2010 Conference Panelists

Damian Abraham – Fucked Up

Damian Abraham (Pink Eye) is the vocalist in Millenial Reign, Bergenfield Four and the award (singular) winning Fucked Up. He is a proud father of a small child named Holden and a solid record collection. He is also working at becoming the first Polaris/ Juno nominee to host a wrestling podcast.

Bryan Acker – Herohill.com

Bryan Acker is a Polaris juror and a co-founder of the Halifax based music blog, herohill.com. Over the last 6 years herohill has evolved from a website used to host picture drawn in MS-Paint evolved into one of the primary sources of new music for fans of Canadian indie, folk, and hip-hop.

Gary Adelman – lawyer, Robinson Brog Leinwand Greene Genovese & Gluck PC (NYC)

Gary Adelman is a Partner at Robinson Brog Leinwand Greene Genovese & Gluck P.C., where he practices Intellectual Property (IP), Technology, Media and Entertainment law. In 2000, he also co-founded Downloadcard, an award winning marketing technology firm, whose clients included BMG/SONY, Warner Music, EMI, Comedy Central, and Disney.

Carl Allen – DJ, Restaurant Owner (Harlem, Irie)

DJ Carl Allen has been in the music industry for 30 plus years, starting out as a DJ at house parties. He is one of Canada’s top DJs, he has received a lifetime achievement award from his peers, and currently programs and is the host for Loungin on 88.1 CKLN FM, which he has been been a part of for 15+ years.

Jeff Anderson – PR Manager, Rock Steady Music

As a publicist, Jeff Anderson has been credited with breaking artists including Matt and Kim, Best Coast and comedian Aziz Ansari. He has executed campaigns for hundreds of artists including NERD and De La Soul and brands such as Pepsi and Converse. Jeff worked at Cornerstone Promotions in NYC prior to moving to LA to lead PR for Rock Steady Music.

Greg Baptise – Program Director of MuchVibe & Rap City/ artist, Urbnet Records

Greg’s first job in television came as a production assistant for the CFMT show Phat TV. Shortly after Greg was hired permanently as a Programming/Production Assistant and presently holds the post of Music Video Programmer for MuchMusic/ MuchMoreMusic/ MuchVibe/ MuchLoud/ PunchMuch/ MuchMoreRetro.

Matthew Barber – Artist

Toronto-based Matthew Barber earned a Juno nomination for his 2008 release “Ghost Notes”. According to No Depression, with 2010’s “True Believer” “[…]Barber stakes his claim as one of the best singer and songwriters working today: north or south of the border”. Matt has licensed many songs to TV and film.

Chris Baronner – The Metro, Chicago

Since 2001, Chris Baronner has worked as talent buyer for Chicago’s Metro, an independently owned & operated club which opened in 1982. Outside of Metro, Chris promotes the Life During Wartime (est. 2003) dance party and is a member of the artist/DJ/production collective Only Children.

Johnny Beach – Bowery booker

Greg Beshers – Director of Marketing, IODA

As Director of Marketing at IODA Greg is responsible for marketing to the top U.S. and Canadian retail stores, including Amazon MP3, eMusic, Napster, Zune, MediaNet, 7Digital and Rhapsody. Greg started his career in digital music at eMusic.com where he managed relationships with the top 100 earning independent labels and aggregators.

Nick Blasko – Manager – Tegan & Sara, Buck 65)

Zoë Verkuylen Blilie – manager, Sebastian Grainger

Zoë Verkuylen Blilie started her career in the music business at 16, touring with punk teens d.b.s. She co-founded Ache records in 1999, once home to Hot Hot Heat and Death From Above 1979 and now runs Seattle based artist management company, Zolita Management.

Mel Boogie – DJ, Publicist, CKLN Radio Host, Communications Director of UMAC

Melissa “DJ MelBoogie” Langley is an strong female force on the urban music scene. As a publicist, freelance writer and DJ, she was recently named one of Toronto’s Most Inspiring Women in the Creative Arts by Luminato’s Mille Femmes Project. Her CKLN radio show Droppin’ Dimez Radio is Canada’s only all-female hip hop show.

Derek Brin – Producer (Jaheim, Keshia Chante, Massari)

DEREK BRIN, is a Multi-Platinum Award winning Producer, Songwriter & Mix Engineer who works in the Urban, Pop & Caribbean music scene. His production and songwriting credits include placements with Jaheim, Che’Nelle (Virgin), RuPaul, Robyn (BMG Sweden), Massari (Universal Canada, Middle East), and Keshia Chante (Sony/BMG).

Soze Brooks – co-owner, “On Blast Digital”/Producer/Video Producer

Soze has recorded and produced Mayhem Morearty, Drake, J.B., Alias Don Million, Point Blank and many others. Soze also co-owns and operates “On Blast Digital” which services music to DJs & radio as well as a video consulting company that has shot videos for TNT, Mayhem Morearty, Marco Polo & others.

