Younger performs his NSAI song entry, PatiOasis, after the announcement of his entry into the top 10.

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

There were 2,400 entries, but only one that had the had the hearts and minds of northwest Kansas – “PatiOasis” by Victoria native Blaine Younger.

The Nashville Songwriters Association International, in conjunction with Country Music Television, informed Younger Thursday he won the top prize in their 16th annual contest.

“I’m just trying to soak it all in. It’s unbelievable,” Younger said.

Younger had been promoted to the top 10 in February for his entry and was extremely grateful for supporters voting for the song in the last stage of the contest.

“I wrote the song, but I could not have done this without the supporters we gained through the Blaine Younger Band days or my huge family or all the friends spreading the word,” he said. “I got to the top 10, but that’s really what did it in the end.”

Younger had attributed the song to his time performing around Hays.

“It’s all about Hays, Kansas, if you ask me,” he said in an earlier interview. “It’s about making a Patio Oasis in your backyard, with your family and friends.”

Younger first joined NSAI a few years ago, after taking a break from music while living in the Kansas City area.

Before the move, he was a well known fixture of the northwest Kansas music scene, heading the Blaine Younger Band for about five years.

With the win under his belt, Younger plans to continue songwriting as he takes advantage of the perks of being the contest winner.

Among the prizes are a NSAI residency package, a $5,000 cash prize, a single song contract with EMI Records and mentoring sessions with CMT and Eric Paslay.

For more music, or to follow Younger’s musical endeavorers visit his facebook page.

For the full announcement from NSAI click here.