The Allan Slaight JUNO Masterclass Program - FINAL CALL

Mentorship & Showcase Opportunity: Artists! Apply now for The Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class program. Details & apply at: www.junomasterclass.ca
(Deadline to submit is June 30, 2023)

The selected artists will participate in a weeklong mentorship program in Toronto, that will include workshops with artists and industry experts and get access to tools to prepare themselves for the next step in their career. No fee to submit, open to artists of all genres, and only need 2 original tracks released in the submission window to qualify.

The program (valued at over $100,000) includes:

• An all-inclusive trip to Toronto for an intensive mentorship week hosted by Canada's Music Incubator and industry showcase.
• A trip to the 2024 JUNO Awards in Halifax, NS, including transportation, accommodations, and a JUNO Weekend ticket package
• A chance for one of the artists to perform in front of the Canadian music industry at the exclusive JUNO Opening Night Awards in Halifax during JUNO Week
• Cash prize and more!

Presenting our New Board

During our Annual General Meeting on Saturday June 24, we welcomed to the board new members Mike Davis, Jackie Kroczynski, Erik Mehlsen, and Walter Jeworski. Big thanks to departing directors Wanda Gronhovd, Megan Nash, Allyson Reigh, and Past President Kurt Dahl for their service the past two years. Shannon Josdal now moves in to the advisory role of Past President.

Our board is now composed of:
Andrea An (re-elected)
Jamie Anderson (continuing in term)
Brad Bellegarde (re-elected)
Mike Davis (newly elected)
Marian Donnelly (re-elected)
Uzochi (Zochi) Ifeanyiukachu (continuing in term)
Jackie Kroczynski (newly elected)
Dale McArthur (continuing in term)
Erik Mehlsen (newly elected)
Orion Paradis (continuing in term)
Katie Sahlu (continuing in term)
Walter Jeworski (newly elected)
with Shannon Josdal, Past President

We thank all those who ran for the board this year, and to the members who participated in the board election vote!

Our 2022-2023 Annual Report can be downloaded here under Association Documents: https://www.saskmusic.org/about-us/association-documents

Congratulations, Lorena!

The Board of Directors of SaskMusic is pleased to announce the appointment of Lorena Kelly as the new Executive Director, effective immediately. Lorena has been a long-time employee of the organization, most recently serving as the Communications and Operations Manager. With the departure of former ED Mike Dawson, Lorena was initially appointed as Interim ED while a thorough national search for a new leader was underway.

Read more: https://www.saskmusic.org/news/the-latest/view,article/7385/saskmusic-announces-new-executive-director

Meet Our Music Mentors!

SaskMusic members can book FREE consults with our music mentors on a variety of music industry topics! We are thrilled to have three new mentors joining our program so book your consult now!

Sandra Henein (Tyler): Currently sits on the Board of Directors for 98.5 CKWR FM in Kitchener and creator/host of “Black Exposed”. Sandra joins the Music Mentors program to provide consultation and assistance with questions including: Marketing and P. R , Radio airplay, A & R consultancy , Event Production, Award shows and festivals.

Fiyin Obayan: Jazz/Gospel/R&B artist and CEO/founder of Okiki Consulting in Saskatoon. Fiyin joins the Music Mentors program to provide consultation and assistance with questions including: Social Media Content Strategies, Video Content Strategy, and Creative Direction for artists and their brand.

Andrea An: Pop/R&B/Country artist and co-owner of Nolita Studios in Saskatoon. Andrea joins the Music Mentors program to provide consultation and assistance with questions including: Grant applications, Social media strategies, DIY music videos, Twitch streaming/online shows, self-management, graphic design, recording, artist photography & styling, and marketing plans.

See their full bios along with our other wonderful Music Mentors & book your consult at:

www.saskmusic.org/how-to/book-a-consult

SaskMusic is seeking an Administrative Assistant - DEADLINE JULY 3RD!

This is a full-time, public-facing position based in our Regina office that provides administrative support and assists in the development and delivery of SaskMusic programming and projects. An integral member of our small and dedicated team, you would share our commitment to helping Saskatchewan music thrive.

 You are keenly interested in providing excellent service to members, care about the details, and love the idea of having something interesting to do each day. Your passion for music, and curiosity to learn everything about the industry is required.

To learn more, visit https://www.saskmusic.org/news/the-latest/view,article/7374/saskmusic-seeking-administrative-assistant

SaskMusic Songwriters Showcase at Country Thunder 2023!