Chad “Buddah” Cardinal – Operations & Entertainment Manager / The Student Centre (The Wall) – Nipissing U. & Canadore C.

Since 1997, Buddah has been building a solid reputation for The Wall as a viable venue for touring bands in Northern Ontario and has since made it one of the only profitable student bars in Canada. In 2007, Buddah was awarded the COCA Founders Award for his dedication to Campus Programming.

Sean Carlson – Fuck Yeah Fest

Hangin’ Out.

Joel Carriere – Owner/Operator – Dine Alone Records/Bedlam Music Management

Joel Carriere owns and operates Dine Alone Records and Bedlam Music Management. He has a great motley crew that works with him on shortening their life span everyday, just so they can all work with what they love the most, music.

Stephen Carroll – The Weakerthans

Stephen Carroll is a member of The Weakerthans. Stephen also plays the management role in the band as they are extremely committed to the DIY outlook. Having built an international reputation and a loyal fan base The Weakerthans tour everywhere and often.

Shauna de Cartier – President, Six Shooter Records

Shauna de Cartier is a world class pizza chef and purveyor of fine shoes. She loves the colour pink, cowboy boots and tequila shots. Best known for her trademark laugh and ear piercing whistle, she’s the proud owner of a decade old record label, Six Shooter Records, and manages to keep 15 odd songwriters/bands in check. She lives by the motto Life is Too Short to Listen to Shitty Music.

Frank Casciaro – Senior Associate, Fuller Landau LLP

Frank joined Fuller Landau LLP in October 2007 and is currently a tax senior associate in the Tax group. He has over seven years of experience in cross border issues with extensive knowledge in Canadian and U.S. personal and business income tax, social security and international tax treaties.

Andrew Cash – Artist/Politician

Andrew Cash is a Juno award winning Toronto based singer/songwriter. He has released 12 albums over the last 25 years and has appeared regularly on television and radio both as a musician and a commentator, discussing a broad range of issues from tobacco sponsorship to copyright in the digital age to Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. Cash is the federal NDP candidate in the Toronto riding of Davenport.

Michael Cirelli – lawyer, Law Offices of Michael A. Cirelli, P.C. (NYC)

Michael Cirelli has been an entertainment lawyer for over 17 years, working with diverse artists and companies such as Linkin Park, Metallica, Ludacris, Rockstar Games & MTV Networks, while representing labels such as Island Def Jam Music. Mr. Cirelli was formerly Executive VP of A&R/General Counsel for Loud Records (Wu Tang Clan, etc).

Kyron “Kid” Clarke – Grindin’ Editor, Urbanology Magazine

Kyron “Kid” Clarke is a founding member and the Grindin’ Editor of Urbanology Magazine Inc. and an entertainer/songwriter as he has a proven eye and ear for talent. Most recently he wrote and performed a theme song for NBA Court Surfing that airs weekly on The Score Sports Network.

Sean Coakley – Songlines

Sean Coakley has spent the last seventeen years running his own marketing and radio promotion company specializing in rock and roots music for adults. Previously, he headed MMA Management (INXS)/rooArt Records, North America (1991–93) which followed twelve years of promotion and artist development at Arista (1983–91) and ATCO/Atlantic (1978–83).

Kevin Cole – KEXP

KEXP’s Senior Director of Programming. Previously, was part of the team that launched Amazon.com’s music site where I served as Senior Music Editor for 5 + years, started Rev 105 in Minneapolis (and served as PD), and was the was the in-house DJ at Minneapolis’s legendary First Avenue/7th Street Entry nightclub. Has ringing in both ears.

Adam Countryman – The Agency Group

Adam Countryman started his career in music as a DJ and all-ages concert promoter. He now works as an agent at The Agency Group Canada and represents artists such as Arkells, Hey Rosetta!, Hollerado, Lights, Two Hours Traffic, Woodhands & Zeus. In addition to a managing his own roster, Adam works closely with the College and University market acting as his company’s representative to schools across Canada.

Matthew Covey – Tamizdat

Matthew Covey is a founding Director of Tamizdat, a New York-based non-profit that promotes independent music around the world. Covey manages Tamizdat Visa Services, which helps foreign performers to affordably obtain US work visas. Prior to running Tamizdat, he ran Knitting Factory’s European booking agency, worked as a festival talent buyer, a band manager, a musician, and a college instructor of music and literature.

Alan Cross – music journalist/radio host 102.1 The Edge

Alan Cross is the host of the radio series The Ongoing History of New Music and curator of ExploreMusic.com, a radio-and-web initiative dedicated to music discovery. Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, written four books, recorded audio books, contributed to magazines, writes a weekly national music column and hosts a weekly show on Aux-TV.

Kerry KLC Crawford – member, Baby Blue Soundcrew

KLC is a member of the legendary Baby Blue Soundcrew. Baby Blue was responsible for helping to break several major acts like Sean Paul & Kardinal through their world reknowned mixtape series which eventually led the group to being signed by Universal and winning an MMVA in 2000 for “Money Jane”.

