Manitoba Music’s Sound Waves Music Meeting Dives Into the Music Industry

Press Release

Creative Conference Schedule Announced for Fourth Edition, January 22 – 24

The Sound Waves Music Meeting (SWMM) creative conference returns next week for a fourth edition. Presented and programmed by Manitoba Music, SWMM offers the local music community an opportunity to learn from a cross-section of experts, mentors, and peers, build connections, and share experiences.

Running January 22 to 24 at The Forks in Winnipeg, SWMM welcomes industry pros and music makers to gather for specialized and interactive training through panel discussions, presentations, networking mixers, and speed meetings.

Beginning with a welcome ceremony with Knowledge Keepers Kashina Blacksmith-Seenie and Jaycee Seenie, the conference features a special fireside chat between acclaimed artist Leith Ross and their manager Rebecca Windjack of Birthday Cake Media, a masterclass for neurodivergent artists and industry presented by artist and counsellor Rupert Hudson, a demo listening session, and panels covering social media and marketing, content creation, goal-setting, media and press, release strategies, the live sector, and advancing accessibility. Participants can also join meetups for Women In Music Canada, the Manitoba Music’s BPM (Black Professionals in Music) program, and the Indigenous Music Development Program. Check out the full conference schedule

Over a dozen delegates from across Canada, Nigeria, Germany, the UK, and the US will join Manitoba-based music companies and entrepreneurs for a focus on audience development, sharing solid advice on building careers and business, and navigating the ever-evolving music sector. Check out the delegates

Manitoba Music will also present an industry showcase in partnership with Winterruption and Real Love Winnipeg on January 23 at The Handsome Daughter. This year’s showcase, which sold out in just a few days, will feature acclaimed indie rock outfit Neighbour Andy, award-winning roots/rocker Mitchell Makoons, and the gutsy punk energy of Show Pony. More info about the showcase

“We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to SWMM for three days of industry and business development, community connection, and creative motivation,” says Manitoba Music’s executive director, Vanessa Kuzina. “Gathering to share expertise and build career relationships is integral for our sector and workers.”

SWMM passes are now on sale for only $75 for Manitoba Music members and $110 for non-members via 3common.com/swmm2026.

SWMM is made possible by the support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) through the Government of Canada; The Manitoba Government; and Manitoba Film & Music.

Sponsors for this year’s conference include the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Birthday Cake Media, the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), Music Managers Forum (MMF) Canada, Women In Music Canada, 3Common, AudioWorks, BreakOut West, Folk Music Canada, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

ILR4