The Prairie States

The Prairie States deliver rock-infused country built on big hooks, honest storytelling, and a sound that carries both grit and heart. Fronted by Indigenous singer-songwriter Mat Cardinal of the Bigstone Cree Nation, the Alberta-based band blends classic country storytelling with the energy and weight of modern country rock. The band formed in Edmonton in 2017 when Cardinal connected with guitarist Jeff Dick, later rounding out the lineup with Jay Der on drums and Mike Nash on bass. Together they forged a powerful sound that feels just as natural blasting through truck speakers as it does echoing off the walls of a packed venue. Since forming, The Prairie States have earned 13 Country Music Alberta Awards and a CCMA nomination for Video of the Year, while building a growing international audience with over 12 million global streams. Their singles “Waiting On You” and “Feels Like Forever” both climbed the Canadian country radio charts, helping introduce the band to listeners across Canada and beyond. Signed to Willing Records / Universal Music Canada, The Prairie States continue to expand their reach worldwide. Their upcoming EP, Longer Than A Little While, arriving in 2026, marks the band’s next chapter as their music finds its way into more speakers, more cities, and more late-night drives than ever before.