Shea Dahl – Programming & Events Manager, AMS Events / University of British Columbia

Shea Dahl has been involved in the music industry for 10 years, starting out as a Talent Buyer for the Arts County Fair. Shea currently programs the entertainment for the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia and is the current Chairman of COCA. He has served on the board of directors since 2006.

Zach Deniro – Producer/Remix Artist/Recording Artst

Zach Deniro is a Juno nominated music producer who composes and remixes a range of dance styles, from hard house, to hip hop, reggae, and drum and bass. Zach has worked with the likes of Kardinal Offishal, Bedouin Soundclash, Ne-yo, Young Jeezy, Snow, Rich London and Nikki Awesome.

Kirby Desmarais – Everything Independent Entertainment

Kirby Desmarais is the founder of Everything Independent. Everything Independent is an Industry Service Provider which covers all aspects of the Music Business. All of the necessary elements needed to succeed within the music business are available within the Ei network while the artist retains total ownership over their career and all of their royalties.

Grant Dexter – President & CEO, MapleCore Ltd.

Grant Dexter, MapleCore’s President and CEO, co-founded the company in 1999 as e-commerce site, MapleMusic.com. MapleCore has since grown to include award-winning record labels MapleMusic Recordings and Open Road Recordings, Canada’s leading independent distribution company, Fontana North and more recently a music publishing division and full-service ticketing company, TicketBreak.

Avi Diamond – Manager of Film/TV & Music Publishing, MapleMusic

Currently the Manager of Film, TV and Music Publishing at MapleMusic, Avi Diamond is also the face of Carat Music Brokering. Avi began his career at BMG Canada in 2002, and has placed songs in Chuck (NBC), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), Private Practice (ABC), Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (Lionsgate), Californication (Showtime) and Army Wives (Lifetime), to name a few.

Dwayne Dixon – VP, UMAC: The Urban Music Association of Canada and owner of Linkage Movement Talent Development Agency

Dwayne “4TYFour” Dixon, VP of UMAC and owner of Linkage Movement has known from an early age that music would be his calling. He is also the founder of the Apollo Theatre-styled Artist Showcase called FYI (Follow Your Instinct).

Damhnait Doyle – Singer/Songwriter

Damhnait has toured Canada extensively, opening for legends like Willie Nelson and sharing the stage as special guest with such artists as Nelly Furtado, Dido and Jann Arden. With Shaye, she has represented Canada at Japan’s 2005 Expo and has performed on Canada Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. On her own, dav has travelled to Kandahar twice to perform for Canadian forces personnel – initially as part of a CBC Christmas television special and subsequently as a guest of General Rick Hillier.

Benjamin Drury – My Old Kentucky Blog

In 2009, through the power of social media and enthusiastic deviance, Benjamin Mercer Drury has achieved contributor status for Metromix Indianapolis and MyOldKentuckyBlog.com in true Horatio Alger form. In 2010, Drury is an accomplished journalist and social media and marketing consultant operating out of Central Indiana.

Justin Dumont – DJ/Music Director, Flow 93.5 FM (Toronto)

Chuck Erman – Manager of Events and Programming / Sheridan College Student Union

Chuck Erman has spent a decade in the Campus Market as a buyer and producer for events for Universities and Colleges across Canada. He is the current Chair of COCA’s national conference and Manager of Events and Programming for Sheridan College Student Union. He’s worked with artists like Sam Roberts, Will I AM, Lights and K’naan.

Holly Fagan – VP Marketing, Artist Relations and Partnerships – Liberty Music Trax

Holly Fagan manages the marketing team at Liberty Music Trax and leads all partnership initiatives with content creators, broadcasters and distributors. With a career background in advertising and broadcast communications, Holly is also a hip-hop composer and performer, and was instrumental in assembling the music in Liberty’s library during her recent visit to MIDEM in Cannes, France.

Rob Farina – Executive Vice President, Content for Astral Media Radio

As Executive Vice President, Content for Astral Media Radio, Rob is responsible for local and national content strategies, programming research and consultants, as well as all new platform content strategies and content development for Astral radio web sites. Rob also oversees Orbyt Media, Astral’s radio syndication division, as well as national marketing and branding and the promotion strategies of Astral’s radio stations.

Josh Feingold – SESAC

Josh Feingold is Associate Director, Writer Publisher Relations and is based out of SESAC’s Santa Monica office. Feingold is responsible for recruiting songwriters and publishers for the performing rights organization. Feingold started his career at Interscope Records before moving to Geffen Records. Throughout his career he has worked with Nine Inch Nails, DJ Shadow, Ozomatli, Bryan Adams, and Sonic Youth.

