News Updates

MFM Funded Projects Take Home WCMAs

Posted on October 7, 2014

Manitoba dominated this year’s Western Canadian Music Awards with 17 wins for Manitoba artists and industry – the majority funded by Manitoba Film & Music (MFM). The awards show took place on Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Club Regent Casino Event Centre.

Local troubadour Del Barber took home two awards for his MFM funded album Prairieography, which was recognized as the Roots Solo Recording of the Year. Barber also won Songwriter of the Year for the song “Big Smoke”, which he performed at the opening of the awards show.

Other MFM funded winners included Federal Lights for Aboriginal Album of the Year, marijosée for Francophone Recording of the Year, Royal Canoe for Independent Album of the Year, Imaginary Cities for Pop Recording of the Year, Sweet Alibi for Roots Duo/Group Recording of the Year and Moses Mayes for Urban Recording of the Year. Other Manitoba winners included The Mariachi Ghost for World Recording of the Year and The Perpetrators for Blues Recording of the Year.

“We are so proud to have funded these fantastic projects,” said Carole Vivier, CEO of Manitoba Film & Music. “Thanks to the support of the Government of Manitoba, our artists continue to thrive in a province that recognizes their value. These wins prove that strong arts funding leads to tangible success.”

Manitoba also cleaned up at the Industry Awards Brunch on Saturday, Oct. 4. Manitoban Cam Loeppky won Engineer of the Year for his work on MFM supported projects by Greg MacPherson, Sweet Alibi, Federal Lights, Slow Leaves and Les Jupes. Rusty Matyas won Producer of the Year for his work on MFM funded projects Sweet Alibi, Federal Lights and Slow Leaves. Manager of the Year went to Tim Jones from Pipe & Hat, a company that represents seven MFM supported acts. The Park Theatre was awarded Live Music Venue of the Year.

The annual Industry Builder Award was given posthumously to Kevin Walters for his dedication to fostering Manitoba talent and enhancing our province’s cultural scene. Walters was an employee at Manitoba Film & Music for 11 years. In honour of his legacy, the award has been renamed the Kevin Walters Industry Builder Award. Legendary Manitoba performer Fred Penner was inducted into the BreakOut West Hall of Fame, while local composer and industry veteran Ron Paley was recognized with this year’s Heritage Award.