2009 Program

SELECTED CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

FEATURED: Celebrity Interview

Fab 5 Freddy Interviews GZA, founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan Saturday June 20, 1:00-2:30pm

Arguably hip hop’s most important group, Wu-Tang Clan brought the New York rap scene to worldwide attention. Explore their rise to fame with GZA as he sits down with American hip hop historian and artist Fab 5 Freddy.

Here’s the COMPLETE CONFERENCE PROGRAM:

Town Hall
DATE: Thursday, June 18
DOORS: 2PM – 5PM
RUN TIME: 2:30PM – 4:30PM
LOCATION: Second City

Moderator: Jake Gold, CEO/President, The Management Trust

The State of the Industry 2009:
OK, let’s face it: the economy’s floating in the toilet, and part of the industry’s stuck right there with it. And nobody really knows where technology’s taking us. But on the other hand, these seismic shifts give us unprecedented chances to market our music and our artists internationally. Company heads from all aspects of the industry will discuss how the challenges and opportunities we face are changing the way we do business.

Panelists:

• Denise Donlon, Executive Director, CBC Radio
• Jodie Ferneyhough, Managing Director, Universal Music Publishing Canada
• Bernie Finkelstein, President, Finkelstein Management; Chairman, CIRPA
• Paul Haagenson, President, Canada, West, Live Nation Canada
• Mark Jowett, Vice President/Co-Founder, Nettwerk Music Group
• Steve Kane, President, Warner Music Canada
• Kevin Leflar, President, officialCOMMUNITY
• Heather Ostertag, President/CEO, FACTOR
• Jack Ross, Senior Vice President, The Agency Group
• Chris Sisam, General Manager, Corus Radio Toronto
• Chris Taylor, Founder, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa

The Rivoli Sessions
Sponsored by the OMDC

Like great live music can bring a crowd to life, so too can great music minds bring life to a panel. NXNE shakes up (& stirs) the conference experience by taking the discussion out of the boardroom and back into the bar.

Music Makes It Reunion (Invite Only) @ NXNE 09
Presented by the OMDC

DATE: Thursday, June 18
TIME: 5PM – 7PM
LOCATION: The Rivoli (upstairs)

Host: OMDC and NXNE

Participants from the highly successful “Music Makes It” forum in January 2008 get together to see if they can remember each other’s names, discuss recent developments in the industry and establish new partnerships for ’09. This event is Invite Only.

Music Supervisor’s Throwdown

DATE: Friday, June 19
TIME: 5PM – 6:15PM
LOCATION: The Rivoli (upstairs)

Moderator: Bob Hunka, HunkArts

Panelists:

• Andrea von Foerster,Firestarter Music
• John Bissell, Mothlight Music
• Josh Marcy, Mophonics
• Laura Webb, MTV
• Cindy Wolfe, Masculine/Feminine Films
• Reg Harkema, Director, Leslie, My Name is Evil

See and hear how the brains of music supervisors work: why does one favour strings for a fight scene when another chooses hard rock? Why does one anchor a soundtrack with a hit when another uses an obscure track from an unknown band? Four experienced international supervisors will “throw down” and dissect their own choices and go to the mat to defend their tastes in this interactive panel.

Some of my Best Friends are Managers – Honest
Presented by MMF
DATE: Saturday, June 20
TIME: 11:30AM – 12:30AM
LOCATION: The Rivoli (upstairs)

Moderator: Susan de Cartier, Starfish Entertainment

Roster: Blue Rodeo, The Sadies, Oh Susanna, The Jim Cuddy Band, Skydiggers, Greg Keelor and The Swallows

Confirmed Panelists:

Melissa Greiner, Mel’s Rockpile
Roster: Holy Fuck, Ruby Jean and The Thoughtful Bees, Rebekah Higgs and Brian Borcherdt

Ryhna Thompson, Envision Management
Roster: Kid Koala, Bell Orchestre, Two Fingers, Doubleclick, Sevens Project, MothersFathers, Amon Tobin

Andres Mendoza,Cuto
Roster: Alex Cuba

Judith Coombe, Starfish Entertainment
Roster: The Sadies, Skydiggers, Oh Susanna, Greg Keelor, The Swallows, Blue Rodeo, The Jim Cuddy Band

