Saskatoon musician making her SCMA vision a reality
Hagel is performing as part of the SCMA Awards Weekend Sept. 22-24, 2016. (Grant Romancia)
Ask Amanda Hagel what the key to her success is and she’ll tell you a big part of it is vision and then preparation. The country music artist has a vision board and there are several items on it she’s taken care of. This weekend she’ll check off performing in a songwriter’s circle at the Saskatchewan Country Music Association Awards Weekend.
“When I put effort into something, I make sure I give 110%,” says Hagel. You could forgive her the cliché, her day job is as a personal trainer here in Saskatoon. Hagel’s time in the gym could also explain her work ethic when it comes to her music. She first picked up a guitar at 9 and while she chose to go to university and earn a degree in kinesiology, music has always been there. “I had a calling to write and sing and at some point I just had to say, ‘I’m going for it!’”
In 2014 she released her debut album Rush. The following year Hagel hit the top 23 of CBC’s Searchlight Competition and took home the regional title. Her career hit another milestone in October 2015 when she got to open for Canadian country music star George Canyon.
SCMA Awards / Facebook
This weekend Hagel’s music will get more attention. She has three showcase opportunities at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards & Country Music Festival. “It’s pretty awesome, there’s so many amazing people in the country music world,” she says. “To be accepted this way is pretty amazing.”
“To be accepted this way, it’s pretty amazing.”
Hagel says the performances have the potential to give her career another boost. “You never know who’s in the audience, if it’s the right place at the right time.” The singer/songwriter is also looking forward to meeting many of this province’s stars including multiple 2016 SCMA nominee Jess Moskaluke. “She’s really paving the way for women in country music here in Saskatchewan,” says Hagel. “It’s just an honour to be in the same country music family.”
All of the SCMA Awards weekend festivities are open to the public. The SCMA Awards will be handed out Saturday night at TCU Place.
