Back in 2011, when Jess Moskaluke won “the Next Big Thing” contest sponsored by SaskMusic and a local radio station, the organizers probably didn’t realize how spot-on their prediction was.
By the next year, she’d already been chosen to represent Canada at the Global Artist Party of the CMA Music Festival. Since then she’s been nominated for more than 50 music awards and has won more than half.
Moskaluke has been named Female Vocalist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, country artist of the Year and…well, you get the idea.
She’s won Album of the Year (three times), Single of the Year and Video of the Year. But don’t get the idea that Moskaluke considers herself an overnight success.
In fact, she laughs at the very idea.
“I started submitting videos to YouTube about 15 years ago and, as a kid, I never really thought it was realistic to think I’d make this my career. I thought it was maybe something I’d get to do on weekends,” Moskaluke says.
“You realize pretty quickly that there’s no such thing as an instant success in this business, and it’s a lot harder than anyone thinks. Even once you make it, you have to work twice as hard,” she says. “But I got into it because I wanted to make music and I love what I’m doing, so with all that, it’s always rewarding.”
Moskaluke continues to break new ground in country music with her powerful lyrics and vocals, unforgettable hooks and genre-bending sounds.
Her latest album, I Ain’t Country, builds on her previous release, Life For Me, a showcase of her ever-changing direction in music. “The title shocked a few people, but never fear, I’m definitely country,” says Moskaluke. “It was sort of tongue in cheek but listen to the lyrics and you realize pretty quickly that my heart is small town. I live in a small town in Saskatchewan and that’s where I want to be.”
The authenticity of her country roots may be behind her continuing success. She was the first female artist since Shania Twain to achieve Canadian Platinum status with Cheap Wine and Cigarettes, and has earned Canadian Gold certifications for hits like Take Me Home, Kiss Me Quiet, Knock Off, and her first #1, Country Girls.
She also became the first Canadian female country artist since 2008 to reach the Top 3 with Drive Me Away.
But with all of that, Moskaluke doesn’t take anything for granted.
“I work hard to meet the expectations of my fans but it’s always a little scary putting out a new song. With social media it’s easier than ever for people to judge and comment, and there’s always a few comments that could get under your skin,” Moskaluke says. “You just have to get past that.”
Moskaluke is also committed to giving back. She’s worked with the Saskatchewan Country Music Association to establish a monetary bursary for young artists to pursue their musical dreams and, as part of the award, has included a Zoom consultation with her and her management team to help young artists navigate their early career path. And on Aug. 21 she’s partnering with MS Canada and A&W to raise money for research into the disease.
“I’m really excited about this initiative. I lost my dad to MS when I was 16 and I want everyone to go to A&W on Aug. 21 and pick up a teen burger. For every burger they sell, they’ll be giving $2 to MS.”
Moskaluke is embarking on a gruelling cross-country tour that sees her appearing at the Mary Winspear Centre in . Find tickets and other dates at
