Manitoba Artists and Music Companies Land 28 Western Canadian Music Awards Nominations

Posted on April 30, 2019

Paquin Entertainment / Paquin Artists Agency

Manitobans Earn Nods in Live Music, Songwriter, Francophone, and Pop Categories

Manitoba’s music industry is ready to shine at this year’s Western Canadian Music Awards. Artists and music companies are up for 28 awards in 20 categories that recognize those making a real impact on Western Canada’s music scene. Manitoba’s Francophone and pop music scenes have a strong presence, as do companies working in live music. The winners will be revealed this fall during BreakOut West in Whitehorse on October 3 and 5.

Hip hop artist Alpha Toshineza is a double nominee this year with nods for Francophone Artist of the Year and Rap / Hip Hop Artist of the Year.

Bilingual electro-soul artist Rayannah has also landed two nods this year, with nominations for Francophone Artist of the Year and Producer of the Year with co-producer, Saskatchewan-based Mario Lepage.

Fresh sounds from Manitoba are making waves in the Pop Artist of the Year category with powerhouse singer/songwriter Begonia and art pop outfit Royal Canoe.

Emerging pop/soul artist Roman Clarke has landed a Songwriter of the Year nomination for his tune, "Waiting".

Other artistic nominees for artistic awards include Seanster and the Monsters for Children's Artist of the Year, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra for Classical Artist/Ensemble of the Year, Hellnback for Indigenous Artist of the Year, Apollo Suns for Instrumental Artist of the Year, Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra for Jazz Artist of the Year, tunic for Metal / Hard Music Artist of the Year, Madeleine Roger and Lloyd Peterson for Producer of the Year, SHEA for Urban Artist of the Year, and Eric Peterson for Video Director of the Year for Yes We Mystic's "Young Evil".

Manitoba companies working in live music have earned several nominations this year. Paquin Artists Agency, West End Cultural Centre (WECC), and Winnipeg Folk Festival are up for the Impact in Live Music award. The

Impact in Music Marketing category also features three locals: The Village Idiots, WECC, and Winnipeg Folk Festival. The WECC rounds out three nominations with a nod for Community Excellence alongside The Village Idiots. Paquin Artists Agency is up for the Impact in Artist Development award. Graphic artists are also representing this year, with Jadyn Klassen as well as Roberta Landreth of Treehouse Design nominated for Excellence in Visual Design.

BreakOut West features a conference and music festival with over 50 showcasing acts, offering 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 opportunities for new waves of exciting industry developments from business deals to international tours.

Many of this year’s Manitoba nominees have participated in Manitoba Music’s professional and market development programs during their careers, accessing assistance to develop their business skills, showcase in new markets, and make critical industry contacts. Manitoba Music’s programs are supported by the Province of Manitoba, FACTOR through the financial support of the Government of Canada and Canada's private radio broadcasters, and Manitoba Film & Music.

2019 WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS ARTISTIC NOMINEES FROM MANITOBA

Children’s Artist of the Year
Seanster and the Monsters

Classical Artist/Ensemble of the Year
Manitoba Chamber Orchestra

Francophone Artist of the Year
Alpha Toshineza
Rayannah

Indigenous Artist of the Year
Hellnback

Instrumental Artist of the Year
Apollo Suns

Jazz Artist of the Year
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra

Metal / Hard Music Artist of the Year
tunic

Pop Artist of the Year
Begonia
Royal Canoe

Producer of the Year
Madeleine Roger & Lloyd Peterson
Rayannah & Mario Lepage

Rap / Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Alpha Toshineza

Roots Solo Artist of the Year
Micah Erenberg