November 22, 2024

SaskMusic's Latest

 

Writing with Rhymes


Regina Songwriters Group and SaskMusic present

“Writing with Rhymes” led by ZHE the Free

This Sun Nov 24, 2-4pm

In person: Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre (2420 Elphinstone St), Regina or register to attend by Zoom option 
FREE, Everyone Welcome!

This month, we welcome ZHE the Free to work with participants on authentic song creation in the realm of R.A.P. (rhythm and poetry). This interactive workshop brings together elements of freestyle and creative writing with a basic overview of hip hop. Participants will learn about exploring their unique voice, rhyme schemes, song structure and flow, crowd engagement and the significance of storytelling in hip hop. ZHE utilizes the Cypher as a playful space to explore and celebrate the bravery it takes to express one's creativity. 

Bring your pen/paper, writing devices, and your own coffee/water if you wish.  

Following the workshop, there will be some time for a song share. Please bring your guitar/instrument; vocal mic and a small PA will be available. (Please note we won't be providing a keyboard this month). 

ZHE the FREE is a multi-disciplinary artist, community builder and explosive performer. Growing up on Treaty 7 Land, she extends her fire from mountains to prairies. ZHE ignites the crowd from the moment she touches the microphone and brings the strength of the feminine alive. As an artist, and National Music Centre 1st place winner in the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop track competition, she loves inspiring others about the power of their voice. From freestyle, to brilliant storytelling, ZHE the Free pulls you in with her strong command of words and captivating stage presence. She rocks festival stages and has opened for Shad, k-os, DJ Shub, Cartel Madras, Odario, Cadence Weapon, The Sorority, Eekwol and the list goes on. 

ZHE connects with audiences on a deep level through the realness she brings to her music, exploring emotions and addressing social issues. She is an experienced Artist Mentor and Program Coordinator, working with Community Arts Mentorship Program, Chokecherry Studios, Kilburn Hall and Paved Arts. She also proudly serves on the JUNOS Rap Music Advisory Committee. As a presenter of rap/spoken word workshops, ZHE brings incredible enthusiasm; "Hip hop saved my life, and I aim to inspire others to use creativity as a positive outlet". Hailing from YYC to YXE, ZHE is the founder of Cypher Club, a crew of producers, rappers and musicians who meet regularly to practice freestyle creation through hip hop-based sound. Experience her bars and incredible energy live!

More info & details of ZHE's work: https://linktr.ee/ZHEtheFree

The Regina Songwriters Group exists to develop the craft of songwriting and provide a peer network of songwriters, lyricists, composers and beatmakers. These free, casual meet ups for songwriters in any genre or skill level are generally held once a month with additional songwriting exercises, resources and information shared on our socials. Facebook or Instagram.

Regina Songwriters Group x SaskMusic events are made possible in part through the support of FACTOR Canada and Creative Saskatchewan.

 
 

Sask Songwriters Night

Sask Songwriters Night Dec 3 - Regina

SaskMusic and Bushwakkers Brewpub Regina kicks off a series of Sask Songwriters Nights - multi-artist concerts intended to provide emerging songwriters with a stage for their music and a connection to other songwriters. Watch for more to come in this series.

Our Featured performers for December will be 

  • Evan Baxter
  • Lacey Joyce and Davin Burlingham
  • Abby Kaitlyn
  • Late Flowers
  • Jay Sollano

Evan Baxter's was inspired by his older brother who took up the guitar during the pandemic. He found his own passion for music, immersing himself in the soulful storytelling of Chris Stapleton and the raw energy of 90’s rock icons such as Stone Temple Pilots and Alice in Chains. His debut single, “The Show,” received widespread acclaim and his songwriting style was praised as “resonating with both modern country influences and '90s rock music.” (Swift Current Online).

Saskatoon's Lacey Joyce and Davin Burlingham are both singer-songwriters who love playing live music. 

