Fresh off a 2026 CCMA Group of the Year nomination, Edmonton-based powerhouse The Prairie States are kicking off their most ambitious chapter yet with their latest single, “My First Rodeo.” Released via Willing Records/Universal Music Canada, the track subverts a well-worn country trope to deliver an adrenaline-fueled look back at the raw intensity, vulnerability, and lasting impact of a first real heartbreak. Recorded with producer Dan Swinimer and driven by lead singer Mat Cardinal’s soaring vocals alongside heavy, rock-infused guitars, the new single captures the dynamic live energy that has earned the group millions of global streams and stages shared with the likes of Keith Urban and Lainey Wilson. Here, the band opens up about turning notebook ideas into anthems, using personal resilience to inspire the next generation, and why that very first heart injury might actually be a gift in disguise.
How did the idea of flipping the classic phrase “this ain’t my first rodeo” on its head into a nostalgic song about first heartbreak come together?
As songwriters we are always writing things down that pique our creative brain. Jeff even has a coffee cup that says “Be careful what you say around me, I’m a songwriter”! Ain’t My First Rodeo is a common phrase that usually indicates expertise and knowing how to deal with a situation. Jeff thought why not flip that on its head? What was the first rodeo like when it came to your first love? Luckily Nash & Chris Yurchuck thought it was an idea worth pursuing.
What was the songwriting process like starting from the initial note in Jeff’s notebook to collaborating with Mike and Chris Yurchuck?
Every song writing session starts with everyone dusting off their book of ideas and throwing them out to the group. We all usually come in with three or four ideas we’ve been thinking about. Sometimes it just clicks. Jeff threw that one out there and we were off and running. Chris is one of our favorite writers to work with. He’s a gifted lyricist and comes up with great melodies. This was one of those songs that just flowed. In a few brief hours there it was: My First Rodeo.
How did working with producer Dan Swinimer help capture the band’s high-energy live sound in the studio for “My First Rodeo”?
We were introduced to Dan through our record label, Willing Records. It was a match made in heaven! Dan really gets our band. He has seen us perform live and wanted to capture that energy. Dan is not only an amazing producer but also a killer musician. Him having both skill sets really helped us communicate to him what we wanted to capture. This is the best representation of what a live Prairie States show sounds like to date. We can’t wait for the world to hear the rest of what we are working on with him.
“My First Rodeo” serves as the lead single for your next chapter—what can fans expect from the rest of your upcoming body of work?
We are all so excited about the next group of songs we have coming! It really is a “next chapter” for the band. There are songs that will touch your heart, songs that will make you think and for sure all of them will have you tapping your feet.
How does it feel to release this new music right on the heels of your 2026 CCMA Group of the Year nomination and crossing millions of global streams?
The CCMA nomination was a great honor! To be included with the rest of the bands in that category was a real milestone for our band.
To us millions of streams represent much more than a number. It’s the fact that people are connecting with our songs all around the world. We get stories from fans about what these songs mean to them. They have been played at weddings and other special occasions. We’ve even had a fan tattoo themselves with the song logo for Waiting On You!
Mat, your personal story of resilience following a life-saving kidney transplant is deeply inspiring—how does that journey influence your music and your message to young listeners?
From Mat: “I was just chatting with a mom at my last speaking engagement. She came up to me and said my story gives her hope for her son that has a chronic illness – A life not limited by the cards you were dealt. Go for your dreams and what you’re passionate about, and maybe you’ll find your purpose.”
Your sound blends classic country with high-octane, heavy-guitar rock energy—how did you develop that signature style as a group?
We are lucky to play in a band. Each member brings a different set of influences and playing experience to the band. We have all played music across genres. You can’t help but have that bleed into the music we make together. Sometimes four guys get together and it’s just the right recipe. Without anyone of us it just wouldn’t be the same. Our sound is the combined life and musical experience of the four of us.
Having shared stages with major artists like Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne, and Lainey Wilson, how have those tour experiences shaped your dynamic as live performers?
Getting to witness the very best in the business do what they do is an education you can’t get anywhere else. Bruce Springsteen once said “Good artists borrow, great artists steal”. We try to “steal” something every time we see artists like this perform. We never stop learning and never stop trying to improve.
You mention that a first broken heart eventually feels like a “gift”—what do you hope listeners take away from that message when they hear the track?
You can look back at the bad moments in your life and dwell on the negatives. We hope this song sends the message that there is gold in every experience you have. The gift of having someone open their heart to you and you to theirs for the first time is a fundamental human moment. Relish that gift and use it to make sure you love as hard as you can.
