’s are definitely a big deal. It’s very exciting and I’m very honoured to be nominated.” Now that Regina has claimed him as our own, we can all feel proud and excited.

Also making waves at the Junos this year are A Tribe Called Red. This amazing Electric Pow Wow group out of Ottawa are nominated for two Junos; Breakthrough Group of the Year as well as Electronic Album of the Year. ATCR were just in Regina playing The Exchange on a tour that took them across Canada. Their unique brand of music stands up to the scrutiny that a buzz like theirs requires.

Congratulations and good luck to all those nominated! If you’re lucky enough to be in Winnipeg this weekend be sure to check out the talent that will be on display.

The Juno Awards will air this Sunday at 9pm (Sask time) on CTV. Tonight you can watch the Industry-Only Awards Gala live stream where the rest of the awards will be handed out.

– Shane Bellegarde

ABORIGINAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR (SPONSORED BY ABORIGINAL PEOPLES TELEVISION NETWORK)

Keep a Fire Amanda Rheaume Independent www.amandarheaume.com
Small Town Stories Desiree Dorion Independent www.desireedorion.com
Surrender George Leach Independent www.georgeleach.com
Burn Me Down Inez Jasper Independent http://inezjasper.com
Road Renditions Nathan Cunningham New Leaf*Independent www.reverbnation.com/nathancunningham