Country artist wins big at CAMA

In large part because of his musical success, Donny Parenteau is now seriously thinking of doing some home renovations.

Parenteau, a 45-year-old Metis from Prince Albert, captured a record-tying five Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards this year.

The awards show was staged Nov. 18 in Toronto in conjunction with the Canadian Aboriginal Festival.
Parenteau won his trophies in the categories of best male artist, best songwriter, best video, best producer/engineer and the best country album (CD) of the year.

Parenteau, who has won his share of other trophies in recent years from other award shows, said he does not currently have any special place to display all of his accolades. But that could change soon.

“I’ve got a friend who is a carpenter,” he said. “I’m thinking I’ve got to get a hold of him so he can build me something.”

Parenteau had also been nominated for two other CAMA this year, but did not end up winning the best album of the year or best song single categories.

His seven nominations, however, marked a CAMA record. Parenteau earned five nominations in 2007 and ended up winning a pair of CAMA that year.

By winning five awards this year, Parenteau also tied the record of most CAMA category wins in one year. The record was first set in 2008 by Crystal Shawanda.

Though pleased with the number of trophies he took home, Parenteau said it didn’t really matter to him how many he won.

“The way I look at it whenever you’re nominated for anything you’re already a winner because you’re being recognized for your work,” he said.

Parenteau was recognized this year for his efforts on To Whom It May Concern, the fourth CD he has put out as an individual artist.

“We put in so much time and energy and effort and blood, sweat and tears into this,” he said of his latest project, which was released this past January after about two years of work.

Among those who are featured on songs on the newest CD are a pair of other acclaimed musicians, Charlie Daniels and Marty Stuart.

Also, Harry Stinson, a Grammy nominated producer, helped Parenteau with the CD. The two shared CAMA’s best producer/engineer award.

Though he was honoured to win each and every one of them, two of the awards Parenteau captured this year have added significance.

For starters, being named the best songwriter is something he is especially proud of.

“When you’re recognized for your songwriting, you’re telling a story,” he said. “Do you know how many songs there are out there about love? When you win an award for songwriting, they appreciate the way you’re telling the story.”

Parenteau also likes the fact he took top honours in the best video category for his efforts in My Girl, a song written about his 15-year-old daughter Natasha.
“Those people that know me know I’m a real family-oriented person,” he said.