Abby Kaitlyn is a singer-songwriter from Regina. She writes lyrically-driven indie/folk songs about her thoughts, worldviews, and experiences, taking lots of lyrical inspiration from Tom Petty and musical inspiration from The Weepies. They put focus on making music unexpected, with unconventional choruses and covers that put a new spin on classic songs.

Late Flowers is folk-rock project of Jason Liggett, a Regina artist who has started to write and perform music well past the bloom of youth. With influences ranging from swing to metal, folk to punk including emerging artists, Jason brings youthful passion to his music. 

Jay Sollano is a Filipino singer-songwriter from Regina. His music weaves intricate melodies with thought-provoking lyrics, inviting listeners on a reflective journey. He is passionate about storytelling through songs, and crafts each piece with a deep care for words and their impact.

 
 

SMA Submissions Open

Nominations Underway!

Saskatchewan artists and music industry individuals/companies/organizations, get your submissions for the 2025 SMAs in now! Start by reading through the 2025 Submission Guidelines

Submissions for both Artistic and Industry categories will be open only until 11:59pm CST, December 9, 2024.

It is free to submit. Nominate yourself, or encourage an artist or industry professional/company to check out the guidelines and submit!

ARTISTIC AWARD CATEGORIES

Artist of the Year by genre -

  • Afrobeats Artist of the Year
  • Children’s Artist of the Year
  • Classical or Broadway Artist of the Year
  • Country Artist of the Year
  • Electronic Artist of the Year
  • Hip Hop Artist of the Year
  • Inspirational or Spiritual Artist of the Year
  • Instrumental or Ambient Artist of the Year
  • Jazz or Blues Artist of the Year
  • Metal or Hard Rock Artist of the Year
  • R&B Artist of the Year
  • Rock Artist of the Year
  • Pop Artist of the Year
  • Roots or Folk Artist of the Year

Indigenous Artist of the Year -

  • Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year
  • Traditional Indigenous Artist/Group of the Year

Single of the Year

Music Video of the Year

Album of the Year

INDUSTRY AWARD CATEGORIES

  • Industry Achievement Award
  • Music Company or Organization of the Year
  • Music Professional of the Year
  • Producer of the Year
  • Venue or Festival of the Year

If you require assistance in completing your submission, please contact our office well before the deadline at 1-800-347-0676 toll-free (306-347-0676 outside Sask) during weekdays, or email smainfo@saskmusic.org

The seventh awards celebration will be held in Regina on Sunday, March 2/2025.

Call for Jurors

Would you like to participate in SaskMusic juries, including the 2025 Sask Music Awards? Let us know a few details and will we consider you for this and other intakes through the year.

Your chances of being selected as an SMA juror are dependent on the number of people interested in volunteering, with a pool for each category drawn from local and national industry members. A jury of peers and industry will be compiled for each category that is knowledgeable in the genre/category, and representative of our community, based on the music experience you indicate on the form. The deadline to express your interest in jurying the SMAs is December 9.

Click here for the juror form.

 
 

Denny Blackwell

Meet our Indigenous Music Development Program Coordinator!

SaskMusic is excited to welcome Denny Blackstar to our team as our new Indigenous Music Development Program Coordinator. He will be responsible for guiding a pilot program supporting a cohort of Indigenous artists and industry members in working toward their professional goals over the next 6 months, including coordinating industry mentors, conducting outreach to identify needs and opportunities, and guiding participants towards grants, educational programming, and other resources. 

Denny Blackstar is an Indigenous Musician from Pelican Lake First Nation. He enjoys learning new things about the music industry and music in general. He is the singer/songwriter for his band “Boss of Three” based out of Moosomin First Nation. He has a background in education and is currently studying for his master’s degree in educational administration. Denny has a love for both music and education and is always trying to find new ways to promote both aspects in positive ways.

 
 

SaskMusic and artists at M for Montreal, November 20–23, 2024

SaskMusic returns to the renowned music industry event M for Montreal this week, presenting Saskatchewan artists Grimelda and Merv xx Gotti in official showcases. The artists were selected by M for Montreal organizers through M’s official artist intake process, and their showcase appearances are sponsored by SaskMusic.