These managers are getting their bands on the road, into the studio and onto your radar. As the rules of the industry continue to change, the manager is the single most important partner in an artist’s career. Come and talk with these experts to find out how they are building their bands and their businesses.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Show Me the Money… then Show Me How to Get Some
LOCATION: Regency A
TIME: NOON – 1PM

Moderator: Catharine Bird, Catbird.ca

Panelists:

• Michael Murray, OAC
• Barbara Sedun, Manitoba Film & Music
• Russell Kelley, Canada Council
• Beverley McKee, VideoFACT

Even if you’ve spent the last 5 years collecting pogey and living in your older brother’s spare room, you may not know everything about sucking financial aid out of the universe. For instance, there are plenty of new public- and private-sector programs out there willing to give you money. Prerequisite #1 is you have to know where and how to apply. This panel of experts will tell all.

Spinal Tap No More: Promo from the Pros
LOCATION: Regency B
TIME: NOON – 12:45PM

Hosts: Joanne Setterington, Indoor Recess & Richard Flohil, Publicity

Our hosts, who combined have decades of experience in the biz, will take you through a workshop on how to present yourself: writing a good bio and press release, putting together a press kit, and what to leave in and what to leave out of each. Learn to avoid the cringe-inducing mistakes of so many others and create your own killer package.

Lawyers, Guns, & Money: Free Legal Advice
LOCATION: Regency C
TIME: NOON – 1PM

Moderator: Neville Quinlan, peermusic

Panelists:

• Stacey Mitsopulos, B.A., LL.B.Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa
• Glenn Litwak, Esq.Law Offices of Litwak & Havkin
• Gary P. Adelman, Robinson Brog Leinwand Greene Genovese & Gluck, P.C
• Lisa Whynot, Solicitor & Barrister

OK, this won’t cost you any money, and there’ll be no guns. But come armed with questions you’ve always wanted to ask but couldn’t afford $300/hr to have answered. Free legal advice, folks, whether it’s what to watch out for in a 360 deal or how to make the most of the synch contract you’ve been offered for an indie film.

Breaking the UK with Born Ruffians: How three Canadians forced the Brits to their knees (and won over their hearts)
LOCATION: Regency D
TIME: NOON – 1PM

Moderator: Rodney Murphy (SOCAN)

Panelists:

• Mitch Derosier, Born Ruffians
• Leila Hebden, Dote Management
• Lucy Dickens, International Talent Booking UK

The UK market can be tough to crack. Those Limeys staunchly defend their little island, as anyone who sailed in the Spanish Armada will attest. But there’s hope… At this SOCAN event, a panel of experts from the Born Ruffians camp will talk of their experience, both good and bad, in the UK. Learn how to plan and book a UK tour, get your band into the UK press, and how to sell your music and merchandise in this very lucrative market.

To Air is You, Man: Get Played on Radio & TV
LOCATION: Regency A
TIME: 1:30PM – 2:30PM

Moderator: Grant Lawrence, CBC Radio 3

Panelists:

• Alan Cross, ExploreMusic.com and The Ongoing History of New Music
• Raja Khanna, BiteTV/AUX
• Steve Parker, CRTC
• Andreanne Sasseville, SIRIUS Satellite Radio CANADA
• Kai Black, CBC Radio 2

New indie-friendly radio and TV stations are popping up around the country. You need them…and they need you. Find out how to get airplay.

Media Training: It’s You, Only Better
LOCATION: Regency B
TIME: 1PM – 1:45PM

Moderator: Joanne Setterington, Indoor Recess

Panelists:

• Tonni Maruyama, Epitaph Records
• Josh Ostroff, Spinner.ca
• Sarah Liss, CBC
• Benjamin Boles, NOW Magazine
• Robert Ostfield, andpop.com
• Johnny Hockin, MTV

Your new publicist just got you a slate of interviews with newspapers, radio, and TV. Learn from real-life examples how to choose a fresh t-shirt, what to say beyond “like, totally, man,” and how to portray yourself and your band in the best possible light. (Workshop)

From the Margin to the Mainstream – and back again
LOCATION: Regency C
TIME: 1:30PM – 2:30PM

Moderator: Steve Jordan, Polaris Music Prize

Panelists:

• Michelle Cable, Panache Booking (Monotonix, Health, Passion Pit, Mika Miko)
• Sean Carlson, Promoter: FUCK YEAH Fest
• Henry Owings, Chunklet Magazine

Sometimes our heroes come from the most unlikely places. This group of unique artists and entrepreneurs will show you how individuality is your competitive advantage and that you CAN take your niche to the mainstream…if you want.

