Meaghan Smith on K'naan's Juno Advice and Canada's East Coast Music Awards

Meaghan Smith admits that when she heard her name announced as the Best New Artist at the Junos Awards last month, an acceptance speech was far from her mind.

"When Buffy Sainte-Marie announced that it was me all I could think was, 'Okay, I'm going to have to put my shoes back on!'" Smith tells Spinner. "So that pause of me being shocked was just me thinking that exact thought!"

While on her way backstage to speak to the press, the Halifax singer-songwriter -- who beat out Caribou, Hannah Georgas, Basia Bulat and Bobby Bazini -- met rapper and fellow Juno winner K'naan, who gave her some words of wisdom.

"I was freaking out and he was just like, 'Don't freak out, just enjoy it and have a great time,' and I thought that was great advice."

Smith might be able to put that advice to use since she's nominated for three East Coast Music Awards -- Female Solo Recording of the Year, Pop Recording of the Year and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year -- this week.

"The East Coast Music Awards are obviously on a smaller scale, but it's just as great of an honour," Smith says. "A nomination just means that people are giving you a nod, they think you're doing a good job."

Smith's main priority is her fans, though. She adds that the exposure that industry awards give her is great, but "the most important thing is connecting with people who need to hear my music and who want to hear it."

Following a summer touring in support of latest record, 'The Cricket's Orchestra,' Smith plans on returning to the studio for two new albums, including another holiday album.

"I have a Christmas EP out already, and fans were telling me that it was too short. So I decided to listen to my fans and do a full record. I'm excited to go back and record!"

Watch Meaghan Smith's Video for 'If You Asked Me'