Saskatoon Songwriters Group Meeting on June 1, 2025

The next gathering of the Saskatoon Songwriters' Group is set for June 1, 2025 and is titled 'So You Have a Song...Now What?' with special guests Ben Valiaho from SaskMusic and Aspen Beveridge of Skullcreek Studio.

• Date: Sunda, June 1
• Location: Studio 12 Music & Dance Co. (1025 Boychuk Dr #9), Saskatoon
• Time: 1-4 p.m.

Register to attend at: https://www.s12.ca/saskatoon-songwriters-group

Songwriters and artists of all skill levels are welcome to attend these FREE sessions on various topics to assist in developing your songwriting chops.

SaskMusic urging action as budget cuts threaten Regina’s Public-School music program

We are raising the alarm about reported cutbacks coming to the Regina Public Schools elementary band program.

On May 20th, 2025, the Leader Post published an article about potential “reductions to, or a restructuring of” the Regina Public Schools elementary band program.

Although the Regina Public School Division has not issued an official statement as of May 28, 2025, we understand that while elementary band programs will continue in the fall, staffing reductions are planned.

According the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) these reductions will place further strain on a program that is already under significant pressure.

"With fewer specialist educators available, students could see reduced access to meaningful music instruction. The proposed changes, part of a broader pattern of cuts to arts education, have already reduced opportunities for students and are placing serious strain on a vital part of their education," notes the SAA.

To read SaskMusic's full response, visit our website.

SaskMusic Songwriters Showcase at Country Thunder 2025 announced

We're pleased to be partnering again this year with Country Thunder Saskatchewan for the Songwriters Showcase.

On the afternoons of July 11-13, 2025 you can find the showcase stage on the Country Thunder grounds to listen to songs and the stories behind them. Each afternoon, 4 different artists will take turns sharing their music, songwriters-in-the-round, acoustic style. (Get there early as seating is limited!)

For full performer biographies, visit our website.

Big Tones, SaskMusic attending International Indigenous Music Summit 2025

Saskatchewan artist Big Tones has been invited to perform at the International Indigenous Music Summit 2025 (IIMS) in Toronto, June 1-6, 2025. His performance will be at Supermarket Bar on June 5.

Additionally, SaskMusic’s Indigenous Music Development Coordinator, Denny Blackstar, will be attending the conference. He will be participating in discussions, attending panels, and facilitating connections on behalf of the Saskatchewan music industry.

IIMS is the largest global event dedicated to celebrating, creating awareness, sharing resources, and building opportunities for the Indigenous music community.

It’s a “unique space for Indigenous artists to discuss, exchange, and share and connect with one another, in a culturally sensitive and appropriate space directed at building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between artists and industry professionals.”

This project has been made possible in part by Creative Saskatchewan, Factor, the Government of Canada, and Canada's private radio broadcasters.

For more information, visit our website.

SaskMusic sponsoring panel at International Indigenous Music Summit

SaskMusic is also pleased to sponsor a panel at the International Indigenous Music Summit this year.

The Perfect Pitch: The Artist’s Journey to a Sync Deal will be held on June 4 at the Toronto conference with Kim Temple, Rick Clark, Jordan Howard, Michelle Allman-Esdaille, and Michael Perlmutter. 

Registration is open now through IIMS' website.

Saskatchewan artists to perform at NXNE 2025

Saskatchewan artists blind commentary, Merv xx Gotti, Slow Down Molasses, and ZOCHI will be attending to perform official showcases at the the 30th NXNE Music Festival, happening from June 11-15, 2025. 

NXNE notes on their website that "Toronto has one of the greatest live music scenes in the world and NXNE works with the city’s remarkable music venues to showcase top emerging Canadian and international acts throughout Festival Week ... discovery is at the core of NXNE."

Congratulations to the Saskatchewan artists performing!

For more information about NXNE, visit our website.

Indigenous Music Series: Open Jam Session a success!

A HUGE shoutout to the many talented musicians who helped us bring our first Indigenous Music Series Open Jam Session to life this past weekend on May 24, including Eekwol,  Big Tones, DJ Shingoose, Demostarbeatz, Dale Mac, Cheryl L'Hirondelle, Joseph Naytowhow, and Boss of Three!

And another big shoutout to our partners at Amigos Cantina who helped make this event a success.

This project has been made possible in part by Creative Saskatchewan, Factor, the Government of Canada, and Canada's private radio broadcasters.