We will be on the ground participating in networking, business-to-business, and educational events while supporting our artists and representing the Saskatchewan music industry. We are also pleased to be co-presenting the “ALL TOGETHER NOW” networking dinner with partners under the BreakOut West banner. This curated industry mixer on November 21 is becoming a highly anticipated piece of our presence at M, and the perfect time for industry and artists to gather with old friends and meet new ones.

SaskMusic thanks Creative Saskatchewan and FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings) for their support of this export mission.

About the event

Established in 2006, M for Montreal is now recognized as Quebec’s most important initiative for indie music exports. It is renowned as a showcase festival and international conference, taking place in November, as well as for its recurring satellite events in the main music markets around the world, M for Montreal orchestrates pivotal windows of opportunity for artists as well as essential business development rendez-vous for the local and international music industry.

Its 18th edition in 2023 was undeniably successful, with record participation both its professional and public sections. With a renewed PRO component and a MARATHON festival that is open to the public, M for Montreal 2024 promises to be a remarkable event.

 
 

Come Together poster

SaskMusic and partners present Come Together in Toronto, Nov 25-26

Artists and industry professionals from across Canada are converging in Toronto next week for the fourth annual celebration of live music at the Come Together showcases and industry meetings. 

Eight music industry associations - SaskMusic, Alberta Music, Music BC, Manitoba Music, Music/Musique NB, Music Nova Scotia, Music Ontario, and SODEC, Quebec - have joined forces to spotlight Canada’s powerhouse independent live music scene.  

The genre-spanning, invite-only showcases for industry professionals will run November 25 at The Drake Underground and November 26 at Lula Lounge, featuring performances from thirteen acclaimed artists. 

The Drake Underground
November 25 / 5-10 PM

Aphrose (ON)
Kelly Bado (MB)
KROY (QC)
Kuzi Cee (AB)
NIKKAELA (BC)
Shanii (NS)

Lula Lounge
November 26 / 5-11 PM

Choses Sauvages (QC)
Kaeley Jade (AB)
Kylie Fox (NB)
Living Hour (MB)
Merv xx Gotti (SK)
The Bankes Brothers (BC)
Vikki Minor (SK)

Beyond the showcases, Come Together is an opportunity for the artists to build business relationships with key music industry professionals from Toronto and surrounding areas including labels, agents, managers, publishers, music supervisors, publicists, and more. Showcasing acts work directly with their provincial music association to identify business contacts for industry meetings. Come Together is a push towards industry connections, team building, and business strategies for both artists and music companies.

This project is made possible by the generous support from FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters; The Province of Alberta, Creative BC and The Province of British Columbia, The Manitoba Government, Manitoba Film & Music, The Government of Quebec, The Province of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario Creates.

How were the artists selected?

A call for submissions was distributed by event partners in June 2024. All artists programmed for this opportunity were selected by a national industry jury coordinated by the Come Together organizing committee.

 
 

Saskatoon Songwriters

The Original Open Mic at Studio 12 runs at 1pm with host Micheal Lander on December 8.

Next Saskatoon Songwriters meeting date TBA.

Studio 12 is located at 9-1025 Boychuk Dr., Saskatoon.

 

Workshops

 

SOCAN workshop

SOCAN x Screen Composers Guild of Canada present 

Screen Composers 101, Wed, Nov 27 at 1-2 PM CST

Online via Zoom: https://www.universe.com/events/socan-x-scgc-101-breaking-down-rights-and-royalties-for-screen-composers-tickets-2MFLXT

The world of music rights and royalties is often complex. In this free seminar you'll get an overview of what SOCAN does as Canada's largest music rights organization and the role it plays within the larger music industry and composer ecosystem. 

SOCAN represents the rights of music creators and publishers for the composition (music and lyrics), so if you write music this seminar is for you.

