Page 104 - MAYJUNE 2024 ION Indie Magazine

TB: The album led to six British Columbia Country Music Awards’ nominations and two
B.C. Country Music Awards. How have those nominations and wins impacted the band?

TH: The six B.C. Country Music Awards nominations and subsequent two wins have proven to be
transformative milestones for The Heels. Not only did these accolades bring a heightened sense
of recognition within the music industry, new festivals, and support-act opportunities, but they also
served as a powerful affirmation of our dedication to creating meaningful and resonant country
music. Winning two B.C. Country Music Award ‘Horizon Awards’ and in 2023, ‘Group Of The Year,’
not only celebrated artistic achievements, but also amplified The Heels’ voice in the industry,
opening doors to broader audiences and international opportunities.

TB: Was there more pressure after winning the awards as you created your album ‘I Am?’

TH: Certainly, winning the B.C. Country Music Horizon Award added a layer of expectation and a
sense of responsibility as we embarked on creating ‘I Am.’ The recognition raised the bar for The
Heels, heightening the anticipation not only from our fans but also within the industry. With a desire
to maintain the artistic excellence that garnered the award and a commitment to evolving our
sound to meet the expectations of a growing audience, we embarked on many writing trips to
Nashville to collaborate with new songwriters to expand and diversify our musical catalog.