As a female country artist of Latin American descent, Candice Crain, (26), from Pueblo, Colorado, finds herself something of a rarity.
While there have been a number of Hispanic male country singers who have enjoyed success; Rick Treviño, Johnny Rodriguez, Freddy Fender etc., the list of successful-on-a-grand-scale Hispanic female country singers is virtually non-existant.
An Impressive Haul
That could be set to change as Candice not only scooped the North American Country Music Association's Horizon Award for best new talent in 2004, but also the awards for Most Promising Female Entertainer, Songwriter of the Year and Co-Writer of the Year.
"It was very exciting to win and to be a part of something like that," she recalls, reflecting on perhaps the most successful night of her career to date. "I remember there were performances by Bill Anderson, John Conlee, Helen Cornelus and David Frizell, who were that year's inductees into the NACMA Hall of Fame."
"I competed in four categories against young ladies and songwriters from all over the United States, Canada and New Zealand, who had all already won at their state or regional level," she adds. "I won at the Colorado Country Music Association in 2003 which qualified me to compete at the national level."
The Next Step
"It was amazing to receive my awards," she says proudly. "I had already worked hard for so long and I thought, 'Cool, this means I'm on my way'."
"Little did I know my hard work was just beginning," she laughs. "I still had to move to Nashville (which she did in 2005) and pay my dues there too. Everyone needs to start somewhere and by earning those awards, it put me and my music career on the map."
Candice has continued to tour almost non-stop, playing practically every venue in and around Nashville and also appearing at the CMA Music Festival for three years running.
Embracing her Roots
"I'm a country singer who just happens to be Hispanic," says Candice of her heritage. "I want to make good country music and incorporate where I'm from. I'm honoured and proud to be Hispanic and I'm glad to see more of us in country music."
Where did her family originally come from and how did they end up in the United States?
"They came from my Grandfather's side," she explains, "from Fresno, Zacatecas in the north of Mexico. His siblings and his parents escaped the Mexican Revolution, before he was born, by crossing over into Texas. My Great-Grandpa and Great Uncles worked on the railroad and my Grandpa was the first to be born in the USA."
The Future
For the time being, Candice will carry on touring and recording, in the hope that that elusive deal with a major label is just around the corner.
"I have been treated well by the industry," she states on her website. "It shows that country music is ready for a change."
Does Candice think that she may one day be seen as a role-model for aspiring young Hispanic female country singers?
"I would love to be that woman to open those doors for other young girls," she replies. "I'd be honoured to step up and take that challenge."
It seems only a matter of time before Candice Crain will be given that chance.
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