Manitoba Music
Manitoba Shines at 2005 Western Canadian Music Awards
Twelve Manitoba artists and industry professionals took home awards at the 2005 Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA) in Vancouver. Manitoba-based companies brought home five trophies from the Industry Awards held on October 22. Seven Artistic Awards were handed out to local acts at the third annual gala event held at the prestigious Commodore Ballroom on October 23. This is the strongest showing for Manitoba in the history of the event, which also includes nominees from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and The Yukon.
Two 2005 JUNO Award-nominated bands were double winners at the WCMAs this year. Rock act www.thewakingeyes.com took home awards for Outstanding Album (Independent) and Outstanding Rock Recording for Video Sound. Roots quartet Nathan was named Songwriter of the Year for Jimson Weed and its video for “Sunset Chaser,” directed by Sean M. Turrel, was named Video of the Year. Both acts performed on stage at the awards show, hosted by Michael Eckford and Fiona Forbes of TV's Urban Rush. Several other local acts - including Randy Bachman, Tin Foil Phoenix, and Moses Mayes - performed at the event.
Celtic fusion quintet The Duhks took home Outstanding Roots Recording for its acclaimed self-titled release. In a Manitoba-dominated category, alternative rock album En Route by Ya Ketchose was named Outstanding Francophone Recording. Burnt Project 1’s sophomore release Hometown won for Outstanding Aboriginal Recording.
Industry professionals from Manitoba were a force at this year’s Industry Awards, held over a brunch on October 22. Paquin Entertainment was named Agency of the Year while its CEO Gilles Paquin, who produced the 2005 JUNO Awards Gala Dinner, took home an award for Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year. Chris Burke-Gaffney, who has helped to guide the likes of Chantal Kreviazuk and Kyle Riabko to the forefront of the Canadian music industry, was named Manager of the Year. Bassist Gilles Fournier won for Musician of the Year. Private Ear Recording – which has been home to acts like Nathan and 2005 JUNO Awards winner The Wailin’ Jennys - was named Recording Studio of the Year.
The awards gala is the pinnacle event of the annual Western Canadian Music Week, which also features a conference and three-day music festival. This year’s festival featured 13 showcasing Manitoba acts. The WCMAs present an incredible opportunity for emerging and established artists to be a part of the western Canadian music community. Participating artists and other music professionals have the chance to meet key industry stakeholders, creating the opportunity for a new wave of exciting industry developments from record deals to international tours.
The 2006 Western Canadian Music Awards will be held in Winnipeg.
For a complete list of 2005 WCMA winners please visit www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca
Two 2005 JUNO Award-nominated bands were double winners at the WCMAs this year. Rock act www.thewakingeyes.com took home awards for Outstanding Album (Independent) and Outstanding Rock Recording for Video Sound. Roots quartet Nathan was named Songwriter of the Year for Jimson Weed and its video for “Sunset Chaser,” directed by Sean M. Turrel, was named Video of the Year. Both acts performed on stage at the awards show, hosted by Michael Eckford and Fiona Forbes of TV's Urban Rush. Several other local acts - including Randy Bachman, Tin Foil Phoenix, and Moses Mayes - performed at the event.
Celtic fusion quintet The Duhks took home Outstanding Roots Recording for its acclaimed self-titled release. In a Manitoba-dominated category, alternative rock album En Route by Ya Ketchose was named Outstanding Francophone Recording. Burnt Project 1’s sophomore release Hometown won for Outstanding Aboriginal Recording.
Industry professionals from Manitoba were a force at this year’s Industry Awards, held over a brunch on October 22. Paquin Entertainment was named Agency of the Year while its CEO Gilles Paquin, who produced the 2005 JUNO Awards Gala Dinner, took home an award for Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year. Chris Burke-Gaffney, who has helped to guide the likes of Chantal Kreviazuk and Kyle Riabko to the forefront of the Canadian music industry, was named Manager of the Year. Bassist Gilles Fournier won for Musician of the Year. Private Ear Recording – which has been home to acts like Nathan and 2005 JUNO Awards winner The Wailin’ Jennys - was named Recording Studio of the Year.
The awards gala is the pinnacle event of the annual Western Canadian Music Week, which also features a conference and three-day music festival. This year’s festival featured 13 showcasing Manitoba acts. The WCMAs present an incredible opportunity for emerging and established artists to be a part of the western Canadian music community. Participating artists and other music professionals have the chance to meet key industry stakeholders, creating the opportunity for a new wave of exciting industry developments from record deals to international tours.
The 2006 Western Canadian Music Awards will be held in Winnipeg.
For a complete list of 2005 WCMA winners please visit www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca