THUNDER BAY – Entertainment – Don Amero has been nominated for a Juno Award. Since leaving his hardwood flooring installer job six years ago to pursue music fulltime, Don Amero’s star has been on the rise. Today’s announcement continues to build on what has been an exciting career so far for the Winnipeg singer/songwriter.
Don Amero’s current release has been nominated for Aboriginal Album of the Year at the 2013 JUNO Awards. Heart On My Sleeve is Don’s fourth album, and a self-produced labour of love. He proudly calls it his most personal album to date, and if you listen from beginning to end, it tells a story. Heart On My Sleeve was released in October 2012 at an “intimate and international” house concert streamed live on APTN.ca.
Don sat down with Georgia Wenjack, who was doing her first interview
Georgia: Well it is my first interview, and I wanted to ask you a few questions.
Don: Yeah, no problem.
Georgia: So how did it feel to win the Aboriginal Album of the Year?
Don: To be honest, it is a lot of work leading up to this. Getting the nomination its a lot of people involved to get it to this place. I have just been on cloud nine all day. It is an incredible experience.
Georgia: That’s cool. Its pretty cool. As an Aboriginal artist, what can you share with up and coming Aboriginal artists?
Don: I would just let the young Aboriginal artist know My latest album is called Heart on my Sleeve. I don’t think you should do it for awards, or money, do it cause it is your heart. That is what I have been doing. I have been supported tremdously. You can’t lose by putting your heart on your sleeve.
Georgia: So you are from Winnipeg?
Don: Born and raised in Winnipeg, I am from the North End of Winnipeg.
Georgia: So have you been to Thunder Bay?
Don: I have been to Thunder Bay a number of times. I was playing at Hope Church. I want to come back soon. One of my good friends, Shy-anne is from Thunder Bay.
Georgia: I would like to come to one of your concerts. This was my first interview.
Don: You are doing fine. Thanks.
Excitement over JUNO Award nomination
“Being nominated for a JUNO Award is the culmination of hard work and the support of many people, and it’s a very rewarding feeling,” says Amero. “I’m really proud of Heart On My Sleeve, and happy that the album has been well received so far – not only by fans, but also by the music industry. I’m looking forward to celebrating at this year’s JUNO Awards in Regina.”
Even though Amero is a first-time JUNO Award nominee, he’s no stranger to gathering awards. So far his trophy shelf holds the following hardware:
- Male Entertainer of the Year – 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards
- Best Country Song – 2012 Indian Summer Music Awards
- Aboriginal Recording of the Year – 2011 Western Canadian Music Awards
- Best Folk Recording – 2011 Native American Music Awards
- Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year – 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards
- Male Artist of the Year – 2009 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards
ABOUT DON AMERO
You can call Winnipeg’s Don Amero one of the hardest working independent musicians in showbiz today. In the past six years, the singer/songwriter has toured coast-to-coast, headlined concerts, presented at festivals, performed with the symphony, and played national television.
Don’s musical style has been likened to John-Mayer-meets-Keith-Urban. His four albums have so far generated six national and international awards, and 21 more nominations. He has a way of captivating audiences of all ages with powerful vocals, percussion-style guitar play, and engaging storytelling. He is often called upon as a keynote speaker, and to deliver workshops for youth. His story inspires, and his message is one of encouragement, positivity and beauty. He continues to impress wherever he goes.