Manitoba's Dee Erin Band gets WCMA nomination

Manitoba's Dee Erin Bandfrom theOpaskwayak Cree Nation has been nominated foraboriginal recording of the year at the Western Canadian Music Awards.

The band, made up of a mix of people that came from other bands, joined forces three years ago and has since released an album,Broken Road,and embarked on a Canadian tour.

"I am so pumped, so excited," lead vocalistDarrenBignelltold CBC'sRadio Noonon Wednesday, after finding out the band got the nod from a Twitter announcement.

Bignell said the band writes about things that everyone can relate tolife and love since the band has a wide age range.Bignell saidhe, at 46 years old, is old enough to be Kenneth Henderson's dad.

"Aside from trying to write songs, we always share stories, like interpersonal stories, like what we've gone through and are going through, and where we'd like to be," he said.

"A lot of our songs we've lived, they're all about being in relationships, loving people and being part of a family. That's basically what all of our songs are about."

Bignell uses the songTurn it Upas an example,"It's a driving song and you can picture it you're driving away from a relationship, that ultimately doesn't work out in the end."

Connecting with the community

Between the six members of the band, somehave chosen to give back totheOpaskwayakCree Nation bygivingguitar lessons atthe youth centre. Bignell said it is astounding how much talent the community has to offer.

The band finds itimportanttoconnectwith the community'syoung people their responsibility,even.

"To look them in the eye and show them it's possible, to make that connection, it fills your heart," Bignell said.

"We did it, we've done it and you can do it also."

27 nods to Manitobans

The Western Canadian Music Awards have27 nominations pegged on Manitoba artists and industry members.

There are some repeat names on the list,with Tanya Tagaq getting four nominations, including World Recording of the Yearfor her album Anamism.

CBC'sUp to SpeedhostIsmaila Alfa is also nominated for Urban Album of the Year.

This year's awards will be held in Victoria, B.C., Sept.17-20.