Kat Harlton
Photos provided via PR team
11-time Country Music Alberta Award recipients The Prairie States have announced their brand-new album, Trouble Is. Featuring their signature infectious melodies and rhythms, the 10-track recording, which was released by Willing Records / Universal Music on January 12th, is a collection of classic, feel-good music that offers a real sense of home.
Trouble Is was produced by Erik Dylan and Bobby Wills, and the title track “Trouble Is” has an anthemic singalong chorus that radiates excitement and exhilaration as the band reminds listeners that true love is always worth the trouble. “Backroad” (That 17 Summer)” is a fast and free-driving song with the snarl and twang of classic 90’s country that feels reminiscent of reliving the butterfly moments of a past summer love. Also included on the album is the new track “Heart Was A Place,” imagines what the heart of the one you love would look like if it were a spot where you could live.
Band members Mat Cardinal, Jeff Dick, Mike Nash, Jay Der and Doc de Groot formed The Prairie States in 2017. Since then, they have been named Country Music Alberta’s 2018 Rising Stars, 2020 Songwriters of the Year, and 2023 Group/Duo Of The Year, in addition to landing a nomination for the CCMA Songwriters of The Year in 2022.
Their album, Lost In The Right Direction was independently released in 2018 and nominated for the CMAB Album Of The Year and included three radio singles. “Waiting On You”, released in 2022, landed the band their first Top 30 single at country radio. Loaded with infectious melodies and rhythm, the release followed up The Prairie States break-out single Rebel Phase, which has over 1.8 million global streams and over 2,000 spins on Canadian country radio.
I had the opportunity to chat with Jeff about the band’s musical journey, their new album and what’s next.
Kat: Can you share with us a bit about The Prairie States and your music journey so far?
Jeff: The Prairie States were formed in 2017 and we started writing for our debut record. After its release we were fortunate enough to have success with awards, airplay and shows. We continued to develop and add to our team culminating with signing a record deal with Willing Records/Universal in 2022. We are very excited about the future.
Kat: Your anthemic new single “Trouble Is” was recently released. Can you talk about the inspiration behind the new track and what you hope fans take away from it?
Jeff: “Trouble Is” reminds you that true love is always worth the trouble. There are moments that don’t last, but we have to appreciate them when they happen. Hang on to those times and the ones you love.
Kat: What else are you currently working on, can we expect more new music from the band in the new year?
Jeff: The new album, also titled Trouble Is, is coming out on January 12th, 2024. It includes previously released songs and some brand new music no one has heard yet. We also have a pile of new material we are working on that will be released in the new year.
Kat: You recently kicked off the Winter Wonderland Tour with Jess Moskaluke, which includes stops across Western Canada. How did it feel to be a part of this tour?
Jeff: We were so excited to be on this tour. It was our first big tour and was a fantastic opportunity to play for new fans in towns we haven’t had a chance to play at. Jess and her crew are the best and hitting the road with them was a real privilege.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far?
Jeff: We have had many career highlights so far, award nominations and wins, a Top 30 hit, and some big streaming numbers but the highlight for us is always playing live. We love the experience of connecting with people in the crowd and the bond that only music can bring.
Kat: What have you learned along the way that you would like to share with other aspiring artists and creators?
Jeff: It takes a lot of work to get success in this field. Creating the art is the fun part but the real work begins once that is done. Make something you love and then do everything you can to make sure the world can hear it.
Connect With The Prairie States On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprairiestates