Hometown Acts Land 11 Trophies for Fifth Annual WCMAs

After four nights of incredible music and excitement in Moose Jaw, SK, the fifth annual Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA) culminated with 11 trophies awarded to some of Manitoba’s top artists and industry professionals. The artistic trophies were handed out at a gala event on October 21 at a unique location, Snowbird Hangar 6. The industry awards were held at a brunch on October 20. Local artists accounted for 32 nominations in 20 different artistic and industry categories.

Canadian Country Music Award-winning country rockers Doc Walker, who performed at the awards gala, picked up two trophies for Outstanding Country Recording and the Outstanding Independent Album Award. Roots singer/songwriter Romi Mayes was also a double winner, taking home awards for Outstanding Roots Recording (Solo) and Songwriter of the Year. Acclaimed quartet Nathan kept the roots awards in Manitoba by picking up Outstanding Roots Recording (Duo/Group) while two-time Grammy nominated rapper Fresh I.E. won Outstanding Christian Recording for the second year in a row. Johnny Cajun’s debut album was named Outstanding Francophone Recording and funk collective Moses Mayes picked up Outstanding Instrumental Recording.

Three of Manitoba’s industry professionals came away with awards for categories they had previously won in 2006. Paquin Entertainment was named Agency of the Year for the second year in a row and Ron Sawchuk kept his Best Album Design title, this year for his work on The Wailin’ Jennys’ Firecracker. The West End Cultural Centre was named Live Music Venue of the Year for the second year in a row, and the fourth time since 2002.

The awards gala was the pinnacle event of the fifth annual Western Canadian Music Week - held October 18 to 21, 2007 in Moose Jaw. The event featured a conference with many international delegates as well as some of Canada’s most influential industry professionals including keynote speaker and music industry guru Terry McBride of Nettwerk. A successful three-day music festival included 14 showcasing Manitoba acts in different venues around the city. 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.

In other WCMA news, the Western Canadian Music Alliance announced the appointment of a new executive director, Rick Fenton. Fenton, who has been in the industry for 25 years, is no stranger to producing large-scale events. In addition to his work as a record producer, media consultant, and partner in a television production company, Fenton spent several years as the artistic director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival as well as event producer for the 2005 JunoFest and 2006 WCMA Festival in Winnipeg. Fenton officially starts his duties on November 1.

Click here for a complete list of 2007 WCMA winners.

2007 WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS - MANITOBA WINNERS

Artistic Awards

Outstanding Country Recording
Doc Walker – Doc Walker

Outstanding Independent Album Award
Doc Walker – Doc Walker

Outstanding Christian Recording
Fresh I.E. – The Warren Project

Outstanding Francophone Recording
Johnny Cajun – Johnny Cajun

Outstanding Instrumental Recording
Moses Mayes – Second Ring

Outstanding Roots Recording ~ Duo/Group
Nathan – Key Principles

Outstanding Roots Recording ~ Solo
Romi Mayes – Sweet Somethin’ Steady

Songwriter(s) of the Year
Romi Mayes – Sweet Somethin’ Steady

Industry Awards

Agency of the Year
Paquin Entertainment

Best Album Design
Ron Sawchuk
Album: The Wailin’ Jennys - Firecracker

Live Music Venue of the Year 2007
West End Cultural Centre