Country artist Matt James wins at NAMAs
By Brian Wright-McLeod
NIAGARA FALLS, NY— Northern Ontario country artist Matt James met with success at the Native American Music Awards (NAMA) on Saturday, Nov. 2 in Niagara Falls, New York, at the Seneca Resort and Casino.
James received Best Country/Americana Album for his independent release, A Miner’s Prayer. He was also nominated in three other categories including Upcoming Star, Best Country Album and Best Video Concept.
“Winning this award makes me feel so proud and means everything to me,” James said. “I worked extremely hard putting this project together from grieving the loss of my father to complete happiness makes this whole thing worth it.”
From Mattagami First Nation, near Gogama, and Timmins, Ont., James grew up in a musical household that encouraged him to become a multi-instrumentalist and a successful singer/songwriter.
James also credits his community to keep moving forward.
“I just want to give a great big shout out to my hometown Mattagami First Nation for consistently standing behind me the entire way,” he said. “Their generosity, kindness, love and support is exactly what I needed to keep pushing and working my absolute hardest each and every day.”
He continued, “I must thank the Creator, my friends, family and most of all, to all my fans.”
His first album, A Miner’s Prayer, which was released in summer of 2018, gained national attention on many music charts across the country. However, he did not achieve this solely on his own.
“I have to thank cdbaby, Heli Del Moral, Darryl Hurs, Lee D. Roy, and Lawrence Martin for all they’ve done in supporting my career,” he said. “Not only has cdbaby been an amazing company to be represented by, but they actively reach out to their artists to find ways to help further their career by giving them first-hand experience with opening doors and helping the artist make connections to take it to the next level.”
That same album saw all three of his singles make it to number one on the Independent Country Music Countdown.
“I really have a special chi-miigwech to Lawrence Martin for taking me under his wing and guiding me so that I could soar to levels and heights I could only ever dream of,” he continued.
James recently followed up his NAMA win with appearances at several venues in Toronto in mid-November.
“I could not be more proud to tell the entire world that I was born and raised in Mattagami First Nation,” he said. “Mattagami I love you.”
His journey seems that it is just beginning as plans unfold for a bright future.
“My plans next are to get back in the studio to do a new album,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing where this crazy journey is going to take me next. All I know is I’m not going to stop till I’m standing center stage at the Grand Ole Opry.”
Matt James can be found at mattjamesmusic.ca and on Facebook and Instagram.