Learn how 'score' is different from 'sync', the ins and outs of a cue sheet, the writer vs publishers share, and the difference between performing rights and reproduction rights. You’ll leave with the knowledge to ensure you receive the money you've rightfully earned for your hard work. 

 
 

Eric Alper

How To Create a Killer PR Campaign, Nov 28

Registration

Do You Have Something to Shout About? In a world where your voice can easily get lost in the noise, how do you ensure your message reaches the right audience? Whether you're launching a new product, promoting an event, or simply sharing your story, getting your message out to the media and on social media can feel overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be.

Join an online session with renowned publicist Eric Alper, who will guide you through the intricacies of effective communication in today's fast-paced digital landscape. With years of experience in the entertainment industry, Eric has honed his skills in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and attract media attention.

 
 

SAC - CMRRA

Your Guide to Song Registration with CMRRA

November 29, 12pm
Presented by the Songwriters Association of Canada; free for their members
Register here

Join CMRRA's Publisher Relations Manager, Marianne Anderson, along with Alex Levy, Senior Client Services Liaison, and Tyler Kack, Repertoire and Client Services Administrator, for a live demo presentation.

  • How to set up your CMRRA account
  • How to effectively register your songs and catalogues (walk-through + tips and tricks)
  • How to make changes to your registrations
  • What the MLC is (Mechanical Licensing Collective)
  • The realities of pay-per-stream 

This webinar will provide you with valuable knowledge and practical skills to registering your works most efficiently. 

 
 

Women in Music

Women in Music Canada Presents State of the Industry 

December 4, 6pm
Free for Women in Music Canada national members, or $5 for non.

Register here

Are you an artist challenged with understanding where sustainable income truly lies in our industry? ⁠Join WIMC for a candid look at how Canadian musicians are adapting and thriving through this "State of the Industry" panel on December 4.⁠

This virtual panel dives into the realities of making a living as a full-time artist in Canada. From touring, to funding and royalties, each panelist will shed light on income sources that are critical for independent artists. Participants will gain clarity on navigating the many revenue streams and learn more about how successful artists shape their goals in an industry that is ever-evolving. ⁠

 
 

Beyond educational events included in this e-release, visit our website for our regularly updated list!

 

SaskMusic's Latest

 

Soundcheck

Soundcheck: A Survey on Mental Health

Your input is needed! We're helping to build a picture of the mental health challenges in the Canadian music industry. All music professionals are called on to participate in a new study by partners Revelios Mental Health, Unison Fund, and SOCAN. By anonymously sharing your experiences and opinions, you can help shape a healthier, more supportive industry. Together, we can promote well-being and destigmatize mental health in our community. Take the survey now and please share it with your network.
https://bit.ly/3Tw3RGS
 

 
 

WIMC Leadership

Leadership Accelerator Applications 

Presented by Women in Music Canada with the International Indigenous Music Summit, ADVANCE Music Canada, and ArtHaus, the second annual Leadership Accelerator prepares more women and gender-diverse professionals for executive-level leadership roles. ⁠

Who's this for? Mid-level industry professionals, in existing music companies or entrepreneurs, with a primary goal of preparing women and gender-diverse music professionals for advancement to senior management and director-level opportunities. ⁠

What is the purpose of the program? This will serve as a catalyst to create an ecosystem with more women and gender-diverse role models and mentors in senior positions. This new national program will especially cater to intersectional women and gender-diverse people who have the least representation in organizational leadership roles, and as leaders in the music industry nationally.⁠

Enrolment is a combination of participants with paid registrations through companies, and participants through scholarships from a juried selection. Space is limited to fifteen participants total. 

The Program will run online January 25/2025-March 29/2025, Tuesdays 7-9pm ET. Executive coaching sessions will run as per specific arranged times by participants. An in-person component will following these dates in Toronto on April 15/2025. 

