Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) and the National Music Centre (NMC) have revealed the 10 artists selected for the 2025 AE West (Artist Entrepreneur West) program, which returns to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in Calgary this year. The program kicks off next month and will conclude with the AE West Artist Extravaganza Showcase, a free live concert featuring performances by all participating artists, taking place at the King Eddy on December 3.
The 10 artists include Calgary pop-rocker A.N., Calgary’s own Brother Bicker Band, known for gritty, harmony-driven “maple whiskey rock n’ roll”; Calgary-based singer-songwriter Eden Taylor; Francophone pop-soul songstress Élodie Orsei from B.C., hip-hop act John from Dawson hailing from Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditional territory in Dawson City, Yukon; Alberta country sweetheart Julia Vos; Zimbabwean-born, Calgary-based rapper KTheChosen; Indigenous-Guyanese rap artist Osani Balkaran from Winnipeg; Edmonton pop-jazz singer Roya Camille; and Calgary electro-hyperpop producer Ruby Swan.
“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. “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.”
“AE West is all about developing Canadian talent and sharing it with audiences,” said Gianna Antonacci, Programs Manager, CMI. “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.”
AE West (Artist Entrepreneur West) is a month-long creative entrepreneurship program designed to empower emerging artists by providing them with the practical skills, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in the music industry. The ninth edition of the AE West program takes place from November 3 to December 4, 2025 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in Calgary.
AE West is an extension of CMI’s highly regarded, Toronto-based Artist Entrepreneur program and represents a partnership between CMI, a national not-for profit organization, and NMC. The majority of costs for the program are offset thanks to the generous support of TD Ready Commitment, Stingray Radio, the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, and Manitoba Music.
The free AE West Artist Extravaganza Showcase happens at the King Eddy on December 3. The evening will feature all 10 artists, each performing two songs. Learn more at studiobell.ca/whats-on.