January 15, 2025

SaskMusic's Latest

 

A very happy 2025 to all our subscribers! We are jumping into this New Year with a lot of exciting news and opportunity listings.

 
 

SMA Youth Performances

Saskatchewan Music Awards News

SaskMusic will honour excellence, and celebrate the achievements of our music industry members over the past year with the 2025 Saskatchewan Music Awards. Submissions for this year's awards are closed.

The nominations announcement will take place 11am CST January 21 on our YouTube channel and socials, at which time information on tickets, and voting for 3 Industry Award categories plus Album of the Year will be announced.

Call for Youth Performers: Deadline 5pm January 27/2025

SaskMusic is reserving a performance spot at the 2025 SMAs for a youth performer. This call goes out to artists around the province who are age 21 or under, performing in any genre, as a solo, duo, or trio.

To submit, you will need a video of yourself performing one song that you wrote. To see additional information and submit, visit this form.

Learn more about the SMAs at www.saskmusicawards.com

 
 

Writing with Rhymes

Regina Songwriters Group and SaskMusic present:
“Writing with Rhymes” led by ZHE the Free

Sunday January 19, 2-4pm (Free admission)

In person at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre (2420 Elphinstone St), Regina, register here
OR on Zoom, register here

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). 

About ZHE the Free 

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.  Visit their Facebook or Instagram.

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

 
 

IMP Series Launch

Introducing the Indigenous Music Series!

The Indigenous Music Series is a set of events designed to aid Indigenous artists, musicians, songwriters and other industry members in navigating and accelerating their careers in the music industry. It is set to take place in a hybrid format with both online and in-person sessions. Participants of the series will meet weekly for 1-2 hours and discuss, learn, and practice new skills. It is meant to be taught by influential Indigenous artists, musicians, and industry members that continue to pave a way for Indigenous artists to practice and express their arts.

Below is a tentative schedule for the series. It highlights the topics the program will be discussing throughout its run. (Please note that session scheduling is subject to change.)

If you feel that you or someone you know would benefit for the program, please register for this FREE series.

Signing up will provide you with updates, resources and information as program events are announced. New participants will be accepted throughout the course of the program.

  • Week 1 – Introduction to the Program
  • Week 2 - Finding Mentors, Grants, Opportunities, and More
  • Week 3 – Writing More Than “Music”
  • Week 4 – Recording, Where and How to Start
  • Week 5 – Getting the Most Out of Your Music Releases
  • Week 6 – Website and Social Media Presence
  • Week 7 – Monetizing in the Music Industry
  • Week 8 – Mid Program Meet Up and Jam Session
  • Week 9 – Booking Shows, Tours, and More
  • Week 10 – Grant Opportunities
  • Week 11 – Festivals and Showcasing
  • Week 12 – Managing Merchandise
  • Week 13 – Appreciation for Cultural Differences
  • Week 14 – Navigating Struggles for Indigenous Artists
  • Week 15 – Reflection and Feedback

For more information on IMP, reach out to IMP Development Coordinator, Denny Blackstar at denny@saskmusic.org.

This program is made possible through the support of FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings), the Government of Canada, and Canada's private radio broadcasters, and Creative Saskatchewan.

 
 

Screen-Music Sync Summit

Announcing our first-ever 

SCREEN/MUSIC Sync Summit, March 22-23/2025

Our apologies - we've had to shift the date of our summit to March 22-23/25 in Saskatoon.

SaskMusic is thrilled to announce our first ever Saskatchewan-based prairie sync summit. This event is designed to build in complexity over two days of learning, covering topics starting from the basics of "what is sync?" up to more advanced panels for those already placing music in or composing for film/TV.

Hearing their music in a feature film, network TV show or national commercial is a goal of many artists. But what is really involved? What are the legal and financial implications that artists and composers need to be aware of when pursuing and accepting sync offers? How can you make sure your music is clearable when these opportunities appear? 

