February is Black History Month, recognized in Canada as a time to learn more about the important contributions that Black Canadians and their communities have made to the history and continued growth of this country. We are planning a few special projects this month to highlight Black artists and musicians in the province.

Celebration Concerts

• Friday, February 24 - Black Cat Tavern, Saskatoon
• Saskatoon, February 25 - The Exchange, Regina

Join us for free multi-artist concerts in Regina and Saskatoon! Artist lineups will be announced very shortly on our socials.

Guest Curator Series

Our first curated playlists are up, celebrating Black music artists from or with ties to Saskatchewan. Stay tuned as more are unveiled this month!

Black in Sask

Black in Saskatchewan (BIS) is a youth-led community organization created to contribute to the holistic growth of the Black community in Saskatchewan by addressing systemic issues, connecting members to various networks, and educating on Black experiences. The organization is committed to addressing systemic issues, contributing to and amplifying education on Black experiences, and fostering the growth of a thriving community for all.

Listen on Spotify 
Listen/Watch on YouTube 

Pimpton

"Fellow Sasakatchewanians, please enjoy this BHM playlist curated by Regina's own Pimpton. The selection includes some oldies as well as some brand new releases from various melanated musicians and artists from across the province. Made up from some of my favourite Hip-Hop, RnB and Experimental music made in Saskatchewan, this playlist will not only enhance your mood, but will also showcase some of the many talented Black artists in Saskatchewan."

Listen on Spotify
Listen/Watch on YouTube

Artwork by Ayomiposi Shonibare, SwagArt™

Our thanks to FACTOR Canada and Creative Saskatchewan for their support.

Talking Income Tax: A Free Webinar
February 22/23, 7pm online

Do you earn income as a self-employed artist, freelance musician, music teacher, label, studio, or other roles?

From the basics of "Do I even need to claim my music income?" through to "Should I incorporate?", Sondra Gold will talk best practices for filing your income tax to make sure you aren't missing important deductions that could net you a better refund; how to keep track of it all; when you might need to start collecting GST, and more. Bring your questions!

This session will cover topics:

• The different ways to operate as an artist/music business (sole prop, partnership, corporation)
• What is a deductible expense
• About GST
• When to incorporate
• How to keep receipts
• Bookkeeping
• What could trigger an audit
• Q&A

Sondra's bio

Register!

Hookups & Breakups Playlists

Valentine's Day can stir a mixed range of emotions, depending on whether you're madly in love, suffering through heartbreak, or ambivalent about all the fuss. Whatever way you're feeling this year, we've curated a playlist that might help - coming from two opposing points of view.

Listen to Hookups
Listen to Breakups

Next URSU Open Mic, Regina: February 16

The University of Regina Students' Union and SaskMusic will present our next Open Mic night February 16 at the Lazy Owl, U of R main campus, from 7pm. This event has been building each time, showing off some fantastic talents and artists so come down to perform or hear some emerging local talent. Great opportunity to get some stage experience and meet others in the music community. Free admission. The featured artist performing this month is R&B/hip-hop artist Melodna.

Wait list to perform at the open mic

The Music PEI Canadian Songwriter Challenge returns!

We're looking for a Saskatchewan singer/songwriter for a unique opportunity where you'll collaborate with other artists, producers, and industry professionals from across Canada and beyond.

The Canadian Songwriter Challenge is a component of the CSC (Canadian Song Conference), and was created by Music PEI through a partnership with other provincial music industry associations. This project matches artists from PEI with artists from across Canada to collaborate and co-write in pairs under the mentorship of a prominent Canadian producer. Each pair of artists will write and record two songs in demo form, first meeting for co-writing sessions online beginning in March, and then meeting in person in Charlottetown PEI, May 29-June 2.

Music PEI established the CSC in 2015 and was tremendously successful in bringing music industry professionals from across Canada, the US, UK and Australia to PEI to participate. The CSC includes workshops and panels designed to assist artists in developing multiple revenue streams and explores the art and commerce of songs and songwriting.

After the songwriting and recording process is completed, each pair of artists will have an opportunity to present their demos and a selection of their own music at a listening session of delegates recruited for the CSC which will provide excellent business opportunities. These delegates include music supervisors, publishers, and other industry professionals.

