Welcome New Members to Manitoba Music
A great new crop of members to introduce this month, including artists in many genres, an artist management company, and a promoter booking local and touring artists.
News
Bluebird North Flies Back to Winnipeg
Bluebird North is flying back into Winnipeg this month. Presented by the Songwriters Association of Canada, with the Manitoba Country Music Association and Manitoba Music, the latest edition hits The Park Theatre on February 2 and features performances by country singer/songwriters Murray Pulver (of Doc Walker), Ridley Bent, Mackenzie Porter, and Marc-Alan Barnette. Hosted by Jenna Khan of Citytv Breakfast Television, the event also features the addition of a Young Artists Showcase. Five young musicians: Brenton Thorvaldson, Brennan Wall, Karl Shewchuk, Kim Erickson and Shannon Patterson will get the chance to play a short set before the main stage acts come on. Find out how you can win tickets to the event after the jump...
Now Taking Submissions for an Aboriginal music presenter’s showcase on March 24
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 4pm CST Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Manitoba Music’s Aboriginal Music Program is producing a showcase for Aboriginal music presenters and promoters in Winnipeg on March 24, 2012. The showcase will be held at the Pyramid Cabaret and the presenters include Patti Shaughnessy (Ode'min Giizis Festival), Adele Boychuk (Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Association), Sky Bridges (APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live), and Dalton Higgins (Harbourfront Centre).
Aboriginal artists and bands that live in Manitoba and perform original country, rock, blues, hip hop, and folk are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Polaris Comes to Winnipeg: Winnipeg Free Press News Cafe Welcomes Prestigious Music Prize Discussion on February 15
The Polaris Music Prize is setting up shop at the Winnipeg Free Press News Café for two special events on February 15.
The popular Polaris Record Salon makes its way from Toronto to Winnipeg for a “Half Year In Review” at 8pm on February 15. A regular feature at The Drake Hotel in Toronto, this will be the first Salon held in the Prairies. Like a book club, but for records, each event features members of the Polaris jury presenting a record they are considering voting for the prize.
The panel discussion, moderated by Polaris founder Steve Jordan and presented by ClarityOne Earbuds, features a lineup of Winnipeg-based Polaris jurors who will each showcase an album released the first half of the year that will likely make their ballot - with musical samples to help make the point. The panel includes Uptown editor John Kendle, Jill Wilson of the Winnipeg Free Press, CKUW 95.9 FM’s Jenny Henkelman, Uptown music writer Jared Story, and Painting Over Silence music blogger Mykael Sopher.
Polaris is also teaming up with Manitoba Music for a special debate at 6pm preceeding the Salon, Albums vs. Singles: A Music Marketing Debate. Steve Jordan will be joined by reporter and radio host Sabrina Carnevale of FAB 94.3 and 99.9 BOB FM to turn up the volume on this perennial issue and debate the value propositions of "singles vs. albums" in our ever changing music environment.
Call for Submissions - Youth Mentorship Program Compilation CD
The ACI Youth Mentorship Program in Music Management is putting together a promotional music sampler featuring young Manitoba musicians. This multi-genre CD will feature the best new music by young Manitoba artists and will help promote young artists to the music industry and media.
The compilation will not be for sale, but will be distributed to music industry professionals and journalists as well as music fans.
Applicants must be under 25 years of age, or for bands, must include a majority of members under the age of 25.
Think Big & Have Fun: Winnipeg Welcomes New Indie Music Festival
We did the math: four days, five venues, 25 bands. That’s big. And it’s going to be fun. Big Fun – which takes its name from the fictional band in the ‘89 cult hit film, Heathers – is gearing up for its inaugural run in art galleries, lofts, and warehouse spaces in the heart of the Exchange District and surrounding areas.
Hoping to create a new event experience, Big Fun’s team of five organizers have taken inspiration by Canadian festivals like North by Northeast in Toronto and Pop Montreal, where one of the organizers had previously volunteered.
Running January 26 to 29, the line-up features a diverse range of local talent including surf noir trio This Hisses, hip hop acts The Lytics , Rebel Yell, and Pip Skid, folk trio Bog River, and indie outfits Ultra Mega and Departures, post-rock band Viridians, and more. Click here to check out the full line-up.
Curling for a Cause: Manitoba Music Rocks Charity Curling Bonspiel Adds Kick-off Party at The Lo Pub, Launches Curling Tip Videos
The Manitoba music community is ready to rock!
Registration may have filled up fast for the Manitoba Music Rocks Charity Curling Bonspiel, but there are still lots of opportunities to get involved and enjoy the festivities. The second annual bonspiel, which is organized by Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film & Music, unites the vibrant local music community to raise funds and awareness for the Unison Benevolent Fund, a new assistance and referral program designed to provide discreet relief to music industry personnel in times of personal hardship and crisis.
