NS MUSIC WEEK CAN OPEN MANY DOORS
Jon Landry considers Nova Scotia Music Week (NSMW) the event that launched his band’s musical career in Europe.
As a member of The Stanfields, he’s been performing at the event for several years.
“It’s helped us big time,” he said. “It’s been the starting line for our export acts. We tour a lot in Europe, especially Germany. We met contacts at this six years ago.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase for international delegates and for locals, and it gives us a good chance to hang out with fellow artists.”
At first, Jon’s wife Shannon attended the event just to spend time with him and enjoy the music, but now there’s a connection with her career. She began working with Groundswell Music, an artist management and record label service, a couple of years ago.
“It’s a great way to meet new contacts and see familiar faces,” she said. “I can discover new musicians, and look for musicians to play at the Blacktop Ball,” which is organized by GroundSwell Music.
“Jon and I get to do things together more now, too.”
Jon has been performing with The Stanfields, as a vocalist, guitarist and harmonica player, since the band formed 10 years ago. He enjoys being in Truro for NSMW because, “It’s a wonderful town, the venues are great and the volunteers are tremendous.”
The experienced performer also has some advice for young musicians taking part in NSMW.
“Show up early and put up posters, be prepared not to sleep, attend as many showcases and panels as you can, and realize there’s a lot of hard work in this business.”