One of the top accolades in Country Music in New Zealand has been won by country-rock newcomer, Cam Scott.

On Saturday night at the Founders Theatre in Hamilton, Cam took home the 2015 Male Artist of the Year Award alongside Jody Direen (Female Artist of the Year) and Neilly Rich (Duo of the Year).

“I’m stoked to take home this award and I’m looking forward to releasing more music and playing more international festivals. The growth in demand for country music just in the past 12 months has been massive. It’s an exciting time for our genre,” explains Cam.

Over the weekend the line-up of Australia’s largest international country music festival, CMC Rocks QLD 2016 was also announced featuring Cam Scott, Kaylee Bell and Jody Direen who will perform alongside US artists such as Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Lee Brice and Kelsea Ballerini in Queensland, Australia in March next year.

“Cam Scott has alot of unrecognised potential and I can see him being a big part of New Zealand’s future of country music,” explains CMA Global Board Member and CMC Rocks QLD Festival Director, Rob Potts.

Cam Scott has also recently been appointed as the Festival Music Manager for The Branding Music Festival near Wanaka.

“Cam is the best representation of the modern country male artist our young audience love. He also offers so much back to the industry, supporting emerging artists and is a great partner in assisting us with putting together this years two day line-up,” explains Sarah Perriam, The Branding Music Festival Director.

Cam released his debut single ‘Something Bout a Girl’ in November 2014 off his up-and-coming EP which was No. 1 in the NZ iTunes Country Charts and No. 12 in the NZ Top 20 mainstream charts. His second single ‘Praying Rain’ is due for release in August.

The recently re-branded CMANZ awards ceremony recognises the achievement of New Zealand’s best country music artists.