Manitoba Music Export Puts Local Artists On the Map

Artist Entrepreneurs to Make Music Business Connections at Showcase Events in Canada, the US, and Germany This Fall
 

Manitoba Music is gearing up for a busy season of Manitoba Music Export events this fall featuring a stellar roster of homegrown talent. The not-for-profit, member-driven music industry association will be presenting opportunities for several export-ready music entrepreneurs and connecting them to influential industry contacts in key music markets.

Bringing local music to new markets and intensifying trade activity in existing markets is critical to the growth and sustainability of the music industry. Artists will hit showcase stages in over a dozen cities over the next three months, including coveted spots at prestigious festivals in Canada, the U.S., and Germany.

“We’re thrilled to be able to facilitate connecting artists with industry through live showcase performances. These key export markets are incredibly important to local artists and music companies, and we know from experience that great things come from gathering in person around music,” says executive director of Manitoba Music, Sean McManus. 

Things will kick off south of the border with a return to music capital Nashville for AmericanaFest. Manitoba Music will combine its exporting power with the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) and BreakOut West. The September 16 showcase at music haunt InDo, will feature country/folk singer/songwriter Del Barber and powerhouse country singer/songwriter Desiree Dorion. William Prince will also be at the festival with an official showcase.

The expressive and ethereal Diaphanie and indie alternative act JayWood will head overseas with Manitoba Music for a return to Canada House at the Reeperbahn Festival at Hamburg’s UWE on September 22 and 23. The showcase brings together artists and music companies from across the country through a partnership with CIMA and regional music industry associations. The delegation will also stop in Berlin for meetings with German music companies. 

The road to BreakOut West will be paved with export showcases and networking opportunities across the western provinces, including a pre-BreakOut West stop in Winnipeg. Manitoba Music will take over The Good Will Social Club on September 27 for a showcase featuring emerging locals building a buzz, R&B singer/songwriter HAVS, singer/songwriter Jacob Brodovsky, and hip hop artist Mic North. International industry reps will be in town to take in the showcase, speak about international touring and publishing in MusicWorks sessions September 26 - 27, and meet with local industry and artists.

Some of the best in the west—including Boogey the Beat, Desiree Dorion, Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds, Madeleine Roger, Onna Lou, Sierra Noble, Slow Leaves, and Super Duty Tough Work—will then converge in Calgary for the 20th edition of BreakOut West Festival and Conference.

On the horizon, the seventh Montreal edition of Francophone music development project, Rame à la rencontre, will offer showcases and professional development for Franco-Manitobain artist Jocelyne Baribeau at Coup de couer francophone on November 9. 

Manitoba Music will return to Toronto for the second annual Come Together, Canada’s coast-to-coast artist showcase and industry mingler for GTA industry in the country’s largest music market. Presented by Canada’s music industry associations, with SODEC and CIMA, the organizations will present two days of industry showcases and meetings in Toronto this November 14 - 15. More details to be announced.

Manitoba Music Export is funded by FACTOR and the Government of Canada, and Manitoba Film & Music. Through events like these, Manitoba Music is able to increase the connection between our province’s music industry and the broader national and international industry, which is vital to the career advancement of Manitoba artists and industry professionals, and contributes to the growth and development of Manitoba’s economy.