Edmonton, AB - Capital City Records, Edmonton Public Library's premium music streaming platform, is set to expand its collection by 100 albums this year through a call for submissions, kicking off Jan. 10. The impressive line-up of jurors unveiled today proves that EPL is serious about opening doors for local musicians.
The distinguished 2024 Capital City Records jury includes the following:
- Mallory Chipman, EPL’s Musician in Residence
- Bill LeBlanc (aka RELLIK)
- Sarah Alemu
- Amanda Gregoire
- Leshan Masikonte
- Tyson Boyd
The jury is a powerhouse of industry know-how, featuring artists with a string of albums and countless stage appearances, promoters, talent buyers, producers and radio hosts who've collaborated with some of the biggest names in Canada's music scene. They are a passionate group whose goal is to see local arts thrive and they have been instrumental in boosting Edmonton's local music economy and community. By answering EPL's Call for Music Submissions, musicians from Edmonton and surrounding area have the unique opportunity to have their work reviewed by this stellar jury of accomplished activators.
Mallory Chipman, EPL’s Musician in Residence, shares her enthusiasm to guide the submission process, "I am thrilled to work alongside such esteemed colleagues on the Capital City Records jury. I understand the transformative power of music in our community. Together with the jury, I am excited to curate a collection that reflects the diversity and excellence of Edmonton's musical landscape."
Since its inception, Capital City Records has seen over 81,000 streams and over 10,000 downloads of tracks by local artists.
The call for music submissions opens Wednesday, Jan. 10, and closes Sunday, Feb. 11 at midnight. Musicians interested in participating can learn more about the submission process at epl.ca/capital-city-records.
About Our Jury Members
Mallory Chipman
Mallory Chipman is an esteemed songwriter, producer, music scholar and educator, and an award-winning musician living and creating on Treaty Six Territory. Throughout her decade long career, Mallory has worked as a recording and performing artist across several genres ranging from rock to jazz to roots to experimental; released 5 albums to critical acclaim including Rags and Feathers and Nocturnalize; and has appeared as a side person on numerous records. Her powerful voice and story-driven songwriting has been described as “some of the finest folk rock currently being made” (Amplify Music Magazine) and has led her to tour and share her music and research internationally.
Bill LeBlanc (aka RELLIK)
Bill LeBlanc, better known as RELLIK in the entertainment world, is an accomplished recording artist, performer, and radio host hailing from Edmonton. With 11 awards and 35 nominations to his name, he has solidified his presence in the industry.
Boasting nearly 1000 performances and five albums, RELLIK, a proud Métis, stands as a prominent figure in the Indigenous music scene. Renowned for his ability to blend genres and create distinctive musical landscapes, he is not only an integral part of the Windspeaker Radio Network but also the charismatic host of "The Tribe Drive" on 89.3 The Raven in Edmonton.
Beyond his musical endeavors and radio commitments, RELLIK actively contributes to his community, embodying a true family man when he's not on stage or in the studio. Time spent with his wife and kids is a testament to his unwavering dedication to both his art and his loved ones.
Sarah Alemu
Sarah, aka Sare, drives the indie-punk project Stem Champ in Edmonton. Stem Champ's evolution from a DIY solo bedroom-pop act to robust stereo rock has taken Sarah's experimental indie-punk sound to Vancouver, Victoria, and Toronto, sharing stages with acts like Death from Above 1979 and Mom Jeans in Edmonton.
Beyond music, Sarah curates for Common Ground's Found Festival and co-produces/host Rockin' 4 Dollars, offering a low-barrier stage for musicians. Her commitment extends to creating safer, more inclusive music spaces, pushing for accessibility and support for all.
Amanda Gregoire
Amanda Gregoire, an Arts & Cultural Management graduate, brings over 15 years of expertise to the music industry. Operating under her brand, All Good Promotion & Marketing, she has successfully delivered event management and marketing solutions for both national and international entities. Amanda's professional journey spans from grassroots club events, elevating emerging artists, to coordinating national tours, arena events, and festivals. Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with major names in the music industry, making significant contributions to iconic Canadian venues by working closely with artists, promoters, and venues to promote events and the arts.
Leshan Masikonte
Leshan Masikonte has played a pivotal role in multiple critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including the Edmonton Music Award-nominated "Mexico" by Jenesia. His band Melafrique earned him the Clarence 'Big' Miller Award for outstanding performance at the Edmonton Music Awards. Leshan's involvement as the musical director for the documentary film "Afrobeats in the Prairies" deepened his passion for directing diverse projects. Recognized as a highly sought-after bassist and musical director in Edmonton, he is frequently invited to lend his talents to various projects and live performances, earning respect as a prominent figure in the local music community.
Tyson Boyd
Tyson Cale Boyd is a central figure in Edmonton's music scene, serving as Owner and Operator of The Starlite Room, Director, and Talent Buyer at ConcertWorks, and a community activist. With over two decades of experience, he has transformed The Starlite Room into a cultural icon, making it a coveted stage for both local emerging artists and international talents spanning various genres. Tyson‘s advocacy for the for-profit music industry sector with the Canadian Independent Venue Coalition, has played a pivotal role in shaping and elevating Edmonton's music economy. Beyond advancing the local music scene, he is committed to preserving its history, leading projects like "The Starlite Sessions" and digitizing local gig posters with his business partner and wife, Andrea Kotylak. Tyson's multifaceted contributions have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant and inclusive musical landscape in Edmonton.
About Capital City Records
Capital City Records is the Edmonton Public Library’s first digital public space, created to celebrate the city’s local music scene and its history. Since launching in 2015, Capital City Records has published close to 300 albums by over 200 local artists on its boutique platform which provides free streaming access for anyone with a library card.
Along with featuring a contemporary music collection, the platform also hosts videos and documentaries about the local music scene and a multi-media showcase in partnership with the Legends of Edmonton Music Scene Society. On the ground, the initiative supports artists and partners through hosting concerts and other music-related classes and events.
Capital City Records encourages all local musicians to participate in the upcoming open call for album submissions. This is a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work and contribute to the vibrant musical tapestry of Edmonton.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Karen Chidiak, Manager - Marketing and Communications
780-405-0617
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