Singapore, it’s goodbye but not farewell
Singapore, it’s goodbye but not farewell
24 May 2014
It’s a wrap for CIMA’s annual outing to Music Matters in sunny Singapore! Blog-worthy moments are aplenty from four days worth of networking opportunities and well-placed showcases, and we have filed some of the key highlights here.
See you next year!
Doing Business In Canada Forum
Moderated by famed radio personality Alan Cross, the panel of speakers included Brent Bain (CO.PILOT AM), Nick Whitcomb (Light Organ Records), Kyla LeBlanc (Kytami Music Inc), Stuart Johnston (CIMA) and Dina Young (Paper Bag Records).
During the 45-minute session our speakers offered the audience insights into local opportunities at radio for independent music in Canada, government support to musicians through organizations such as CIMA and FACTOR, as well as the much-debated legislation that increases fees for international artists performing in small venues (e.g. bars, pubs and restaurants).
Canadian International VIP Luncheon
Immediately after the forum our delegates made their way to the VIP Luncheon to meet Ms. Lisa Rice-Madan, Counsellor in the High Commission of Canada in Singapore, as well as key industry professionals from music, digital and live promotions.
With our master of ceremonies Alan Cross presiding over the event, and after a quick welcome address from CIMA president Stuart Johnston, our delegates took turns at the podium to present their companies and artists to our guests over a sumptuous course of a Canadian-inspired menu.
Canadian Blast at the Beer Market
After a slight delay, Victoria’s violinistextremist Kytami (supported by DJ Generic) opened the Canadian Blast showcase at 9.50pm to a fairly packed venue. With her unique blend of classical, hip-hop and electronic music that defies labeling, she took the audience by surprise and set the tone for an exciting night of discovery for the best and the most diverse sounds that Canada has to offer.
The infallibly energetic Art of Fresh took the stage shortly after with wide grins and fists pumping. What followed was 30 minutes of hip-hop goodness as they assumed control of the mic, and even engaged the audience to a rap-along during “Where I Go”.
The sprightly band we call JPNSGRLS (consists of vocalist Charlie Kerr, guitarist Oliver Mann, bassist Chris McClelland and drummer Graham Serl) followed, they launched a high intensity set (with leaps and jumps compliments of Kerr) and treated their growing local fan base to a few new songs taken from their upcoming debut album “Circulation”.
Our last act Sidney York impressed the packed room as they switched from the guitar, ukulele, bassoon, French horn and keys with unbelievable ease. In between playful remarks about frizzy hair and being obsessed with electronic devices Brandi and Krista had the audience clapping along to their catchy and masterfully arranged songs. Everyone left the Beer Market with smiles on their faces and made a mental note to see the band again at the Fountain Stage in Clarke Quay the next night.
Canadian Blast is an initiative of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA). CIMA gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our Canadian partners and sponsors: Canadian Music Week (CMW), the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), the Government of Canada (through GOA/DFATD and MEC/Canadian Heritage), Harvard Broadcasting, Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), the Radio Starmaker Fund, and the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN).