The MiMc Music Awards 2024 Unveil Top Canadian Talent From Rising Stars to Grand Prize Winners
The MiMcAwards are back for their second consecutive year, and we’re thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 edition!
The MiMcAwards are back for their second consecutive year, and we’re thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 edition! The MiMc Music Awards platform was created to discover emerging talent and connect aspiring artists with valuable opportunities within the Canadian music industry.
Just like last year, this year’s competition once again proved that Canada is an incredible hub for creativity. The sheer professionalism and artistry of the participants truly captivated our judges and won over the contest’s founders.
Founder of Music in Motion Canada, Barb Keck, remarked on this year’s emerging talent in the competition,
“The reward for the team at MiMc has been, to watch the artists take initiative in advancing their musical journey. Our esteemed adjudicators were honoured to share their expertise in a way that helps artists develop their careers.
We are all very proud to be able to fast track artists connecting them with seasoned, respected industry icons to gain advice to further develop and grow their music careers with continued success in their musical journey. Selecting the winners was a tough decision since there were many great submissions. The selection process resulted in a tie for third place, along with a new category called Rising Star.”
What does it take to become the Grand Prize Winner of the Music in Motion Canada Competition?
Grand Prize Winner Travis Pickering
For Alberta’s Travis Pickering, it’s 19 years of unwavering dedication, a remarkable talent for both performing diverse covers and crafting poignant originals, and an undeniable ability to captivate audiences. This blend of artistry and connection has propelled him into the spotlight across the B.C./Alberta region, making him a formidable presence in the music industry.
Pickering’s career is marked by significant milestones that underscore his rising trajectory. He’s opened for revered names such as Julian Austin and Kenny Hess, demonstrating his readiness for larger stages.
His collaborative spirit shines in co-written songs like “Dreams and Gasoline” and “Make it to Memphis” with Shelley Lynch, both of which successfully charted on Canadian and American Indie Country Music Charts. His solo work also made waves, with “She Gets Me,” produced by CCMA award-winner Jason Barry, topping the Canadian Indie Country Countdown twice in 2021.
His growing list of accolades speaks volumes: Best Modern Country Song at the Indie Rampage Songwriter Awards, plus Music Video of the Year and Rising Star of the Year from the International Singer Songwriter Awards in Atlanta. Pickering’s recent releases, “Fallin“(co-written with his father Larry Pickering) and “Hank Made Country Music,” further cemented his radio presence, peaking at #3 and #4 respectively on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown, with “Fallin'” also featuring on Sirius XM Country 171.
Now, with a nomination for the 2025 Red Carpet Awards Show in Holland, Travis Pickering is clearly an artist garnering international attention, poised for even greater heights.
Raw Vulnerability and a Powerful Message Earn Second Prize
Second Prize Winner Alick Mac
Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter Alick Mac isn’t afraid to delve into the depths of human experience. His signature style is defined by his raw, vulnerable lyrics, a quality that resonated deeply with judges, earning him Second Prize. Prior to this, in June 2024, Alick’s captivating stage presence secured him the “Wow Moment” award at the Zattzoo Project Battle of the Bands in Port Alberni.
Following his debut single “Therapy,” Alick Mac released “Easier to Shout,” a track that showcases his lyrical prowess and social awareness. He describes the song as a “reflection on toxic masculinity, as well as a call to move towards a healthier and more productive understanding of what it means to be a man.” Set against a somber piano instrumental and haunting vocal samples, the song challenges conventional notions of masculinity, exploring their connection to issues like depression and gun violence. The poignant chorus, “The boy inside he just wants to let it out/but it’s hard for us to cry when it’s easier to shout,” encapsulates the song’s powerful message.
With a growing fanbase and a unique voice, Alick Mac is undoubtedly an artist on the rise. As the Second Prize Winner, he’s poised to receive the recognition his talent deserves.
Third Prize Winners: Big Lou & Fame Fatale Share the Spotlight
Third Prize Winner (tied) Big Lou
From the vibrant shores of St. Maarten to his current base in London, ON, FCLMA nominee and ECA Best Hip Hop/RnB Artist 2023, Big Lou, has been captivating audiences since 2021.
His sound is a unique blend he calls “Island Hip Hop”—imagine the sunny essence of Caribbean rap infused with the soul of African rhythms (think Sean Paul meets Fireboy DML) and the infectious energy of Latino beats akin to Bad Bunny. Further refined by influences from Logic, Dax, and Connor Price, Big Lou’s artistry creates a truly mesmerizing fusion for fans. This well-deserved Third Prize is just the beginning for an artist poised for a significant future.
Third Prize Winner (tied) Fame Fatale
Hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan, Fame Fatale is a Canadian alternative rock band defined by catchy choruses, emotional melodies, and powerful guitars. Despite forming just in April 2024, they’ve already achieved a remarkable amount. Their debut single, “When I Stop Breathing,” released in June 2024 with the help of award-winning producer Cory Churko, and their self-produced six-song debut EP, Darkest Hour, followed on Halloween of the same year. Both “When I Stop Breathing” and the emotionally charged “Inconvenient” have found airplay on Saskatchewan’s Rock 102 and Jack 94.5, with new singles set for 2025.
Fame Fatale has seized incredible live opportunities, performing alongside various Saskatchewan artists and Canadian touring acts like The Fixer and Among Legends, even sharing a stage with Canada’s Drag Race Season 1 Winner, Priyanka, at popular venues across Regina and Saskatoon. Their ambition was recognized nationally when they were selected as a semi-finalist out of 75 contestants in the Music In Motion Canada Awards. This earned them valuable studio time with Grammy-nominated, Juno Award-winning songwriter and producer Michael Hanson (founding member of Glass Tiger). Being named a 3rd place winner brings an additional prize package including grant writing consultations, interviews, showcases, and features in Cashbox Canada, Record World Magazine USA, and International inTune. Fame Fatale is fueled by their drive to become one of Saskatchewan’s most established rock bands, one gig at a time.
The MiMc Music Awards 2024 also recognize Tyler Lorette as our first-ever Rising Star, a testament to his exceptional talent and burgeoning career.
Rising Star Tyler Lorette
This young artist, described as having “small town, big energy,” is rapidly establishing himself within the country music landscape.
Tyler’s distinct sound occupies the exciting space where country and rock converge, marked by both intricate technique and remarkable versatility. Despite being only 21, he boasts an impressive resume as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer.
His music seamlessly weaves together the timeless appeal of country with a contemporary edge, always underpinned by his natural storytelling ability—a skill honed from a lifetime in a musical family. Starting guitar at four, Tyler was releasing original music and mastering multiple instruments by twelve, eagerly performing on any stage available. His development has been further shaped by collaborations with highly regarded songwriters, producers, and vocal coaches.
His latest single, “Ain’t That Guy,” a compelling mid-tempo hit, demonstrates his collaborative prowess. For this track, he joined forces with celebrated songwriters SACHA, Daryl Scott, and Adam Newcomb.
It is precisely the undeniable talent of Tyler Lorette and the strength of “Ain’t That Guy” that inspired the creation of MiMc’s new Rising Star category, ensuring that artists of his caliber receive the dedicated spotlight they merit. Tyler Lorette is truly an artist on an upward trajectory, one whose career promises significant achievements.
The MiMc Music Awards were founded with a clear mission: to propel emerging talent and forge vital connections within the Canadian music industry. As a cornerstone initiative of the Music In Motion Canada Digital Music Community and directory, these awards serve as an essential platform for artists to discover opportunities, connect, and truly thrive.
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