If Danielle Marie had lost the 2015 CCMA Spotlight Performance Contest, she would just be another young hopeful trying to climb the slippery slopes of the country music industry.
As it is, her prize is a spot at the Legends Show: A Tribute to Yesterday and Today during Country Music Week on Sept. 10 to 13 in Halifax. It’s a career spike any young emerging recording artist would envy.
Upon receiving the fan-based verdict, the former Morinville resident admits to crying on and off for several hours.
“When I got the call that I got the spot, I was bawling for hours. It was so surreal. But I have so many people and radio stations supporting me. It’s a crazy feeling. I am where I thought I wouldn’t be, but I’m exactly where I want to be,” said Danielle Marie in a telephone interview from the West Coast.
Congratulatory texts and emails arrived from across the country. Tebey, a Canadian country music singer and multi-genre songwriter, also messaged with good wishes and concert tickets.
“It was such an honour to say the least. I’ve always been a huge fan of his writing. He writes mostly songs for himself and I admire that. If I get a chance to write with him, that would be great.”
Each provincial country music association hosts the Spotlight Contest annually. The provincial winner competes at the national level and the number one choice lands a berth at the Legends Show.
Now living in Vancouver for about a year, Danielle entered the performance competition hosted by the British Columbia Country Music Association and shot to the top.
At 19 she will be one of the youngest singers roaming the hallowed halls at CCMA week rubbing elbows with Canadian luminaries Gord Bamford and Dean Brody to name a few.
Bamford and Brody both head to the ceremonies with six nominations apiece while Brett Kissel and Dallas Smith follow with four each.
Jason Blaine, Tim Hicks and High Valley nabbed three nods while Jess Moskaluke, the only top female contender, is also up for three and is proudly duking it out with the boys.
Although the CCMA has yet to release names of top tier artists performing at the Legends Show, Danielle Marie noted that last year’s performers included the diverse stylings of Doc Walker, Michelle Wright and Brett Kissel.
“If it’s anything like last year, I’m in for a treat.”
But it’s more than luck that propelled her forward. On June 13, she released her first big album, Here Right Now. The 13-track album hit iTunes Top 25 in the first 24 hours.
“It was crazy to see my name beside Taylor Swift’s. I admire her so much.”
Danielle Marie just completed a British Columbia-Alberta tour promoting the album and will head to Ontario for a 10-day radio tour. For more information, log on to daniellemariemusic.com.
