Empowering Storytellers Through Sound.

About Songsmiths Canada

Songsmiths Canada, formerly known as the Winnipeg Music Project, has been a driving force in promoting and supporting Canadian songwriters and musicians across the country. What began as a podcast and radio show has evolved into a dynamic organization dedicated to offering professional artist development, creative programming, and community-building events. With a mission to strengthen the prairie songwriting scene and connect creators across Canada, Songsmiths Canada serves as a vital platform for artists to grow, collaborate, and reach new audiences.

Since 2019, Songsmiths Canada has hosted a monthly Songwriters' Group in Winnipeg, providing a welcoming space for local songwriters to hone their craft and share ideas. These sessions feature creative workshops, mentorship, and industry insights, with guest appearances from respected artists and professionals. Through these gatherings, Songsmiths fosters community connections and supports the artistic development of emerging and established songwriters alike.

In 2022, Songsmiths expanded its impact by partnering with Tyler Del Pino to enhance the Nashville MB Songwriters Round series. This collaboration not only elevated the concert series to a new venue—Kilter Brewing Co.—but also diversified its artist lineup, celebrating the rich and varied voices within Manitoba’s music scene.

Beyond its local roots, Songsmiths Canada has launched Song Camps in collaboration with Precursor Productions and Manitoba Music, equipping artists with critical industry skills. These camps focus on topics such as writing to briefs, meeting industry audio standards, registering royalties, virtual collaboration, and navigating licensing agreements. By blending artistic mentorship with practical industry knowledge, Songsmiths ensures that artists are prepared to succeed both creatively and professionally.

Songsmiths Canada remains dedicated to empowering music creators through education, inspiration, and collaboration, connecting songwriters from coast to coast and celebrating the diverse stories of Canada’s music makers.

About Our Founder

Ashley Bieniarz (she/they), known artistically as Kwiat, is an award-winning music industry professional who has made a significant mark on the Canadian music landscape. With a deep commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, Kwiat blends their artistic talents with a passion for creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups in the music industry.

In 2023, Bieniarz received the inaugural Women in Music Canada Honour Roll Award for her groundbreaking work with Songsmiths Canada, a program designed to uplift and celebrate Canadian innovators across genres. As the first Indigenous woman from Manitoba to earn this recognition, she continues to champion diverse creators nationwide. Bieniarz rebranded her WCMA-nominated Winnipeg Music Project into Songsmiths in 2021, expanding its reach to facilitate collaborative songwriting groups, camps, and artist development programs.

Bieniarz’s extensive industry experience includes her role as Indigenous Music Development Coordinator for Manitoba Music, where she created professional development and export opportunities for Canadian Indigenous artists. She also serves as a juror for several major awards and contributes to the GEAR UP task force, advocating for gender equity in music production.

Driven by her passion for community and creativity, Bieniarz’s long-term goal is to convert Songsmiths into a publishing house. Through her songwriter programs and artist development efforts, she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of music makers, positioning herself as a leading figure in Canada’s ever-evolving music industry.