The Reverie Indigenous Music Residency’s third installment commences today. This four-week program, jointly supported by CBC and the SOCAN Foundation, aims to bring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit musicians to Toronto for music creation, industry mentorship, and career advancement.
Four participants will benefit from mentorship and top-notch resources at the CBC Broadcasting Centre in Toronto. The lineup for this year includes Brettyn Rose (Métis from Okotoks, Alta.), Kwiat (Métis and Polish from Winnipeg), Tinge (Anishinaabe from Winnipeg), and Zeegwon Shilling (Anishinaabe from Wasauksing First Nation). These artists will spend the next month immersing themselves in Toronto’s music scene while honing their craft, spanning genres from country to indie rock to pop.
The residency will conclude with a showcase where each musician will present their newly created music. Below, get acquainted with the four talented artists participating in the 2026 Reverie Music Residency:
Brettyn Rose:
Hailing from Okotoks, Alberta, Brettyn Rose brings a blend of honest lyricism and powerful vocals in her country music style. Despite being a rising star, she has already received recognition from the Country Music Alberta Awards and various prominent programs in the music industry. Her acoustic roots have evolved into a more expansive sound showcased in her debut EP, “The Wild West,” released in May.
Kwiat:
Incorporating elements of pop, showtunes, and her classical background, Kwiat crafts captivating and thought-provoking songs inspired by artists like Lady Gaga and Fiona Apple. The Winnipeg artist is currently working on her debut EP, featuring her single “Follow the Call” from 2024.
Tinge:
Based in Winnipeg, Tinge presents stories of urban Indigenous life through indie rock with grunge and emo influences. Led by vocalist Veronica Blackhawk, the band delves into their Anishinaabe heritage, exploring themes of culture loss and identity reclamation. Their debut EP, “Big Deep Sigh,” released in 2023, garnered attention from the prestigious Grammys.
Zeegwon Shilling:
Hailing from Wasauksing First Nation, Zeegwon Shilling is a multi-talented artist with a background in singing, songwriting, and acting. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he began his music journey by sharing covers on YouTube. Shilling is currently collaborating with producer Hill Kourkoutis on his debut EP, set for release in 2027.
The Reverie Indigenous Music Residency continues to nurture and showcase emerging Indigenous talent, providing a platform for these artists to thrive and grow in the music industry.
