Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Saskatchewan hopes to boost its music industry

Gov't eyes boost to music industry: "While Saskatchewan's film industry is booming, the music industry falls short in comparison. The musical talent pool may be deep, but opportunities for musicians to perform, tour, record and sustain a decent living in the province are lacking.

"Crofford hopes this will change through incentives such as tax relief and added funding.

"'Our artists don't have as much access and understanding of new technology to reach not only the markets in Saskatchewan, and the younger markets, but markets around the world. The second thing is that people don't have enough resources to do promotion and marketing, so we need a way, as the (Culture, Youth and Recreation) Minister Glenn Hagel puts it, to be 'Proud out loud,' she said.

"During the province's centennial, 'showcase opportunities' for artists were higher. Crofford is hoping the industry receives a boost in the province with upcoming events such as the Juno Awards in Saskatoon, the Canadian Country Music Awards in Regina and the Western Canadian Music Awards in Moose Jaw, and past events such as the Rolling Stones concerts in Regina."

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