All times SK. Time of panels subject to change.

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Friday, December 9, 2022

 

One-on-ones for participants in our Next Wave artist development and export programs (by invitation). 

Very Prairie Live show, doors 9pm, music 10pm-midnight at O'Hanlons with Shirley & The Pyramids, Thinktank, and TBA.

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Saturday, December 10, 2022

 

University of Regina - College Avenue Campus, 2155 College Ave

Parking at the campus is available on the south side (back) of building
Saturday and Sunday parking is free
 

9:15-10:00am   Registration/registrant check-in, and sign-ups for one-on-ones with panelists (one-on-ones are first come, first serve)

 

10:00-11:00am   Out Now: How to Release Your Music
With Shawn Petsche, Marc Merilainen, Katie Sahlu, Grant Paley, Kate Stevens

You're putting in the time to create it...but what do you do with it once it's done? It's tempting to focus all your efforts on the artistic side, and leave the logistics of 'how to get people to hear it' until it's absolutely necessary. We'll talk timelines, digital aggregators, and things not to forget in your rush to get your new artistic baby delivered to the world, with a focus on album/EP releases. 

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11:00am-12:00pm   Indigenous Identity and Music Paths (all registrants may attend)

With Dale Mac (moderator), Rhonda Head, Marc Meriläinen, Forrest Eaglespeaker, Justin Holness

The panel will discuss a variety of topics, including navigating as an Indigenous artist in today's music industry; advice for emerging artists; creating music when living in remote communities; industry supports that exist, and those that are needed; and practical tips for self-managed artists, with an opportunity to ask questions and add to the dialogue.

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12:00-1:00pm   Lunch (provided)

 

1:00-2:00pm   Getting Your Face Into Festivals

With Amanda Scandrett (moderator), Amber Goodwyn, Shawn Petsche, Jörg Tresp, Belle Plaine, Troy Lemberg

Landing a festival spot can not only gain you a sweet gig at a beautiful event, but proving yourself with a killer set can lead to new fans and generate more festival invitations to come. What are artistic directors looking for? How can you make yourself stand out among the thousands of submissions they receive, and meet expectations if you land the offer? Come find out.

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2:00-3:00pm   The Next Level: Showcase & Export Readiness

With Grant Paley (moderator), Jörg Tresp, Shawn Petsche, Gabrielle Rubaine, Forrest Eaglespeaker, Belle Plaine, Steve Kenny

How do you know when you're export or showcase-ready? Is it worth the time, expense, and risk to take part in showcase festivals - and should they have a place in YOUR big plan? We'll talk opportunities, reasons, when it's time to expand your domestic and international tour markets, and more.

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3:00pm-4:00pm   Radio Strategies, College and Community

With Ben Valiaho (moderator), Kate Stevens, Shauna Powers, Troy Lemberg, Belle Plaine

An extensive network of college/campus and community stations exists across Canada, providing grassroots support for artists in an incredible range of genres that often don't get noticed by mainstream radio. How do you get your music to them, and improve your chances of being heard? We'll dive into the subject. 

 
4:00-5:00pm   Money Talks

With Lisa Prpich, Philip Adams, Katie Sahlu, Justin Holness 

We'll be joined by Creative Saskatchewan and others to discuss grant application strategies, tips, and take questions from attendees to help improve your chances of getting that elusive, much-desired 'yes'.

6:00-8:00pm   ADVANCE - Canada's Black Music Business Collective presents a Saskatchewan Music Industry Mixer in conjunction with Very Prairie at Hampton Hub (1221 15th Ave) for Black artists and music professionals.
Very Prairie registration is not required to attend this event.

Calling artists, musicians, producers, DJs, creatives, and aspiring Black music peeps come out to connect with others in the industry and learn about what ADVANCE Music Canada does, and how becoming a member can help support your professional development goals. Complimentary food, beverages, music and networking.
Hosts: Gabi Rubaine of ADVANCE and Rooky Jegede of SaskMusic
Sounds by: DJ SholaSleek

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Very Prairie Live show, 8pm-12:30am at The Cure. With Marissa Burwell, Zochi, Melodna, Katie Tupper, Nige B & InfoRed (order TBD).

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Sunday, December 11, 2022

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University of Regina - College Avenue Campus, 2155 College Ave

Parking at the campus is available on the south side (back) of building
Saturday and Sunday parking is free

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9:00-9:30am   Registration, check-in, and sign-ups for one-on-ones (one-on-ones are first come, first serve)

9:30am-11:30am Women in Music Saskatchewan brunch and panel discussion (all registrants may attend.)

With Marian Donnelly (moderator), Gabrielle Rubaine, Rhonda Head, Amber Goodwyn, Kate Stevens, Katie Sahlu

Returning this year, our panel of folks from different roles in the music industry will discuss industry trends, challenges, triumphs and ways we can work together to improve the music scene for the benefit of all. Come for the food, stay for the conversation! Presented under the umbrella of SaskMusic's Women in Music Saskatchewan (WIMS) sub-group, now affiliated with Women in Music Canada.

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12:00-1:00pm   It Takes a Village: Building Your Team

With Katie Sahlu (moderator), Gabrielle Rubaine, Steve Kenny, Kaelen Klypak, Marc Meriläinen 

Being an independent artist or small label is exhausting! Too many things to do, too little time. Juggling creative tasks with dreaded administrative ones. How can you find supporters and industry folks to help take on some of the work of building your career, why do funding agencies want to know who's on your team, and what are some roles you should be looking to fill? We'll talk strategies to get going with building your team - from friends and family, to networking to find industry service providers. 

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1:00-2:00pm   The Future of Music

With Gabrielle Rubaine (moderator), Jörg Tresp, Justin Holness, Troy Lemberg

It feels like the music industry evolves at a breakneck pace. Trends change faster than the weather in Saskatchewan. We'll talk current issues, and things to be in-the-know on. 

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2:00-3:30pm   Protective Spaces
With Stacey Forrester of Good Night Out Vancouver

You may have heard the term “safer spaces” in relation to the music industry, but what are ‘Protective” Spaces? Protective Spaces are physical establishments, but also teams within the industry that recognize that safety requires ongoing action. Spaces that work to protect the people inside them - patrons, artists, and others working in music - don’t happen by accident! This session will cover the basics of Protective Spaces for those in the industry, including practices for touring musicians, venues, managers and patrons of shows. Join Stacey Forrester for this interactive session and leave with tools you can use to create safe music experiences right away! 

 

Good Night Out (GNO) is a BC-based non-profit society that works directly with the hospitality and music sectors to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and create safer experiences for those working in those industries as well as patrons. Good Night Out’s roots are on the occupied and unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Skxwú7mesh and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ people. GNO’s work in the area of safer music spaces has led to partnerships with venues of all sizes, The Cities of Victoria and Vancouver, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, artists, and many other stakeholders in the hospitality and entertainment sector.

 

5:00-6:45pm   Award nominees and sponsors reception *by invitation*

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7:30-10:30pm Saskatchewan Music Awards at Darke Hall (doors open 7:00pm) 

Featuring the presentations in 20 artistic and industry categories including the honouring of our Indigenous Music Achievement Award recipients, and performances by Ariel, Etienne Fletcher, Dump Babes, Jesse Brown, People of the Sun, TOVA, Zhe the Free and more to be announced.
This a separately ticketed event. Very Prairie registrants will receive a discount code to purchase tickets for just $10+taxes.

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Parking is available for free on the south side (back) of Darke Hall / College Ave Campus

11:00pm-1am After party at The Fat Badger 

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