Singer-songwriter Caroline Parke is vying for one of the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) awards. (Submitted photo/Caroline Parke)

By Angela Brown

INTERNATIONAL SINGER-SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION

Lloydminster singer-songwriter Parke heading to finals in competition

May 6, 2024 | 4:26 PM

Singer-songwriter Caroline Parke, from the Lloydminster area, has seen a lot of success in her efforts to claim votes in the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) awards show coming up in the U.S.

Parke garnered nominations under four categories, after receiving support from friends, family, and fans.

“There were I believe 25 people in the running,” she said. “They voted from April 2nd to the 30th. The people with the top 10 engaged fan base, so the 10 people who get the most votes go on to get judged by the judges. I don’t know how it happened, but I asked, and people supported me.

“I’m just blown away by that,” she added. “It’s really encouraging. I had four nominations and I held on to every one of them. It’s really impressive. I got enough votes, so that means I had enough fans that were taking the time to vote for me every day. It’s more beautiful and sought after I think than the actual awards themselves, knowing that you have fans that support you.”

Parke was nominated under the following categories for International Female Artists: Vocalist of the Year, Rising Star, Songwriter of the Year, and Emerging Artist.

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The artist, who lives on a ranch near Lloydminster, Alta., with her husband and four children, describes her music as country, folk, and a little bit bluegrass. Her latest album coming out on July 19, called Deep Sigh, is mainly folk. Parke’s most recent project, Pure Imperfection, was released last year. She also released two singles in the past year.

People can hear Parke’s songs via YouTube or Spotify to stream her music.

“YouTube is fun because most of my songs have some sort of video that goes with each one,” she said.

A few songs in particular she’s had a lot of success with include Bloodline.

“It’s my first real duet I’ve done, with this new producer. It got played on CKUA out of Edmonton,” Parke said. “That’s an independent FM station. That’s the first song CKUA has ever played from me. So that was a big deal.”

The music competition ends Aug. 24 when the awards ceremony is held.

Parke noted she’ll likely be watching the ceremony at home by the livestream of the show on Facebook, since it will be held in Atlanta, Georgia.

She noted the fans did their part in voting for her, so now it’s all up to the judges to decide the winners.

“The judges are going to go through my repertoire and take a look,” Parke said. “There are 10 people in each category. I think most categories have a first, second and third place [winner]. So, that’s pretty cool they give that many opportunities for the 10 people to win.”

Parke noted if she picks up an award or two it will be a strong step forward for her career too.

She previously won some awards through the competition and is hopeful to garner more awards at this event also.

“I’m very keen and excited to have that opportunity,” Parke said.

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

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