Hello! My name is Barbie Cayanan, Bent River Record’s Design intern this winter semester! I am in my third year of the Bachelor of Design program, focusing on illustration, advertising, and branding design. While I have no background or experience in music, art is in my blood. I grew up in a family of creatives with my pastry chef mother, aspiring writer younger sister, and architect older sister and brother. I am passionate about bringing ideas, emotions, and messages to life, and I have expressed that passion through my art and illustrations. Being a newcomer to Canada, I did not know where my talent and passion fit into the academic world until my high school art teacher introduced me to MacEwan and their design program. I am beyond excited to work with other creatives and artists outside of my home and grow further as a designer in a professional environment.
Hi there! My name is Gladwyn Badger, I am an Associate with Bent River Records. I started working with the label as an intern in 2021, and I’ve been fortunate enough to continue working with such an incredible team of hardworking, dedicated people since!
I am in my final semester, studying in the department of Music here at MacEwan University, with a General Major and a Minor in Music Career Management. My goals are to continue to expand my professional network and build meaningful relationships within the local music community, as well as amplifying indigenous musicians’ voices and artists alike. Working at Bent River has given me the experience I was looking for when I first started out as an intern, and because of the amazing opportunities while working here, I feel so much more prepared to succeed after I leave university.
Fun fact: I am a very proud Nehiyawak originally from the Treaty 8 territory. During the summer you can usually see me cruising around the city on my Indian Motorcycle, taking a jog in the beautiful River Valley, or enjoying an espresso at one of the many cafés the city has to offer.
We are excited to announce that the 2022 Bent River Records Artist Spotlight event taking place live and in person! It will take place on the 21st of April, 2022 at MacEwan University in the Triffo Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and showtime is at 7:00 pm!
The evening includes performances to celebrate Bent River Record’s 2022 releases. The first performance features 2021 Art Song Competition winner Cynthia Hamar, performing her song “Where your Love Lives”, which will also be featured on her upcoming release later this year.
Our final featured performers of the evening include the composer and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications, Allan Gilliland, conducting an orchestra, and featuring PJ Perry and several MacEwan faculty members,showcasing pieces from Gilliland’s album Dreaming: The Prague Sessions. The entire Bent River Records catalogue and merchandise will also be available for purchase at the event.
Are you in a band? Do you wanna have your music recorded? Does Studio A sound better than your parent’s basement for a recording space? Well, we at SilverStream have an opportunity for you!
Introducing the first annual SilverStream Battle of the Bands! We want you to send in your best demos or come audition for us live for the chance to fight it out for the top spot at a live show at On The Rocks on the 1st of May. The winner will be awarded three days in MacEwan’s top-of-the-line studios, professional videography for social media, and digital distribution!
Bands must have demos submitted, or be signed up for live auditions by April 24th. Bands must consist of two or more members and must contain at least ONE CURRENT MACEWAN STUDENT.
Auditions will be held at MacEwan University’s Betty Andrew’s Recital Hall on April 26th from 2 pm onwards.
Digital Audition Requirements: 2x MP3 demos + lead sheets/lyrics OR 2x video demos + lead sheets/lyrics. Please note that demo quality is not an issue. That’s what the studio time is for! A voice memo recording or similar will be sufficient.
In the spirit of MacEwan’s long history of artistic collaborations, Bent River Records (BRR) is offering an opportunity to have your design featured on collaborative original work.
This competition honours the continued support of MacEwan’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Craig Monk. His generous contributions to Bent River Records have made student opportunities like this possible. This contest is open to all currently enrolled (Winter 2022) MacEwan students.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION: Artists will submit original cover artwork for the second volume of the Bent River Special Release series. The two pieces featured on the release are the result of our recent Songwriting and Composition competitions with MacEwan Department of Music students, featuring lyrics by Esther Forseth, and compositions by Aaron Addorisio and Esther Forseth. Please see the full lyrics for “Preacher’s Daughter” below:
Preacher’s Daughter Written by Esther Forseth
Gentle, rocking motion Like a baby that you’re holding Keeping it subtle as you’re towing Me out farther in the ocean
You’re the creature in the water I’m the preacher’s youngest daughter Find me swimming with the fishes Free from breathing old traditions
Weighted wicker basket, They see freedom as a casket We’re meant to be one with the water seeping, swelling into wonder
Shallow breath, a heavy chest There’s a world that’s under Heavy fire of promises and guilt to uncover Diving deeper I’m a seeker Searching for other ways to live That let us into what we discover
You’re the creature in the water I’m the preacher’s youngest daughter Find me swimming with the fishes Free from breathing old traditions
Shallow breath, a heavy chest There’s a world that’s under Heavy fire of promises and guilt to uncover
You’re the creature in the water I’m the preacher’s youngest-
SPECIFICATIONS: Each artist may submit up to two (2) original art pieces for consideration as 300 ppi jpegs. The final output of the vinyl release will be 7.75” x 7.75” (7.5” square plus 0.125” bleeds), CMYK, at 300ppi. However, entries may be submitted in RGB format and, if selected, the artist will work with an advisor to colour correct for print.
The selected artwork must meet these specifications, but the artist may otherwise determine their chosen medium and format. Use of conventional art mediums and mixed media are encouraged, as well as concepts that are open-to-interpretation and can appeal to a wide audience. Use of popular comic or anime genres are not sought for this call. The artist will also submit a one paragraph rationale (maximum of 150 words), explaining their process and how their submission connects to the songs provided.
Please, DO NOT include your name or signature on the art works and rationales since the final selection will be completed by an independent panel.
The winner will be announced on the Bent River Records social media and contacted individually.
PRIZE: $750.00 honorarium
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 4:00 pm MST on March 28th, 2022.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: The author will retain all intellectual property, and BRR will only have the right to print a limited run of the music department CD as well as a single version, both of which will be for promotional purposes only.
Adjudication will be completed by a panel of jurors selected by BRR, and will contain members of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communication and representatives of BRR. The anonymity of entrants will be maintained; judges will not know the identity of the artists they are evaluating until after adjudication is complete.
Bent River Records values, promotes and prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its work. We recognize the systemic barriers that have led to many artists being underrepresented and will continue to do work to amplify and uplift voices that reflect Edmonton’s diverse communities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that represents diverse backgrounds.
Please contact bentriverrecords@macewan.ca if you have any questions.
Thank you to everyone who took part in our Composition Competition. We are happy to announce that the winners have been selected by our wonderful jury. We were impressed by the originality and professionalism of the work submitted!
Honourable mention to Ryan Johnson, and thanks to all who submitted — your work truly inspired us!
Also, we want to thank our jurors for their time and for deciding on the winners for this competition.
We are extremely happy with this year’s results and your submissions. It’s amazing to see how much talent exists among our students and we were so impressed with all who participated.
