Discover Hyper-Local Music Collections in Edmonton

The Edmonton Public Library hosts a remarkable collection of hyper-local music, designed to preserve and spotlight the incredible artists from Edmonton. Similarly, both the Edmonton Public Library and the University of Alberta contribute to preserving local music through their dedicated collections, which actively promote Edmonton’s dynamic and vibrant music scene.

Notably, the Edmonton Music Collection, initiated by the University of Alberta in 2011, focuses on academic research and study. In contrast, Capital City Records, launched by the Edmonton Public Library in 2015, prioritizes community engagement and accessibility. Together, these initiatives highlight and celebrate local talent, currently featuring an impressive 269 albums and 2,277 tracks, with an additional 100 new albums added each year. Through these efforts, the collections work to raise awareness and foster a deeper appreciation for Edmonton’s diverse music culture. As a result, residents gain unique opportunities to discover and connect with local artists. Beyond simply preserving resources, these collections serve another purpose. They link musicians to their communities. This connection enriches both the cultural and social fabric of the city.

Edmonton’s Hyper-Local Music Collections

Edmonton’s music scene is bright and vibrant. Indeed, Edmonton’s Hyper-Local Music Collections showcase that amazing work. Although, it’s not as prominent as Vancouver or Toronto, Edmonton is a hub for music of all genres. The University of Alberta has a collection of local music from Edmonton artists in its digital archives. The Edmonton Public Library also maintains a collection of local music. Through the Edmonton Music Collection, and Capital City Records, respectively, Edmonton artists are locally promoted. 

Starting in 2011, this collection, Edmonton Music Collection, focused on showcasing Edmonton music. It aimed to integrate it into a larger field of music academia.  Sean Luyk, the Digital Projects Librarian at The University of Alberta, was the music librarian at the time. He noticed quite a lot of global works in their music library. However, there wasn’t much focus on the music right in Edmonton. This left quite a gap in the academic resources. At the UofA, their collection is an extension of their academia with several scores, recordings, videos, and so much more. 

“If somebody is writing a research paper about an inch in music between 1995 and 2005. it’s hard to find the specifics for it,” Lyuk explains continues.

The UofA collaborates with CKUA radio, New Music Edmonton, Folkways Alive, Edmonton Music Awards, and Yeg Live. Together, they collect different pieces. These pieces commemorate and celebrate Edmonton’s music industry.

Capital City Records launched in 2015. It is a digital collection of Edmonton’s local musicians. It is the first of its kind within the Edmonton Public Library system.

Although different from the University collection, they are very similar as they are both hyper local music collections. However, they have one major difference. The UofA is focusing on the academic aspect, while the CCR is focusing on the community aspect.

“Growing up, EPL was an essential part of my musical upbringing. Weekly visits to the Downtown branch, plus working at Woodcroft for my high school years yielded constant new discoveries.  I’d spend hours flipping through the records.  I’m excited that something I’ve helped create could now be enjoyed via Capital City Records.  There’s a large amount of great music produced right here in YEG that’s waiting to be discovered!” comments Bombproof Horses, a band within the CCR’s collection.

There are currently 269 albums by 233 different artists. A total of 2,277 tracks are available on the platform. Each year, 100 new albums are added.

This is not just a mere or small collection.

It is designed to be easily interactive. Edmontonians can enjoy and engage with the work of their fellow Edmonton musicians. There is an average of 1,047 streams, and 155 downloads per month.

These are two hyper local music collections. These collections are exclusively meant to bring awareness and attention to the Edmonton music industry. The importance of this is to showcase the music right here.

“Edmonton has an astounding and very diverse local music scene, and even though I am an active part of it, I am constantly surprised to discover voices that I have yet to encounter. I am very proud that my music has been included in the latest Capital City Records collection; where I can continue to explore our city’s rich music scene, and where these voices can be heard and discovered from almost anywhere in the world,” comments John Guliak, a musician on CCR.

“We sometimes forget what’s going on culturally in our own cities,” Lyuk explains.

Now check out Edmonton Music Collection, and Capital City Records for more information!

Photo by Zehra Nur Peltek on