Winnipeg music producer draws attention to violence against women through new CD

(Courtesy of Shawn Hossack)

Shawn Hossack is a local music producer who wants to help make a difference.  His company, ALImar Records, produced a CD of music that features a memorial song about the more than 500 missing or murdered Aboriginal women in Canada.

CD sales will be donated to the Red Robe Women Drum Society Singers and REDress Project in efforts to raise awareness about violence against women.

On Monday night Shawn will be celebrating the CD release with a live event of traditional and contemporary musicians and dancers at the West End Cultural Centre.  He took the time from event planning to answer a few questions for SCENE.

Why did you want to create this event?
I wanted to create this event to bring awareness to my community about violence against women and children.
 
Why is it important to you to draw attention to missing Aboriginal women?
Growing up in the north end of Winnipeg, I have been exposed to the raw realities of poverty at a very young age, prostitution, drugs, violence, neglect...and sad to say that that way of life is the norm for a lot of inner city residents. 

I have been blessed enough to come across certain people in my life that have guided me into the position I am in now, a position of advocacy.   And so, it has been my goal over the past few months to work with other organizations and do what we can to raise awareness...as is the responsibilty of certain power.

What do you hope this event will accomplish?
With this event I hope to accomplish a certain connection with my community bringing forth traditional and contemporary acts in one show.  It's an event of discovery and reflection with (awareness of) violence against women and children as the underlying message.

There are rappers, hip hop artists, dancers and traditional drummers taking part in this event.  Why are you mixing musical genres at the CD release?
The reason for mixing genres was to grab attention to the older generation as well as the young. These issues affect everyone so I wanted to accommodate to everyone's taste in music. 

If people can't make it out to the event, where can they purchase a CD?
The CD will be available for download through iTunes on July 19. As well as Native Hood Art & Lifestyle Shop (1316 Main St.).