We're pleased to be partnering this year with Country Thunder Saskatchewan on the new Songwriters Showcase, with presenting sponsor Casino Regina.

On July 14, 15 and 16 from 230-4pm, find the showcase stage on the CT grounds to listen to songs and the stories behind them. Each afternoon, 5 different artists will take turns sharing their music, songwriters-in-the-round, acoustic style. (Get there early as seating is limited!)

We are pleased to present 11 Saskatchewan artists alongside Alberta's Duane Steele and Manitoba's Quinton Blair to bring local and Canadian songwriters to CT fans.

Fri July 14, 2:30-4:00pm
Amy Nelson
Duane Steele
Forrest Eaglespeaker (of The North Sound)
Jay Semko (of The Northern Pikes)
Quinton Blair

Saturday July 15, 2:30-4:00pm
Donny Parenteau
Duane Steele
Jay Semko (of The Northern Pikes)
Jess Moskaluke
Katelyn Lehner

Sunday July 16, 2:30-4:00pm
Adam Johnson
Berk Jodoin
Darryl Anderson
Eli Barsi
Jordyn Pollard

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Summer has arrived! Consultations and drop-ins for membership renewals continue to be available for July-August, but please call ahead before dropping in to ensure someone is available to assist you. Music Mentor meetings can be booked as usual via: https://www.saskmusic.org/how-to/book-a-consult

Please note our office will be closed tomorrow, June 30th, for Canada Day, and the week of July 10-14.

SUMMER JAMS!

We've updated our summer vibes playlist! Check out a mix of genres and feels from local artists. (Please note some tracks include explicit language.)

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0s3ZB95g7XFDFfloVKqAKQ?si=2839b8eaa38c4795

On YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9dALYjCkGtYCdgfZVrOieoNckRuk4CWT

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The Unison Fund is a registered Canadian non-profit that provides counselling, emergency financial support and other resources for those in the Canadian music community who face personal or professional challenges due to hardship, illness, or economic difficulties. Unison membership is free and open to all Canadian music industry professionals. (Certain programs and services may have additional eligibility requirements.) Register, and learn more at www.unisonfund.ca.

GARY OSTAFICHUK MEMORIAL FUND

On May 15, 2023, the Saskatchewan music community lost one of its beloved members, the multi-talented Gary Ostafichuk. SaskMusic is honoured to have been asked by the family to accept donations from those who wish to commemorate Gary's legacy. We'll be opening a submission intake to provide a one-time scholarship to support an emerging artist/producer in furthering their education. Preference will be given to supporting a candidate from the Prince Albert area. You may choose to donate any amount you wish. A digital receipt will be emailed to you from SaskMusic ("Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association"). Please note that this will not be a charitable/tax-deductible amount.
Please click here to proceed to a secure donation page. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=T74EEMJ6REW8W
Accepted payment types include Visa, Mastercard and Paypal.

First Peoples Creating Interview Series

We're adding to our nistam athisthiniwak osihchikīwiniwāwa / First Peoples Creating series. Check out the latest interview,  with Forrest Eaglespeaker, and the rest of the pieces on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9dALYjCkGtZzRQEbPtLwMJJtj82T69C_
Thank you to series host, LJ Tyson, and Gabrielle Giroux, Encore Graphics for the artwork.

First Peoples Creating Playlist

In celebration of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day 2023, we're updated our multi-genre playlist of recent music created by Indigenous artists currently residing in the Saskatchewan region, Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10.
Check it out on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0hznawXskxpe2KOBDraJ94

On YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9dALYjCkGtaW9_FqtqI_MQUp00qFc9_g

Let us know if you have a recent release and we've missed you!

BreakOut West Updates

BreakOut West will be returning to Kelowna, BC October 12-14 for the annual music festival and industry conference. The first wave of festival artists have been announced, including Sask's Actor Director, Alexis Normand, and The Garrys. Featuring exciting acts from all across western Canada, the three-night, genre-spanning festival will see showcases at venues across the city. Conference registration and festival wristbands are available now at https://breakoutwest.ca/

Now in its 21st year, BreakOut West continues to develop, support and honour the best of western Canadian music, with its annual conference, festival and the Western Canadian Music Awards. The event officially begins on Wednesday, October 11 with the start of its five-day career development conference and international industry program. Offering immersive content, international market deep dives, one-on-one mentor meetings, workshops and more, the conference is a landmark event for both artists and industry alike, looking to gain insight into the ever-changing musical landscape, and make invaluable connections. Featuring the best in emerging talent from across western Canada, as well as select international and Pan-Canadian acts, the 2023 music festival will highlight 50+ artists performing at multiple venues across the host city.

