A Coquitlam musician snared his fourth accolade this month with the (CCMA).
took home the "Drummer of the Year" title at the annual event, which took place on Sept. 10 in Calgary.
Atkins, who has been nominated 18 times for the coveted national prize, also performed at the show with CCMA Hall of Famers Michelle Wright, Patricia Conroy and George Fox, as well as current stars like Jess Moskaluke, Aaron Goodvin and fellow B.C. artist Jojo Mason.
In addition, CCMA asked him to present a seminar during its conference to help emerging musicians mount a live concert.
"The last year has seen an amazing return for the Canadian music industry, and audiences and musicians alike just don’t seem to be able to get enough," Atkins stated in a news release to the Tri-City News.
"I am so grateful and honoured to have my peers in the Canadian country music industry recognize my work alongside some of the country’s biggest and best loved artists.
"Getting calls to perform with the likes of Dean Brody, Emerson Drive, The Washboard Union and Chad Brownlee is an amazing reward in itself. But then to get the nod of approval from your fellow musicians is truly special and humbling."
The owner of The Drum Oven, a professional studio to record drums for remote clients, Atkins has played in many countries and musical genres ranging from country, blues and rock to jazz, Latin and world beat.
He is the go-to drummer for such artists and bands as Chad Brownlee, Gord Bamford, Brett Kissel, Dean Brody, Ryan McMahon, Patricia Conroy, The Washboard Union, Tommy Hunter, Shawn Austin, Lisa Brokop, Deric Ruttan, Doc Walker, George Canyon, Lion Bear Fox and Emerson Drive.
