Artists & Industry from Manitoba Shine at Western Canadian Music Awards

Posted on October 15, 2021

Excellence in Visual Design | Roberta Landreth

Francophone Artist of the Year | Kelly Bado

Impact in Artist Development | Birthday Cake

Impact in Music Marketing | Birthday Cake

Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year | Vagina Witchcraft

R&B Artist of the Year | Sebastian Gaskin

Roots Artist of the Year | William Prince

Songwriter of the Year | Grant Davidson (Slow Leaves)

Local Music Community Earns Awards in 14 Artistic and Industry Categories, Special Honours for Carole Vivier, Ray St. Germain, and The Watchmen

Manitoba’s music industry is in the spotlight at this year’s Western Canadian Music Awards. Artists and music companies picked up hardware in 14 categories that recognize those making a significant impact in Western Canada’s music scene and beyond. The awards were revealed during a special live streamed event on October 15.

Pop powerhouse Begonia was a double winner this year, earning Recording of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year. She won BreakOut Artist of the Year in 2020.

Pop/R&B/soul artist Kelly Bado also picked up two awards this year for Francophone Artist of the Year and Global Artist of the Year. This is Bado's second win in a row in the Francophone category.

Grant Davidson, aka Slow Leaves, was named Songwriter of the Year. Indie rock pair Mise en Scene landed Rock Artist of the Year. Multi-instrumentalist / singer/songwriter / producer Sebastian Gaskin won for R&B Artist of the Year. Polaris Music Prize long-listed doom metal-hardcore band Vagina Witchcraft brought home Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year. Pianist Will Bonness won for Jazz Artist of the Year. JUNO-winning singer/songwriter William Prince won for Roots Artist of the Year for the second year in a row. Record label Birthday Cake picked up awards for Impact in Artist Development and Impact in Music Marketing. Producer duo deadmen won their first WCMA for Producer of the Year. Roberta Landreth earned Excellence in Visual Design.

This year's awards also celebrated the contributions of three local music luminaries, which will be formally presented at a special event during BreakOut West this February in Winnipeg. This year’s recipients include legendary singer/songwriter Ray St. Germain (Heritage Award), longtime Manitoba Film & Music CEO Carole Vivier (Kevin Walters Industry Builder Award), and rock band The Watchmen (Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame).

Many of this year’s winners from Manitoba have participated in Manitoba Music’s professional, market, and Indigenous music 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.

BreakOut West returns to Winnipeg February 2-6 2022 including a four-day music conference, a three-night multi-genre music festival, and special events. Find out more at breakoutwest.ca.