With a goal of preparing and educating more prairie artists on 'sync readiness', we'll gather for a fun and informative weekend in Saskatoon led by a lineup of national and international sync professionals, to hear how the sync industry really works and how you can pursue opportunities in it.

REGISTRATION AND HOTEL BLOCK RATES WILL OPEN SHORTLY.

Click here for more information.

 

 
 

IWD Concerts

International Women's Day Concerts: Call for Artists

Deadline: 5pm January 30/2025

SaskMusic is seeking artists to perform in a series of concerts we’ll be hosting on and around International Women's Day (March 8) around Saskatchewan.

This is an opportunity for both emerging and established artists to perform in a celebration of Women in Music, and raise money for charity, with profits from each show being donated to women-centred charities. Each city's lineup will include a variety of genres and artists at different career levels on the bill. All musical styles may apply, with a preference for original music. Priority will be given to women-led and gender-diverse artists.

We are seeking 4 artists for each concert location. Please indicate which date(s) you are available to perform along with the other information requested. Performance fees will be provided at union scale or greater, plus travel allowances and hotels if applicable.

Submit Here

 
 

Join our Team

SASKMUSIC MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

This full-time position will be responsible for the general marketing of SaskMusic’s programs and services, managing the SaskMusic brand and connections across social media and other marketing avenues, monitoring and collecting data on Saskatchewan music news and developments, and various other communications and marketing duties. Reporting to and collaborating with the Executive Director, the Coordinator will be responsible for providing strategic communications advice and support to the organization, and will assist in the planning and delivery of our varied programs and services. 

A key member of our small and dedicated team, the ideal candidate will share our commitment to helping Saskatchewan music thrive. They’ll be interested in an opportunity to support the creative industries, are keen to learn more about the music industry, and are committed to providing excellent member services and marketing results.

See the full job posting here.

Applications will close 5pm CST January 31/25.

 
 

JUNO Nominees

JUNO AWARD UPDATES

Catch the JUNO Nominee announcement on February 11 at junoawards.ca. The JUNO Awards broadcast is Sunday, March 30.

JUNOfest Submissions: For two jam-packed nights, JUNOfest Presented by CBC Music will showcase artists of all genres, from across the country. Featuring over 50 artists across the city, performing for fans, media and the music industry, JUNOfest will light up Vancouver, British Columbia starting March 28, 2025. Applications are open to solo artists and/or full bands. Application deadline has been extended to January 17, 2025 at 5pm ET. Apply at JUNOfestsubmissions.ca.
Artists invited to perform, depending on artist eligibility, may be able to apply for showcase funding support through Creative Saskatchewan and FACTOR.

CARAS (presenters of the JUNOs) is currently offering our subscribers 20% off new CARAS Academy Delegate memberships, until February 7, 2025.

Use promo code JOIN20SASK when you register as a new CARAS Academy Delegate. The CARAS Academy Delegate program is the chief organization for active members of the Canadian music industry. Their mission is to unify the Canadian music industry to ensure an industry-driven voting process.

  • Participate in The JUNO Awards nominating and voting process.
  • Vote in up to 16 categories for The JUNO Awards to ensure an industry-driven voting process.
  • Entitled to preferred JUNO Awards submission fees, preferred JUNO Awards Weekend Package rates, preferred JUNO Awards Weekend hotel rates, industry discounts, and retail benefits.
  • Save up to 45% on JUNO Submissions by becoming an Academy Delegate.
  • Sign up: junoawards.ca/join

SaskMusic is the Saskatchewan representative for CARAS.

 
 

BreakOut West Festival

BREAKOUT WEST FESTIVAL 2025 SUBMISSIONS

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. 

Early bird rates close tonight (January 15) with the final deadline being January 30/2025 at midnight PT. Artists invited to perform, depending on artist eligibility, may be able to apply for showcase funding support through Creative Saskatchewan and FACTOR.

