By Kerry Doole
Awards news
– Music Nova Scotia has announced the 2023 Music Nova Scotia Music & Industry Award nominees, with Jah’Mila and Quake Matthews leading the way with four nods each. Earning three noms each are Andrew Jackson, Braden Lam, Corey LeRue, Jenn Grant, Kayo, Nicole Ariana, O’Sound, and Rich Aucoin. 283 total individual award submissions covering 21 music and 6 industry categories were received. All Music Nova Scotia members in good standing are eligible to vote now until Aug. 31 for this year’s Music and Industry Awards.
– Recognizing the outstanding work and contributions of Folk artists and musicians from across Ontario, Folk Music Ontario (FMO) has announced the nominees for the 2023 Ontario Folk Music Awards. Leading the way with two noms apiece are Aysanabee, Digging Roots, and Julian Taylor, while Barbra Lica, Madison Violet, Lenka Lichtenberg, Shakura S'Aida, Abigail Lapell and Amanda Rheaume are amongst the other contenders. See the full nominations list here. The award ceremony will take place at London's Aeolian Hall on Oct. 15. Still to be announced are the recipients of The Colleen Peterson Award, Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award, Estelle Klein Community Builder Award and Taylor Mitchell Bursary, along with the host and performers to appear at the event.
– After receiving more than 6K votes, the YYC MUSIC AWARDS Foundation has announced the final 2023 People’s Choice Award Nominees: Cool Choir, Coolmowee, Georgie Lyons, Perpie, and Walker & the Tribe. A complete list of award nominees can be found here. Presented by Craig Senyk Initiatives and hosted by multiple YYC Music Award nominee Lisette Xavier of CBC Kids, the 8th Annual Awards Gala will be held on Sept. 24 at the Grey Eagle Casino Event Centre, Calgary, featuring performances by Brother Bicker Band, Esteban Herrera with Gisela Romero, Jennie Harluk, Sinzere, and SYRYN. Tix here
Festivals news
Arguably the most famed folk fest in Canada, the Mariposa Folk Festival has begun a search for a new Artistic Director. Liz Scott stepped down from that role earlier this summer after 7 successful years. The Mariposa Folk Foundation anticipates completing the process to recruit its next Artistic Director by this fall. The deadline for applications is Sept. 11, and the full job ad can be found here. Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume in confidence to Pam Carter, Foundation President, at mff@mariposafolk.com
Industry news
– This month marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop. To celebrate, the National Music Centre (NMC) in partnership with 10 at 10 Music & Culture is presenting an event with former MuchMusic VJ Master T and guests on Aug. 29 at Studio Bell. Moderated by Master T and co-curated by Master T and Beni Johnson, the founder and ed of 10 at 10, the event will feature a hip-hop roundtable with Cartel Madras, Drezus, Temia, Mouraine, Da Kid T, Sargeant X Comrade, RTC Profit, Wyzewon, and Beni J; graffiti art from JD War Paint; an MC contest with three finalists performing tributes to the anniversary; a DJ showcase and interview with DJ Pump; an exhibition breaker battle with Juicebox Crew vs. Endless Possibility; and more in an effort to represent and celebrate the four elements of hip-hop culture (i.e. graffiti art, rapping, DJing, and breakdancing). More info here.
– The 2024 Your Roots Are Showing Conference in Dundalk, Ireland, January 17-21, sees ECMA, Music/Musique NB, MusicNL, Music NS, and Music PEI Present a 'Canadian Music. East Coast Style' spotlight. Apply for the 2023 Your Roots Are Showing showcase here until Aug. 28.
– The Toronto International Film Festival doesn't start until next month, but it has already generated attention by announcing that Talking Heads will appear together for the first time in 25 years at TIFF. The four original members, David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison and Chris Frantz, will participate in a group interview about the classic rockumentary Stop Making Sense with Spike Lee after a 40th-anniversary screening of the film. The news has fuelled speculation about a possible reunion, but some bad blood between Byrne and his former bandmates reportedly remains.
Applications are closing tomorrow (Aug. 25) for the 2023 Entrepreneur Accelerator program, organised by Women in Music. Apply here.
Artists news
– Veteran Hamilton singer/songwriter Martin Verrall launched his darkly poetic new album, January Downs, in fine style at The Casbah in Hamilton on Sat. night, accompanied by some of the fine local players appearing on the record. His richly atmospheric set was preceded by some exciting rock 'n roll riffery courtesy of Darryl Gould and, in their first gig, Stoneage Romeos.
– Soulful Ethiopia-born, Whistler-based singer/songwriter ZADA has just released Atlantic Times, the first single from an upcoming debut album. She recently showcased at Honey Jam in Toronto. More info here.
– Canadian country singer/guitar slinger country artist Lindsay Ell recently guested on episode 3 of Chris Shiflett's popular Shred With Shifty podcast. Ell talks with Shiflett about her many musical influences, especially her early bluegrass and country roots, her experience playing with producer Dann Huff, and why there aren't more female lead guitarists. Full video episodes will be available exclusively on Volume.com, and audio versions are on all major podcast platforms.
– In an afternoon matinee show on Sept 17, singer/songwriter Don Oakie presents the Coming Home Concert, one featuring material from his recent eclectic indie release, Coming Home, at the Dundas Little Theatre in Dundas, ON. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Hamilton Alliance For Tiny Shelters (HATS), and Oakie is thrilled that the show has sold out weeks in advance.
– Montreal psych rockers Elephant Stone tour Europe next month, with shows in France, Spain, Holland, Germany and England. Info Here
– Alberta-born, Montreal-based singer/songwriter Loryn Taggart has just released Lighthouse, the final advance single from her upcoming debut album, The Art Of Pulling Through, due in Sept. The song was co-written with Jadea Kelly and Joe Moralez. A record launch in Montreal is planned for Oct. 2.
– East Coast indie rock hero Joel Plaskett has just released a new track, Hey Moon (A Campfire Song). When the YMCA in Vancouver asked Plaskett to play at their “virtual campfire” over the pandemic in 2021, he figured he’d write a song for a real campfire and the real moon above. He finished the song 15 minutes prior to recording it for the livestream.
– Canadian indie pop-rock outfit Jane’s Party has announced a North American tour spanning 18 cities supporting BRITs Critics Choice winner singer-songwriter Tom Odell. The tour kicks off in Toronto at Massey Hall on Oct. 2 and wraps up in Vancouver at The Orpheum on Oct. 29. See a full routing here. Here's the latest JP single.
