Manitoba's Metal Scene Just Got a Whole Lot Louder

Considering the volume of the music, people in Manitoba were always too quiet about metal, hardcore and punk for Dag Aymont’s liking. So in 2021, the longtime musician and concert promoter decided to take matters into his own hands and launch the Loud Music Awards.

Aymont, who has been actively involved in the music scene for over two decades, recognized the need for a platform that would celebrate and recognize the achievements of local metal, hardcore, and punk bands. Despite the rich musical heritage of Manitoba, these genres have traditionally been overlooked by mainstream music awards.

The Loud Music Awards aims to change this narrative by providing a stage for local musicians to showcase their talents, and for fans to come together and celebrate their shared love of loud music. The awards ceremony, which takes place annually, features live performances by some of the top local bands, as well as presentations of awards in various categories.

Since its inception, the Loud Music Awards has gained significant traction, with a growing number of submissions from local bands and a steadily increasing attendance at the awards ceremony. Aymont attributes the success of the event to the enthusiasm and dedication of the local music community.

'The response has been overwhelming,' Aymont said in an interview. 'People are excited to have a platform that recognizes their contributions to the music scene, and fans are eager to see their favorite bands perform live.'

The Loud Music Awards has also spawned a number of spin-off initiatives, including a compilation album featuring tracks by local bands, and a series of concerts and workshops aimed at promoting music education and community engagement.

As the Loud Music Awards continues to grow and evolve, Aymont remains committed to his vision of creating a vibrant and inclusive music scene in Manitoba. 'We want to create a space where people can come together and celebrate their love of loud music,' he said. 'We believe that music has the power to bring people together and transcend boundaries, and we're excited to see where this journey takes us.'