Learn more and apply: https://breakoutwest.ca

 
 

CS Board of Directors

Creative Saskatchewan seeking Board Nominations 

There will soon be vacancies on the Creative Saskatchewan Board of Directors. 
Individuals that are interested in contributing their vision and leadership to support the province's vibrant creative sector are encouraged to apply.  

More details on the application process and board responsibilities are available here: https://www.creativesask.ca/
 

 

Workshops

 

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

 
 

RE-IMAGINING CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

January 28, 2025

Performing arts organizations around the globe are struggling to achieve sustainability in a shifting marketplace. In Canada, these challenges include changes in audience behaviours, engagement patterns, and purchasing trends. 

In November 2024, Orc...

READ MORE

 
 

CCMAU Presents: Breaking into Nashville: Building Your Career in the U.S. Music Market

January 28, 2025

Looking to take your career to the next level in the U.S.? This virtual seminar explores actionable strategies for artists, songwriters, and industry pros aiming to break into Nashville, the heart of the country music scene.

Led by experts in publis...

READ MORE

 
 

SCREENxSCREEN music + tech conference (online)

February 10, 2025

Join us from FEB 10 - 12 for SCREENxSCREEN,
our online music + tech conference.
This pivotal event brings together global leaders, industry pioneers, and innovative artists to shape the future of music.
Dive into discussions tackling the biggest opp...

READ MORE

 

SaskMusic's Latest

 

Your Roots are Showing

"Your Roots are Showing" Artists

Congratulations and good luck to Saskatchewan artists Ellen Froese and Jeffery Straker, showcasing at Your Roots are Showing, "Ireland's Folk Conference," January 15-19/2025 in Killarney.

 

 
 

Departure Festival

Departure Festival + Conference 2025 Showcase Opportunity

May 6-11/2025, Toronto ON (Formerly Canadian Music Week)
Deadline: January 17/2025

Immerse yourself in the future of music at Departure Festival + Conference. From electrifying live performances and showcases by rising stars and global icons to insightful industry discussions, you'll be at the forefront of the music industry. Connect with fellow musicians, producers, managers, and music business professionals to forge lasting relationships and collaborate on future projects.

Apply here - https://www.departureto.com/
Artists invited to perform, depending on artist eligibility, may be able to apply for showcase funding support through Creative Saskatchewan and FACTOR.
 

 
 

Festivals Funding through Canadian Heritage

Next deadline January 31/2025 5pm ET for festivals between September 1-December 31

The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage — Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists; local artisans; local heritage performers or specialists; and local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural carriers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations.

Eligible applicants must represent one of the following community-based groups:

  • a local non-profit organization or group;
  • a local band council, local tribal council or other local Indigenous government or organization (First Nations, Inuit or Métis).

In addition, applicants must:

  • encourage local community engagement through activities that promote, celebrate, and preserve local performing and visual arts or local heritage; and
  • have successfully organized a prior edition of the festival, within the last two years, that met all eligibility requirements of this component.

Learn more here.

 
 

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

 
 

Call for Expressions of Interest: Canada/Arctic Online Cohort Program & 2025 Arctic Arts Festival

Expressions of Interest are now open for Canadian presenters and artists looking to make connections with the Norwegian arts community.

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in 3 online gatherings with presenter/artist colleagues from N...

Deadline: January 17, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Residency Opportunity: I-PARK 2025 Composers + Musicians Collaborative Residency

I-Park is soliciting applications for its fully funded General Residency Program. These onsite, multidisciplinary residencies are open to artists and designers working in the visual arts, creative writing, music composition, moving image, architecture,...

Deadline: January 20, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Canadian industry delegates Artist mission to Tallinn Music Week 2025

Women in Music Canada and Mundial Montreal are presenting an industry and artist mission to Tallinn Music Week in Tallinn, Estonia, April 3 to 6, 2025. This call is for Canadian industry delegates (including self managed artists providing you are a reg...

Deadline: January 24, 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

 
 

Festival Opportunity - CMA Fest 2025

The Country Music Association (CMA) presents the annual CMA FEST!

