Retro Man finds his way: Jake Vaadeland reflects on humble roots and JUNO win [Video]

Vaadeland took home the 2025 Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year on March 30 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver for Retro Man… More and More (Expanded Edition) — a project rooted in rebellion, warmth and honesty.

“I was the most surprised I’ve ever been, or the most excited, I should say, that I’ve ever been,” he said. “That’s the biggest award we’ve gotten. One of the biggest that we can get that I know of.”

The Juno Awards, presented annually by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), are Canada’s premier music honours, recognizing exceptional achievements across genres. Since their founding in 1971, they’ve evolved into a national celebration of Canadian talent.

Raised in Cut Knife, Vaadeland said he felt his hometown cheering him on.

“We had a lot of people rooting for us back here in my town of Cut Knife… and all the surrounding,” he said.

Vaadeland said when his name was called to the stage, instinct kicked in.

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