Former Airdrie resident Matt McKay is nominated for a 2016 Canadian Country Music Award.

The 31-year-old guitarist is up for Guitarist of the Year thanks to his work with fellow Albertan Brett Kissel.

"I've been nominated for it before as well a few other times, it's just always a really nice nod," said McKay. "Whether a guy wins it or not, it's just nice to be recognized among some very other talented individuals as well."

Getting his start at the age of 18, and playing with Gord Bamford by the age of 23, he has been consistently nominated for the CCMAs since 2008, and is a 6 time "All Star Band" nominee.

Over the past four and a half years, he has been touring and recording with Kissel, who is also nominated for the Fan's Choice Award and Male Artist of the Year.

"It's been a lot of hard work, it's not always easy being gone away from home, but just working really hard and networking as much as you can with people and getting your name out there," said McKay.

McKay has played guitar live, and recorded with many Canadian artists including Aaron Pritchett, George Canyon, Duane Steele, Dean Brody, Shane Yellowbird, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and many others.

When he first moved to Southern Alberta, McKay lived in Airdrie for about a year.

"Nice smaller town feel, you know, still kind of close to everything, and really close to the airport for me," he said. "With the amount that we travel, it was a great little community and I would definitely move back there again."

When it comes to other up and coming musicians, McKay has some advice on what it takes to make it in the industry:

"Don't give up, don't stop working as hard as you can to be out there and to be seen, and try and learn from people that are older and have the experience."

The CCMAs will be taking place in London, Ontario on Sunday, September 11th.