See more photos from the event on Facebook!

Third Sask Songwriters Night celebrates four Sask. musicians

We, alongside our partners at Bushwakker Brewpub in Regina hosted our third Sask Songwriters Night on May 20, 2025.with Casey Stone, Carlton Larsen, Melody Gliem, and Itohan Agbator.

Watch our recap reel!

SaskMusic engages with youth at career fairs

SaskMusic was pleased to participate in the 3-day 'Grade 9 WorkSafe Try a Career Fair' hosted by the Regina District Industry Education Council in Balgonie last week May 13-15, 2025.

The event, held at the Balgonie Rink and Multiplex Hall, saw over 3600 students from all over Saskatchewan participating, and serves as an opportunity for SaskMusic to engage with Saskatchewan's next generation of musicians.

Education Manager Ben Valiaho and Administrative Assistant Kevin Kyle were thrilled to engage directly with 1200+ students and budding musicians at the SaskMusic information booth, sharing with youth various career opportunities available to them in the music industry.

For more information about our career fairs, read more on our website.

The Great Escape a success for Sask. artists and SaskMusic

SaskMusic recently attended The Great Escape Festival from May 14-17, 2025 alongside Saskatchewan artists Dump Babes and Grimelda who each performed two official TGE showcases.

TGE represents SaskMusic's primary market development event for the UK market, and we were thankful to partake in networking and connecting with industry on behalf of Saskatchewan's music industry.

SaskMusic is also exceptionally pleased to note that Dump Babes had packed shows for both of their showcases, and Grimelda had lots of crowd participation and a packed Canada House.

Both Sask. musicians represented Saskatchewan and Canada well on the international stage!

See some photos on Facebook and Instagram later today!

Do you have a show coming up?

If so, don't forget to submit to SaskMusic's FREE live music listings!

We accept:

• Listings from any Saskatchewan-based artist, for dates anywhere in Canada
• Saskatchewan dates for any artist

How to Get A Publishing Deal

May 29, 2025

In this Webinar, You will learn how to:

1. Develop Your Skills:

Refine your songwriting abilities by experimenting with different genres, styles, and techniques. Focus on writing unique, memorable melodies and lyrics. 

2. Network and Build Rel...

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Socan 101 - SOCAN 101 – Breaking down rights and royalties

May 29, 2025

 SOCAN 101 – Breaking down rights and royalties for songwriters, producers and composers.  

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 right...

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Songs in The Garden: A Songwriting Workshop

June 7, 2025

Immerse Yourself in Music and Creativity with Songs in The Garden: a Songwriting Workshop (SITG)!

Join us on June 7th, 2025, for a transformative songwriting workshop led by Saskatchewan music icons Earl Pereira, Karissa LaBrash (Hoffart), and Justi...

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WCMA nominees are being announced June 4

Voting for the Western Canadian Music Awards will begin soon!

SaskMusic Individual, Band, and Corporate members will be emailed information on how to vote next week, so watch your inboxes. Band and Corporate memberships receive two votes - so if your group receive emails at two different email addresses, you can reply with the credentials - and vote - using both.

Contact us if your membership is up to date but you do not receive an email next week!

IMO Leadership Program - October 6-10 Residency

The Indigenous Music Office (IMO Leadership Program) is a five-day residency taking place in Toronto from October 6-10, 2025 for up to 20 Indigenous people working in the music industry. Participants will sharpen their business skills by listening to e...

Deadline: May 29, 2025

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Songwriting Opportunity - The 30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition

Since 1995, the USA Songwriting Competition®, "the world's leading international songwriting event," has been honoring songwriters, composers, bands, and recording artists. This is open to all, regardless of nationality or country origin.

Winners ar...

Deadline: May 30, 2025

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Busary Application - The Jess Moskaluke Youth Award by the SCMA

CALLING SASKATCHEWAN EMERGING COUNTRY ARTISTS AGED 13-20….

The Jess Moskaluke Youth Award is designed to support emerging country music artists in Saskatchewan aged 13-20. This $1,500 bursary award & consultation session encourages young artists to ...

Deadline: May 30, 2025

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OHSOTO'KINO Indigenous Music Incubator

OHSOTO’KINO Indigenous Music Incubator is a five-day intensive artist development program for emerging Indigenous artists in Canada. Each year, four to six Indigenous artists will converge at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC) to lear...

