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Indie Bands Apply for a Shot At an Independent Music Award in Toronto

andPOP Staff — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 23:30:00 +0000

The CAAMA, Canadian Association for the Advancement of Music & the Arts, is encouraging independent bands to go seek out the recognition they deserve at this year’s Indies.

The 8th Annual Indies – also known as the Independent Music Awards – are set to take place in Toronto on March 8th in the Canadian Ballroom at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel as a part of the Rogers Wireless Canadian Music Week.

Celebrating the best in both Canadian and international independent music, bands like Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, The Trews, Interpol, Hot Hot Heat and Wolfmother have all been recognized for their achievements in the Indies of past. For many untapped talents, the recognition from the Independent Music Award’s has opened doors, putting them on the radio, on television and into the mainstream.

This year, the awards will also include the 2008 Galaxie Rising Stars Award from the CBC. This award is given to a group or artist based on the opinions of some of Canada’s top music critics and journalists.

The Rogers Wireless Canadian Music Week is often considered Canada’s most prominent and prestigious music and entertainment event. This year, the event will stretch from March 5th to 8th in various locations in downtown Toronto.

The deadline for applications is December 1st. For more information see the website: www.cmw.net

CMW Blog: Saturday

andPOP Staff — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:31 +0000

CMW Blog: Saturday

andPOP’s coverage of Canadian Music Week continued on Saturday, as Adam Gonshor, the reigning king of pop (without the busy hands), and yours truly were on hand at the Canadian Radio Music Awards.

Yeaaa Boiiiii

A friend of mine was telling me a story about Flavor Flav. As I recall, I believe she was around Neill Dixon (president of the CMW) as he met Mr. Flav (who was in town with Public Enemy). Dixon introduces himself, “Nice to meet you, I’m the president…” They share pleasantries, and as Flav leaves he says, “Good luck with your campaign.” Flav’s entertainment value is off the charts.

Rex, First-Time Award Winner

We spoke with Rex Goudie, who took home “Best New Solo Artist of the Year.” He was telling us how this was his first time winning an award, and was pretty excited about it. Unlike a lot of the snots who fill the airwaves, you can feel good for Goudie – a genuinely nice guy, doing what he loves. We wish him all the best of luck in the future.

George, Urban Sprawl

The creatively named George won “Best New Group or Solo Artist (Dance/Urban/Rhythmic) of the Year.” George was a popular guy, receiving big applause when he won his awards.

Who are those guys with the long hair?

Triumph, who peaked at #27 on US charts in 1986, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, to which someone quipped, “you know it’s Canada when someone is inducted into the Music Hall of Fame and everyone asks, ‘Who is that?’”

Bedouin clashes with CMW

Bedouin Soundclash had some harsh words for Canadian Music Week. Check back with andPOP as we’ll have video coverage of what Bedouin Soundclash had to say, and much much more from the Radio Music Awards.

Canadian Music Week Blog – March 8

andPOP Staff — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 01:35:04 +0000

Canadian Music Week kicked off on Wednesday with the Indies, and continued last night with its signature event—the Canadian Music Industry Awards.

And, as with most happening events in Toronto, andPOP was right in the thick of things.

I was lucky enough to be an awards presenter; handing heavy glass objects to some of the industry’s best and brightest.

The night started an hour late (due to no fault of my own, I swear), but picked up steam and ran pretty well– considering the sheer size and grandiosity of the event (there were over 800 glammed guests in attendance).

I passed out half a dozen awards or so, but the highlight was when I presented David Foster with his Hall of Fame award. The reality didn’t set in until a few hours later. I actually handed a Hall of Fame award to the legendary David Foster. He was quite obviously the night’s golden boy, and rightfully so. He’s had an amazing career, having worked with such people as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, etc, etc. And bigger than any name association– he has sold over 500 million records.

That’s half a billion. Half a billion. That’s enough to make me forget all about the “Princes of Malibu.” I’m sure the giant award he received last night will look nice alongside his 14 Grammy Awards.