The Lo Pub will be warming up curlers and music fans alike at a special kick-off party on February 11, featuring performances by local indie pop/rock outfits Haunter, A Waste Odyssey, and Modern Romantics, as well as a late night set by DJ Hunnicutt. Showtime is 9:30pm and all proceeds from the event’s $7 cover will be donated to the Unison Benevolent Fund.
Keith and Renée to Tour with Jann Arden
Keith and Renée is hitting the road next month with Canadian superstar, Jann Arden. The country/pop duo will open for Arden on nine dates in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, ending with a concert at the Pantages Playhouse in the duo's hometown of Winnipeg.
Scène Manitobaine Celebrates Manitoba's Diverse Francophone Music Community
Le 100 Nons, Manitoba's francophone music organization, is bringing together four local artists for an evening of music at Le Garage on January 21. In partnership with Manitoba Music, the diverse showcase features performances by globe-trotting folk/roots quartet Oh My Darling, genre-defying singer/songwriter marijosée, hip hop outfit Namwira Folks, and punk/rockers Les Sexy.
Beyond offering a stellar night of live music, Scène Manitobaine will host key local industry players as well as a Québec booker to bring attention to Manitoba's strong francophone music community. The event also offers the artists a chance to get feedback frmo expers and gain more showcasing experience.
Manitoba Music Performance Opportunity: Canada Day at The Forks
Manitoba Music is coordinating an afternoon/evening of live performances at the Scotiabank Stage at The Forks on Canada Day -- Sunday, July 1, 2012. One of Manitoba’s most popular summer destinations, The Forks attracts thousands of visitors to its Canada Day event. This year’s concerts will celebrate and promote Manitoba artists with a multi-genre concert featuring solo artists, bands, and DJs, on the marquee stage at The Forks. This event is free and open to the public.
Manitoba Delegation Heads to Cannes for International Music Industry Conference
Representatives from the Manitoba music community will be in Cannes, France this month for MIDEM, the world’s biggest music business conference. Local industry professionals, including label owners and managers, will head overseas for the prestigious event, which runs January 28-31 and hosts over 10,000 international music industry bigwigs.
This year’s diverse Manitoba delegation of labels and industry professionals attending MIDEM includes: Aboriginal music label and distribution company C-Weedband.com (Ali Fontaine, C-Weed Band, JJ Lavallee), management companies Durand Musique (Daniel ROA, Johnny Cajun, Justin Lacroix, KIN) and Empirical Artist Service (The Weakerthans, Imaginary Cities), indie labels Head In The Sand (Demetra, Les Jupes, Rococode) and Olesia Records (Paris To Kyiv), Aboriginal production company Rising Sun Productions (Eagle & Hawk, Dominique Reynolds, Don Amero), David Kennedy from Manitoba Trade and Investment Corporation, and representatives of Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film & Music.
Manitoba Music Welcomes Music Industry Legend Ralph James on Jan 21
Winnipeg audiences will have a rare opportunity to hear from music industry legend and The Agency Group Canada president, Ralph James. James will be in town on January 21 for an interactive discussion of his storied career, and on the many opportunities and strategies Canadian artists and music companies can use to flourish in the current music environment. The influential and innovative James knows a thing or two about the topic, having risen to the top Canadian music royalty, and taken many artists with him. This keynote address in Manitoba Music’s MusicWorks Series will have him discussing his unique view of finding success in Canadian music.
Artists Raise Funds for Charity Through New Concert Series
A new weekly concert series is putting the focus on good music that goes good. Dubbed the Choose Your Charity, it features eight local artists raise money for their chosen causes. Organized by singer/songwriter James Struthers, the series kicks off its eight-show run at the Winnipeg Free Press New Cafe on January 26. Struthers, who closes the series on March 22, will also host and open each week's performance.
Performers for the Thursday night series run the gamut from folk to pop to R&B, featuring JD Edwards, Katie Murphy, Keri Latimer, Don Amero, Flo, Thrift Store Love, Hayley Gene, and Struthers. The list of performer-selected charities includes Agape Table, Winnipeg Harvest, and West Centre Women's Resource Centre, and more. All monies raised during the evening go directly to the artist’s chosen charity.
Gomie Lands Canadian Radio Music Award Nod
Portage la Prairie's Gomie, aka Doc Walker's Dave Wasyliw, got a nod from the Canadian Radio Music Awards this week. His song "Everything Will Be Alright" off his solo debut, You Are Here, is up for honours in the country category for the 15th edition of awards show, which celebrate first-time top charting Canadian artists.