Proceeds from the festival go directly to help enrich and sustain music education programs across the country through CMA’s nonprofit arm, the CMA Foundation.

Providing sustainable...

Deadline: January 31, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Artist opportunity - Lawson Heights Mall Musician Open Call

Open Call for Musicians: 2025 Concerts in the Court Series - 

"Are you a musician or part of a musical group looking to share your talents with an engaged and diverse audience? We’re excited to announce our open call for musicians for the 2025 Conce...

Deadline: February 7, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Funding Opportunity: The Music Video Production Project

The MVP Project, with support from the RBC Foundation, was established to promote the intersection of emerging Canadian Recording Artists and Filmmakers through Music Video Production Grants valued between $5,000 and $15,000.

The Music Video Product...

Deadline: February 10, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Residency Opportunity: Jazz & Sonic Arts: Gather Listen Hear

Explore new directions in your artistic practice and advance your creative potential. Jazz & Sonic Arts offers immersive, inclusive, and transformative learning opportunities for jazz musicians and sound artists. Participants will engage with sound in ...

Deadline: February 19, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Residency Opportunity: Audio Engineer: Jazz & Sonic Arts 2025

The Audio Recording Engineer program is a continuing education opportunity designed for emerging recording engineers with mature artistic insight, professional experience and/or formal professional/educational training. Participants will receive mentor...

Deadline: February 19, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Art of Piano Residency

Twenty selected participants will have the unique opportunity to study with world-class piano faculty, engage meaningfully with both mentors and peers, and practice in the inspiring setting of the Banff Centre, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of ...

Deadline: February 26, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Showcase Opportunity: Pacific Contact 2025

Pacific Contact is BC’s annual showcase conference for the performing arts.

This 4-day conference attracts hundreds of performing arts professionals who gather to plan performances, network, learn, and develop lasting relationships that extend into ...

Deadline: February 28, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Showcase Opportunity: 2025 CAPACOA Conference

Have you applied yet to be part of the in-person showcases and Artist Pitch Sessions at the 2025 CAPACOA Conference? Taking place in Ottawa from December 1-5, 2025, the CAPACOA Conference serves as a forum for networking and professional development, d...

Deadline: February 28, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Contest Opportunity: Womens Freedom Song Contest 2025

Womens Freedome Song Contest is seeking Female Anthems, Music videos and Lyric/Poems that deal with issues of concern to women. (Open to all genders)

Deadline: March 1, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Contest Opportunity: International Songwriters Day Song Contest 2025

The sixth year of the International Songwriters Day (April 9) Song Contest is now in progress and runs to April 2, 2025! Do you have an "inspirational" song, music video or lyric?

The contest is open to everyone. The International Songwriters Day So...

Deadline: April 2, 2025

READ MORE

 
 

Festival Opportunity - POP Montréal International Music Festival 2025

POP Montreal is returning September 24 to 28, and is now accepting applications for artists! 

POP Montreal International Music Festival is an annual not-for-profit curated cultural event that champions independence in the arts by presenting emerging ...

Deadline: April 12, 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

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Festival Opportunity - Electric Sky Electronic Music and Arts festival 2025

Electric Sky Music Festival is more than just a music event—it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and community. Nestled under the open sky, our festival brings together 500+ music lovers, artists, and creators from all walks of life to experience...

Deadline: May 1, 2025

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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

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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

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SaskMusic's Latest

 

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To add your upcoming shows to our Live Music calendar, you can email them to gigs@saskmusic.org or login to your account and submit the details directly.

 

 
   

Cultural Careers

 

To view current openings in cultural work, please view:

The Saskatchewan Choral Federation is looking for a permanent part-time Program Manager (30 hours/week) to join their team. This dynamic role focuses on planning, delivering and evaluating their programs. If you're a creative problem-solver with exceptional organizational skills, a passion for detail, and a desire to make a difference in our province's choral community, they want to hear from you!
Learn more and apply saskchoral.ca/we-are-hiring.html

 
 
 

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