There were some other memorable moments throughout the night: One award winner kissed me as I handed him his award. Not sure what part, if any, alcohol played in it… but it was pretty funny and got a rise out of the crowd. Also, Sean Cullen, the show’s host, dubbed me “the beautiful and talented awards boy.”

Make sure to check back with andPOP all week as our Canadian Music Week coverage continues.

Canadian Music Week Begins Wednesday!

Adam Gonshor — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 03:14:13 +0000

This isn’t a fluff piece, nobody paid me to say this, I’m not getting any special hook-ups for letting my opinion be known. Canadian Music Week is the best music event in Toronto.

In what other capacity can you spend $35 to pick from a roster of literally hundreds of Canadian and international artists over four days in 40 venues?

Canadian Music Week allows you to do that. Not all of them are going to become multi-platinum selling artists and you may never hear from some again, but there is a hoist of quality music to be heard and you never know; you might find the next Alanis, Jewel, Barenaked Ladies or Arcade Fire – and they’ve all played during CMW in past years.

The unofficial launch of CMW is Wednesday (March 7) during the Indie Awards at the Docks. Neverending White Lights, The Stills and recent Grammy winners Wolfmother are just a few of the names expected to play during the Indies, and a bunch of awards will be handed out as well.

Bessie Bullard, CMW’s communications director, believes that the quality of music coming from independent artists has improved over the past few years as these artists raise their profiles.

“The independent specter has really exploded because indie bands and indie labels really get behind themselves in doing the work and doing the marketing on their own behalves,” Bullard says. “They are not afraid to tour and get on the road.”

Also playing Wednesday will be new UK star Paolo Santini at Mod Club.

The fun begins Thursday and continues until Saturday. That’s when you get to map out a schedule of all the different bands you want to see (visit cmw.net for the list and schedule).

CMW also hosts a conference with panels and guest speakers for those in the music business. Some of the scheduled speakers include producer David Foster, rap legend Chuck D, Canadian Recording Industry Association president Graham Henderson, Electra Records founder Jac Holzman, Beyonce’s father and label boss Mathew Knowles, Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and Nettwerk head Terry McBride.

Members of the Canadian music industry are joined by their international counterparts at the conference.

“The international community sees it as an avenue for exploring new talent and also getting to know more about the Canadian industry,” Bullard says.

On Saturday, new artists will be recognized at the Canadian Radio Music Awards. Tomi Swick, Eva Avila and Rex Goudie are some of the scheduled performers.

Foster, Chum chairman Jim Waters and SRO Management president Ray Danniels will be inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame on Thursday during the Industry Awards, while Triumph will be inducted during Saturday’s Radio Awards.

For more on CMW, visit cmw.net

400 Bands to Play During Canadian Music Week

Adam Gonshor — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 14:16:20 +0000

Canadian Music Week is just a week away.

The annual music festival and conference runs from March 1-4 in Toronto.

Over 400 bands will be performing at some of the city’s finest venues. A wristband granting entry into all the shows will set you back just $37.50 (through Ticketmaster).

That will give you access to such artists as The Blue Van, Hello Operator, Jeff Martin, Rosette, The Black Jays and of course, hundreds more.

Check out cmw.net for a complete line-up.

Arcade Fire, Divine Brown Up for Indies

Adam Gonshor — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 14:16:00 +0000

Canada’s top independent artists will be honoured during Canadian Music Week at the 2006 Indie Awards.

The Arcade Fire, Bedouin Soundclash, Feist and Divine Brown are each up for two awards.

Indies Hall of Fame inductees The Pursuit of Happiness and The Parachute Club, as well as many of the nominated artists, will take the stage to perform.