Deadline: May 31, 2025

READ MORE

Awards Opportunity - Young Canadian Songwriters Awards 2025

Are you a songwriter aged 21 or under? The Young Canadian Songwriters Awards are now open for applications.

Submit your original music of any genre for a chance to win one of five $5,000 prizes or one of five $1,000 prizes and get recognized by lead...

Deadline: June 1, 2025

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Showcase Opportunity: Folk Alliance International 2026 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: June 6, 2025

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SCMA – 306 Songwriter Circle Series

The Saskatchewan Country Music Association is pleased to announce new performance opportunities for SCMA members.

Series Vision: Throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall of 2025, the SCMA will facilitate songwriter rounds in various communities throug...

Deadline: June 15, 2025

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Conference Opportunity - FOLK+ (The Free Online Music Conference)

• Folk+ is an annual two-day online music conference that takes place on Zoom and inside our member platform, Chorus, sponsored by Grassy Hill Entertainment. Folk+ is a pay-what-you-can event and open to anyone who wants to attend.
• Learn about the F...

Deadline: June 16, 2025

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PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY: 2026 Winterruption Festivals

This is your chance to play the Winterruption festivals in Edmonton, Winnipeg and/ or Saskatoon!
Taking place January 21-25, 2026 - Winterruption festivals are Western Canada's premiere multi-venue winter festivals.

If selected: artists/bands wil...

Deadline: June 25, 2025

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Song opportunity : The Songs of Diwali Contest 2025

The Songs of Diwali Organization is holding a Diwali themed song contest.  The song must be in English and the music and verse must be absolutely original to the creator(s).

The theme of the song will celebrate Diwali, an inclusive, multi-faith fest...

Deadline: June 30, 2025

READ MORE

Battle of the Bands (Sponsored by Water Vision Pool & Spas)

Battle of the Bands is back for another year! Sponsored by Water Vision Pool & Spas the winners will take home $1500 and get the chance to perform a 1 hour set after the competition.

Seize this opportunity to prove you’ve got what it takes to claim ...

Deadline: June 30, 2025

READ MORE

Call for artists: The 2025 DARC Indigenous Residency

The Hnatyshyn Foundation is proud to support the DARC Indigenous Residency, a one-month intensive on-site artist residency offered to mid-career Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) artists who are seeking to develop their current practice, exp...

Deadline: June 30, 2025

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Showcase Opportunity : Your Roots Are Showing 2026 - Ireland's Folk Conference

Your Roots Are Showing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting folk music in Ireland and worldwide, is now in its third year and has become a cornerstone event for Ireland's folk, roots, and traditional music community. This ann...

Deadline: July 7, 2025

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UNLOCK YOUR CREATIVE CAREER : Audio Engineer: Banff Musicians in Residence 2026

Banff Centre's 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 rec...

Deadline: July 9, 2025

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Canadiana / alt-country duo APRIL MOON stir up some prairie magic with their new EP 'Forgiveness Juice'

Born and raised on the wide-open prairies of Saskatchewan, APRIL MOON — unstoppable duo Jaime April and Jason Moon — are bottling up quirky, boot-stompin’ vibes and serving them with a wink on their new EP, Forgiveness Juice. 

Bursting with hometown...

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50% off !earshot Distro for members

The !earshot Distro discount is back!

Now through Jan 31, 2026, members of SaskMusic can get 50% off their first upload(s) to the distribution system. https://earshot-distro.ca/

The National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA/ANREC) ...

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Sask. artists win at Trille Or 2025

Congratulations to the various Saskatchewan musicians and artists who won or were nominated for the 13th edition of the Trille Or Gala!

The bi-annual event honours the French-speaking music scene in Ontario and Canada's western provinces. The gala w...

