Outside Looking In: A Newcomer's Perspective

Hello all!

I'm thrilled to be a guest blogger for Manitoba Music. My admiration for the industry here runs deep, and I'm hopeful that those in the scene here can gain something useful from my unique perspective as a newcomer to the City of Winnipeg.

Earlier this year, I got an itch that everyone eventually gets: the urge to see more of the world. Determined not to ignore it, I made the tough decision to leave the security of employment, family and friends behind in Toronto, and headed west towards Winnipeg.

What I have found here in the following 5 months has been nothing short of astonishing.

I have met some of the most passionate and talented musicians I have ever met in my life - at work, at shows, at industry events, or just walking down the street.   Sitting here in my apartment, I know that someone, somewhere in Manitoba, is creating great music at this very moment.

What is even more inspiring is seeing musicians expressing themselves creatively through song one minute, and then the next minute, they're talking about the business like a pro.  Long gone are the days when indie musicians were clueless romantics who "just wanted to play."

Most importantly, though, the thing that has struck me the most is how the Manitoba music industry has created what other provinces strive to achieve: a real sense of community.   Support, rather than competition, is a common thread amongst everyone I’ve met here, and take it from me, that is, truly, a rare commodity.  

Truth be told, I had no idea what to expect when I moved here in terms of the music scene.  Little did I know how pleasantly surprised I was about to become.

So be proud of what you have all built together, and keep building.  I’m looking forward to putting my brick in the wall.