The awards will be handed out on the first day of CMW, March 1, at the Docks. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Nominees:
XM SATELLITE RADIO FAVOURITE ALBUM
The Arcade Fire – Funeral
Broken Social Scene – Broken Social Scene
The New Pornographers – Twin Cinema
Theory Of A Deadman ? Gasoline
Wolf Parade – Apologies To The Queen Mary

FAVOURITE SINGLE
Bedouin Soundclash – When The Night Feels My Song
Divine Brown – Old Skool Love
Feist – Inside And Out
Matt Mays & El Torpedo – Cocaine Cowgirl
Sum 41 ? Pieces

FAVOURITE SOLO ARTIST
City and Colour feat. Dallas Green
Jason Collett
Luke Doucet
Melanie Durrant
Joel Plaskett Emergency

CHART FAVOURITE GROUP/DUO
Constantines
controller.controller
Death From Above 1979
Metric
Stars

FAVOURITE VIDEO
The Arcade Fire – Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out)
Bedouin Soundclash – When The Night Feels My Song
Feist – Inside & Out
Jakalope – Feel It
Stars ? Reunion

FAVOURITE INTERNATIONAL ARTIST/GROUP
Animal Collective
Bloc Party
Franz Ferdinand
M.I.A.
Sufjan Stevens

FAVOURITE INTERNATIONAL ALBUM
Antony and The Johnsons – I Am A Bird Now
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
Hawthorne Heights – The Silence In Black and White
Sleater-Kinney – The Woods
Ying Yang Twins – U.S.A.: United States Of Atlanta

FAVOURITE NEW INTERNATIONAL ARTIST/GROUP
Annie
Disco Ensemble
Figurines
Iron On
Rumble In Rhodos

SYMPATICO.MSN FAVOURITE ARTIST WEBSITE
Jakalope – www.jakalope.net
Neverending White Lights – www.neverendingwhitelights.com
The Novaks – www.thenovaks.ca
Stutter – www.stuttermusic.com
Karl Wolf – www.karlwolf.com

FAVOURITE BLUES ARTIST/GROUP
Doug Cox & Sam Hurrie
Carlos Del Junco
Julian Fauth
Garrett Mason
Paul Reddick

FAVOURITE CHILDRENS’ ARTIST/GROUP
Duplex!
Michael Mitchell
Kathryn Popham
Googol Power
Mike Whitla

FAVOURITE CLASSICAL ARTIST/GROUP
James Ehnes
Karina Gauvin
Angela Hewitt
Marie-Nicole Lemieux
Tafelmusik Orchestra

FAVOURITE COUNTRY ARTIST/GROUP
Gord Bamford
Lisa Hewitt
Brad Johner
Johnny Reid
The Road Hammers

FAVOURITE ELECTRONICA ARTIST/GROUP
Caribou
The Hermit
Junior Boys
Koushik
Marc Leclair

FAVOURITE FOLK ARTIST/GROUP
Belinda Bruce
Corb Lund
Fembots
Alana Levandoski
Lynn Miles

FAVOURITE FRANCOPHONE ARTIST/GROUP
Dany B?dar
France D’Amour
Boom Desjardins
Eric Lapointe
Annie Villeneuve

FAVOURITE JAZZ ARTIST/GROUP
Sandro Dominelli
Ranee Lee & Oliver Jones
Joel Miller
Brad Turner Trio
Dave Young Quintet

FAVOURITE LATIN ALTERNATIVE ARTIST/GROUP
Bomba
CACHE
Diego Marulanda & Pacande
Jorge Miguel
Luis Mario Ochoa & Cimarron

FAVOURITE METAL/HARDCORE ARTIST/GROUP
Comeback Kid
Cryptopsy
Cursed
A Perfect Murder
Protest The Hero

FAVOURITE POP ARTIST/GROUP
Kathleen Edwards
Final Fantasy
Cory Lee
Rosette
Andy Stochansky

FAVOURITE ROCK ARTIST/GROUP
Black Mountain
Boys Night Out
The Deadly Snakes
Default
Wolf Parade

FAVOURITE URBAN ARTIST/GROUP
Divine Brown
Chicharones
K’naan
Massari
Rochester aka Juice

FAVOURITE WORLD ARTIST/GROUP
Kiran Ahluwalia
Beautiful Nubia
DobaCaracol
Mary Jane Lamond
Muna Mingole