DAWSON WILL LEAD THE ORGANIZATION
AND PRODUCE BREAKOUT WEST, CANADA’S BOUTIQUE MUSIC DISCOVERY SHOWCASE FESTIVAL AND CONFERENCE

Winnipeg, MB | Treaty 1 Territory – September 27, 2022 – The Western Canadian Music Alliance (WCMA) is excited to announce that music industry leader, Michael Dawson, will be its new Executive Director, taking the helm of producing the BreakOut West festival and conference and the Western Canadian Music Awards.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to join BreakOut West as the executive director,” said Dawson, currently Executive Director of SaskMusic, artistic director of Gateway Festival, and an independent artist. “I've had the wonderful experience of participating in the organization in various capacities from artist and nominee, to conference speaker and board member, and now I look forward to working with the team and Board of Directors on the future of the organization." 

“Mike has experience across all sides of the music business and intrinsically understands the opportunities and challenges facing our community. He is a proven leader with a quiet diplomacy and a style that puts values ahead of self in every decision,” said Sean McManus, WCMA President. “I know that Mike will continue to elevate the BreakOut West brand as a sector leader in connecting people, promoting new music, and celebrating successes in Western Canada. I look forward to Mike’s vision for BreakOut West, and for a healthier, more equitable music sector.” 

Dawson began touring and promoting shows as a teenager. He’s since been the artistic director of the Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange, a talent buyer for multiple venues across Western Canada, an artist manager, and ran an independent record label. He is also an award nominated producer and recording artist with extensive international touring experience with his band Library Voices, and currently as a solo artist. He sits on several creative industry boards including executive roles with the CCMIA, WCMA, and local host committees.

“BreakOut West exemplifies many of my core values and I’m passionate about the mandate of the organization. I am acutely aware that the music industry is constantly changing in the face of evolving business models, and the success of BreakOut West is dependent on ensuring it remains progressive, innovative, and meets the objectives of the WCMA partners and members,” Dawson added. “I’m excited by that process.”

The Western Canadian Music Alliance thanks outgoing Executive Director, Robyn Stewart, for her many years of exemplary direction that puts the organization in a wonderful position to look to the future and continued successes producing BreakOut West, Canada’s boutique music discovery showcase festival and conference. 

About the Western Canadian Music Alliance / BreakOut West:
The Western Canadian Music Alliance is a pan western organization created by the Alliance Member Music Industry Associations (MIAs) of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, The Northwest Territories, the Yukon Territory, and in partnership with Nunavut, to promote and celebrate western Canadian music. WCMA, with the financial support of each provincial and territorial government partner, FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada's private radio broadcasters, annually hosts their core artist and industry development event, BreakOut West. The event is held in a different western Canadian city on a rotational basis and is the prime music industry event in western Canada. BreakOut West 2022 will be held in Calgary, AB from September 28 to October 2, marking the 20^th anniversary of the event. 

WCMA’s head office is in Winnipeg. We recognize the ancestral lands, from Treaty One Territory, the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.