The Reverie Indigenous Music Residency’s third installment begins today, a month-long program in Toronto supported by CBC and the SOCAN Foundation. The initiative aims to empower First Nations, Métis, and Inuit musicians by providing them with mentorship and resources to advance their careers in the music industry.
The four selected participants for this year’s residency are Brettyn Rose (Métis from Okotoks, Alta.), Kwiat (Métis and Polish from Winnipeg), Tinge (Anishinaabe from Winnipeg), and Zeegwon Shilling (Anishinaabe from Wasauksing First Nation). They will have access to mentorship and cutting-edge facilities at the CBC Broadcasting Centre in Toronto, where they will immerse themselves in the city’s diverse music scenes to refine their musical styles, ranging from country to indie rock to pop.
The residency will conclude with a showcase where each musician will present the new music they have created during the program.
Let’s delve into the background of the four talented artists participating in the 2026 Reverie Music Residency:
– Brettyn Rose, a country music artist from Okotoks, Alta., delivers heartfelt and compelling lyrics complemented by her powerful vocals. Recognized by the Country Music Alberta Awards and other prestigious platforms, Brettyn Rose recently explored a broader production style on her debut EP, “The Wild West,” receiving acclaim from various media outlets.
– Kwiat, a musician from Winnipeg, blends pop, showtunes, and classical elements to craft captivating and thought-provoking songs. Drawing inspiration from renowned artists like Lady Gaga and Fiona Apple, Kwiat is known for incorporating unconventional sounds and arrangements in her music.
– Tinge, a band from Winnipeg, uses indie rock with hints of grunge and emo to narrate the experiences of urban Indigenous life. Led by vocalist Veronica Blackhawk, Tinge explores their Anishinaabe heritage through poignant storytelling, earning recognition for their debut EP, “Big Deep Sigh.”
– Zeegwon Shilling, a multi-talented artist from Wasauksing First Nation, is a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and actor with a musical upbringing. Mentored by his parents and recognized for his covers on YouTube, Shilling is currently collaborating with award-winning producer Hill Kourkoutis on his debut EP set for release in 2027.