Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Local singers, songwriters and musicians, get ready for the two-day music event set to focus on your passion.
“The SongRise Conference is a music event in Fairview geared toward singers, songwriters and musicians interested in learning more about the craft of songwriting and the business of music,” explains founder of SongRise Sherry Crawford.
“It is open to anyone who is interested in learning, regardless of skill level. This year, the timing was perfect to breathe new life into this conference with a new team, new location but same amazing event,” she adds.
Crawford says the conference used to be held from 2008-16 in Peace River. It was also held the last two years in Red Deer.
“Industry professionals came from as far away as Nashville to take part in this unique and valuable event that grew every year and was instrumental in assisting the careers of many people,” Crawford says.
“There is a wealth of talented people in our region who may not get the opportunity to travel to other music conferences such as the Canadian Country Music Week or Breakout West events where a lot of learning opportunities and networking take place.”
The SongRise Concert Showcase will be held Oct 5 with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. There will be a songriser and songwriter showcase, songs and stories from people in the industry and an open mic and jam session.
“This is a local event where musicians can get one-on-one mentorship, learn about the music business and songwriting, yet stay close to home and make lifelong friends,” Crawford explains.
“Over the years, we received so many positive testimonials from delegates and mentors we knew that the impact was huge.”
Special guests will include Duane Steele, Earl Pereira (The Steadies & co-founder of Wide Mouth Mason), Jaydee Bixby, James Murdoch (The Dungarees) and Robert Walsh. Industry experts will also be on hand, including executive director of Alberta Music Carly Klassen, Bear Creek Folk Festival founder and producer Sarah Card, Grande Prairie Community Futures general manager Holly Sorgen, producer and musician Arjun Roy and Nord Ouest FM Radio sound tech Randy Fillion. Long Story Records team will also be on hand, including Kurt Furstenwurth, Jill Luka, Jeremy McCracken and Rylan Crawford.
“Friday is all about industry and there will be panel sessions discussing topics such as writing a business plan, applying for travel grants, applying for festivals, live sound, production, song- writing, co-writing and more,” Crawford says.
“Saturday is spent writing and delegates will be put into small groups, and they will spend the day writing a song with help and guidance from our mentors. They get to record their song with Rylan, receive performance coaching from Earl and then perform their songs at the SongRise Concert Showcase.”
Crawford says the concert will feature some of the delegates singing their own songs, songs and stories from the professionals and an open mic and band jam.
“Anyone interested in songwriting should come participate in the conference,” she says.
“Even if you don’t plan to make a career of music, the things you learn and the people you meet will expand your life in positive ways. It is so worth the time and cost.”
“When this conference was first borne, founders Dana Blayone and I of No Limitz Music, recognized there were many musicians in the area who needed a venue and an outlet to learn, meet, network and perform,” explains Crawford.
“It grew and grew each year proving that this was a need in the area. As word spread, mentors approached us to take part, and we had an amazing run of stellar professionals over the years.”
Crawford says they’ve had some fantastic success stories come out of SongRise. Tenille Townes participated the first year where she co-wrote for the first time and met people who were instrumental in furthering her career. She attended for a few years, then came back as a mentor.
Now, in its rebirth, Crawford is still heading up the event under the umbrella of Community Futures Peace Country and has partnered up with Long Story Records from Fairview.
Crawford urges people to check out all the information on their website www.songriseconference.ca.
Tickets for the SongRise Concert Showcase on Oct. 5 are now available online, at Mad Dog Cresting and the Old Bistro in Fairview, Community Futures Peace Country in Peace River, or from Long Story Records. Tickets for the show are $20 for adults, 12 and under is $10.
“We encourage people to come out to not only support their local talent but experience an intimate evening with the stars and experience the SongRise magic for themselves,” says Crawford.
“Also worth mentioning is the sponsors who have made this event possible. I want to give huge kudos to the Town of Fairview as our platinum sponsor, and Alberta Music for continuing to support and believe in this event.”
Crawford notes there are a number of sponsors also listed on their website that she would love to give huge thanks. If you’re interested in participating in the event or watching the concert, please check out the website or one of the locations aforementioned.