Give the Gift of Local Music This Holiday Season

Looking for ways to support the local music community this holiday season? We're sharing some ideas to do just that and perhaps discover some fantastic new music during this season of giving. Thank you to our friends at Manitoba Film & Music for helping us share tips on how to connect and share...
 

BUY LOCAL MUSIC 
You can build your music collection AND support your favourite local artists and labels by shopping at their online stores, Bandcamp, and Tidal, or checking out stores that carry local music like Into the Music, Planet of Sound, Riley Grae, and McNally Robinson.

CHECK OUT LOCAL SHOWS
Getting out to a concert is a great way to support artists and venues!  Buy tickets for an artist you love or have been meaning to check out, head to your favourite music spot, take a chance and discover some new music, and jam out. Artists and venues love seeing a packed show of people enjoying their music, it's a lot of why they do what they do. There are plenty of live music events happening around the province every week (we've got a lot of them for you in our online listings and MB Live app).

BUY LOCAL MERCH
Looking for a fun gift for a loved one or a holiday treat for yourself? Many artists, festivals, venues, labels, and other music companies have fantastic merch, including apparel and other fun items. Many sell through their own online stores, or at their shows, so if you're looking to support your favourites, be sure to check them out. 

STREAM LOCAL MUSIC
Spin local music on Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, or whatever your favourite streaming platform might be. While you're there, add songs to your own playlists, favourite, like, follow, view, and share. Those actions can really help an artist long term because good numbers can open new doors for their careers and generates streaming revenue. 

GIVE THE GIFT OF LOCAL MUSIC
Many artists, festivals, venues, and music companies have ways for direct donations, including PayPal, Patreon, GoFundMe, and more. There are also organizations and charities that are actively raising funds for ongoing emergency relief efforts for people working in music, including the Unison Benevolent Fund. Consider making a donation today. 

SHARE LOCAL MUSIC
If you're passionate about local music, share it with your friends, your family, and your followers. If there's a song that brings you joy or helps you through challenging times, let people know. Music has been such an important part of how many have been getting through these challenging times, and sharing can really build connection and community, and maybe help someone else through things. 

REQUEST LOCAL MUSIC
Let your favourite radio stations know you want to hear music local music, whether that's a particular artist you'd like to hear coming through your speakers or just more local music so you can discover new tunes. 

SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC
If you have a favourite artist, venue, festival, label, radio show, or any music worker, send them a message and let them know how much they mean to you. Connection is so important right now.