Several Tri-Cities musicians and groups are hoping to have their names called soon at a popular music festival in B.C.'s Lower Mainland.
The 2022 Fraser Valley Music Awards (FVMA) released the names of 36 nominees on Sunday (July 10) for its seventh annual show later this month, including four from Coquitlam.
The winners of each category will be unveiled during Jam in Jubilee, set to take place July 21 in Abbotsford's Jubilee Park and presented by CIVL-FM — the University of Fraser Valley’s campus and community radio station.
Etienne Siew, who's performing that night, is looking to claim back-to-back country artist of the year awards after winning it and the fan vote contest in 2021.
And those were Siew's first-ever FVMA nominations.
The freelance musician launched his début EP, Better Man, at Place des Arts in Coquitlam in 2019 to a crowd of more than 100 people. Siew was also set to go on tour when COVID-19 shut down his plans in March 2020.
This time, he's up against fellow Coquitlam duo What We Embrace, as well as Mission's Broadway Crush.
What We Embrace features the husband-wife team of Lindalouise and Dougie Greig who, according to their bio, blend each other's voices to create a sound set to "steep your soul in nostalgia and then break your heart."
This is the couple's first-ever FVMA nomination. They were also nominated for the fan choice award at the 45th annual BC Country Music Association Awards.
Meanwhile, TestTubeBaby is back on the list for the first time in five years.
Their nomination is in the FVMA's experimental division. They won electronic artist of the year and excellence by a queer artist in 2017.
In the Jazz category, Marc Rivest, also known as ReeVay, has earned his first nod for the annual show and it stems from his unique mix of folk and pop with the genre.
CIVL-FM says more than $10,000 in cash is set to be won from the FVMAs, and one winner could get the chance to play at the 2023 Mission Folk Festival.
For more information, you're encouraged to visit the FVMA's website.