Jodie Ferneyhough – Universal Music Publishing

Since accepting the position to run the Canadian division of Universal Music Publishing, he has been responsible for signing Kevin “K Cut” McKenzie, Sam Roberts, K-OS and Theory of a Deadman. He is also responsible for the existing roster of artists and writers including Ashley MacIsaac and Jann Arden. Since accepting the post at Universal he has joined the board of directors of the CMRRA, and currently sits on the executive committee of the CMPA.

Nick Flanagan – comedian/member of Brutal Knights

Andrew Frisciano – Brooklynvegan

Originally from upstate NY and now living in Brooklyn, writer and photographer Andrew Frisicano has been a full time contributor to BrooklynVegan for over a year. When not blogging he can be found enjoying live music, traveling, and occasionally getting some sleep.

Amy Fritz – Radar Music Group (music supervisor)

Amy Fritz is one of Canada’s top Music Supervisors. She is credited with the music production and song licensing for over 70 film/TV productions, some of which are Emmy award-winners. Since 1990, Amy has worked in the entertainment industry as a Campus Radio DJ, Music Producer, Sound Engineer, published Songwriter/Performer, and Artist Manager.

Martin Gangnier – Director/Licensing, Re:Sound

Martin Gangnier is Director, Licensing at Re:Sound (formerly NRCC) and has been with the company since 2006. Martin is dedicated to creating awareness around the rights of music creators and passionately advocates on their behalf. Prior to joining Re:Sound, Martin held various sales & marketing positions in the hospitality industry.

Jake Gold, Management Trust/Kindling Music

Jake Gold is the co-owner of The Management Trust and Kindling Music, through which he is best known for his role in establishing and transforming The Tragically Hip into a national icon. Gold has been named Manager of the Year three times by the annual Canadian Music Industry Awards. He sits on the boards of the JUNO Awards Television and Talent Committee, CIMA, MMF and the OMDC.

Sebastien Grainger – artist

SEBASTIEN GRAINGER is a Toronto-based songwriter,
musician and producer, most recognized a member of the duo Death From Above 1979. In 2008, he released his first solo LP, Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains. Sebastian, co-owns and operates Giant Studio (Toronto) with Metric’s Jimmy Shaw, and is currently working
on his second solo LP, Yours To Discover.

Trevor Guy – VP, Last Gang Records

Trevor is VP at Last Gang Records where he leads digital marketing and distribution for the label’s core and distributed artists, including Crystal Castles, Huoratron and Metric. Trevor is also actively engaged in business development initiatives for Last Gang Entertainment, which includes interrelated label, management and publishing divisions.

Brian Hetherman – VP of Industry Affairs, FACTOR

Brian Hetherman’s diverse background in the industry has earned him titles like Executive Director of the Radio Starmaker Fund and President of the Music Managers Forum of Canada. As a Radio Promotion and Retail Marketing rep with MCA Records in the early ‘90s, as well as 8 years as Director of A&R for Universal Music and head of their publishing division, Brian worked on promoting artists such as Alanis, Guns N Roses, Peter Gabriel and The Tragically Hip.

Bob van Heur – Le Guess Who? Festival/Belmont Bookings, Amsterdam

Bob van Heur is a Dutch promoter, festival and club night organizer and a European booking agent. His roster includes Sleepy Sun, Man Man and Sunset Rubdown. He’s the exclusive Dutch and Belgium promoter for bands like Animal Collective, The xx, Wooden Shjips and many others. He also runs the annual Le Guess Who? Festival in Amsterdam and Klub Radar Nights.

Adam Hobbs – General Manager Rock Steady Music

Adam Hobbs began working for Capitol Records with multi-platinum artists like Coldplay and Jane’s Addiction; then as head of Modular Records for North America, breaking bands like Cut Copy and New Young Pony Club; and for SanDisk, crafting deals for new product lines with superstars like Akon and Lady Gaga. In 2009, he joined Rock Steady Music in LA and
currently oversees operations as GM.

Kevin Hoskins – The Middle East, Boston

Rita Houston – WFUV

For 14 years and going strong, Rita Houston has led the charge as Music Director for New York City’s leading public radio music station, WFUV. As a lifelong New Yorker and music fan, she still thinks it’s a dream job, even when it fills most of her days and nights.

Ralph James – President, The Agency Group

Ralph started his career as the bass player for CBS rock band Harlequin, touring North and South America for over a decade. He helped foster The Agency Group’s Toronto office in 1996 with Neil Warnock and Jack Ross. He started with a small roster of established Canadian artists, but also signed then-unknown acts such as Nickelback, Three Days Grace, and Billy Talent, among others, who have since garnered great international success.

Gordon Jessup – Partner, Fuller Landau LLP

Gordon is a tax partner specializing in commodity tax (Goods and Services Tax) and cross-border tax planning. He works with clients from a variety of industries, and tends to focus on cross-border companies establishing Canadian presence to facilitate the distribution of their product or service rendering.

