Edmonton Artists Celebrate Juno Awards Success in Hamilton
The city of Edmonton is celebrating a significant musical achievement as local talents Mariel Buckley, Axios Men's Ensemble, and Pro Coro Canada brought home Juno Awards over the weekend. The awards ceremony in Hamilton was notably dominated by Albertan artists, including pop sensation Tate McRae, but Edmonton's contributions stood out with their heartfelt victories.
Mariel Buckley's First Juno Win
Edmonton singer-songwriter Mariel Buckley, known for her angelic voice and poignant country music, won her first Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. Her album, Strange Trip Ahead, was recorded in Nashville with her Edmonton-based band, featuring musicians Jarrad K, Ryan Funk, Luke Breiteneder, Reid Theil, and her brother Tim. The 35-year-old artist expressed overwhelming gratitude and disbelief at the win.
"I'm so grateful. I'm so stoked," Buckley said in a phone interview from Toronto. "I don't think it's fully sunk in yet. Once I get on the plane and have a moment to myself, I think it'll all hit me like a ton of bricks." She attended the industry gala with her manager, partner, and mother, joking beforehand that they might be "spending a lot of money to watch me lose."
A Candid Acceptance Speech
When her category was announced three hours into the show, Buckley admits she "fully blacked out" in the moment. Wearing shades and a classic country-player blazer, she took the stage and delivered an unforgettable acceptance speech, starting with, "Um, this is f—ing crazy!" She later reflected that she only managed to thank about half of the people she intended to acknowledge.
Buckley highlighted the honor of sharing the category with esteemed peers like Matt Anderson, William Prince, Noeline Hofman, and the Young Novelists. She also praised fellow Edmonton nominees, including Sister Ray, Nuela Charles, and Secondhand Dreamcar, as well as label mate Begonia, who also secured a win.
Choral Excellence Recognized
In addition to Buckley's triumph, Edmonton's choral community shone with the Juno win for Axios Men's Ensemble and the Tenors and Basses of Pro Coro Canada. Swiss-born Edmonton conductor Michael Zaugg, 53, watched the Saturday gala online due to local rehearsals. He expressed pride in the achievement, noting that the ensembles had never before been nominated for such a prestigious award.
The choirs performed their Juno-winning requiem at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, showcasing the depth of Edmonton's musical talent. This victory underscores the city's growing reputation as a hub for diverse and high-quality artistic expression.
Reflections on a Buzzy Week
Buckley's win marks a milestone in her career, following her first-ever Juno nomination. She described the experience as surreal and humbling, emphasizing the support from her family and the vibrant Edmonton music scene. The awards highlight not only individual achievements but also the collective strength of Alberta's cultural contributions on the national stage.
As Edmonton artists continue to make waves, this Juno Awards weekend will be remembered for its candid moments, emotional speeches, and the undeniable talent emerging from the city. The successes of Buckley and the choirs serve as inspiration for aspiring musicians and a testament to the power of community in the arts.
