Kesi Smyth Named 2026 WCMA Industry Builder Award Recipient

The Western Canadian Music Awards have announced 604 Records General Manager Kesi Smyth as the 2026 recipient of the Kevin Walters Industry Builder Award.

Presented as part of the Western Canadian Music Awards’ Specialty Awards, the Kevin Walters Industry Builder Award recognizes a person or collective who has made a significant impact on the music industry through mentorship, training and/or leadership.

Kesi has spent more than 20 years in Canada’s music industry, building her career through progressively senior roles at Simkin Artist Management and 604 Records, where she now serves as General Manager. With a background in marketing and human resources, she oversees operations across the 604 Label Group while also leading professional development, people management and initiatives that support an inclusive workplace.

Kesi notably served as Senior Project Manager for Carly Rae Jepsen during the global success of the GRAMMY-nominated hit “Call Me Maybe.” In that role, she led strategic marketing, operations and logistics for major appearances including the MuchMusic Video Awards, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and late-night television.

Beyond her work at 604, Kesi is an active contributor to the broader industry, serving as Vice-Chair on the board of FACTOR as well as a board member of Creative BC, the Canadian Starmaker Fund and the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA). Through this work, she supports emerging talent and helps drive the continued growth of Canada’s independent music sector.

Kesi joins fellow 2026 Specialty Award recipients D.O.A., who will receive the Hall of Fame Award, and Dane Roberts, Founder and Artistic Director of the Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival, who will receive the Heritage Award.

Kesi will be honoured during the BreakOut West Industry Awards on October 3 in Victoria, BC. BreakOut West takes place September 30 through October 4, bringing together its annual conference, festival and the Western Canadian Music Awards to celebrate and support artists and industry from across Western Canada.

Congratulations, Kesi!