Mark Jowett – Partner, Nettwerk Music Group

Mark founded Nettwerk Productions with Terry McBride in 1984. From the outset Mark was primarily focused on the creative development side of Nettwerk, working with many of the artists that crossed Nettwerk’s path over the years, including Sarah Mclachlan, Avril Lavigne, Great Lake Swimmers, Delerium, Datarock and many others Mark’s primary responsibilities within NMG including running the publishing division NW1 with Blair Macdonald, focusing on the A&R for the label, and helping oversee the label’s international operations.

Flo King – CEO, toflo.com & Co-Host on Toronto Morning Live – CHRY 105.5FM

Flo is a multi-talented mega-city personality and CEO of TOFLO.com – Toronto’s leading source for urban life info and event listings. Flo is the ultimate “do-it-all” girl. Flo provides her wit and commentary to Toronto Morning Live through her own branded segment, “FloTalk” on CHRY 105.5FM (Monday Mornings, 7-10am)

Kip Kouri – Tell All Your Friends (NYC)

Lindsey Kronmiller – Marketing & Promotion, Merge Records

Lindsey Kronmiller is the director of radio and online promotions at Merge Records. Merge is home to bands such as Spoon, She & Him, Caribou, Destroyer and Rusty Falcon. She attended Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, CA before returning to her hometown of Durham, NC to work at Merge five years ago.

Lenny Levine – President, Last Gang Records

Lenny Levine is President of Last Gang Records where he oversees the label’s worldwide operations. Last Gang’s roster includes Canadian acts Metric, Crystal Castles, The New Pornographers and Chromeo. Prior to Last Gang, Lenny held senior positions at EMI and Aquarius Records, and was GM of independent Canadian music retail chain Phantasmagoria.

Colin Lewis – The Agency Group

Colin Lewis has spent more than 15 years with The Agency Group in Canada, starting off on reception and eventually working his way up the ladder through the ranks of the company to where Colin is now a Vice President at the Global firm. Colin’s impressive roster includes Sebastien Grainger, Metric, Jully Black, Hot Hot Heat, Wintersleep, Stereos, Cake, Social Distortion, Sum 41, Martha Wainwright, Matt Dusk and De La Soul to name a few.

Cheryl Link – peermusic

Cheryl Link, Creative Manager for peermusic Canada Inc. is responsible for all domestic songwriters and artists, including Sebastien Grainger, Greg Johnston, and Hawksley Workman, to name but a few, as well as promoting the peermusic catalogue to Film, TV and Advertising Agencies. Some placements include Telus, Toyota, The Trotsky, and 18 To Life.

Arthur McArthur – Producer (Dr. Dre, Drake, Lil Wayne, Keisha Cole)

This 21-year old producer from Toronto is a classically trained pianist & guitar player and has recently produced for: Dr. Dre, Drake, Lil Wayne, Keisha Cole, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, The Game, Bun B, Nipsey Hussle, Styles P, Saukrates and more. Arthur is one of the hottest up & coming producers in Urban music.

Ian J. MacKay – President, Re:Sound

Ian MacKay became President of Re:Sound Music Licensing Company (formerly NRCC) in January, 2009. As the Canadian not-for-profit organisation representing artists and record companies for their public performance rights, Re:Sound is dedicated to obtaining fair value for the use of music by businesses, including broadcasters, retailers, gyms, restaurants, webcasters etc etc.

Dara Kartz – Artist Manager, Go Kartz Management Inc.

Always a great fan of music and witness to her musician friends’ frustrations dealing with the “business” side of their careers, Dara earned a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McGill University in Montreal before heading south to New York City in search of her first job in the music industry. That job ended up being a once in a lifetime shot to work with Paul Rosenberg- President of Shady Records and CEO of hip hop powerhouse management firm Goliath Artists, working with the likes of Eminem and 50 Cent. The starting point was a rare opportunity to operate within a record label and artist management structure, and learn about both major sides of the industry from the inside out.

After six years with Shady Records and Goliath Artists, Dara returned to Toronto to pursue her goal of working with Canadian artists and creating a bridge between her hometown and the industry that educated her in NYC, and started Go Kartz Management. The company currently supports an artist roster made up of Toronto artists Woodhands, Slim Twig and The Rural Alberta Advantage, as well as Montreal-based Winter Gloves.

Liam Killeen – Coalition Entertainment

Liam Killeen got his start in the music industry as the drummer for the Pop-Punk band Not By Choice in 2002. Five months later, the band had a record deal, released their first single Standing All Alone and hit the road for a year of touring. The band won their first MuchMusic Video Award in 2003 for their single Now That You Are Leaving. By the end of 2005 Not By Choice had released 2 albums, enjoyed two top-ten singles, and toured internationally with Sum 41, Simple Plan, Avril Lavigne, and many other acts. It was around this time that Liam wanted to see what else was out there…

His next 3 years were spent tour managing Thornley, Metric, Faber Drive, Idle Sons, just to name a few. While spending time on the road, he continued his career as a musician playing with Rex Goudie, Cute Is What We Aim For, and Thornley. By late 2008, it was time to make a move.