The Canadian Songwriter Challenge is not genre-specific and is open to both solo artists and bands. If bands apply, the primary songwriter in the band will participate in the songwriting process.

Travel, accommodations, and access to a recording studio will be provided to the participants.

The submission intake is open to singer/songwriters across Canada, but only one from each participating region (other than PEI) will be selected. 

To learn more about the CSC, The Canadian Songwriter Challenge, past delegates, programming, and more please visit www.musicpei.com.

To apply: https://podio.com/webforms/28274809/2242768

Deadline Feb 24 2023, 5pm (AT)

CRITERIA:

• Saskatchewan applicants must be a current SaskMusic member 
• Must be based in Canada
• Must have released music on a streaming platform

This opportunity is most suitable for an intermediate to advanced songwriter/artist who has previous co-writing and recording experience.

Only the selected applicants will be contacted. 

This opportunity is sponsored in part by SaskMusic, with thanks to Creative Saskatchewan.

Film/TV Composer Registry

We are looking to renew our list of film composers in the province who are available to work to spec. This will allow us to quickly provide accurate information to productions looking to hire Sask talent for film, TV, or commercial scoring usages.

Please get in touch with us at info@saskmusic.org with your current resume, types of projects you are currently looking for/availability, weblinks and contact information. You are welcome to post this same information publicly in the Saskatchewan Music Directory by logging in to your profile or creating a free basic profile (under Join) at www.saskmusic.org.

This is an ongoing call.

New music workshops and webinars are constantly being added at www.saskmusic.org/workshops! Check out more upcoming offerings at the link.

MUSICOUNTS Amplify Scholarships
Deadline Feb 15/2023

High schools & community music organizations can nominate up to 3 students between 15-18 years old for the scholarship. Recipients will be awarded a $3,500 cash prize and tailored, virtual mentorship experiences with Canadian music professionals. Available for music students or those students wanting to pursue a career in the music world!

More details and to nominate a student

Sled Island Submissions - June 21-25/2023 Calgary AB
Deadline February 10/23

A diverse listening committee made up of festival staff, musicians, community members and industry professionals will assess submissions for quality, as well as fit with the festival’s vision and schedule. The quality of the songs and performances submitted are far more important to their committee than production quality, promotional photos, live footage or media coverage, although these things can help them assess your fit with Sled Island. In short, their listening committee is hoping to be excited by your music and the possibility of seeing you at Sled Island 2023.

Learn More

Our Opportunities page is continually updated as we hear of things.
Bookmark it for future reference!
 

Contact East 2023, Woody Point, NFLD September 21-24/2023
Deadline February 13/23 at 11:59pm Atlantic

Contact East is the Atlantic Presenters Association's hallmark showcase summit and Atlantic Canada's premiere performing arts booking conference. The event brings together performing arts presenters, managers, and agents to see top-quality performances from a diverse range of artistic genres, including but not limited to: music, cabaret, dance, Deaf, Disability and Mad arts, circus arts, theatre, comedy, youth-oriented programming, and cultural performances. 

Learn more

AmericanaFest Showcases - Sept 20-23, 2023 Nashville TN
Deadline March 1/23

There is no submission fee, however you must be an AmericanaFest member to apply. The showcase application can be found in their membership portal by logging in here. If you're not a current AmericanaFest member, join here.

Showcase submission info: https://americanamusic.org/showcase-submissions

The type of music accepted is Americana, which may include roots, country, folk, bluegrass, southern rock 'n' roll, blues, vintage R&B and soul music. An objective panel of respected retailers, concert/club promoters and media professionals will review each submission.

To note: Saskatchewan artists selected for AmericanaFest showcases can apply to Creative Saskatchewan (and possibly additional funders) for showcase support, if they meet eligibility criteria. SaskMusic will provide guidance, and possibly on-the-ground support, for any Saskatchewan artists selected for this event.

Showcasing at BreakOut West 2023
Deadline March 20/23

This year BreakOut West Festival submissions and Western Canadian Music Awards submissions are separate. Submissions are being accepted through a new portal, which means you'll create a new profile even if you've applied in the past. 

