Although Victoria lost out on Rifflandia this year, BreakOut West will be taking place in the city for the first time since 2015.
BreakOut West is an annual music event that includes a music development conference for those in the industry and music festival hosted by the Western Canadian Music Alliance.
There is also an awards component to the event, with the Western Canadian Music Awards being handed out to up-and-coming artists in all genres.
The most exciting part of this for Victorians is a music festival that will span several venues in the region, with artists and bands from across Canada.
This week, BreakOut West announced the artists who will be performing showcases throughout the city.
Of the 48 acts playing, 10 are BC-based bands or artists. Although most are based in Vancouver, one artist is from Kelowna and three Victoria bands will be highlighted in the festival.
The Victoria acts are Cold Fame, The Bankes Brothers and TK The Artist.
Cold Fame is an alternative pop-rock duo led by vocalist Jodi Pederson and guitarist Damian Anthony.
They are known for blending the energy of alternative rock with electronic and pop influences, and are inspired by classic horror tropes and suppressed feminine rage.
The Bankes Brothers are a five-piece band fronted by real brothers Nelson and Morgan Bankes.
Music fans in the city may have seen their electrifying live show at a Phillips Backyard. The Bankes Brothers are known for their tight musicianship, timeless songwriting and their unique blend of influences such as The Rolling Stones, The Black Keys and early Kings of Leon.
TK The Artist is originally from Nigeria, and brings a deep rhythmic connection to the stage with his brand of Afrosoul/jazz fusion.
He is known for his unique ability to sing and play drums simultaneously—creating a powerful and immersive live performance alongside his band.
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Though the lineup has been announced, the schedule for performances and the venues being used by BreakOut West have yet to be revealed.
As for the Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMAs), There are over 50 nominees from BC up for music and industry awards.
Some Victoria artists who are up for an award this year include:
- Pony Gold – Breakout Artist of the Year
- Olivia Barrett – Instrumental Artist of the Year
- CALICO – Roots Artist of the Year
- The Southern Residents – Roots Artist of the Year
- Blair Coyle – Video Director of the Year – Get My Baby Back “Paris Pick – Third Time’s a Charm”
There are also some Vancouver Island artists up for awards, including Blue Moon Marquee, The Harpoonist and WHIPPED CREAM.
The WCMAs seek to acknowledge the hard work, perseverance and quality of the music made by artists and industry members from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and, of course, BC.
The conference aspect of BreakOut West will see speakers from various roles in the music industry come in, give talks and answer questions of aspiring artists and industry members.
This year, BreakOut West will take place from September 30th to October 4th.
Click here for more information on the bands playing this year’s festival, the awards or the conference.
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