For over a decade, the YYC Music Awards have been giving Calgary’s music scene its moment in the spotlight, celebrating the artists, albums, and performances shaping the city’s sound. What started as a way to celebrate local talent has grown into an annual showcase of just how much is happening in the city.
Since its start in 2016, the awards have continued to grow alongside the community they represent. New categories have been introduced, existing ones have shifted, and what gets recognized has expanded over the years.
“I just love seeing how the ecosystem — the cycle of our music community — continues to grow and evolve,” said Stephanie Hutchinson, President and Program Director at YYC Music Awards.
The addition of Music Educator/Ensemble Director and Indigenous Artist of the Year categories are just two examples of how the awards have broadened the recognition of the people contributing to Calgary’s music community.
With over 600 submissions across all the categories, some having 80-100 entries, the jurors had their work cut out for them when it came time to choose the lucky nominees. This long process is about way more than just narrowing down a list, it’s about uplifting the artists behind the music.
“We’re so interested in the longevity of their careers and supporting them, but their reactions right away when they find out that they’re nominated are so heartwarming,” said Hutchinson.
Bijaan and Chills are two artists making their mark on this year’s shortlist. Both artists are nominated for Music Video of the Year and Rap Recording of the Year, with Chills also being nominated for Indigenous Artist of the Year.
Bijaan started his career selling CD’s out of his middle school locker, before releasing his very first album in 2008. He later went on to university to become a successful chiropractor, but felt as though he was missing that musical part of his life.
“Over COVID, I kind of just realized that I had this career that was sustaining me financially, but not spiritually or creatively,” says Bijaan. “So, I really needed to do my best to pursue a music career.”
He’s spent the last few years pursuing this music career, taking inspiration from his own life experiences. Growing up in a family with roots in India, time spent in East Africa, and settled in Canada, his music is a direct reflection of these different cultures that shaped him.
“It kind of feels like you’re from all these places but not really from any single one,” says Bijaan. “And I guess there’s kind of a bit of an identity crisis that comes along with that. So a lot of my music talks about that.”
Having found out about his nominations via an Instagram post, Bijaan says he tries not to rely on things out of his control for validation (but it was pretty great to hear about). “It’s such a blessing. It’s really amazing to get recognition for just doing something that is my passion,” says Bijaan.
Chills got his good news through a text from a friend. “It’s very humbling to even be nominated for these things. I know there’s a lot of talent that I’m up against in these categories so it feels really nice to represent the city and also to be recognized by my peers within the city,” said Chills.
He began his musical journey as a teenager, making music on and off before officially releasing under the name “Chills” in 2018. His creative background extends beyond music, also having a background creating mystery genre Youtube videos, such as horror video analyses and true crime content.
Being born and raised in Calgary has given Chills the opportunity to learn and grow within the music scene here, which is something he is very grateful for.
“I think Calgary will always hold a special place in my heart, and I do find being a part of the Calgary music scene you just find a lot of just genuine talented individuals… It’s a very supportive community,” said Chills.
This year’s shortlist also features some familiar names, including former award-winning artists such as FOXX Worthee, Drew Gregory, and Robert Adam. All three already have YYC Music Awards under their belts, and are returning for the chance at another.
These nominees and many, many more are set to take the stage at The Grey Eagle on September 20, celebrating the talent, creativity and ever-changing sound of Calgary’s music scene.
Tickets to attend the event can be purchased at yycmusicawards.com.
