WieManage does BreakOut West
WieManage at BreakOut West: A Celebration of Talent, Community, and Connection
BreakOut West 2024 in Saskatoon was a showcase of the best in emerging and established talent from across Canada, and for us at WieManage, it was more than just a music festival—it was a chance to immerse ourselves in the creative pulse of the industry. The energy in the city was undeniable, with venues packed full of music lovers, industry pros, and artists who were just as excited to connect as they were to perform. Over the course of the weekend, we experienced the vibrancy and diversity of the Canadian music scene firsthand. It was an event filled with discovery, where every performance was a reminder of the incredible artistry that drives the industry forward. Both of us, representing different roles at WieManage, had a chance to experience something truly heartwarming and inspirational, as the festival offered an opportunity to not only appreciate the music but also build meaningful relationships within the industry.
Casey Mintzler, WieManage Creative Asset Management Partner
BreakOut West was an unforgettable experience that reignited my passion for live music and left me in awe of the sheer talent that filled every stage. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this festival was more than just a series of performances—it was a celebration of creativity, community, and connection. Every show I attended was a reminder of why we do what we do in the music industry. It’s about those moments when the crowd is swaying in unison, the band is having the time of their lives on stage, and the energy is so electric you can feel it in your bones. I didn’t see a bad performance all weekend, and that says a lot about the talent BreakOut West brought to Saskatoon.
Tova’s smooth R&B vibes set the tone, with his infectious melodies and authentic energy. You could feel how much both he and the band loved being on stage, and that energy rippled through the audience as we swayed and vibed to their slow love songs. Auto Pilot’s surf punk brought a funky, experimental edge to the festival, and even using a violin bow on their guitar—talk about innovation! okimawᐅᑭᒪᐤ’s acoustic set was another standout, with powerful, culturally rich lyrics that captivated the crowd. The Last Birds put on an intimate folk performance and their passion for music and one another was apparent as they sang to each other just as much as to the crowd. Every performance felt personal, like the artist was sharing a piece of their soul with the room.
Merv xx zGotti’s performance was equally impressive, showing off a vocal range that could go from powerful and commanding to soft and emotional in a heartbeat. His songs Jujutsu and Cancer were highlights, blending gentle acoustics with strong vocals, and a playful mouth horn during Depressed in the Sun brought a touch of levity to a song about feeling down. Another standout was Melissa Burwell, who transported the audience with her psychedelic folk sound at the Broadway Theatre. Backed by a four-piece band, her set was a mesmerizing mix of dreamlike melodies and grounded storytelling. The space seemed to fill with layers of sound that you could get lost in, making her set one of the most atmospheric of the weekend.
But beyond the music, what truly made BreakOut West special were the connections we made. It wasn’t just about watching incredible artists do what they do best, but about the shared experience between fans, industry professionals, and performers. I found myself in deep conversations with fellow attendees about our favourite sets, exchanging recommendations for who to see next, and even getting a behind-the-scenes look at how some of these artists approach their craft. People were eager to talk about the bands that blew their minds, like The Radiant, who packed Amigos with powerful vocals and a cohesive band, which gave both myself and many audience members goosebumps from start to finish.
Connecting with artists and industry folks was a highlight. There’s something magical about being surrounded by like-minded people who are all there for the same reason: to celebrate music. Whether it was congratulating Rooky Kamiz on his Global Artist of The Year award on top of a phenomenal, full of good vibes set or swapping insights with creatives between shows, BreakOut West felt like more than just a festival—it was a hub for building relationships and fostering creativity. I walked away with not only a deeper appreciation for the incredible talent in the Canadian music scene but also a sense of camaraderie with the people I met.
BreakOut West reminded me why I love working in this industry. The talent, the passion, the collaborations—it’s all about the moments of connection, both on stage and off.
Douglas Chong, WieManage Creative Asset Management Business and Event Manager
As the latest addition to WieManage, I was lucky enough to represent the team and enjoy BreakOut West right here in Saskatchewan as my very first order of business and let me tell you all about my experience.
It’s difficult to truly grasp the entirety of the events in one word but this is what I’ve landed on: heartwarming.
It was heartwarming to attend my very first festival in where I now call my home, Saskatoon. See, I’ve been here less than a year after leaving the only city I’ve ever called home until now, Toronto. Toronto is where I laid down my foundation within the music industry over many years of hard work, dedication, hustle and a commitment to the people involved in it. I’m now laying down a new foundation with the community here in Saskatoon and BreakOut West was my opportunity to represent WieManage and continue to build upon it.
It was heartwarming to see the industry represented so well along with all the casual lovers of music. Everyone came out early and everyone stayed out late. Everyone hopped from venue to venue hoping to catch a glimpse of some amazing talent they have yet to discover live or to experience again as a loyal fan. Everyone was willing to share their knowledge of “who to check out next” or yell from the rooftops about the artist that just “rocked their world”.
It was heartwarming to see local standouts like Grimelda, Rooky Kamiz, The Radiant and TOVA continue to thrive and represent their hometown of Saskatoon with such fervour and unbridled passion for what they do. Talents like The Naysayers, Amos The Kid, Kate Yahn, Major Love and Alex MacNeil And The Revenants showed that the rest of Canada is in amazing hands as well.
BreakOut West made me feel something I haven’t felt since leaving Toronto and its robust music industry, I felt a sense of pride, community and support for everyone that’s involved within the creative and business sides of it and the fans of music. It was important, it was special, it was heartwarming.
