For the first time since 2014, BreakOut West is coming back to Winnipeg. Part festival and part conference, this multi-day event brings together musicians from across Western Canada and beyond for a citywide celebration of music. From September 24–28, Winnipeg’s favourite music venues will be buzzing with performances from hundreds of emerging artists, while industry experts gather for panels, workshops, and networking sessions. We spoke with Stephen Carroll, this year’s Executive Director and Director of Music Programs at Manitoba Film and Music, to get the inside scoop on what to expect.
Stephen is no stranger to the music industry as the Director of Music Programs at Manitoba Film and Music. In his day-to-day work, he supports the music sector through various grant programs. These grants support activities such as touring, marketing, video production, recording, and business development for artists, labels, artist managers, and Manitoba-based music publishers and music presenters/promoters. Stephen regularly attends BreakOut West, and this year, he’s helping to put it all together.
BreakOut West is divided into two distinct parts: the conference and the music festival.
The conference is all about the business of music. Daytime programming is packed with panels and workshops on international marketing, touring, promoting during the streaming era, and more. “The conference is really targeted at people who want to participate in the music industry,” Carroll explains. You’ll also find discussions, networking sessions, and the opportunity for mentorship from delegates from all over the world. Attendees include booking agents, promoters, and industry leaders, meaning the conference doubles as an opportunity for artists to make career-changing connections.
The festival itself is where the artists shine. Over three nights of programming, festivalgoers can catch showcases from over 55 artists. It’s a chance to see new music from primarily up-and-coming homegrown artists, mixed in with international talent. Showcases feature 4-5 artists per venue, rotating every hour. The best part? A wristband to attend the festival is only $30, but it gives you access to hundreds of sets across dozens of genres, making it one of the best deals in live music all year.
“It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in music and for Winnipeggers, it is like the Fringe Festival in format, but for bands,” says Stephen, who has some expert tips for making the most of the festival. His first piece of advice is to do a little homework. Check out the artist bios and festival schedule ahead of time, and bookmark a few must-see acts. Since shows are programmed by genre, if you like one artist on the lineup, chances are you’ll discover others in the same showcase that you’ll love too. That being said, he also encourages leaving space in your schedule to discover new artists and genres. Festival attendees are another great resource. Keep your finger on the pulse of acts that are creating buzz through the festival, and catch one of their shows for a sure win. Another expert tip? “Wear good shoes,” he laughs, “There’s a lot of standing.”
There will also be some walking, especially if you want to hop from venue to venue in an evening to check out multiple shows. In the Exchange District, tons of excellent venues are within a short walking distance. “It’s rare in Western Canada to find a neighbourhood this packed with spaces that can host live music,” Carroll says. This year’s festival coincides with Culture Days and Nuit Blanche, adding even more energy to an already lively weekend.
Breakout West also hosts the Western Canadian Music Awards, an event that celebrates musical talent throughout Western Canada. This year, the award ceremony takes place on Thursday, September 25, at the Park Theatre. You can also explore a range of additional events throughout the festival, including immersive experiences, pop-up concerts, and after-hours events.
In an era where most music discovery occurs online, Stephen views BreakOut West as a reminder of the power of live music and the talent of Manitoba musicians. “We have incredible artists who have come from Winnipeg over the years, and we will continue to, and this year will be no different. There’s going to be somebody who turns some heads and is the buzz of the festival and comes away from this event with lots of momentum.”
Breakout West is sure to have something to suit you, whatever your musical taste and whatever you’re in the mood for. Be sure to take advantage of this incredible event taking place in the heart of our city.
Tickets on sale now at https://breakoutwest.ca/
Stay up to date with the goings on at Breakout West online:
Instagram: @breakoutwest
Check out other arts and culture experiences in the Exchange.