Artists and Industry from Manitoba Earn Western Canadian Music Awards

The envelopes have been opened and the winners revealed for the 2022 Western Canadian Music Awards! Artists and music companies from Manitoba picked up hardware in six categories that recognize those making a significant impact in Western Canada’s music scene and beyond.

The artistic awards were announced during a special pre-awards show program that included a watch party at Calgary’s Ship and Anchor and a live broadcast on September 23 while the industry award winners were revealed on October 1 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. 

Indie experimenters Royal Canoe earned their second WCMA, this time for Rock Artist of the Year. Instrumental electronic rock band Mahogany Frog picked up honours for Visual Media Composer of the Year for their project, Faust, their second career WCMA. Soulful roots pop trio Sweet Alibi was named for Roots Artist of the Year, making them two-time WCMA winners. Tune in to re-watch the broadcast.

Indie experimenters Royal Canoe earned their second WCMA, this time for Rock Artist of the Year. Instrumental electronic rock band Mahogany Frog picked up honours for Visual Media Composer of the Year for their project, Faust, their second career WCMA. Soulful roots pop trio Sweet Alibi was named for Roots Artist of the Year, making them two-time WCMA winners. This year's winners included music company Birthday Cake Records, which picked up awards for Impact in Artist Development and Impact in Music Marketing, and Winnipeg venue Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club won for Impact in Live Music.

Now celebrating its 20th year, BreakOut West returned to live programming after two years online, running September 28 - October 2 in Calgary. This year’s event included the WCMAs, a music conference, music discovery festival, and special events. 

Several acts from Manitoba made their way to Calgary to hit the showcase stage at this year’s BreakOut West Festival, including Boogey the Beat, Desiree Dorion, Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds, Madeleine Roger, Onna Lou, Sierra Noble, Slow Leaves, and Super Duty Tough Work.

BreakOut West returns to Kelowna for 2023. Find out more about this year’s event at breakoutwest.ca. 

2022 WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS ARTISTIC WINNERS

Rock Artist of the Year – Royal Canoe (MB)

Indigenous Artist of the Year – Snotty Nose Rez Kids (BC)

Country Artist of the Year – Nice Horse (AB)

Classical Artist/Ensemble of the Year – Standing Wave (BC)

Classical Composer of the Year – Dorothy Chang – “Soaring Spirits” (BC)

Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year – Archspire (BC)

Pop Artist of the Year – Nuela Charles (AB)

Visual Media Composer of the Year – Mahogany Frog – Faust (MB)

Instrumental Artist of the Year – Astrocolor (BC)

Children’s Artist of the Year – The Oot n’ Oots (BC)

Blues Artist of the Year – The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer (BC) 

R&B Artist of the Year – Sargeant X Comrade (AB)

Rap & Hip Hop Artist of the Year – Snotty Nose Rez Kids (BC)

Francophone Artist of the Year – Étienne Fletcher (SK)

Producer of the Year – Ryan Worsley (BC)

Spiritual Artist of the Year – Elenee (SK)

Jazz Artist of the Year – Al Muirhead Quintet (AB)

Roots Artist of the Year – Sweet Alibi (MB)

Songwriter(s) of the Year – Sam Lynch – "Keeping Time" (BC)

Global Artist of the Year – Andino Suns (SK)

BreakOut Artist of the Year  – The Garrys (SK)

Electronic & Dance Artist of the Year – OBLVYN (AB)
 

2022 WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS INDUSTRY WINNERS   

Audio Engineering Award – Sheldon Zaharko (BC)

Community Excellence Award – National Music Centre (AB)

Excellence in Visual Design – Bronwin Parks - Feisty Creative (BC)

Impact in Artist Development – Birthday Cake Records (MB)

Impact in Live Music – Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club (MB)

Impact in Music Marketing – Birthday Cake Records (MB)

Recording of the Year and Stingray Rising Star – Snotty Nose Rez Kids (BC)

Video Director of the Year – Amy Mantyka - Megan Nash, Chew Quietly / Clean Slate (SK)

2022 Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees – Tegan and Sara

2022 Kevin Walters Industry Builder Award – Gerry Stoll

2022 Heritage Award – Steve Wood and Northern Cree