BreakOut West is open to submissions from artists of any genre. BreakOut West is a music industry showcase, designed to match export-ready artists based in Western Canada with industry professionals at their level. Artists are selected based on their goals, recent experience, and the likelihood of which they would find concrete business at the BreakOut West conference. WCMA recommends that submitting artists meet at least two, but ideally all four of FACTOR’s criteria for export readiness. 

BreakOut West is a juried showcase festival that takes many details into consideration. These may include; diversity of genre, language, gender and cultural identity. The festival also strives to represent all Western Canadian Music Alliance geographic regions. Gender-non-conforming artists, Indigenous artists, and artists of colour are strongly encouraged to apply.

Awards submissions will open in March 2023. 

Learn More

ARTIST SUBMISSIONS OPEN
Deadline February 11/2023 5pm

Saskatchewan artist applications for the 36th Annual SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival are now open. Please note: This form is for Saskatchewan artists ONLY. 

Saskatchewan artist applications now require a video of the artist’s work. Live performance videos are strongly preferred but music videos will also be accepted. This pertains to all applicants, including those who have played the festival in past years. Links to videos on artist websites, social platforms, YouTube channels, etc. are sufficient. In-person/hard copy applications are not accepted.

Programming decisions for Saskatchewan artists will be made in February and March 2023. Only Artists receiving a performance offer will be contacted.

Learn More

Equity X Production Mentorship Program
Deadline: February 15/2023, 11:59pm EST

The Equity X Production Mentorship Program was developed in response to research conducted by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, identifying that women make up only 2.1% of producers throughout the top 100 hundred Billboard songs annually 2012-2018. That report also validated that women producers are underrepresented 47 to 1 by male producers.

Up to 25 women and gender minorities will be selected to participate in a six-course webinar series with small group mentorship sessions. This six-week program will take place virtually on a biweekly basis.

Learn More

Canadian Music Week Showcasing, June 5-10/23
Deadline February 15/2023

Each year Canadian Music Week attracts hundreds of artists and industry professionals from around the world who gather in Toronto for five days of live music, networking, and learning. Artist submissions are closing soon.

Congratulations to Regina's Shayla Souliere who is among the artists already announced for the 2023 event!

Spend three action-packed days attending panels, participating in one-on-one meetings and much more. All this before heading out for the evening to showcase in front of new adoring fans, fellow musicians and most important, industry leaders and dealmakers.

More info and to apply

Apply to Play The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, UK
Deadline February 15/2023

Artist registration for The Great Escape 2023 is nearly closed. Whether you are a band, singer-songwriter, rapper, DJ, collective or duo, they want to hear from you.

The Great Escape welcomes artists from every genre across the globe to apply for a chance to play at a festival renowned for breaking new talent. You will be performing with the beautiful seaside backdrop of Brighton, where 450+ acts will be filling over 30 venues, making May 10-13, 2023 a great opportunity to meet key music industry figures who come to TGE looking for the next big thing.

SaskMusic will be attending and providing support to any Sask artists who are accepted for showcases at this event. Please contact us if you are export-ready and you'd like to discuss whether TGE would be a good fit for you.

More info and to apply

Upcoming Export Events

Saskatchewan Artists Showcasing at Future Echos
February 16-18/23, NORRKÖPING SWEDEN

This year’s Future Echos will present artists from more than 15 countries for songwriting camps and a 3-day conference.

The Garrys and Slow Down Molasses have been invited to perform by organizers, joining a list of about 14 Canadian artists thus far announced for the event.

Future Echoes is Sweden’s new showcase festival, featuring 100 artists from around the world and an international music conference component. The festival is held at several venues in central Norrköping. Since their start in June 2020, Future Echoes has already been represented at international showcase festivals both in panels and with exchanges with Swedish artists who have made appearances including Mu:Con (South Korea), SIM Sao Paulo (Brazil), Indie Week (Canada), Mondo NYC (USA), Tokyo Music Market (Japan), Break Out West (Canada), Amplify: LX (Luxembourg), Cranc (Spain), Rio Music Market (Brazil), Pin TV (Macedonia) and more to come. Future Echoes is run by the non-profit association Discover Sensation.

