Northern Touch Music Festival Returns for a Second Year

Festival Offers Industry Conferences and Showcases, June 29 to July 1 in Winnipeg

Winnipeg hip hop, R&B, and soul music fans have something to look forward to this summer... the Northern Touch Music Festival is returning for a second year to celebrate and expand our local music scene with a two-day industry-developing conference and live music events around the Exchange District.

Kicking off June 29, the event industry conferences are running in two locations the year: the Rachel Browne Theatre and the Roblin Centre at Red River College's Exchange District Campus. Presented with the support of FACTOR and in partnership with Manitoba Music, the conference features panel discussions on music business fundamentals, quick "touchpoint" discussions, a demo listening session, and networking opportunities. Find the schedule at manitobamusic.com/workshops or northerntouchmusicfestivals.ca.

Speakers making their way from Toronto and beyond include rapper and Paid Dues festival co-founder Murs, producer Kato, rapper Dai Burger, radio host and artist DJ Miss Brit, rapper and organizer Toki Wright, HipHopDX and Cheri Media founder Sharath Cherian, R&B/alternative rock artist Tessa, FACTOR project coordinator Jeff Hayward, music journalist and Exclaim! editor Erin Lowers, rapper and producer Les "More or Les" Seaforth, videographer Jawn Taboika of 40oz Heroes, New Skool Rules festival and Epitome Entertainment founder Greg Struiken, producer Andrew "Fresh Kils" Kilgour, A3C Festival and Conference program director and promoter Yusuf Muhummad, singer and emcee Ice Tha One, and Sneak Attack Media founder and brand consultant Marni Wandner.

Manitoba's own music industry will be represented with conference speakers including Manitoba Music's professional development coordinator Elise Roller, Manitoba Film & Music programs manager Stephen Carroll, Precursor Productions producer Andrew Yankiwski, multi-instrumentalist and composer Ashley Au, radio host Morgan "MJ" James, artist and promoter Lisa Muswagon of Native Model Studio, 3PEAT manager and DJ Anthony Carvahlo, DJ and producer Kilma, Black Space Winnipeg founder and activist Alexa Potashnik, Prairie Mix founder and manager Nathalie Kleinschmit, Leung & Co. founder Pauline Leung, producer Brian "Frost" Gamble, B.O.S.S. Dance Crew and Dance 4 MS founder Eugene "GeNie" Baffoe, humanitarian and AYO! founder Michael Redhead Champagne, and The Bros. Landreth founder and member David Landreth.

Over 20 local artists will have a chance to perform on stage in front of conference speakers at three nighttime showcases, which also feature headliners Toki Wright, MURS, Dai Burger, and DJ Miss Brit. Showcasing acts include Bubba B The MC, Chris Bxnnxtt, HAVS, Hellnback, Househand Shake, Kenzie Jane, Lavi$h, Louise K, MACHINA II, Malcolm-Jay, nappy, O.G. Ricky Gee, Phre$h Prince, Sebastian Gaskin, Super Duty Tough Work, Tiffany Ponce, Twoabove, 2AM, 3PEAT, and more at The Cube mainstage, with after-parties at The Palomino Club, La Carnita, and Forth all three nights. Get the showcase schedule here

The festival’s name pays homage to a song by Canadian hip hop outfit Rascalz, whose actions helped to get the JUNO Awards’ Best Rap Recording onto television screens in 1999, helping to pave the way for hip hop in Canada.