Emerson Drive has come through tragedy as a band, having dealt with the recent suicide of bassist Patrick Bourque.

Canadian country act Emerson Drive has had a breakthrough year in 2007, picking up Canadian Country Music Awards as well as earning two County Music Association nominations.

The band, playing the Molson Canadian Rocks Coast-To-Coast Party tonight, also gained attention for its hit single Moments, which deals with suicide. It's an issue the band sadly encountered first-hand earlier this year when former bassist Patrick Bourque committed suicide in late September.

Singer Brad Mates says Moments has taken on a more significant meaning since Bourque's passing.

"I knew if it had a chance to get out there on radio it would make an impact on people," Mates says from a stop in Orillia. "Then week after week hearing about how it has helped people's lives in a positive way, you take all that in.

"But it doesn't hit home until it happens to you within the confines of your own group. To lose a member of this band to suicide, we never saw it coming. I think the big picture is to learn from it, keep your eyes a little bit sharper and maybe listen a little bit more."

Coming to grips with the passing hasn't been easy but Emerson Drive celebrated Bourque's life with a moving public memorial service in Nashville in early October.

"The place was packed with producers and musicians, people who have played with us and who knew Patrick," Mates says. "I'm glad we had the opportunity to do that because there were a lot of people that were part of his life in some form or shape."

Despite the tragedy, Emerson Drive has forged ahead on the back of its 2006 album Countrified. Mates felt the record might be well-received but had no idea how big it would become.

"I expected good things to happen from it but there's been so many firsts this year for us," he says. "I think it really set the bar for us this year and 2008 is going to be an incredible year just getting back on the road."

The group has started work on its next studio effort with the aim to release the first single in March. While he knows the next album is "the most important album," Mates isn't fazed by the thought.

"It's a good feeling to know that the record label and people want to hear new Emerson Drive music, it makes you feel like you're doing something right," he says. "The thing Countrified has done, especially Moments, is that it's opened doors for us when it comes to bigger songwriters in the community and giving us a little bit more time."

Emerson Drive begins a 10-date Western Canadian trek with Terri Clark and Big & Rich in January. But while a good share of time is spent touring Stateside, Mates enjoy getting back to Canada whenever possible.

"Anytime we can sneak back home and play a show for people, especially the Grey Cup, you know you're going to have a pretty good crowd and a great energy throughout the city," he says. "We've been road dogs for 12 years now so anytime we can get on stage and perform in front of people it's a good thing."

Emerson Drive won't be attending the Grey Cup, but the band is no stranger to sporting events. The group has performed the national anthems at several games for the NHL's Nashville Predators as well as participating in other functions.

And perhaps much to the angst of Southern Ontario hockey fans, Mates believes the Predators will remain in Music City.

"It sure is nice to have hockey down there," he says. "There's a lot of really good support throughout the community in Nashville, especially over the last five years. Having a hockey team in Nashville, that's a piece of home in the U.S."