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• NARROW GATE, May 28, 2025, Bushwakkers
• LIVE & LOCAL Open Stage, May 29, 2025, Station Arts Centre
• Séan McCann THE GREAT BIG CANADIAN ROAD TRIP, May 29, 2025, Harmony United Church
• Waylon Willie Cash: Outlaws & Highwaymen, May 29, 2025, Casino Regina
• MRG Live Pres: THE BLUE STONES - METRO NORTH AMERICA '25, May 30, 2025, Coors Event Centre
• The Greatest Country Music Of All Time Dance Party, May 30, 2025, G. Marconi Italian Club of Regina
• Citizen Rage, Alien To The Ignorant, Bats Out! , May 30, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• Gil & Wil EP Release show with special guest Emily Dubois, May 30, 2025, Artesian on 13th
• KASHMIR: A TRIBUTE TO LED ZEPPELIN, May 30, 2025, Bassment (The)
• PIANO FRIDAYS WITH DON GRIFFITH, May 30, 2025, Bassment (The)
• Free Hot Dogs Live at the Lancaster, May 31, 2025, Lancaster Taphouse
• Jazz Night With The Smooth Operators, May 31, 2025, Africa Jazz Lounge
• THE PIANOMEN: DAVID FONG, DON GRIFFITH, KIM SALKELD, & PAUL SUCHAN , May 31, 2025, Bassment (The)
• Pops Up in the Park, May 31, 2025, Kiswehap Park
• Pop-ups in the Park, May 31, 2025, Eastbrook’s Kiswehap Park Amphitheatre
• Mallory Chipman at Liberty Memorial Hall, June 1, 2025, Liberty Memorial Hall
• An Introduction To The Music Of Richard O. Burdick, June 1, 2025, Exchange/The Club
• Matt Remenda Duo, June 2, 2025, Rook & Raven Pub
• Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show, June 4, 2025, Dekker Centre
• Newsboys World Wide Revival Tour , June 4, 2025, TCU Place
• Rumours The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show, June 5, 2025, Darke Hall
• JEFFERY STRAKER, June 5, 2025, Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture
• DARREL BURKO & THE B# ORCHESTRA ALBUM RELEASE , June 5, 2025, Bassment (The)
• Children's Festival of Saskatchewan, June 5, 2025, Kinsmen Park
• Call Me Mildy at City Limits Inn Yorkton, June 6, 2025, City Limits Inn
• Born to Run Canada – A Tribute to Springsteen, June 6, 2025, Casino Regina
• ELIZA MARY DOYLE , June 6, 2025, Bassment (The)
• Festival Fransaskois, June 6, 2025, Kiwanis Memorial Park South
• Party In The Park, June 6, 2025, W.E Graham Park (behind Victoria School)
• 1st Annual Biggar Old Time Music Festival, June 6, 2025, Community Hall & Jubilee Stadium
• Call Me Mildy at City Limits Inn Yorkton, June 7, 2025, City Limits Inn
• Songs in The Garden: A Songwriting Workshop, June 7, 2025, Wiebe Works
• ZZ TOP The Elevation Tour, June 7, 2025, Sasktel Centre
• Wadena Dixielanders, June 7, 2025, Danceland
• EILEEN LAVERTY, June 7, 2025, Bassment (The)
• Mercy Glover, June 9, 2025, Rook & Raven Pub
• Hunter Brothers, June 9, 2025, EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts
• TWIN FIDDLES WITH JJ GUY & GORDON STOBBE, June 10, 2025, Bassment (The)
• DALLAS ALEXANDER, June 12, 2025, Bassment (The)
• 444 Entertainment W/ 4Life Music & YXE Flatl1ne | 19+, June 13, 2025, Coors Event Centre
• Art in The Garden Festival 2025, June 14, 2025, Wiebe Works
• BOOTS, BADGES & FIDDLES DINNER & DANCE FUNDRAISER, June 14, 2025, St Louis Community Hall
• Jeffery Straker's Prairie Skyscraper Concert Series - Southey SK, June 18, 2025, Grain Elevator
• Sandhills Credit Union Marketplace Kick Off, June 19, 2025, Sandhills Credit Union
• Sesame Street Live – Say Hello, June 19, 2025, Conexus Arts Centre
• Long Day's Night Music Festival, June 19, 2025, Long Day's Night Music Festival
• Regina Jazz Fest 2025, June 19, 2025, Conexus Arts Centre
• Beachside Romeos at Edenwold Community Party, June 21, 2025, RM of Edenwold
• Ol' Stomping' Grounds Music Festival, June 21, 2025, Sports Grounds
• Jeffery Straker’s Prairie Sky Scraper Concert Series, June 21, 2025, Horizon grain elevator
• Jeffery Straker, June 22, 2025, Allen Park
• Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock 'N' Roll, June 25, 2025, Casino Regina
• YOUNG FRIEND w/ Frances Whitney , June 27, 2025, Capitol Music Club (The)
• Jeffery Straker, June 28, 2025, Camp Saskadet