Canadian Music Week: a cross-Canada road-trip in 10 roots music showcases (audio/video)
You’ve found yourself with a pass to Canadian Music Week. Now all you have to do is find some great Canadian roots music to go see – not an easy task when the line-up features more than 800 showcasing artists representing a cross-section of genres, mostly pop and rock. Even CMW’s crack media relations team was unable to hand us a list of performers by genre. Fortunately, we here at Roots Music Canada have a resident moose that LOVES listening to new music. Gordy sifted through dozens and dozens of acts to help find ones we thought you’d love.
We decided to pick a cross-section of artists who are travelling from all across Canada to the festival. These folks typically play this gig in exchange for a conference pass, and they don’t always get the greatest time-slots. If you’ve got a pass to CMW, why don’t you check them out? You’ll be seeing some of the best roots music at the festival, and you’ll be helping to support some great emerging artists.
Vancouver: Jenny Banai
“mellifluous” adjective: (of a voice or words) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear.
synonyms: sweet-sounding, dulcet, honeyed, mellow, soft, liquid, silvery, soothing
Calgary: Mariel Buckley
We love Mariel Buckley here at Roots Music Canada, so much that we already premiered her new song. But if you missed me saying it on Facebook, this woman is a must-hear for anyone who loves roots country, and especially artists like Lucinda Williams.
May 12, 9:00 p.m. – Dakota Tavern
Edmonton: Havelin
If the rest of Havelin’s songs are half as good as the ones on his EP Alright Alright OK, then the 20ish-year-old Alex Zaichkowski is one talented roots pop singer-songwriter to watch. This single, “Closing Time” – no, it’s not a Leonard Cohen cover – is killer.
May 10, 8:00 p.m. – Cameron House
Edmonton: Andrea Nixon
Regina: Amy Nelson
Winnipeg: IsKwé
Last year’s West Coast Music Award winner for Electronic/Dance Artist of the Year and and Juno nominee for Indigenous Music Album of the Year, IsKwé seemlessly blends traditional sounds with rock, pop and electronic elements, powerful political commentary, and … that voice! What a voice!
May 11, 2018 11:30 p.m. – Longboat Hall
Ottawa (and Nunavik): Twin Flames
Sarnia: Cory James Mitchell
Toronto: Jess Leung
May 12, 6:00 p.m. – 120 Diner
Montreal: Coco Méliès
