Quesnel based-band The Milltown Philosophers have received an official nomination for May's B.C. Country Music Awards.
The band's nomination is in the Gaylord Wood Traditional Country Artist (Act of the Year) category. Adam Johnson, the band's fiddle player, was also nominated for the Mike Norman All-Star Band – Fiddle/Mandolin award.
Johnson began playing fiddle at the young age of four-years-old and became involved with the BC Old Time Fiddler's Association. By the time he was six, Johnson was competing and earned awards including first place at the BC Provincial Fiddle Championships in 2015, 12th place at the Canadian Nationals in 2015 and fourth place at the Grand North American Championships in 2016.
"His deep roots in Canadian Old Time, Celtic, Métis and Western Swing have been instrumental in shaping the Milltown Philosophers’ sound," the band said in a news release.
The Milltown Philosophers are a newgrass band who have been building a reputation for they call their "Milltown sound" with a mix of bluegrass, country, fiddle melodies, dynamic rhythms and three-part harmonies.
They released their debut album in June of 2024 and their music has been played on radios in Canada, America, the U.K., Australia and parts of Europe. Their single Devil of a Time reached number eight on on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown while their newest single Bigger Better Deal is at number 18 at the time of publication.
The band has played at festivals including Arts on the Fly, Little Hikers, Music on the Mountain and Quesnel's Billy Barker Days. They'll be making a return to Arts on the Fly this year which will be held July 11 and 12 and will be heading to the Robson Valley Music Festival from Aug. 29 to 31.
"Their heartfelt performances, rich harmonies, and exceptional musicianship have forged a deep connection with audiences both regionally and beyond," they added in their news release.
Each of the band's five members bring a passion for music to the band's sound. The members are: James Climenhage (vocals, acoustic guitar, 6-string banjo), Corry Climenhage (vocals, mandolin), Adam Johnson (fiddle), Barry McKillican (upright bass) and Laurie Rathier (vocals).
"The band is sincerely grateful for this recognition and extends their thanks to their fans, fellow musicians, and the BC Country Music Association for their support," the release said. "The Milltown Philosophers remain committed to sharing their music and celebrating the traditions that inspire them."
The release added that they continue to work on their second album. The B.C. Country Music Awards will be held May 4 in Coquitlam, B.C.
