By Stephanie Froese

Melfort’s Tuleta to take the mic in Regina

Jun 22, 2011 | 11:36 AM

Saskatchewan-grown, singer, songwriter and musician Darlene Tuleta is one step away from some career high notes.

On June 29 she will be taking her self-written songs to Regina for The Next Big Thing contest produced by the Saskatchewan Recording Industry’ SaskMusic .

The contest’s prize package for the rising artists includes, $5,000, the option to release a single to national radio and a trip to the 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards in Hamilton, Ontario.

Tuleta said she is very excited for the final, even if she doesn’t take home the prize.

“You know it’s always fun to get on stage and play your songs for people who have may not have heard them before,” Tuleta said.

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“When I played on the 15th for the semifinal I actually had a girl come up to me a say she was crying in one of my songs and she said that was her life. It’s just really nice when you can touch people like that. You know it’s just validating. It makes it worth it.”

Tuleta said she has been playing music, since she was a child growing up in Weekes.

“Since I was about 14 and just something I always loved to do. It’s like riding a bike, there’s no reason to ever stop.”

Win or lose Tuleta said for her the next thing is to continue booking gigs and write more music.

“I was in Nashville in December and I made some really good contacts writing then, so I hope to make another trip down there before the New Year and just get in the studio and make music.”

For other people aspiring to write and perform music Tuleta said her advice would be to never give up.

“If there’s some negativity out there ignore it and you know just keep reaching for those dreams and you know every little step along the way is rewarding.”

sfroese@panow.com