Local artist utilizes Creative Sask funding to produce a music video in three languages, reaching international audiences

Saskatoon-born Andrea An is a Vietnamese-Canadian singer/songwriter emerging in Saskatchewan’s music scene. An leveraged Creative Saskatchewan’s Market and Export – Micro Stream Grant to produce a music video for her song “Never Say Goodbye” in three languages: English, Korean, and Vietnamese.

“Never Say Goodbye” tells the story of a young woman who relates her relationship to the love she witnessed from her parents as a little girl. Released in March 2022, the project has amassed more than 65,000 views.

“With the help of this grant, I was able to hire my desired local videography company (Versa Films) to film my music video, “Never Say Goodbye”, which features an all-Asian cast. Releasing the song in three different languages (English, Vietnamese and Korean) captured the attention of local and national radio hosts, Viet Q Media (USA), Asian Tones (UK), playlist curators, and more.”

“The funding also allowed me to hire local company Sask Media to produce CD duplications for my debut album, “Bloom“, while utilizing ads on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to promote my music video and debut album worldwide. The Market & Export – Micro grant allowed me to take multiple steps forward in my music career, which helped me land several performance opportunities such as The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Taste of Saskatchewan, Regina Ribfest and several private event shows.”

“I was able to sell and ship over 40 albums in the first week of Bloom’s release, and several more at my live shows. Selling 40 physical albums may seem like a small number for some people, but as an emerging artist; it has been lifechanging to see how many people are supporting my music career. I have sold albums throughout Canada and USA, and my music has reached a wider audience throughout North America, South America, UK, South Africa, Australia and Asia.

I couldn’t be more grateful that Creative Saskatchewan lifted the financial barrier while helping me achieve my goal of providing more Asian representation within the Canadian music industry.”