Nominees are comprised of artists who have hit the Canadian charts for the first time and who have achieved top airplay in different formats based on radio "spins", as recorded by Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems (BDS) in 2011. Votes cast by program directors, music directors, and on-air personalities determine the winners.
Welcome new members to Manitoba Music
2011 may be over, but we still have some new members to introduce to you all! Please welcome the following new members that joined in December.
Call for Demo Submissions - SONGPOSIUM Demo Evaluations
Manitoba Music and Songwriters Association of Canada are presenting demo evaluations for guest panelists for the upcoming SONGPOSIUM workshop to be held at Manitoba Music, Saturday, January 28th.
The Demo evaluations offers Manitoba artists the unique opportunity to play their songs and network with influential music industry proffessionals. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 25th.
Local Musicians to Celebrate the Life of Craig Fotheringham on January 15 at The Pemby
Local musicians and friends are gathering together to celebrate the life of local music legend, Craig Fotheringham. Fotheringham, a well-respected and much-loved musician, songwriter, and producer, passed away on January 8. A keyboardist and songwriter, Fotheringham was perhaps best known for his work with the Foster Martin Band, C-Weed Band, and Curtis Newton. The Manitoba Blues Society has said that The Pemby, where Fotheringham played on Saturdays with his jazz group, has cancelled this Saturday's afternoon session out of respect. Guitarist Curtis Newton, with Fotheringham's family, is planning a music celebration on January 15 at The Pemby. The event will run 7pm until midnight and all are welcome.
Music Business News and Industry Developments Roundup
A roundup of recent music business happenings. Find out more about the first positive album-sales year since 2004, increase in vinyl sales, 3 essential music sites for 2012, and more...
A Triumphant Year for Manitoba Music Industry
As the year draws to a close and everyone gets ready to ring in 2012, Manitoba Music has taken a moment to look back. The last 12 months have added up to a fantastic and busy year for our association, our members, and the local music community.
Over 3000 people in Manitoba earn income working in music. They also earned accolades: In 2011, Manitoba artists landed an impressive 133 award nominations and 40 wins, including 50 nods and 20 wins for Aboriginal recording artists. One of the biggest awards stories in 2011 was Manitoba’s music companies pulling off a near sweep of the Western Canadian Music Awards’ industry honours, winning eight of nine possible awards. The triumph was a testament to Manitoba’s industry innovation, export market development, and entrepreneurship.
Plenty of Manitoba acts spent a good portion of 2011 on the road, hitting career-building showcase events as far away as Greece, Australia, Germany, and France. Throughout the year, 74 different Manitoba acts expanded their markets and connected with key industry players by performing 125 showcases at 37 different events around the world.
Call for Submissions - Music Festivals Showcase
Manitoba Music will be presenting a showcase for guest speakers from our upcoming Festival Programming panel to be held at Manitoba Music, February 18, 2012. The panel includes Ashley Moran, event coordinator/programmer, Halifax Pop Explosion; Kerry Clarke, artistic director, Calgary Folk Music Festival; and Lindsay Shedden, festival director, Sled Island.
This showcase event offers Manitoba acts a unique opportunity to perform for and network with influential music industry professionals from outside of Manitoba. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 4pm, Wednesday, January 18, 2012.
Manitoba Music Newsletters Vol. 20.4
The winter issue of the Manitoba Music newsletter is out and on its way to mailboxes.
This issue features a profile of Del Barber, Vince Fontaine, Les Surveillantes, Q&A with Ariel Posen, and info about the Manitoba Music Rocks Charity Curling Bonspiel. You can also find pictures from Manitoba Music's showcases at CMW, NXNE, and more.
'Tis the Season for Great Holiday Tunes by Manitoba Artists
It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas in the streaming Manitoba Music Radio...
The radio is decked out in the warm offerings of yuletide and wintery cheer. Launch the player for over 40 songs, including originals, traditionals, and classics.
These year's player features tunes by Sweet Alibi, James Struthers, Jodi King, Don Amero, JP Hoe, Doug Edmond, Jaylene Johnson, Barbara Joy, Ash Koley, Flo, Keith and Renee, Ray St. Germain, Cindi Cain, Camerata Nova, Doug Glenn, Quinzy, The Liptonians, Courier News, Oldfolks Home, Paper Moon, Sonia Funk, Monika Wall, Trio Bembe, Flying Fox and the Hunter Gatherers, House of Doc, Vanessa Kuzina, Jason Kirkness, Heather Longstaffe, The Details, WHY, Alan Curtis, Ruth Moody, Cat Jahnke, Johnny Broadway, and Nathan.
So gather around the crackling fireplace on the television and enjoy some great local music for the holidays!
