Photo by Jean-François LeBlanc

FRANCOURVERTES IS BACK WITH ITS 23rd EDITION

Story by Marie-Michèle Bouchard | Friday September 7th, 2018

For a 23rd time, the Francouvertes are back and SOCAN is proud to once again collaborate to the presentation of this prestigious competition that will run from Feb. 18 to May 6, 2019.

Starting on Saturday, Sept. 8, artists interested in participating will be able to submit their application packages directly on the Francouvertes’s web site for a chance to be one of the 21 contestants in this edition.

Francouvertes is a unique event that involves several music industry professionals and gives contestants significant visibility. Moreover, this edition of the showcase-competition has been updates to ensure optimal visibility for all the contestants. Aside from the $10,000 Sirius XM cash prize that will be awarded to the winner, all of the 21 contestants have a chance to win several other prizes including cash prizes, studio time, promotional and professional support, paid shows with recognized promoters, showcases in major events, not to mention the constructive criticism of the judges.

The Francouvertes is composed of a preliminary round, semi-finals and the final round, for a total of over 11 evenings presenting three artists or more per night. To find out more about this competition, visit francouvertes.com.

 

COOKING BEATS WITH BANX & RANX

Story by Marie-Michèle Bouchard | Monday September 10th, 2018

Once again this year, the Cooking Beats workshop is back in full effect, this time featuring Montréal-based duo Banx & Ranx. Since 2014, the pair has consistently impressed everyone, thanks to its increasingly high-profile collaborations. Sean Paul, Dua Lipa, as well as K-Pop combo BLACKPINK are just a few of the artists who’ve worked with them. Banx & Ranx found their niche in an electro-Caribbean vibe, and they’ll share some secrets during the 2018 edition of Cooking Beats, a workshop presented by SOCAN in collaboration with POP Montréal.

Last year, it was Lunice who shared his music-making techniques and processes during this interactive workshop. In 2016, High Klassified shared his beat-making knowledge, tips, and tricks.

This free workshop is open to all, and will be held Sept. 28, 2018, in the Seventh Heaven Gin Room of the Rialto Theatre in Montréal.

It’s a golden opportunity to gain access to Banx & Ranx’s production secrets, acquire invaluable knowledge, and find plenty of inspiration.

Photo by Brad Ardley

Video: How does George Canyon co-write his songs?

Brad

Story by Howard Druckman | Wednesday September 5th, 2018

In a video interview, legendary country star and singer-songwriter George Canyon shares his thoughts about the co-writing process, his recent co-writing with Gord Bamford, the secret of his appeal, and his best advice for young songwriters.