Desirée Dawson won the Music Video of the Year, and SOCAN members effectively showcased their music at various events, during the 2022 edition of South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Conference and Festival – which returned once again to live-in-person events and performances, from March 11-20, in Austin, Texas.

The British Columbia-based Dawson’s powerful, moving video for “Meet You at The Light” earned the honour, and her record of the same name is nominated for Adult Contemporary Album of The Year at the upcoming 2022 JUNO Awards.

Key showcases for SOCAN members included those presented by The Range, which featured Haviah Mighty, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Cartel Madras, and Just John; M for Montreal and Pop Montreal, which included sets from TEKE::TEKE, Cadence Weapon, Naya Ali, and Bad Waitress; and BreakOut West, where Altameda, Jay Wood, Meltt, The Velveteins, and The Garrys played their music.

In order to connect with and support our members, SOCAN held an informal lunch, where attendees included the aforementioned Dawson, Cadence Weapon, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and Just John. Throughout the conference, we also as connected with some of our fellow Canadian music ecosystem representatives, including those from Breakout West, Manitoba Music, M for Montreal, Pop Montreal, The Orchard Music, Opposition Music, Range Magazine, Dine Alone Records, and the Osheaga festival.

Attending these events at SXSW 2022 were SOCAN’s Director, Creative, Cameron Kennedy; Creative Executive, Los Angeles, Racquel Villagante; Creative Executive, Vancouver, Houtan Hodania; and Vice President, Corporate Development, Steve Ambers.