'I'm just doing something that I love' says 3 time CCMA winner Jess Moskaluke
Saskatchewan-born singer snags another female artist of the year award
Third time's a charm for Saskatchewan's Jess Moskaluke, who took home the award for female artist of the year for the third year running at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards over the weekend.
Moskaluke, who's from Langenburg, Sask., spoke to CBC Radio's Afternoon Edition about the big win on Tuesday.
The Cheap Wine and Cigarettes singer said she's not sure why she keeps winning.
"I'm just doing something that I love and maybe my passion is coming through," she said.
With her recent success and recognition, Moskaluke said she's had to adjust to getting recognized.
"I'll be completely honest in telling you that has been a major life adjustment for me. It hasn't been an easy one."
I love the people here.- Jess Moskaluke
She said it's still feels strange when she's in the middle of a big city and she hears people whispering about her.
"I'm just trying to remember in the back of my mind that how lucky am I that people know who I am and listen to my music and watch my videos."
With big success in Canada, Moskaluke was asked if she may set her sights to a wider audience in America. She said she'd explore the option if it came up, but said she wouldn't necessarily take it.
"I grew up here and it's something that I love. I love the people here. I can relate to the people here because we all have something in common being that we are Canadian," she said.
Advice for young hopefuls
Moskaluke got her start in a bit of an unconventional way — by gaining popularity on YouTube.
She said the most important thing for young hopeful singers was to make sure that their heart is 100 per cent dedicated to it, because of the 24/7 nature of the role.
"Anytime you go out to the grocery store, you never know that someone's not going to want a picture of you or with you," she said.
"You're constantly on your phone doing interviews and answering email questions and even when you are actually off for the day, you're thinking of other things and you're trying to get influences for writing."
Still, Moskaluke said it's 'pretty cool' and humbling she gets to do what she does.
Next year the awards take place closer to home, in Saskatoon.
With files from CBC Radio's Afternoon Edition