Hitmakerz wins Community Impact Award at 2022 Capital Music Awards
This is Hitmakerz’s first win at the Ottawa-based awards ceremony
By Kendra Seguin
Record label and social enterprise, Hitmakerz, took home a trophy at the 2022 Capital Music Awards. Company CEO, Thor Simonsen, accepted the Community Impact Award at the ceremony in Ottawa on May 26.
“I feel like we’re trying our best to create a supportive network and to give opportunities to artists who otherwise wouldn’t have that,” said Simonsen, during his acceptance speech.
The Community Impact Award is presented to an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on the Ottawa community. The winner was selected by a panel of jurors.
Hitmakerz artist, Qattuu, presented Simonsen with the award.
“Whether helping artists achieve their goals through professional development, mentorships, or access to quality studios and professionals, Thor has helped many artists reach their dreams,” said Qattuu, during the ceremony.
“I can really attest to that because I am one of the artists that Thor is helping out and my dreams are coming true,” she continued.
Hitmakerz is a full-service record label that focuses on the creation and marketing of world-class Inuit pop music. The company’s mission is to create sustainable careers in the arts and to promote Inuit culture.
Hitmakerz was founded in 2016 after Simonsen and the late Kelly Fraser ran a series of music workshops in Nunavut.
“All of the time we were in these communities, it was a constant question of ‘are we having a big enough impact?’” said Simonsen. “That’s really something that we tried to figure out.”
This year’s Capital Music Awards was the third annual event. Presented by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, the event is intended to recognize and celebrate the artists and community that contribute to Ottawa’s unique music scene. The 2022 ceremony was held at the Bar Robo at Queen St. Fare in Ottawa.
Simonsen concluded his acceptance speech with optimism about the future impact of Hitmakerz.
“I don’t know if we’ve had enough of an impact yet,” said Simonsen. “But we’re hungry and we want to do it.”