How Urban Migration Is Putting Calgary on the Map for Canadian Creators

Hailey Bell
Sep 22
6 min read

Category: Podcast

💬 INTRODUCTION

Today’s spotlight shines on Dwayne and Stacey of Urban Migration, the Calgary-based duo who laid the foundation of the Urban Migration podcast.

Their vision sparked the platform, bringing both creativity and heart into everything they do. Dwayne – A rapper and music writer who balances his artistry with hard work in construction and landscaping. Stacey – A social worker with a deep passion for helping others, bringing empathy and community spirit into the Urban Migration vision. Together, they launched the podcast that continues to grow into a space for creativity, conversation, and community.

Jordan Lewis, a local artist and former podcast guest, connected deeply with the vision. Before long, he joined Dwayne as a co-host, bringing his experience, fresh ideas, and creative input to the table. We welcomed him with open arms, and together we kept pushing the movement forward.

Then came Zac Knudson, who first reached out through our socials, sharing his photography talent and offering to build his portfolio with us. Urban Migration invited him out to a podcast recording to take artist photos and behind-the-scenes shots. But during that session, Zac revealed even more — his production skills in editing, recording, and spotlight photography with artists. It was clear he was a perfect fit, and he soon joined the team as well. The squad was growing, and the journey was shaping us just as much as we were shaping it.

🔥 THE PASSION

For Dwayne and Stacey, the spark behind Urban Migration was simple but powerful — people and community. They draw inspiration from the love and energy that Calgary has to offer, building a platform that reflects the heartbeat of their city.

Music has always been a passion that lives deep in their hearts, and the podcast became a way to share that love, connect with others, and give voice to stories that deserve to be heard.

🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE

For Dwayne and Stacey, being Canadian creatives means representing more than just themselves — it’s about putting Calgary on the map. While cities like Toronto have already made their mark in the music industry, Urban Migration believes it’s time for Calgary’s voice to be heard loud and clear.

The squad is a diverse group of Canadians with different backgrounds but shared values, united by their love for music and community. At its core, Urban Migration is about building opportunities, creating space for talent, and showing that Calgary — and Canada as a whole — has so much more to offer the world.

🚀 BUILDING THE DREAM

For Dwayne and Stacey, the standout moment isn’t a single event — it’s an ongoing journey. The real achievement has been the steady support and love they continue to receive along the way.

They’re grateful for the city of Calgary, the artists, the supporters, the venues, and every person who shares in the same values and vision. That continued interest and encouragement fuels Urban Migration to keep building, keep connecting, and keep dreaming bigger.

🤝 NETWORKING SPOT

For Dwayne and Stacey, the dream collaboration isn’t about just one artist — it’s about supporting every Canadian creative who steps onto their podcast. Their hope is to one day look back and see that someone they interviewed went on to achieve incredible success, knowing Urban Migration was a part of that journey.

Whoever that artist may be, they’re grateful for the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside such enriched Canadian talent. Every conversation is a chance to build bridges and spark something bigger for the community.

💖 COMETS QUESTIONS 💖

COMET: Looking back, what moments so far have made you stop and say, “This is why we’re doing this”?

URBAN MIGRATION: Halfway through the release of Season 1, we had been working so hard that we didn’t even realize what we had accomplished. Every week felt like just going through the motions — but then came a moment of self-reflection, and we saw the work coming to life.

Artists began thanking us for opportunities, and at first, we didn’t even understand what they were thanking us for — because we were just as thankful to them for giving us the chance to host them on the podcast. What we created was something bigger than ourselves: a shared space that empowers the city, the music, the craft, the artists, and the people.

We’ve witnessed events that bring people together through music and community, full of love and empowerment. We’ve seen dedication in people’s journeys to grow and be better through their music. We’ve heard stories of both struggle and success. And it’s in all of that where we find the answer — this is why we’re doing this.

COMET: If you could describe the heart of Urban Migration in three words, what would they be?

URBAN MIGRATION: Upliftment. Community. Music.

COMET: What do you think each of you brings to the table that makes your partnership work?

URBAN MIGRATION:

Dwayne is the heart, the ideas, the music industry experience, and the creativity.

Stacey is the heart, the organizer, the structured planner, the motivator, and the supportive executor. Together, they balance each other — what one is missing, the other fills in.

COMET: How has the Calgary community shown up for you — and how has that support shaped your journey?

URBAN MIGRATION: The support has been real, and the community has been welcoming. At the end of the day, it’s all love. We’re proud of this city and what it has to offer, as well as the talent that still needs to shine. And we’re going to keep it shining!

COMET: Looking back on Season 1 of Urban Migration, what are you most proud of accomplishing together?

URBAN MIGRATION: Building friendships and collaborations — and in hindsight, completing a 12-episode season recorded in just 3.5 months and released in 5 months. It doesn’t even feel real! Everything aligned and fell into place. We’re thankful for the team, the support, and the love. We’re proud of it all — the journey, and the future, God willing.

COMET: If you could talk to your future selves five years from now, what would you want them to know about this moment in your journey?

URBAN MIGRATION: We’re just getting started! We’re thankful for every moment, and we want our future selves to know that the trials and tribulations are okay — they’re part of the journey.

COMET: What legacy do you hope Urban Migration will leave for future creatives?

URBAN MIGRATION: A story of each person we met — a glimpse into their journey for when they blow. We hope to be part of a greater good, a purpose that puts Calgary and Western Canada on the map. We want to show the world that we’re not playing around — there’s real talent here too!

COMET: If Urban Migration had a totally ridiculous theme song, what would it be?

URBAN MIGRATION: A rap jingle with LL Cool J’s style — mashed up with the Pink Panther theme song!

COMET: What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened while recording?

URBAN MIGRATION: We once recorded some cheesy skits that we were going to drop as reels for promo! But they were too much!! Maybe one day we can drop them ! 🙈

🌈 CLOSING - Urban Migration Podcast is gearing up for an exciting chapter!

✨ Season 2 is on the horizon — bigger, better, and shaped with your input.

We’re inviting listeners and supporters to share feedback on our social platforms. Your ideas will help guide Season 2’s direction, ensuring the podcast truly reflects the depth and diversity of Calgary’s urban culture.

As always, our mission continues: highlighting the city’s emerging talent, blending personal stories with larger cultural movements, and helping define Calgary’s unique presence in Canada’s creative scene.

🍁 And we’ve got some big news — new collaborations are in the works! Get ready to see Urban Migration alongside The Vinz, Mason Xross, Comets Crew, Will Haze, Urban Migration & Digital Diamond — with even more exciting partnerships to come.