SaskMusic is not attending/presenting at this event.

The Garrys Selected for New Colossus 2023
March 8-13/2023, New York NY

The 2023 edition of NYC's New Colossus Festival runs March 8-13 at venues all over the East Village and the Lower East Side, including Mercury Lounge, Berlin Under A, Arlene’s Grocery, Bowery Ballroom, Bowery Electric, Heaven Can Wait, Pianos, and more. Happening just before SXSW, the festival catches artists from all over the world on their way to Austin and was designed to have the same flavour that CMJ had, so you can hop from venue to venue each night.

Among the artists selected by New Colossus for performances are The Garrys. In addition to their official selection spot, SaskMusic will be partnering with the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) and M for Montreal to present a networking event and full evening of showcases by Canadian artists, including The Garrys, at Arlene’s + Pianos on Thursday March 9. Stay tuned for updates.

SaskMusic and Artists at The Great Escape
May 10-13/2023, Brighton UK

Congratulations to Ellen Froese and Katie Tupper on their official showcase selections at The Great Escape 2023. SaskMusic will be on hand networking and presenting additional opportunities for the artists at and around TGE. More details to come.

The Great Escape is the festival for new music, showcasing 500 emerging artists from all over the world in 30+ walkable venues across the city and a pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach. It’s the first place to discover your new favourite artist and see them in an intimate setting before they go on to headline major festival stages.

TGE is also attended by the music industry who are on the hunt for the next big thing. A conference runs alongside the gigs featuring insightful panels, topical debates, keynote speeches and networking opportunities in abundance.

The Alternative Escape, Spotlight Shows, secret gigs, club nights and spontaneous collaborations all add to the festivities and make this weekend in Brighton one not to miss.

SaskMusic thanks Creative Saskatchewan for their support of this project.

The Garrys, SaskMusic at SXSW
March 13-18, 2023, Austin TX

Congratulations to The Garrys, selected for an official showcase at this year's SXSW. SaskMusic will be attending and presenting events with our Canadian partners at this year's event. Stay tuned for further details.

Showcase times so far:

• March 15: The Garrys at Swan Dive Patio, presented in partnership with BreakOut West

The SXSW Music Festival brings together artists, industry professionals, and music lovers from around the world to make connections, elevate their careers, and celebrate the magic of live music – from legendary performers to the most exciting new talent.

New, developing, and established Showcasing Artists enhance their careers by reaching new audiences and attendees at the SXSW Music Festival each year. Showcases are curated by South By Southwest® in collaboration with record labels, booking agencies, management and PR firms, export offices, publishers, media outlets, lifestyle brands, festivals, and more.

SaskMusic thanks Creative Saskatchewan for their support of this project.

Sask Artists at Focus Wales 2023
May 4-6/23, Wrexham Wales

"With 300+ live performances, the festival showcases the very best new talent emerging from the nation alongside established names and a selection of exciting international acts."

Ellen Froese and Grimelda are among the dozen Canadian artists thus far announced as official performers at Focus Wales 2023.

Awarded ‘Best Festival for Emerging Talent’ - UK Festival Awards
‘One of the most vital showcase events in the UK’ - Under The Radar

FOCUS Wales is a not-for-profit organization, established to provide the annual new music showcase event for the Welsh Music Industry. Their core work centers around the delivery of an international multi-venue showcase festival taking place in Wrexham each year, which places the music industry spotlight firmly on the emerging talent that Wales has to offer the world, alongside a selection of the best new acts from across the globe. FOCUS Wales 2023 will mark the festival’s 12th edition, welcoming over 20,000 people to the town, building upon 2022′s record attendance across a jam-packed weekend of events. There’s no place like Wrexham during FOCUS Wales, as they showcase 250+ artists from across the world, fill out a variety of spaces and music venues, using 20 stages, and hosting a full schedule of interactive industry sessions, arts events, and film screenings, throughout the festival. In addition to the delivery of the FOCUS Wales festival, they also deliver a number of international FOCUS Wales events throughout the year.

At this time SaskMusic is not planning to attend/present at Focus Wales 2023.

New Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association

SaskMusic offers big congratulations to the founders and board of the new Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association, announced January 26 via a press event.

"The Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association (S.I.M.A.) is a non-profit organization that supports, promotes and advocates for Saskatchewan-based Indigenous artists, groups, and music. We are made up of individuals from across Saskatchewan, with a wealth of diverse and valuable experiences with the music industry. We are committed to raising the profile of Indigenous music in Saskatchewan and making continual improvement to the music community for Indigenous artists, groups, and music. We recognize all genres of music and strive towards supporting all Indigenous artists, groups, and music to achieve success."

Read the full press release here

Featured Singles/Videos: https://saskmusic.wufoo.com/forms/p1b5aft60baybgl/

Submit Albums/News: https://saskmusic.wufoo.com/forms/p1j5txnh11l7bht/

Have you recently released or will soon be releasing an official single, music video, or album, in any genre? Have some exciting music news to share? We want to know what you've got going on! Even if we follow your socials, we (and media outlets) don't see, or catch everything you post about. Please let us know your release date and/or other activities. Just follow the links above!

Musician Seeking Gigs?

The Saskatchewan Music Directory provides listings of freelance players available for live shows and studio recordings, and is our main referral point to those who call looking to hire musicians/singers. We want to know about you! Visit www.saskmusic.org to login to your existing account, or to join (free 'subscriber' option available) and add your listings. (Sask-based players only.)

The more information the better! Remember to include your specific instrument, styles you specialize in/techniques (ie fingerstyle, rhythm, lead), location, description of experience, and links to videos/examples if available for best results. You can create multiple listings with different descriptions if you play multiple instruments! Think about what people would want to know before reaching out to a player, and include that information in your entry.