⁠Deadline: November 29, 2024
Learn more and apply at https://www.womeninmusic.ca/en/programs/wimc-leadership-accelerator

 
 

Cultural Cadence: Mentorship for Indigenous Arts Professionals

The Indigenous Music Office (IMO) is launching an exciting mentorship program for emerging Indigenous arts professionals (i.e., administrators, managers, agents, publicists) leading up to the 2025 Junos in Vancouver, BC! Ten participants will get the c...

Deadline: November 22, 2024

READ MORE

 
 

Performance Opportunity: TREEFORT FESTIVAL 2025

Treefort is looking for artists who are taking their craft to new levels and transforming their scene – wherever that may be. Treefort Music Fest is not genre specific, but fairly attitude specific. They look for artists who are serious about their wor...

Deadline: November 24, 2024

READ MORE

 
 

Showcase Applications Open: 2025 International Indigenous Music Summit

Calling all Indigenous music artists across Turtle Island and around the world…

The showcase applications are officially open for the 2025 International Indigenous Music Summit (IIMS), which will take place from June 2 to 6, 2025, in Toronto, Ontari...

Deadline: November 25, 2024

READ MORE

 
 

Women in Music Canada Leadership Accelerator

LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR APPLICATIONS OPEN

Presented by Women in Music Canada with the International Indigenous Music Summit, ADVANCE Music Canada, and ArtHaus, the second annual Leadership Accelerator prepares more women and gender-diverse profession...

Deadline: November 29, 2024

READ MORE

 
 

Export Opportunity - MMF Canada LA Sync Mission 2025

Apply now to be part of our next MMF Canada Export Mission in Los Angeles on February 3 to 7, 2025! Please read more about the mission, funding information, and eligibility details before applying: mmfcanada.ca/export-missions⁠

APPLICATION DEADLINE...

Deadline: December 1, 2024

READ MORE

 
 

Call for Submissions - Sākihiwē festival 2025

First Nation, Inuit, Métis, and Indigenous artists from Turtle Island and beyond are invited to submit an update or an application for the 2025 edition of the sākihiwē festival and the sākihiwē summer outreach concert series.

Deadline: December 5, 2024

READ MORE

 
 

Mentorship and Networking Opportunity: CMI's Artist Entrepreneur Program

Canada's Music Incubator's highly regarded Artist Entrepreneur professional development program is accepting applications for the March/April session. AE will take place in downtown Toronto and run for six weeks. Artists from all musical genres are wel...

Deadline: January 5, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Festival Opportunity - Sled Island Music & Arts Festival 2025

This is your chance to play at the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival (June 18-22, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta)!


If selected: artists/bands from Calgary will receive $200 for a first show; artists/bands from the rest of Alberta will receive $350 for ...

Deadline: January 10, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Songwriting Opportunity: International Songwriting Competition 2025

Enter the competition at www.songwritingcompetition.com // Entry fees (per song): $30 until September 18, 2024; $35 after that // Enter as many times as you like

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is a global, annual songwriting competi...

Deadline: January 15, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Performance Opportunity: Regina Folk Festival 2025

Artist Submissions 

Artist submissions for the 53rd edition of the Regina Folk Festival are now open! August 8-10, 2025. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2025.

Regardless of the outcome of your submission, we appreciate your interest i...

Deadline: January 15, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Competition Opportunity - SMFA Concerto Competition 2025

The SMFA Concerto Competition is held in conjunction with the Regina and Saskatoon Symphony Orchestras.

The first place winner receives a $2,000 scholarship and the opportunity to appear as a guest artist with the Regina Symphony Orchestra and the S...

Deadline: January 31, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Festival Opportunity - Folk On The Rocks Music Festival 2025

Applications to perform at the 45th Annual Folk On The Rocks Music Festival are now open!

Do you have what it takes to play for the Folkers under the midnight sun at #FOTR2025? Apply below!

The submission deadline is January 31st, 2025.

Applic...

