YYC Music Awards recognize longtime talent and newcomers, too

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From R&B to rap and metal to classical, the best of Calgary’s musicians were honoured Sunday night at the 2024 YYC Music Awards.

There were several well-known names accepting trophies but also a number of newcomers were lauded for this work this year.

Award highlights included many first-time winners, along with The Royal Foundry earning their sixth YYCMA for Alternative Recording, Jessica McMann winning her second YYCMA for Classical Recording, and Titus1 winning his fourth alongside Grillz for EDM Recording. Well-known songwriter-producer Troy Kokol was recognized for his fourth YYCMA and as the inaugural Indigenous Artist of the Year, Miesha and The Spanks nabbed their fifth YYCMA for Single of the Year while Calgary mainstay MCC Studios picked up their fourth consecutive award for Recording Studio of the Year. Alt-pop artist Edwardson won the Prophets of Music Emerging Artist Award and opera singer Pat Cuikani won the coveted People’s Choice award.

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Kue Varo at the 2024 YYC Music Awards gala. Photo, Freckle Face Media cal

The ninth annual red carpet gala at the Grey Eagle Casino Event Centre included live performances from Liz Christensen, Kue Varo & The Only Hopes, Shane Ghostkeeper, and special collaborations by the Blues nominees John Rutherford, Erin Ross and Mark Dillon, and Rap nominees K-Riz & The Family, bRavenous, KTheChosen, Tea Fannie and Tinywiings. The celebration capped off with a performance by multiple nominee sean beaver for the official afterparty.

The YYC Music Awards Gala recognizes the best of Calgary’s music industry, honouring Calgary and area musicians and industry leaders in 28 categories, including the first presentation of the Indigenous Artist of the Year.

KTheChosen at the 2024 YYC Music Awards gala. Photo, Freckle Face Media cal

Some. of the winners are:

BLUES RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Erin Ross – “The Wind Will Lead Me Home

COUNTRY RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Drew Gregory – “Neon Time”

FOLK RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Backyard Betties – “The High”

GROUP OF THE YEAR: The Hello Darlins

JAZZ RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Redline Trio – “Underdog”

METAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Cabrakaän – “Aztlán”

POP RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Dempsey Bolton – “Couple Minutes”

RAP RECORDING OF THE YEAR: K-Riz – “One Way Ticket”

R&B SOUL RECORDING OF THE YEAR: The Nolias – “Blood Moon”

ROCK RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Kue Varo & The Only Hopes – “Cowboy Witchcraft”

SOLO ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Justine Giles

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: Matt Blais – “Can’t Have the Dog”

A complete list of category nominees can be found at https://yycmusicawards.com/categories/yycma-winners/2024-winners/

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