Countdown to MANITOBA AT NXNE – Interview with JP Hoe
By: Jenna Melanson
On June 18, 2015 Manitoba Music is hitting the NXNE at the Rivoli in Toronto. We thought it would be fun to countdown to this event by interviewing four of the bands, yesterday we posted our interview with The Crooked Brothers and now, we are pleased to present our interview with Winnipeg based folk artist, JP Hoe. JP Hoe has a brand new album being released on August 21 via MapleMusic Recordings, and you don’t want to miss out learning more about this Manitoba artist.
You will be part of the NXNE 2015 Manitoba Music Showcase on June 18, how does it feel to be highlighted for your music at this showcase?
I’m excited. I love Toronto and NXNE. We’ll have 7 people on stage for the set, showcasing material from the new record. This will be my first NX showcase with a record label and agent in the wings helping to create the best atmosphere possible. We’re going to have a good time.
There are many more bands from Manitoba that are not showcased; do you have any bands you’d like to suggest to our readers?
You bet. If you like folk: The Small Glories, if you like adventure pop: Indicator Indicator, if you like anthemic melodic rock: Mise En Scene. I could go on; it’s a weird great place to come from.
If you were asked to give a new Manitoba artist/ band some advice, what would your advice be?
Create what you want to create, then, put on your business hat; learn and execute. Treat this like a hobby and you will have fun, likely not much else. Treat it like a business and you’ve given yourself the best chance of a career. Both are fine.
One thing that is a major marketing innovation these days is social media, making it possible for artists to connect with their fans by a simple touch of the keyboard. Do you feel this is a vital tool that all artists should partake in?
For sure. I suggest picking a few social media outlets and be attentive to them. Don’t try and be on everything, you’ll go crazy updating your status every five minutes. Tell your fans where you’ll be, and have fun connecting. I like Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook.
Besides this showcase, when can fans expect to see more live shows?
We release the new record at the end of summer, and will have a small release at home. Then to Germany, Eastern Canada in November, a big hometown show in December, and then a Western Canadian tour in January. Rinse, dry, repeat.
Last but not least, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
Thank you. Thanks you for buying the music, spreading the word, attending the shows, and sheltering us. This is a challenging career, and your support helps to weather the storms when they come in. I love how so many have turned into friends and family. I’m very lucky.
I’m Jenna, the founder and editor of Canadian Beats. I have had a strong love for Canadian music, which started many years ago. I have a passion for promoting these talented Canadian bands and artists, and that’s how Canadian Beats came to be.
Canadian Beats has grown to become more than media, and what a journey it’s been.
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