Grand Forks’ resident musical star Amanda Thate is having a very good year.
In addition to getting married and releasing her first EP on iTunes, she has secured a spot singing at the 2014 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) in Edmonton.
“It’s been such a huge year for me,” said Thate. “And I know this summer it’s just going to get busier. The album was released while I was away (on her honeymoon). So it’s kind of fun coming back and hearing how it’s doing.”
After graduating from Grand Forks Secondary, Thate travelled to Nashville in the spring of 2011 and worked with music producer Tom Jackson.
Thate’s latest single Hit and Run was just released and is among one of the top five radio station downloads across Canada.
The EP she has released on iTunes is called Buy Something Brave and features six songs including What Love Does, Beautiful Again and Hit and Run.
Thate had some great help with the album from the likes of Patricia Conroy, Michelle Wright, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and others.
“So far, the single is on five radio stations as a regular play list,” said Thate. “It’s been really exciting. Just coming back we’ve got so many encouraging words. People are so supportive. It’s just been amazing.”
Thate will be touring throughout B.C. and is scheduled to appear at the Christina Lake Homecoming Festival on July 17.
In September, Thate will be heading to Northern Alberta to perform at the CCMAs in Edmonton.
“It’s a dream come true,” she said. “I’m so exciting. I’ve never been there before. I’ve seen it on TV before, of course. So that’ll be something new.”
Thate continues to be thankful for all the wonderful support she has received from friends and family in Grand Forks.
For more information on Thate, check out her website: amandathate.com.