Liam joined the management team at Coalition Entertainment in early 2009. Adding to the already successful team, fronted by Managers Rob Lanni and Eric Lawrence, with a roster that includes Simple Plan, Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, and more, Liam has truly found his calling.

As the Responsible Manager for the up-and-coming Hard Rock act Hail The Villain (Warner Music Canada / Roadrunner Records Worldwide), 2010 promises to be a busy year for Liam. In addition to the Hail The Villain project, Liam is currently working at developing new talent within the Coalition offices.

Tonni Maruyama – Epitaph Canada

For the past 11 years, Tonni has been residing happily with one of the biggest and most respected indie labels in the world, Epitaph Records, as their Director of Marketing & Publicity. She’s worked at Capitol Records, Nettwerk Productions, Sony Music and A&M Records.

Mike McCarty – President, Olé Music Publishing

Michael McCarty is President of ole and, via the company’s head office in Toronto, oversees all creative and administrative operations in Nashville and Los Angeles, as well as Toronto’s head office. He brings over 20 years in the music publishing business, most recently as President of EMI Music Publishing Canada.

Jim McGuinn – The Current KCMP

Jim joined 89.3 The Current in Minneapolis in January 2009 as Program Director and on-air host, moving from Philadelphia, and WXPN. Jim has received numerous accolades for his innovative programming, and was named Best AAA Air Personality in 2008 by Radio and Records.

Chris McKee – owner, McKee Agency

Chris Mckee is behind the booking and promotion of cross-Canada tours for artists like Rihanna, Flo-Rida, Akon, The Roots, Busta Rhymes and dozens more. Chris has also booked recent shows for Canada’s top Urban acts such as Massari, Danny Fernandes, Karl Wolfe, Belly, and Classified. He also manages Peter Jackson & Patrick Christopher.

Jeni McKenzie – Radio Personality/Host, Flow 93.5

Jeni is currently the midday personality at The New FLOW935. Jeni moved from Nassau, Bahamas where she held the #1 show on the #1 station 100JAMZ for 13years, hosted countless concerts and was the host for the TV talent show “TEEN SCENE”.

Michie Mee – Rapper/Actress/Radio Host

Front woman Michie Mee is the queen of Canadian hip hop. Michie holds the distinction of being the first rapper in Canada to sign to a recording deal with a major U.S. label and was also co-host of Canada’s longest running rap radio show, The Powermove Show on CKLN Radio.

Sheldon Moore – Producer

Sheldon has produced dozens of JUNO winning songs over his career including the likes of K-OS’ “Crab Buckit”, Big Pun, Jaheim, Snow, Citizen Kaine and more.

Rodney Murphy – Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, Toronto, ON

Rodney Murphy is the Education and Outreach Manager for SOCAN – the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. He spends most of his time attending shows, seminars, and industry events providing member education and public speaking on behalf of SOCAN. Rodney loves working to get songwriters paid!

Ron Nelson – Radio host, producer, promoter, icon

Dedicated to developing the culture in this city, Ron Nelson is a famed college radio DJ, producer and promoter, working to bring artists like KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, UTFO to Toronto’s music scene. Internationally known and respected, Ron is widely recognized as a champion for urban music in Canada and his contributions to the music industry are immeasurable.

Evan Newman – Artist Manager

Evan Newman runs the Management and Label divisions for Outside Music Inc. Its management roster includes Jill Barber, The Hylozoists and The Sunparlour Players, while The Outside Music Label boasts albums from The Sadies, The Besnard Lakes, Sebastien Grainger, and others.

Josh Newman – LiveNation, Detroit

Miro Oballa – lawyer, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa (Toronto)

Miro has been practicing entertainment law since 2002 in the areas of music, film, television, gaming, new media, dance, art and event promotion. In addition to his legal experience, Miro is a former owner of both a nightclub and an entertainment company and presently sits on the board of the Manifesto Festival.

Riley O’Connor – Chairman, Live Nation Canada

Riley O’Connor was named Chairman of Live Nation Canada in July of 2007 after a long career at House of Blues Concerts Canada. Riley has brought some of the biggest names in the world to Canada, including Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters, Elton John, Eric Clapton and KISS but Riley’s true passion is nurturing Canadian talent here at home and watching them flourish.

Josh Ostroff – Music Editor, Spinner.ca / AOL Music Canada

Joshua decided to become a music journalist after teenage him spied a flannel-bedecked dude with a press badge at Lollapalooza in Van City. So he did. Now Josh writes/edits happily ever after in Toronto — where conveniently many musicians he interviews live super nearby.

Henry Owings – Chunklet Magazine

HENRY H. OWINGS is a writer, graphic designer, semi-professional heckler, and dog lover. Over the past two decades, Henry has also at various times worked as a booking agent, DJ, promoter, record producer, and tour manager. When he’s not busy with all of this, he plays whirlyball which is basically polo in bumper cars.

