Canada has always been a haven for top-tier musical talent, from classic folk rockers like Neil Young to singer-songwriters Chantal Kreviazuk and Sarah McLachlan, to Ajax punks Sum 41.
They’ve all been honoured in one way or another at Calgary’s National Music Centre, and soon, there will be a new roster of fresh faces joining the ranks.
Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) and the National Music Centre (NMC) have recently revealed the 10 emerging musicians who have been selected for the 2025 AE West (Artist Entrepreneur West) program.
The selections include diverse genres from hip-hop to country, Francophone, pop-rock and jazz, with seven of the artists hailing from Alberta.
The month-long creative entrepreneurship program will empower musicians by providing them with practical skills, knowledge and resources they need to thrive in the Canadian music industry.
Plus, there will be a free concert at the King Eddy on Dec. 3, where you can see all 10 of these talented artists perform live.
Homegrown talent
AE West is known as one of the country’s premier development programs for homegrown Canadian music talent.
“Each year, AE West reaffirms our commitment to artist development and championing emerging voices in Canadian music,” said Stephanie Hutchinson, NMC’s director of programs, in a press release. “The program’s return to National Music Centre’s headquarters in Calgary will provide artists with an inspiring environment to create, learn, and grow, and we can’t wait to welcome this year’s cohort.”
The 10 artists selected to participate in the program will receive a month of mentorship designed to empower artists and help them build the skills they need to thrive as working musicians.
Of the 10 artists, 70 per cent are from Alberta, with acts hailing from Calgary, Edmonton, and smaller Alberta towns.
Calgary’s representation includes pop-rocker A.N., “maple whiskey rock ‘n’ rollers” Brother Bicker Band, singer-songwriter Eden Taylor, rapper KTheChosen and electro-hyperpop producer Ruby Swan.
Pop-jazz singer Roya Camille from Edmonton and Alberta country sweetheart Julia Vos will also take the stage to represent homegrown provincial talent.
“This year’s artists bring so much energy and originality, and the King Eddy showcase will be an amazing chance to experience it all live,” said Gianna Antonacci, programs manager of CMI, in a press release. AE West is an extension of CMI’s Toronto-based Artist Entrepreneur program, one of the best and brightest in the country.
Building community across the country
The partnership between the national not-for-profit Canada Music Incubator and the National Music Centre will help strengthen resource-sharing and build vital community ties for Canada’s musicians.
Over the years, AE West has helped shape the careers of many rising Canadian artists, including 2025 JUNO Award nominee Sebastian Gaskin and 2024 WCMA-nominated hip-hop duo Ato-Mik, among others.
The best part? You can attend a free live showcase and experience the next generation of Canadian music for yourself in Calgary.
The AE West Artist Extravaganza Showcase will take place at the historic King Eddy on Dec. 3 and feature all 10 artists, who will perform two songs each.
Canada’s music industry is only getting brighter, and we can’t wait to be a part of it!
When: Dec. 3, 2025
Where: King Eddy — 438 9th Ave. SE
Cost: Free
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