Cochrane's Lexi Strate is rising to stardom.

Recently named 'Pop Artist of the Year' at the 14th annual Western Canadian Music Awards, Strate's hard work is being recognized.

Strate performed an acoustic number at the October 13 show in Regina, Saskatchewan, and says the win was mind-blowing.

"I was pretty surprised, I was surprised to even get nominated. It was all pretty unexpected, and super exciting."

 Strate says only a few awards were handed out at the actual award show with most winners being notified a day or two later.

"When I got my award it was actually right after I performed at this little pub in Regina, I just got off stage and then they handed out the Pop Artist of the Year Award; Friday Night was a really good night for me."

Surrounded by her family and her Hands Up Record team, it was an emotional moment for Strate.

"The best part about it for me was I have been working really hard for the last five years, this is the kind of stuff we have been wanting to happen. It's a big accomplishment, and hopefully a sign of what else is to come."

Winning this award, puts her in a category with other awe-inspiring artists.

"The previous winners of the same award like Tegan and Sara, Jann Arden, Marianas Trench so you look at where they are at in their careers and so hopefully that's a promising sign of what's to come for me."

Next up for Strate will be the release of her second EP due in early 2017.