Panos Panay – Sonicbids

Founded by Panos Panay in 2000, Sonicbids is the website that helps bands connect with people who book or license music. Sonicbids’ community includes more than 245,000 bands and 21,000 promoters and licensors worldwide. In 2009 alone, 71,000 gigs were booked on Sonicbids.

Chase Parsons – MuchMusic’s “Disband”/ representative, Chris Smith Management (Nelly Furtado, Saukrates)

Chase is a judge on MuchMusic TV show “Disband” & also works with Chris Smith Management representing acts like Nelly Furtado, Saukrates & more.

Stephen Pasquale

As a tax practitioner servicing mid-market businesses, Stephen plays a key role on the client service team. He has a demonstrated ability to develop effective tax plans that meet and satisfy client business objectives and goals. Each mandate puts his intellectual flexibility to the test and allows him to draw on one of his diverse sets of skills and competencies.

Chris Perry – Songwriter/Producer

Chris Perry is one of Canada’s most sought after writer/producers, having delivered hit singles for Shawn Desman, Alli Sims, Stereos, Keshia Chante, and more. His creativity has been instrumental in the success of the Canadian Idol stars delivering multi platinum singles for Ryan Malcolm, Kalan Porter, Brian Melo, and Melissa O’Neil.

Darrin Pfeiffer – The Edge On-air personality/Owner of High 4 Records

Darrin Pfeiffer is one busy man. As an on-air DJ with 102.1 The Edge, he also drums with the LA band Goldfinger and Canada’s The Salads, is a rep for Gibson Guitars Canada, owns and runs High 4 Records, and is a booker/promoter of such events as Wakestock.

Tim Potocic – Co-Owner/President, Sonic Unyon Records & Distribution

Tim Potocic is co-owner and president of 18-year old Sonic Unyon Records & Distribution in Hamilton. Sonic Unyon has grown into one of Canada’s leading independent record companies releasing over 150 records by artists including Tristan Psionic, Frank Black and Voivod. Sonic Unyon distribution is home to partners including Constellation, Secretly Canadian, Warp and many more.

Don Quarles – Executive Director, Songwriters Association of Canada

As a songwriter and event producer of over 20 years, Quarles is passionate about helping Canadian songwriters. He was a regional workshop coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) for over 7 years and has helped to bring songwriting into Canadian schools with the founders of a program called “SASS” (the School Alliance of Student Songwriters). He continues to write and perform, mostly with his family band ‘The Family Quarles”. Quarles sits on the National Advisory Board of FACTOR, the advisory committee of “transmission” 2009 and is the Executive Director of the Songwriters Association of Canada.

Jeffrey Remedios – President, Arts & Crafts

In 2002, Jeffrey co-founded Arts & Crafts with Broken Social Scene leader Kevin Drew and has since grown the company into one of the most influential and successful independent music companies worldwide. Jeffrey oversees all aspects of the company, leading A&R and business development initiatives and serves as manager for cornerstone artist Broken Social Scene.

“Parkside” Mike Renaud – Upper Management/Hidden Pony

“Parkside” started his career in the entertainment industry working in the A&R department at Aquarius Records in Montreal. He achieved the title of Executive Vice President, overseeing the A&R development of the roster’s artists, which included Serial Joe and Sum 41. After a stint at as A&R for V2 Records Canada, Mike started Upper Management along with his partner Donald K Tarlton and recently launched Hidden Pony Records as well. The Upper Management/Hidden Pony Roster includes Jeremy Fisher, Hannah Georgas, Said The Whale and Odds.

Roxell Richards – lawyer, Roxell Richards & Associates (Houston)

Roxell Richards is an entertainment attorney with Deep Distribution Music Group in Houston where she works with Mannie Fresh, Scarface and the Ying Yang Twins inking lucrative deals, for Deep, with major label, Sony. Currently, Roxell also represents RPH Entertainment where she handles artist agreements and copyrighting.

Brad Schwartz – Senior Vice-President and General Manager, The Much MTV Group, CTV Inc.

As Senior Vice-President and General Manager, The Much MTV Group, CTV Inc., Brad Schwartz oversees the day-to-day operations of MuchMusic, MTV, MuchMoreMusic, MTV2, PunchMuch, MuchVibe, MuchLOUD and MuchMoreRetro. Schwartz was appointed to this role in October 1, 2007, shortly after the integration of CHUM Television into CTV Inc.

Erik Selz – president, Red Ryder Entertainment

Erik Selz is the founder and president of Red Ryder Entertainment. Established in 1995, Red Ryder looks after North American bookings for two dozen artists, and has coordinated tours in Asia, Europe, Central and South America, Australia and New Zealand as well. Twice nominated for Small Agency of the Year by Pollstar Magazine, Red Ryder’s current roster includes The Magnetic Fields, Andrew Bird, Great Lake Swimmers, The Rural Alberta Advantage, and Numero’s Eccentric Soul Revue, among others.