• The Artesian Presents: Hayden, February 8, 2023, Artesian on 13th
• Bushwakker Presents: Jack Semple, February 8, 2023, Bushwakkers
• OSAC - Jack Semple, February 9, 2023, Event Centre
• An Evening with Bruce Cockburn, February 9, 2023, TCU Place (Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium & Convention Centre)
• Broadway Theatre Presents: An Evening with Hayden, February 9, 2023, Broadway Theatre
• Bear Claw Casino Presents: Always ABBA!, February 9, 2023, Bear Claw Casino
• Shirley & The Pyramids at Amigos! w/The Won'ts & FORM, February 10, 2023, Amigos
• The People - Show, February 10, 2023, Cure (The)
• OSAC - Jack Semple, February 10, 2023, Norman Ritchie Community Centre
• Jeffery Straker in Swift Current!, February 10, 2023, Central School
• LAC Presents: Blu Beach Band, February 10, 2023, George Layh Theatre
• Gold Horse Casino: Always ABBA!, February 10, 2023, Gold Horse Casino
• Dekker Centre Presents: Brad Johner and the Johner Boys, February 10, 2023, Dekker Centre
• Living Sky Casino Presents: Honeymoon Suite!, February 10, 2023, Living Sky Casino
• Love Story - Taylor Swift Dance Party @ Louis'!, February 11, 2023, Louis' Pub
• Munro & Patrick Music, February 11, 2023, The Office Bar and Grill
• OSAC - Jack Semple, February 11, 2023, Leader Community Centre
• OSAC - JJ Voss, February 11, 2023, Melville Community Works
• Jeffery Straker in Regina!, February 11, 2023, Heritage United Church
• Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra: Idea of North, February 11, 2023, TCU Place (Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium & Convention Centre)
• The Deep Dark Woods w/ Ellen Froese, February 11, 2023, Amigos
• Painted Hand Casino Presents: Always ABBA!, February 11, 2023, Painted Hand Casino
• German Club Regina Presents: Beach Body w/ Shirley & The Pyramids and The Won'ts, February 11, 2023, German Club
• Valentine's Dine and Dance, February 11, 2023, Weyburn Royal Canadian Legion
• Regina Frost Festival - Live Music Event, February 12, 2023, Pat Fiacco Plaza
• OSAC - Prairie Debut presents Vioarneisti, February 12, 2023, Trinity Lutheran Church
• Cecilian Chamber Series: Nicolas Namoradze, February 12, 2023, Darke Hall
• Tea for Two Fundraiser!, February 12, 2023, Third Avenue United Church
• Blenders Presents: Alex Cuba, February 13, 2023, Lyric Theatre (The)
• Vioarneisti, February 13, 2023, Moose Jaw Cultural Centre/Mae Wilson Theatre
• Munro & Patrick Music w/ Regina Jazz Society!, February 13, 2023, Bushwakkers
• OSAC - Prairie Debut presents Vioarneisti, February 13, 2023, Moose Jaw Cultural Centre/Mae Wilson Theatre
• Jazz Regina: Valentine's Dessert Auction, February 13, 2023, Bushwakkers
• Munro & Patrick Music, February 14, 2023, Sheraton CavalierCarver's Steakhouse & Lounge
• Show & Old Time Dance!, February 14, 2023, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish
• OSAC - Prairie Debut presents Vioarneisti, February 15, 2023, Majestic Theatre
• Bushwakker Presents: Bradford, February 15, 2023, Bushwakkers
• Darcie and Tim’s Rockin for Telemiracle Fundraiser, February 16, 2023, The Fat Badger
• Thomas Rhett - Bring the Bar to You Tour, February 16, 2023, Sasktel Centre
• Amigos Presents: License to Honk! w/ The Salt Licks, February 16, 2023, Amigos
• Sâkêwêwak Storytellers Festival, February 17, 2023, Artesian on 13th
• Thomas Rhett - Bring the Bar to You Tour, February 17, 2023, Brandt Centre
• Blenders Presents Alex Cuba, February 17, 2023, Lyric Theatre (The)
• Alex Cuba, February 17, 2023, Lyric Theatre (The)
• OSAC - Prairie Debut presents Vioarneisti, February 17, 2023, St. Andrew's United Church - Yorkton
• Grand Ole Opry - Music Show & Dance!, February 17, 2023, Western Development Museum
• Darke Hall Society Presents: Jack Semple!, February 17, 2023, Darke Hall
• Carson Shmyr & Halle Ponton w/ Dreamboat!, February 17, 2023, Amigos
• Sâkêwêwak Storytellers Festival, February 18, 2023, Artesian on 13th
• Regina Symphony Orchestra Pops: Alex Cuba, February 18, 2023, Conexus Arts Centre
• Dirty & The Perks + The Nico Tobias Band w/ guests!, February 18, 2023, Amigos
• Common Room featuring DJ ASTROMA, February 18, 2023, Coors Event Centre
• Latinos en Regina Associations' HAPPY HEARTS CELEBRATION, February 18, 2023, St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
• Stickybuds, February 19, 2023, Coors Event Centre
• Jeffery Straker in Wolseley!, February 19, 2023, Wolseley Opera house
• TCU Place Presents: Vance Joy - In Our Own Sweet Time Tour!, February 22, 2023, TCU Place (Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium & Convention Centre)
• Bushwakker Presents: Sun Zoom Sparx, February 22, 2023, Bushwakkers
• Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra: Nordic Light, February 23, 2023, TCU Place (Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium & Convention Centre)
• Donny Parenteau, February 23, 2023, Dekker Centre
• Trifecta Sound, February 24, 2023, The Lot
• The Artesian Presents: Field Guide, February 24, 2023, Artesian on 13th
• The People, February 24, 2023, Exchange/The Club
• Amigos Presents: il Creatura w/ The Great Fuss and Darbarelli, February 24, 2023, Amigos
• Trifecta Sound, February 25, 2023, Cure (The)
• Saskatoon's Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue, February 25, 2023, Wadena Community Legion Hall
• OSAC - Saskatoon's Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue, February 25, 2023, Wadena Community Legion Hall
• Amigos Presents: Hollow Oax w/ Actor Director and Little Darkness, February 25, 2023, Amigos
• Jeffery Straker for Telemiracle! , February 25, 2023,
• Regina Musical Club: Ensemble Made in Canada, February 26, 2023, Darke Hall
• Bushwakker Presents: Just Sayin', February 27, 2023, Bushwakkers

Check out more careers in culture on the SaskCulture website!