Stay tuned for further announcements. SaskMusic members are automatically members of the WCMA, receiving voting privileges where applicable, and discounts.

Unleashing Creativity: Content Ideation & Development Workshop

The "Unleashing Creativity: Content Ideation & Development Workshop" is a transformative experience designed specifically for creatives seeking to unlock their full potential in generating innovative and compelling content. Whether you are a musician, writer, designer, marketer, or any other creative professional, this workshop is tailored to enhance your creative thinking skills and empower you to create exceptional content that captivates your audience.

The two day workshop will take place from July 14th (6-8pm SaskTime) and July 15th (12pm - 2pm SaskTime).

During this intensive workshop, you will embark on a dynamic journey of exploration, collaboration, and skill development. Led by industry expert, ADEOLUWA, with a wealth of experience in content creation, this workshop combines practical exercises, interactive discussions, and inspiring case studies to provide you with a comprehensive toolkit for content ideation and development.

See https://www.adeoluwamusic.com/store/p/ideationandcreationworkshop for more information.

Social Media Accessibility 

This session with artist and writer Tea Gerbeza will teach participants about accessibility and social media and the benefits of making your social media presence as accessible as possible. Tea will cover some main digital accessibility points and provide an overview of accessibility tools that exist on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter and how to use them. Participants will be invited to do some in-workshop exercises to get familiar with access tools and practices like writing image descriptions and alt-text. The goal of this session is for participants to leave with an understanding of accessibility and social media and why these tools are important to use going forward.

Some topics that will be covered in the session:

What accessibility tools are available on various platforms and how to use them
How to make your content accessible to everyone
Main digital accessibility points (e.g. descriptions/IDs, alt text, image contrast, captions on videos, self-descriptions in videos)
What are the differences in accessibility features over different platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter)
Are there things you should keep in mind for accessibility when collecting content (e.g. taking photos or videos)
Understand the benefit of being accessible on social media

This class will be taught by poet, writer, and multimedia artist:
Tea Gerbeza

Register to attend this class in person here: https://creativecitycentre.wufoo.com/forms/mkovrg41k6ih5l/

This class will also be broadcast over Zoom for those who are unable to attend in person.

Register to attend this class online here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpd-GvqzwpHtMXTOQsxflJtoafhIfdoUGR

CMC Prairie Region Emerging Composer Competition

Emerging Composers with a connection to Canada’s Prairie Region are invited to submit their orchestral works to the 21st edition of the CMC Prairie Region Emerging Composer Competition for Orchestra with a cash prize of $1,000 and performance by the Wi...

Deadline: July 1, 2023

READ MORE

Awards Opportunity: SOCAN Foundation Awards for Young Composers

This annual competition is designed to recognize Canadian composers who are 30 years of age and under, for original concert music works in the following five categories: large ensemble, chamber ensemble, solo or duet, vocal, and electroacoustics.

Cr...

Deadline: July 2, 2023

READ MORE

SOCAN Foundation: Awards for Young Canadian Songwriters - Award Opportunity

https://www.socanfoundation.ca/awards/

Deadline: July 15th, 2023

The Award for Young Canadian Songwriter was created through a joint partnership with Sirius XM Canada Inc., and is designed to celebrate emerging and talented songwriters in Canada....

Deadline: July 15, 2023

READ MORE

Contest Opportunity: CBC Music's Searchlight 2024

SEARCHLIGHT is back again with some exciting updates and the announcement of new sponsors for a few of our prize categories.

Here are some exciting things they have going on this year.

Prize Categories: They want to recognize artists for their ex...

Deadline: June 25, 2024

READ MORE

Showcase Opportunity: Folk Alliance International 2025 Official Showcase Application

Official Showcases at FAI present the best talent that folk music has to offer: from cutting-edge sounds to rich musical traditions. Official Showcase Artists are selected by a jury of international experts. From hundreds of applicants, 160 are chosen ...

Deadline: July 5, 2024

READ MORE

Contest & Mentorship Opportunity: RBC Emerging Musician Program

Canada's Walk of Fame has launched its 12th annual RBC Emerging Musician Program, one of Canada's most successful programs supporting aspiring Canadian musical artists, aged 15 to 35. This is a very important initiative that has supported over 60 winne...

Deadline: July 14, 2024

READ MORE