Joanne Setterington – Publicist/Owner of Indoor Recess

Joanne Setterington has built Indoor Recess Inc from the ground up. A leader in Canada, Indoor Recess earned its stripes as a company with the goal to offer a creative, detail-driven, and comprehensive approach to media relations. With offices in Toronto and Vancouver, the company has achieved and maintained long lasting relationships with print, radio, online and television networks across the country. Its impressive client roster spans the world of music, comedy and film.

Mark Michael Smith – NG3

“Twitter “The grammatik increase of self importance”. 20+ years grassroots marketing: EMF, Jesus Jones, Barenaked Ladies, Blur, Garth Brooks, +++. Recently, Operations Manager @ W2 Culture and Media House @ Vancouver Winter Olympics, dubbed the Social Media Olympics, the centre point between citizen activists and BBC, CNN, Fox News.

Jonny Stevens – Executive Director – Halifax Pop Explosion

This self proclaimed music nerd has sailed around the world on a tall ship, toured throughout North America in a punk band and is now the Executive Director of the Halifax Pop Explosion – known for being one of the best cutting edge music festivals in Canada celebrating it’s 18th year in operation.

Gregg Stewart – Manager of Marketing & Promotions for MTV & MTV2 Canada

Gregg Stewart has been working in the Canadian music and entertainment industry for the past 10 years now. From early days working for NXNE, by way of Jane Harbury Publicity, to Universal Music Canada for 6 years and now MTV since it’s launch in the Canadian market place in 2006.

Patrick Strange – Filter Magazine

Since March of 2007, I’ve lived and worked in Los Angeles, California. During this time, I’ve served as the managing editor of Filter magazine while continuing as the co-publisher and editor of the New Orleans art and literature journal, Constance. In between deadlines and late-night stints at the office, I contribute copywriting for Lions Gate Films, write advertising copy for national television and online campaigns,and have acted as contributing editor for the Los Angeles Zagat dining guide. Originally from New Orleans, I’ve resided in no less than 12 apartments, six cities and two countries. I hope I’ve left them all in better shape than when I found them.

Dan Strachota – Noise Pop

Dan Strachota is the talent buyer for the Noise Pop Festival, as well as for Rickshaw Stop, a music venue in San Francisco. He is also a freelance writer who has penned articles for San Francisco magazine, SF Weekly, Spin.com, Listen.com, and the East Bay Express.

Chip Sutherland – Entertainment Lawyer and Manager (Feist, Sloan)

Chip Sutherland is an entertainment lawyer from Halifax who has practiced in the field of entertainment law extensively for over 20 years. He also manages Feist and Sloan. In 2001 he was hired to create the structure of the Radio Starmaker Fund and he has been the Executive Director of Starmaker since 2005.

Brian Teasley – Man or Astro-Man?

Ryhna Thompson – Envision Management and Production

A creative and respected international artist manager, Ryhna Thompson has been based in Montreal and working in the music industry for the last 12 years. Working at first as a songwriter, recording and touring musician across Canada, Ryhna cut her teeth on the business side of the industry working with local concert promoters and booking agents in Montreal in the late 90’s. In 2002, Ryhna founded Envision Management and Production. Under this banner, she currently manages one-of-a-kind, international recording artists such as Kid Koala, collaborative instrumental groups such as Bell Orchestre and Sevens Project, indie rock darlings such as Silver Starling. She furthermore serves as co-founder of the music production collective Moondata Productions, co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Sound Studio and is President of the Music Managers Forum Canada.

Marc Thususka – Manager, Events and Programming / SAIT Students’ Association

Marc Thususka has been in campus entertainment for over 10 years having worked at the University of Waterloo (Alma Mater) and currently at SAIT in Calgary as the Events & Programming manager. He’s also an entertainment consultant and manages a band signed to Warner Bros.

Eric Warner – We Are Busy Bodies/Over The Top Festival

Eric Warner is a Toronto-based former wunderkind turned adult that runs We Are Busy Bodies, a record label and management company responsible for releasing and working with many bands you may like. His experience in the music industry qualifies him to tell you things and inspire you.

Graham Williams – Fun Fun Fun Festival (Austin, TX)

Eric Warner is a Toronto-based former wunderkind turned adult that runs We Are Busy Bodies, a record label and management company responsible for releasing and working with many bands you may like. His experience in the music industry qualifies him to tell you things and inspire you.

Rob Zifarelli – The Agency Group

Rob Zifarelli, originally from Winnipeg, started at The Agency Group in 2004, and has since become Vice President of the Toronto office. Rob’s roster includes Feist, Bloc Party, Passion Pit, Dinosaur Jr, The Cat Empire, Melissa Auf Der Mar and Hawksley Workman, among others.