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Music News Digest: Snotty Nose Rez Kids Top Western Canadian Music Awards Nominees
The WCMA winners will be announced in Sept. at BreakOut West. Also covered this week: Festival season in full swing, Black Music Month in Toronto, Studio Bell's busy Canada Day and Tara MacLean lands a slot at Glastonbury.
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Awards News
The Western Canadian Music Alliance recently announced the 2025 Western Canadian Music Award nominees. The winners of the awards in both the Artistic and Industry categories will be revealed during BreakOut West, taking place September 24-28 in Winnipeg. Heading the nominees list this year are Indigenous hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids with four, followed by Boy Golden, Burnstick and Wyatt C. Louis, with three nominations each. Artists with two nominations include Celeigh Cardinal, Field Guide, Jake Vaadeland, Kelly Bado, Kyle McKearney, Missy D, Nell Smith, Raagaverse and Ruby Singh's Vox.Infold II.
Now in its 23rd year, BreakOut West is a five day career development conference and international industry program that offers immersive content, international market deep dives, one-on-one mentor meetings, workshops and more. The 2025 music festival component will highlight 50+ artists, performing at multiple venues across Winnipeg. Info on festival wristbands will be posted soon.
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2025 Western Canadian Music Awards Artistic Nominees
Afrobeats Artist of the Year
DXXN - MB
Rooky Kamiz – SK
Tk The Artist – BC
Tommyphyll – MB
Zochi – SK
Blues Artist of the Year
Big Dave McLean – MB
Blue Moon Marquee – BC
David Gogo – BC
Marcus Trummer – AB
The Harpoonist – BC
BreakOut Artist of the Year (Sponsored by FACTOR)
Boy Golden – MB
Burnstick – MB
Field Guide – MB
Jake Vaadeland – SK
Wyatt C. Louis – AB
Children’s Artist of the Year
Beppie – AB
Ginalina – BC
Kym Gouchie – BC
Oh Clementine – BC
Will & Seeka – BC / AB
Classical Artist or Ensemble of the Year
Luminous Voices – AB
Manitoba Chamber Orchestra – MB
Turning Point Ensemble – BC
Vancouver Chamber Choir – BC
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra – BC
Classical Composer of the Year
Carmen Braden – Crooked by Nature “Ispiciwin – Luminous Voices and Timothy Shantz” – NT
Glenn Buhr – Violoncello Concerto no.2 (7 Couplets) “Glenn Buhr Violoncello Concerti 1 & 2 – Ariel Barns with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra” – MB
Jeffrey Ryan – Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation “Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation – Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Bramwell Tovey” – BC
Nova Pon – Symphonies of Mother and Child “Nova Pon – Symphonies of Mother and Child” – BC
Vincent Ho – Gryphon Realms “Land’s End Ensemble – Mr. Tambourine Man / Gryphon Realms” – AB
Country Artist of the Year
Dan Davidson – AB
Hunter Brothers – SK
Jade Turner – MB
Jess Moskaluke – SK
JoJo Mason – BC
Electronic & Dance Artist of the Year
ASKO – AB
Gl0bal – BC
Rose Motion – AB
RUMPUS – BC
WHIPED CREAM – BC
Francophone Artist of the Year (Sponsored by APCM – Association des professionnels de la chanson et de la musique)
Andrina Turenne – MB
Étienne Fletcher – SK
Kelly Bado – MB
Missy D – BC
Ponteix – SK
Global Artist of the Year
Caleb Hart – BC
Kelly Bado – MB
Locarno – BC
Raagaverse – BC
Ruby Singh’s Vox.Infold II – BC
Indigenous Artist of the Year
Celeigh Cardinal – AB
Ghostkeeper – AB
Shawnee Kish – AB
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – BC
Wyatt C. Louis – AB
Instrumental Artist of the Year
Amero – AB
Astrocolor – BC
BrassTactics – AB
Joel Jeschke – AB
Rubim de Toledo – AB
Jazz Artist of the Year
Jon Bentley – BC
Montuno West – AB
Peggy Lee & Cole Schmidt – BC
Raagaverse – BC
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra – MB
Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year
Anciients – BC
Art of Attrition – AB
Holy Void – MB
Thirteen Goats – BC
Torrefy – BC
Pop Artist of the Year
Begonia – MB
Fionn – BC
L’omelette – AB
Nell Smith – BC
RIELL – AB
Producer of the Year
David Ziehr – BC
Jason & Nadia Burnstick – MB
Kevvy – BC
Liam Duncan – MB
Ryan Worsley – BC
R&B Artist of the Year
