Mary Rozzi

Let It Bead | Serena Ryder looks through a glass dorkily.

SERENA RYDER
w/ Royal Wood. Myer Horowitz Theatre (University of Alberta). Wed, Mar 25 (8pm). Tickets: $27.50, available through Ticketmaster (451-8000/ticketmaster.ca)

It’s become predictable to toss around the phrase “banner year” when you’re writing about Serena Ryder. But what else are you gonna do? Since her Juno win last year for Best New Artist (despite the fact that the Ontario native has been singing and recording since 1999), she’s broken into a new market — you know, that big ol’ hulk o’ real estate to the south — and it’s been an interesting trip.

“I was pretty taken aback when I heard about the nominations,” Ryder says, “because I was on an American tour. So I was totally in another headspace. I was on my first headlining tour in the States — it was just me and my guitar, playing to new audiences and a few places I hadn’t been before, basically starting over again in a new market. And then I get this call, which was a bit of a reality check and then also a fantasy come true.”

But what’s really trippy for this 25-year-old songstress is her competition in the 2009 Junos. In the Adult Alternative Album grouping, she’s pitted against easy-listening, jazzy-folkish stars like Kathleen Edwards, Ron Sexsmith, Hawksley Workman, and Sarah Slean. But in the Artist of the Year category, Ryder’s competing with Bryan Adams, City and Colour, K.D. Lang, and Sam Roberts.

“It’s insane!” Ryder says. “For me, the biggest trip is K.D. Lang. She’s just a phenomenon, and to be in the same category as her is unbelievable. I’m going to try not to think about it too much because I’ll just get way too nervous. I feel very honoured, and very nervous. And very excited, of course.”

Her predictions? Yeesh, you can’t get her to stop fussing over fellow Torontonian Dallas Green.

“Oh gosh, I think City and Colour’s got to win — for sure,” Ryder says. “Dallas is amazing. He’s been working really hard, and he’s been doing it for a long time, so I think he deserves to win. I played a show with him a few months ago, and he played the whole record [2008’s Bring Me Your Love]. It was just beautiful; he’s so talented.”

By this point, Ryder’s practically written herself right off the ballot. In terms of predictions for this year’s New Artist winner, she says the only artist she’s familiar with comes straight from our very own urban music scene. “I know Kreesha Turner really rocks, but I’m a bit behind,” she laughs. “I listen to AM, so I have no idea what’s going on. But I’ve seen interviews with her and I’ve heard that she’s just a real awesome girl, a real sweetheart. Very dedicated to her music.”

She has a Juno-night tip for Turner as well: “Just wear really comfortable shoes, first and foremost.”

Now that’s advice any girl can appreciate.