BreakOut West music festival underway in Regina

BreakOut West, a gathering of some of the best bands in western Canada is in Regina through the weekend.

Musicianslike Nick Fayewill be performing at venues around the city. There will also be conferences and panel discussions.

Being selected to perform is an accomplishment, Faye said, adding his band had applied to be in the line-up in past years but without success until now.

• Lineup announced for BreakOut West music festival in Regina

"It's easy to get discouraged," he said Thursday as the festival began. "But the more that I've been at this, the more I realize that if I didn't get picked, there must be a reason."

Faye picked up music when he was nine and began to pursue it seriously at 16. He now has about 10 years of performing experience and is pleased to be a part of BreakOut West.

"You work hard," he said. "Finally, now it's nice to be recognized ... for this stage."

Faye said he is hoping that, someday, he may be nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award.

"That would be really good," he said.

Meanwhile, Faye said he continues to work on his music.

"The festival is a great opportunity to develop contacts in the industry, from around the world," he said. In addition to the conferences and panels, Faye said he is looking forward to the music.

"I just enjoy watching my friends' bands," he said. "Watching them excel."

After many years of touring, mostly in the Prairies and in Ontario, Faye said musicians have become well known to each other.

"We've been at it for years and we're all on the same trajectory," he said. "We're all in this together."

Faye said his band is set to record a new album in November.After that, he'll be back on the road, touring.