Call for Submissions - Music Publishing Showcase
Manitoba Music will be presenting a showcase for guest speakers from our upcoming Music Publishing panel to be held at Manitoba Music, February 4, 2012. The panel includes Amy Eligh, Creative Manager, Casablanca Media Publishing (Winter Gloves, Tupelo Honey, You Say Party); Lysandra Woods, Licensing for Television and Film, Third Side Music (Amelia Curran, Rich Aucoin, Yeasayer); and Neville Quinlan, General Manager, Peer Music Canada (Hawksley Workman, Kathleen Edwards, The Tragically Hip). This showcase event offers Manitoba acts a unique opportunity to perform for and network with influential music industry professionals from outside of Manitoba.
Ismaila Alfa to Host Newly-Named CBC Arts Show
CBC has tapped Ismaila Alfa to host its new arts and entertainment show, SCENE. Alfa is already well-known to CBC listeners as the spirited traffic reporter on Information Radio and the presenter of the Prairie Playlist on Up To Speed. He's also the front man for popular poetic hip-hop outfit, Magnum KI, and his new live band hip-hop act, Alfa. Click here to see Magnum KI's video for "Curbside Professor" with Pocketgigs.
SCENE, formerly known as The (204), will now move in tandem with one of Manitoba's online arts and culture destinations, cbc.ca/manitobascene.
Music Business News and Industry Developments Roundup
A roundup of recent music business happenings. Find out more about social media predictions for 2012, are music executives actually buying music?, the challenging problem of copyright management, and more...
Vince Fontaine Wins Canadian Folk Music Award in Toronto
Vince Fontaine added to his already impressive list of accolades on December 4, taking home a Canadian Folk Music Award. The Eagle & Hawk front man was named Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year for his solo debut, Songs for Turtle Island, at the gala event at Toronto’s Isabel Bader Theatre. The CFMAs recognize Canada’s outstanding writers, producers and performers of folk music, and the artists who are expanding the genre in innovative and exciting ways.
Fontaine’s instrumental recording won honours at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards and Native American Music Awards earlier this year. Songs for Turtle Island has garnered six nominations so far, including nods from the Western Canadian Music Awards and Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. Fellow nominee Steve Bell was on hand at the gala to accept on Fontaine’s behalf.
Welcome new members to Manitoba Music
It's been a busy November here at Manitoba Music, and we have a crop of new members to introduce, including a vocal group, a recording school, and an indie music festival. Please give a warm welcome to our new members!
Curling for a Cause: Manitoba Music Rocks Charity Curling Bonspiel Returns
The Manitoba music community is getting ready to rock.
Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film & Music are uniting once again for the second annual Manitoba Music Rocks Charity Curling Bonspiel to raise funds and awareness for the Unison Benevolent Fund. The bonspiel will take place on February 12 at the Granite Curling Club, offering participants of all skill levels a chance to curl for a cause.
The Unison Fund is an assistance and referral program – created and administered by the music industry, for the music industry. A registered charity established in 2010, the Unison Benevolent Fund is designed to provide discreet relief to music industry personnel in times of personal hardship and crisis.
The inaugural bonspiel, which took place last January, was a resounding success. Over 100 people came together to curl for the cause, raising over $2000 for the Unison Fund in the process. In addition to local coverage and sponsor support, the bonspiel also gained national attention with nods from Unison supporters like Music Canada.
The Manitoba Music Rocks Charity Curling Bonspiel is open to curlers of all skill level. All profits will be donated to the Unison Benevolent Fund. We'll have some games to keep people busy off the ice, as well as the one and only Mama Cutsworth back on turntable duties. Curlers will have a delicious finish to the event’s festivities with a celebratory dinner, with prizes for bonspiel winners as well as those who come dressed in their best, most outrageous, and vintage curling outfits.
Those interested in more information, to come on as a sponsor, or to donate prizes can contact curling@manitobamusic.com or call 942.8650.
Get ready to hurry harrrrrd...
Bell Media Names Jodi King Emerging Artist of the Month
Bell Media has tapped Jodi King as its Emerging Artist this month. Throughout November, the singer/songwriter will be featured on Bell Media and CHUM family stations across the country. That exposure has turned into real results, including a top 50 spot on the national music charts.
King, who is fresh from a sold-out show in Shanghai, has also launched a new video for her song "Happy", which could be popping up on MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic very soon. You can also grab the tune for yourself at iTunes Canada.
Manitoba Music Invades Toronto
What’s better than Toronto in November? Manitoba Music in Toronto in November! Manitoba Music is heading back to the city for another electrifying showcase of stellar music from the prairie province. On November 22, Supermarket will play host to an exciting event featuring Polaris long-lister Greg MacPherson, indie rock outfit Les Jupes, pop/rockers The Details, and singer/songwriter Tom Keenan.