Selkirk College music instructor earns Western Canadian Music Award nomination
By Nelson Daily Editor
Nelson’s Melody Diachun will have fingers crossed next week when viewing results of the Western Canadian Music Awards.
The Selkirk College Contemporary Music & Technology Program instructor has been nominated for the Jazz Artist of the Year award at October 11 awards for her contribution to the world of jazz music, with a special emphasis on her fifth album, “Sumner’s Tales: The Music of Sting.”
“It means so much to me to be recognized with this nomination, and I’m sincerely thankful for the love and support,” Diachun said.
“It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the fantastic music community we’re a part of.”
Diachun is a celebrated vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and educator, recognized with nominations from the National Jazz Awards and the Kootenay Music Awards.
She has also received a Western Canadian Music Award and a JUNO nomination for her collaboration with Vancouver-based band Altered Laws.
Diachun is a celebrated vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and educator, recognized with nominations from the National Jazz Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards, and the Kootenay Music Awards. She has also received a Western Canadian Music Award and a JUNO nomination for her collaboration with Vancouver-based band Altered Laws.
Since joining the faculty of the Contemporary Music & Technology program at Selkirk College in 2012, she has become a beloved figure in the Kootenay music scene. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the School of the Arts at the at the college.
Her musical adventures have taken her from the vibrant streets of Montreal to the heart of Nova Scotia and from the bustling music scenes of New York City and Vancouver to the inspiring landscapes of Nelson.
Diachun’s album “Sumner’s Tales” pays homage to the legendary musician Gordon Sumner, widely known as Sting.
The album’s title is a wordplay on the title of one of Sting’s albums, “Ten Summoner’s Tales.” Sting is renowned as one of the greatest living songwriters, both in his solo career and with the English band, The Police. The album showcases Melody’s ability to reinterpret these timeless songs.
She has gathered local musical treasures David Restivo, Doug Stephenson, and Tony Ferraro for the project, along with Toronto-based guitarist Michael Occhipinti.
The album was expertly mixed by Doug Stephenson and Grammy Award-winning Canadian producer Greg Wells. Music critics have described the result as “exploratory, deep, and meaningful.”
“Creating an album is a team effort,” said Diachun, 54, emphasizing the collaborative nature of album production.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the skills of my amazing team, the support of our community, and the funding provided by organizations such as the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and Columbia Basin Trust. I am so thankful for all the contributions that made this project a reality.”
The winners of the Western Canadian Music Awards will be unveiled on Wednesday, October 11, during the BreakOut West conference and festival in Kelowna.
Diachun’s nomination not only honours her exceptional achievements but also showcases the rich musical excellence found within the Kootenay region.
The winners of the Western Canadian Music Awards will be unveiled on Wednesday, October 11, during the BreakOut West conference and festival in Kelowna. — Submitted