Deadline: January 31, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Performance Opportunity: Ness Creek Music Festival 2025

The Ness Creek Music Festival offers incredible live music from Saskatchewan, across Canada and around the world. Join over 3,000 people in the forest of northern Saskatchewan, be part of a tent-city community and enjoy Indie, Roots & Folk music from a...

Deadline: April 15, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Funding Opportunity: Creative Kids

Creative Kids helps Saskatchewan children participate in art, music, dance, theatre, and a variety of cultural activities.

What Does Creative Kids Cover?

Creative Kids may provide up to $750 per child for their activity. Funding resets every June...

Deadline: August 13, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Award Opportunity: 2026 Women in Music Canada Honours

The 4th annual Women in Music Canada Honours are now live!

The Honours are designed to celebrate and uplift Canadian women, innovators, and creators across all genres who have achieved exceptional success in their field during the year of eligibilit...

Deadline: November 28, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Showcase opportunity - 2026 JUNOFest

For two jam-packed nights, JUNOfest will take over Hamilton’s most iconic stages and hidden gems featuring live music from every genre, coast to coast.

Ready to be part of Hamilton’s next big music moment? Whether you're a solo act or a full band, t...

Deadline: December 19, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

SHOWCASE OPPORTUNITY: NXNE Music Festival 2026 in Toronto!

NXNE is Canada’s most important discovery music festival, presenting thousands of essential emerging artists, often just before they break, from across Canada and around the world - since 1995. And applications to play the festival are now open.

Fro...

Deadline: December 31, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

SHOWCASE OPPORTUNITY: The Great Escape 2026

The Great Escape welcomes artists from every genre and every corner of the globe. As the world’s leading festival for discovering new music, TGE offers a unique chance to showcase your talent in front of thousands of music fans, alongside 450+ emerging...

Deadline: February 15, 2026

READ MORE

 
 

Festival Opportunity - Saskatchewan Jazz Festival 2026

Saskatchewan artist applications for the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival are now open. To complete the Saskatchewan artist application form CLICK HERE

Please note: This form is for Saskatchewan artists ONLY. Canadian & International Artists should clic...

Deadline: March 13, 2026

READ MORE

 
 

Women Nation Fund - Funding Opportunity

http://livenationwomenfund.livenation.com/

The Women Nation Fund is a global, early-stage fund investing in female-founded live music businesses.  Its purpose is to provide access to capital for underrepresented female entrepreneurs in the Concert P...

READ MORE

 
 

Songwriting opportunity : Pro Songwriters Camp

Pro Songworks is the premier Canadian professional songwriting camp hosted by the Songwriters Association of Canada. For almost two decades, this program has brought together some of the country's most influential and up-and-coming talent for multi-day...

READ MORE

 
 

Performance Opportunities - CMI Live

ARTISTS LOOKING FOR PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES?

Attention all artists across Canada! CMI Live is on the hunt for artists for paid live performance opportunities. Submissions are open to all genres and musical backgrounds!

Apply now at www.canadasm...

READ MORE

 
 

Networking Opportunity - Young Music Professionals: a network for music business workers aged 35 & under

Young Music Professionals (YMP), a new network dedicated to music business workers aged 35 and under, is proud to announce its launch and invite new members to register. The not-for-profit organization will work to create a clear, accessible, and suppo...

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Grant Opportunity - The HELEN FERRIS Memorial Trust Fund

Administered by the Prince Albert Arts Board, This grant provides applicants between the ages of 5 and 30 with the opportunity to further develop their artistic practice in the visual arts, creative arts, media arts, music, drama, dance, and literature...

READ MORE

 
 

Mentorship Opportunity - Girl Connected 2025

Applications for the Girl Connected 2025 Mentorship Program are officially open!

Girl Connected is an organization that seeks to empower determined women professionals with a multilevel, local to global platform that provides the necessary framework...

READ MORE

 

SaskMusic's Latest

 

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To view current openings in cultural work, please view:

 

 
 
 

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