LOFT SESSIONS: Manitoba Music's Video Series Returns with Stellar New Lineup of Local Talent

What do you get when you put talented Manitoba bands in front of the camera and ask them to play their hearts out? You get the Loft Sessions: music magic, captured in intimate videos with all the passion of a live show.

Manitoba Music and video director Chris Gaudry have teamed up once again for the second edition of the live performance video series, set in the hardwood and brick of the heritage buildings of Winnipeg's Exchange District. Gaudry and his team, which included award-winning sound engineer Cam Loeppky, filmed a live performance by each artist in a multi-camera shoot. 

This year's series kicks off on July 8 with uptempo tune "Country Girl" by JUNO Award-nominated country/roots singer/songwriter Del Barber and his killer, denim-clad backing band, The Profiteers. 

The videos will be released on manitobamusic.com every Tuesday throughout the summer. Upcoming sessions feature a diverse slate of performers, including JUNO-nominated jazz vocalist Erin Propp, Western Canadian Music Award-nominated roots/pop trio Sweet Alibi, upstart folk/pop band Yes We Mystic, jazz drummer and composer Curtis Nowosad, singer/songwriter Slow Leaves, roots monsters Crooked Brothers, electro pop outfit Indicator Indicator, with more acts still to be announced. 

“We're excited to showcase more great Manitoba talent with round two of the Loft Sessions. Whether it’s catching the attention of media, giving something back to fans, or marketing themselves in new regions, great video content is critical for any artist. We wanted to help provide videos that are fun to watch, and that show the artists sounding their absolute best," says Sara Stasiuk, Manitoba Music’s executive director.

Loft Sessions made its debut last summer, racking up over 30,000 views for Royal Canoe, Chic Gamine, JP Hoe, Don Amero, The Treble, The JD Edwards Band, Boats, Les Jupes, Federal Lights, Mise en Scene, and Haunter. Individual videos were scooped up by media, festivals, and talent buyers like the Winnipeg Free Press, South by Southwest, and CBC for added coverage and promotion of Manitoba artists at events.