Olivia Wik

Olivia Wik, 16, of Sherwood Park, is well on her way to making a name for herself in country music.

Wik began playing acoustic guitar in September through classes at school, and went on to join Cooper Studios this spring, which has allowed her to make great strides in her budding music career.

"They've definitely helped me improve myself as a singer, and a songwriter and as an enertainer," she said.

In addition to local gigs, including the Edmonton Indy, Wik made her debut at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose this July, after being chosen to perform on the Rogers Family Stage.

"It was so much fun. It was such a great new experience for me, it was just amazing," she said.

"I've never been there before, and it was just a great opportunity."

September will mark another first for Wik. She's heading off to Hamilton, Ont. to showcase her talents at the Sheraton Hotel during the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) Country Music Week. Fellow Cooper Studio members and Strathcona County residents Shawna Lynne and Brooke Trelenberg will also be performing.

"I'm just so excited to be even able to go," she said. "I think I'm most excited about the awards ceremony and the singer and songwriter sessions that they have there, and to be able to meet so many people. It's going to be great."

Wik grew up listening to country music and cites the likes of Patsy Cline, Shania Twain, Paul Brandt, Sugarland, Aaron Pritchett and Taylor Swift as influences for her own music career.

"I just love the great depth that it has and the history and relatability it has to so many people in their lives," she said.

Wik has begun writing her own original songs, which relate to situations in her everyday life.

"It's just a great outlet for me creatively," she said. "It's just so great to be able to improve my songwriting skills over time, too."

Wik has caught the performing bug and enjoys everything about her time onstage.

"I just love to entertain people," she said. "The feeling that you get when you're up onstage, it's absolutely electric."

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- Sherwood Park News