Industry Awards

BreakOut West Announced the Nominees for the 2017 Western Canadian Music Awards Reception and the Western Canadian Music Industry Awards Brunch

The Western Canadian Music Alliance is excited to reveal the nominees for the 2017 Western Canadian Industry Awards and Western Canadian Music Awards! Industry Award winners will be announced and honoured at the Western Canadian Industry Awards Brunch (ticketed event) on Saturday, September 16 at the Sutton Place Hotel (host hotel), Edmonton, AB. The countdown is on to the 15th annual BreakOut West, hosted in Edmonton AB with special thanks to the Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton.

2017 Western Canadian Music Industry Awards Nominees:

Audio Engineering Award
Russell Broom - JP Maurice, Amy Metcalfe, Chixdiggit (AB)
Ryan Worsley - Said The Whale, Courage My Love, Derrival, Dear Rouge (BC)
Sheldon Zaharko - Plans & Disguises, Head, Ajaye Jardine (BC)
Spencer Cheyne - Jocelyn Alice, Ruben Young, Hello Moth, Al Muirhead (AB)
Steve Bays - The Zolas, We Are The City, Leeroy Stagger, Hot Hot Heat (BC)

Community Excellence Award
Fire Aid Organizing Committee - Fort McMurray Benefit Concert (BC)
Sunshine House (MB)
The Dungarees (AB)
The Exchange (SK)
West End Cultural Centre (MB)
Winnipeg Folk Festival (MB)

Excellence in Visual Design
Adin Wridgway - tune silo records (BC)
Bronwin Parks - Feisty Creative (BC)
Jared Robinson - Nebulus Entertainment (SK)
Matt Schuurman (AB)
Renée Mak (BC) 

Impact in Artist Development
BOP Management & Consulting (AB)
Paquin Artist Agency (MB)
Prairie Mix (MB)
Sakamoto Agency (AB)
Tonic Records (BC) 

Impact in Live Music
Festival du Voyageur (MB)
Rawk Entertainment Group Inc. (SK)
West End Cultural Centre (MB)
UP & Downtown Music Festival (AB)
Winnipeg Folk Festival (MB) 

Impact in Music Marketing
Eric Burke - Le 100 NONS (MB) 
Kevin Mozdzen - The Park Theatre (MB) 
Live Nation Canada (BC) 
Pipe & Hat Music Group (MB) 
Susan Busse - Susan Busse PR (SK)

BreakOut Artist of the Year, presented by CKUA Radio Network
Andy Shauf (SK)
Begonia (MB)
Dan Davidson (AB)
The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer (BC)
William Prince (MB)

Recording of the Year
Andy Shauf - The Party (SK)
Big Little Lions - Just Keep Moving (BC)
Dear Rouge - Black to Gold (BC)
Scenic Route to Alaska - Long Walk Home (AB)
The Zolas - Swooner (BC)

2017 Heritage Award:
Ken Regan - CKUA Radio Network

After years spent reporting from the CKUA newsroom in the 80's and 90's, Ken took over as CEO shortly after the station went dark (and was resurrected) in 1997. His dedication and leadership helped bring CKUA back from the edge and shaped the station into what it is today. Ken worked to help secure the station's future, including the move to the current HQ in Edmonton's Alberta Hotel. As soon as that big move was done, Ken set his eyes on Calgary. With the CEO of the National Music Centre, Ken shared a dream of creating a true home for music in Canada and to introduce its treasures to CKUA listeners. That led to 

2016, when CKUA opened a new broadcast studio in Calgary - The Calgary Foundation CKUA Studio - at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. More than just being the big boss, Ken has been an unfailingly friendly and warm presence for staff, volunteers and donors. He's a big supporter of arts and culture in Alberta, serving on numerous boards and involved with organizations across the province.

2017 Kevin Walters Industry Builder Award:
Kathy Kirby (posthumously)

In 2014 Edmonton's music scene lost one of its most passionate, generous and beloved champions, (Kathy) Kirby. Over the course of five decades, Kirby worked tirelessly as a venue booker, manager, publicist, writer, and live sound engineer. She was a priceless mentor to hundreds, if not thousands, of young musicians, writers, techs, and promoters, making them feel welcome and respected as she helped usher them into the music scene. The immense contribution Kirby made to the Canadian music scene will not be forgotten.

2017 Hall of Fame Inductee:
Paul Brandt