SPOTLIGHT: UPSTREAM MUSIC FEST + SUMMIT
2017 has been a busy one over here at Music BC and over the next few months we’re going to take the time to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible projects that we’ve been involved in.
Earlier this year, Music BC partnered with the Upstream Music Fest + Summit which took place in historic Pioneer Square in Downtown Seattle from May 11 – 13. Music BC put the call out to all BC musicians and with the help of Do604.com, encouraged them to apply to play at BC Music House at the Upstream Music Fest.
Canada Presents: BC Music House attracted over 3000 Upstream attendees over three days. Pacific Northwest music fans enjoyed shows from 12 British Columbia based bands: including Said The Whale, The Velveteins, Twin River, Belle Game and Desi Sub Culture.
Victoria singer-songwriter Mike Edel played on the BC Music House bill on Saturday, May 13th and was able to make some great industry connections at Upstream.
“Through BC Music House, I met the folks who work at the Canadian Consulate in Seattle,” said Edel. “And I’ve already had the opportunity to play a few more shows in the USA because of them!”
Music BC member Rob Calder (Do604) helped with the event activation and said the inaugural BC Music House at Upstream went off without a hitch.
“It was such a great weekend,” said Rob. “The Upstream team was so great to work with and we’re looking forward to doing it again next year. If you’re a band that wants to get involved in 2018, I’d recommend getting your immigration documents sorted as that was a factor in deciding which bands went. Obviously if you can’t get across the border, that’s a problem.”
Music BC was also able to shine a light on some homegrown industry talent and, with the help of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Creative BC, we presented a panel during The Summit.
The panel was called True North: The Ins and Outs of the Canadian Music Industry and featured two Vancouver based music industry heavyweights. Those attending The Summit had the opportunity to listen to industry veteran Jonathan Simkin of BC record labels 604 Records and Light Organ, and next-gen content disrupter Josh Carr-Hilton of Vancouver-based media company The District on the myths and realities of the Canadian music scene.
The Upstream Summit brought over 70 music industry and technology trailblazers to WaMu Theater in Seattle with keynotes from Macklemoreand Quincy Jones. The Summit was attended by over 2500music and tech industry professionals, so the Music BC members in attendance were truly among some industry movers and shakers.
Next year at Upstream should be bigger and better, and we’ll be giving Music BC bands a chance to apply again in early 2018 so stay tuned!
Music BC would like to thank the Government of Canada, FACTOR and Creative BC for their continued support for BC artists and professionals.
