WINNIPEG, MB – Twenty Indigenous artists from across Canada converged on Falcon Trails Resort for the Indigenous Music Residency (formerly AMP Camp), late last month. Hosted by Manitoba Music and the Canada Council for the Arts, the week-long residency gives emerging and mid-career Indigenous recording artists an opportunity to develop their business skills and expand their artistic abilities.

This was the ninth edition of the Indigenous Music Residency, which runs every two years. Past participants – including established acts Don Amero, Drezus, Cris Derksen, and IsKwé – have gone on to release acclaimed albums, receive multiple music awards and nominations, and make music their full-time job.

The Indigenous Music Residency included professional and artistic development sessions on topics like music production, rights and royalties, social media management, licensing for film and television, songwriting, performance planning and preparation, building a team, funding, drum machine, song editing, touring, and more. Participants also had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with several faculty members for consultations about their music or business strategies.

Photo by Natasha Camille Photography.

This year’s faculty included many established artists and music industry professionals, including artist entrepreneurs Alida Kinnie Starr, Billy Simard, David Landreth (The Bros. Landreth), Doug Cox, Joanne Pollock, Leela Gilday, Leonard Sumner, and Rae Spoon; radio executive Dave McLeod (NCI FM / Indigenous Music Countdown); label managers Jarrett Martineau (RPM) and Jay Devonish (eOne Music Canada); touring manager and musician MJ Dandeneau; audio engineer Matt Mayor; producer Rusty Matyas; and social media strategist Vanessa Cito.

The artists invited to participate included Ansley Simpson (ON), Bebe Buckskin (AB), Binaeshee-Quae (ON), Celeigh Cardinal (AB), Classic Roots (ON), Desiree Dorion (MB), Eadsé (QC), Ila Barker (MB), Jade Turner (MB), Jayli Wolf (ON), Kaitlin Angus (SK), Kris Glabush and Matthew Cardinal of nêhiyawak (AB), Lacey Hill (ON), Marcia (ON), Pesh (MB), Sebastian Gaskin (MB), The Northwest Kid (SK), Wolf Saga (ON), and Zachary Daniels (BC).

The Indigenous Music Residency is an initiative of Manitoba Music’s Indigenous Music Development Program (IMDP), which was launched in 2004 to help First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people develop sustainable careers in Manitoba’s music industry.

Manitoba Music would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Canada Council for the Arts; FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters; the Province of Manitoba, the Manitoba Arts Council, and Manitoba Film & Music.

By Manitoba Music

Main photo of Desiree Dorion by Red Works Photography

For similar stories, pick up a copy of Smart Biz, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.