Indigenous Music is launching a two-day residency for Indigenous artists and musicians in Manitoba, aimed at creating connection, nurturing growth, and learning more about the art and business of live performance.
Running May 3 – 5, 2025, Good Sounds will be held at Grey Buffalo Grandfather Wellness Lodge, a gathering place nestled on 77 acres of forested land stewarded by the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. Participants will attend professional development workshops throughout the residency and also get the chance to perform their songs in front of mentors and peers from Manitoba and across Canada in an intimate, acoustic setting. Participants will be encouraged to bring demos and songs in development to get feedback.
Travel / Accommodations / Logistics:
Invited artists will stay in a private room on the property and have access to two shared washrooms (with fully equipped private showers) for the duration of the residency and receive three meals each day along with support materials and transportation between Winnipeg and the Grey Buffalo Grandfather Wellness Lodge.
These sessions will be held in English. The typical day includes about 4 hours of programming beginning at 10 AM with time set aside for meals and an afternoon break at 3 PM.
Participants may request support for caregivers during the acceptance process.
To be eligible to participate, artists must meet the following criteria:
- Be a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis artist or group
- Be a member of Manitoba Music and current resident of Manitoba
- Be 18 years or older
- Be available for the duration of the program, May 3 – 6, 2025
- Have a strong social media presence and local audience following
- Have recent professional career activity (e.g. recent or upcoming release – demo/EP/LP/single, live show, tour, festival sets, industry showcases, awards and nominations, media coverage, etc.)
- Have a professional promotional photo and short bio
- Have a website or profile with Manitoba Music and/or Indigenous Music, and social media profile(s)
Indigenous participants:
- For the purposes of this project, we define Indigenous solo artists as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis recording artists who release original music under their legal name or a singular stage name.
- For the purposes of this project, at least half of the people who appear in the latest promotional photos for an Indigenous duo or band/group must be First Nation, Inuit, or Métis.
Applications will be based on:
- Strong vocals and/or interesting lyrics if you’re a singer, singer/songwriter, or emcee
- Solid musicianship and/or a demand for your services if you’re a musician or beat maker/music producer
- Momentum, demonstrated by touring, earned media, nominations and awards, and social media interaction
Apply here!