AHSIA – BC
Bukola – BC
Katie Tupper – SK
NADUH – BC
TOVA & vbnd – SK
Rap & Hip Hop Artist of the Year
MELODNA – SK
Missy D – BC
Mouraine – AB
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – BC
Tomi Lumiere – AB
Recording of the Year
Dump Babes – SK
Nell Smith – BC
Skinny Dyck – AB
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – BC
The Dead South – SK
Rock Album of the Year
Bad Buddy – AB
Dear Rouge – BC
Field Guide – MB
Jade Elephant – AB
The Royal Foundry – AB
Roots Artist of the Year
Celeigh Cardinal – AB
Jake Vaadeland – SK
Kyle McKearney – AB
Leaf Rapids – MB
Wyatt C. Louis – AB
Songwriter(s) of the Year (Sponsored by The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada – SOCAN)
Boy Golden – Here To Stay "Boy Golden – Here To Stay" – MB
Jason Burnstick & Nadia Burnstick – Made of Sin "Burnstick – Made of Sin" – MB
Kyle McKearney/Noeline Hoffman/James Jannetty – Tomorrow "Kyle McKearney – Tomorrow" – AB
Sam Lynch – Hurt "Sam Lynch – Outline" – BC
Yung Trybez/Young D (Snotty Nose Rez Kids) – RED FUTURE "Snotty Nose Rez Kids – RED FUTURE" – BC
Spiritual Artist of the Year
BLVRS – BC
Danielle Savard – MB
Elenee – SK
Ruby Singh’s Vox.Infold II – BC
Terrance Richmond – BC
Video Director of the Year (Sponsored by Manitoba Film & Music)
Gino Bikovesso – Sargeant X Comrade "Escape The Matrix Pt. 1" – AB
Jay Bulckaert – Gnarwhal "The War / Nothing More" – NT
Peter Faint – Matías Roden "Close Your Eyes" – BC
Sterling Larose – Snotty Nose Rez Kids "BBE" – BC
Zachary Vague – Dear Rouge "Goon" – BC
2025 Western Canadian Music Awards Industry Nominees
Audio Engineering Award
Andy Schichter - Park Sound Studio – BC
Jamie Kuse - Nova Studios – BC
John Paul Peters - Private Ear Recording – MB
Neil James Cooke-Dallin - Burning Rainbow – BC
Ryan Worsley - Echoplant Sound – BC
Community Excellence Award
Music Mile Society of Calgary – AB
National Music Centre – AB
sākihiwē festival – MB
Soul Supreme – MB
TD Music Artist in Residence at MacEwan University Program – AB
Excellence in Visual Design
Brandon William Fletcher - Faked Potatoes – BC
Bronwin Parks - Feisty Creative – BC
Dave Von Bieker - Small Enough – AB
Gabrielle Giroux - Encore Graphics – SK
Jenna Clarahan – AB
Impact in Artist Development
Birthday Cake Records – MB
Monstercat – BC
National Music Centre – AB
Paquin Artists Agency – MB
Tiny Kingdom Music – BC
Impact in Live Music (Sponsored by Canadian Live Music Association)
Folk On The Rocks – NT
Midnight Agency Inc. – BC
Paquin Artist Agency – MB
Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club – MB
West End Cultural Centre – MB
Winterruption YEG ltd – AB
Impact in Music Marketing
Birthday Cake Records – MB
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Festivals News
Now in its 12th year, the Something Else! Festival in Hamilton has earned an international reputation for presenting high-quality and adventurous programming in the avant-garde and improvisational jazz field. This year's edition runs June 19-22 and comprises seven ticketed events at St. Cuthbert's and two free events at Hamilton Public Library & Open Streets. It has attracted renowned artists from Berlin, New York, Chicago, Amsterdam, Paris, Melbourne, Vancouver, Brussels, Dublin, Montreal, Lucerne, San Francisco and Halifax, as well as Toronto and Hamilton. Noted names this year include Matt Brubeck, Farida Amadou, Myra Melford, Susie Ibarra, Pantayo and Izumi Kimura & Gerry Hemingway. Tickets and info here.
– Annual highlights of the legendary Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia, Ontario, are regularly provided in the workshops taking place, and this year's edition (its 65th!) will be no exception. Here are some of the impressive artist lineups scheduled for some of the workshops: Friends in Low Places: Langhorne Slim, Born Ruffians and Nixon Boyd - Lake Couchiching Serenade: Cuff the Duke, Hayden and Joseph Gallo Jr. - Dead Radio, Love: Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Basia Bulat, Elisapie and Julian Taylor - Ladies of the Canyon: Jane Siberry, Bess Atwell, Irish Mythen, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson - Let's Just Be Friends: Corook, Klo Pelgag and Goldie Boutilier. Check the full stage schedules here. Mariposa runs July 4-6.
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Industry News
Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) is gearing up for a month-long celebration of music, history and culture. Following a request from the CBMA, Mayor Olivia Chow and the City of Toronto have issued a proclamation stating that June is Black Music Month. Check out the full proclamation here.
– Produced by TPR Records, Canadian Songbook is a new documentary-style podcast hosted by Juno-winning drummer and composer. Ernesto Cervini. Its mandate is to explores Canada’s rich musical roots, one story at a time, and Cervini has corraled an impressive list of artists to participate. That grouping includes Barenaked Ladies’ founding member Jim Creeggan, Grammy-winning baritone Elliot Madore, celebrated saxophonist Tara Davidson, Canadian music advocate Holly Nimmons, composer and bandleader Allison Au, and jazz star and educator Mike Murley. Each episode tells a story of identity, heritage, and transformation through art.
The first two episodes were released on June 11th with the remaining episodes (six in total) released the 2nd Wednesday of every month. More info here.
– Since beginning in 2001 as a weekend host, Brad Barker has become a very formidable presence at Toronto station JAZZ.FM91. He has taken on the roles of Operations Manager and Music Director as well as hosting the showsJazzology, Dinner Jazz and Afternoon Drive. Barker has now announced he'll be signing off from the latter on June 20 and farewelling his full-time gig at the station. Read a tribute here. Of note: Barker still occasionally rocks out as the longtime bassist of The Pursuit Of Happiness.
– Part of The National Music Centre in Calgary, Studio Bell has announced its Canada Day plans. From 10 am to 5 pm, guests can explore new exhibitions, enjoy live performances, and participate in hands-on activities throughout the building. Admission is free. Performers include six-piece Afro-fusion band Melafrique, R&B singer-songwriter Kate Stevens and many others TBA. The day will also feature pop-up performances of fascinating items from the NMC Collection, including demonstrations on the historic Kimball Theatre Organ, an extraordinary instrument originally used to accompany silent films and live piano performances on the famed Steinway “Rhapsody in Blue” piano, made to commemorate George Gershwin’s centennial.
Current exhibitions are dedicated to Sum 41 and other recent Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees, Dan Hill, Ginette Reno, Glass Tiger and Loreena McKennitt. The Speak Up! exhibition returns with inspiring Indigenous artists and changemakers including Beatrice Deer, Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, Ray St. Germain, Harry Rusk and Kelly Fraser.
The historic King Eddy next door will feature free, all-ages performances on the main floor and rooftop as part of the anniversary festivities. Performers will include folk duo Meadowsweet, singer-songwriter Dean Lauderdale, pop-country songstress Liz Christensen, rock outfit Brother Bicker Band, CCMA-nominated country artist Jake Mathews and blues-rocker Ollee Owens. Of note: NMC Memberships will be 50% off for one day only on July 1. Go to studiobell.ca/become-a-member.
Artists News
Acclaimed East Coast folk/roots singer-songwriter Tara MacLean is thrilled at securing a prominent spot at this year's edition of the famed English festival Glastonbury. Her sponsor, West Jet, is helping out for this show, with MacLean performing on the loved ‘Toad Hall’ Stage in the Green Futures Field Area on June 27 (7 p.m.). Expect readings from her acclaimed recent memoir, Song of The Sparrow (HarperCollins), as well as material from her 2024 album Sparrow. It won as Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year at the Music PEI Awards, and was nominated for three East Coast Music Awards. The MacLean camp informs that she has been working with major Hollywood string composers and hot young U.K. producers on a new album that will feature a new direction. Post-Glasto, she plays some East Coast shows in July.
– Toronto fans of classic ska and reggae are advised to check out a June 20 show at CONTXT by Trane (254 Lansdowne Ave at College). It features fluent guitarist Maurice Gordon paying tribute to the work of Jamaican pioneer Ernest Ranglin, accompanied by an A-list group that includes noted keyboardist Jason Wilson. Tickets here.
– Ontario country-folk singer Rebekah Hawker released her new EP, Quit My Habit, on June 9, on Victory Pool Records, and has announced upcoming dates in Ontario and the UK. These began with an appearance in support of Dean Brody at Barrie's Troubadour Festival on June 14, followed by her own show at Toronto's Cameron House on June 21 and finishing up at Owen Sound's Summerfollk festival, Aug. 15-17.
– Platinum-selling, CCMA Award-winning country star Robyn Ottolini hasannounced a nine-date fall tour, entitled The Way, Way Back Tour, across Ontario and Montreal, kicking off Nov. 6. Tickets on sale now. Expect a mix of hits, new tunes and covers of songs that had an early impact on the singer-songwriter.
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