SAC (Songwriters Association of Canada) presents Demo Derby: Smash Hits & Bruised Egos II
LOCATION: Regency D
TIME: 1:30PM – 3PM

Moderator: Don Quarles, Executive Director

Panelists:

• Josh Feingold, SESAC
• Brian Moncarz, Producer/ Engineer, Rattlesnake Studios
• Blair Packham, Artist
• Priya Thomas, Artist

Drop off your tunes at the SAC Box at Registration in the Hyatt Thursday June 18 from noon till 600pm or before 1:30pm on Friday June 19 at the SAC Booth in the Hyatt for a chance to get your music heard and critiqued by music industry execs and professional songwriters. Re-live that Partridge Family episode when Danny slides the cassette player under the bathroom stall where Ruben Kincaid’s having a crap. Only this time, Ruben will respond.

How to Get Great Gigs
LOCATION: Regency B
TIME: 2PM – 2:45PM

Moderator: Heather Gibson, In the Dead of Winter festival/KHG Management

Panelists:

• Jeff Cohen, Owner, The Horseshoe Tavern
• Ralph James, The Agency Group
• Bernard Kearney, Owner The Starlight/Jane Bond
• Julien Paquin, Paquin Agency

How to pitch, what to send, and what to do once you’ve got the green light.

****2:30PM – 3:30PM BREAK****

Music & Brands
LOCATION: Regency A
TIME: 4PM – 5PM

Moderator: Ian Danzig, Exclaim!

Panelists:

• Karl Flanders, Saatchi & Saatchi / Toyota
• Sue Kuruvilla, Fred Perry
• Dave Videka, Jagermusic
• Kenny MacIntyre, Redbull

Find how brands are using music to cross-promote their products and services. What’s in it for the brands? What’s in it for the bands?

How to Slay an Audience (without falling on your sword)
LOCATION: Regency B
TIME: 4PM – 5PM

Moderator: Moe Berg, Artist

Our artists will share their experiences and answer questions about how to sculpt a show and capture an audience’s attention. We’ll cover factors like what kind of show, venue or audience it is; how much banter is too much; how to direct the audience to your merch without sounding like a carnival barker; and–most important–how to leave a great impression and carve out a rep as a killer live act.

Publishing Basics, or Why Ringo Starr Had to Act in All Those Shitty 70s Movies
LOCATION: Regency C
TIME: 4PM – 5PM

Moderator: Allison Outhit, Outside Music

Panelists:

• Cheryl Link, peermusic
• Maggie Martin, EMI
• Rodney Murphy, SOCAN
• Veronica Syrtash, CMRRA

Some say this is where the money is, some warn you never to give up your publishing no matter what. And what is a synchronization right, anyway? Get a grip on the publishing basics once and for all, so you can decide whether to divvy up the pie with your bandmates or keep it all to yourself.

The NXNE Music Meeting
LOCATION: Regency D
TIME: 4PM – 5PM

Host: Sean Coakley, Songlines/AAA Radio Tracker

Find out how & why music decisions are made by the gatekeepers at radio, television, film and advertising. They—and you—will listen to 10 songs selected from the NXNE Top 60 Tip Sheet (chosen from among last year’s festival performers) and score the songs for potential on radio stations, TV shows, films and commercials. Host Sean Coakley [Songlines, USA] will moderate, and a roving mic will prowl the floor for your input.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

Going Viral: Spreading Yourself Across the Globe, Smartly & Swiftly
LOCATION: Regency A
TIME: NOON –1PM

Moderator: Chris Budd, IndieMusicFilter.com:

Panelists

• Matthew Pollesel, iheartmusic.net
• Chris McKee, McKee Agency
• David Garrison, Indaba Music

Today’s top blogs and sites change faster than ever, and they’re a vital way of getting your work out into the world. Get the latest info on all the best sites and how to make the most of them.

Celebrity Interview: GZA (Wu-Tang Clan) interviewed by Fab 5 Freddy

LOCATION: Regency B/C
TIME: 1PM – 2:30PM

Arguably hip hop’s most important group, Wu-Tang Clan founded one of the most recognized posses and brought the New York rap scene to worldwide attention. Explore their rise to fame with founding member GZA as he sits down with American hip hop historian and former graffiti artist Fab 5 Freddy.

No Lounge Gigs, No Bartending, No Music-camp Counselling: Post-Touring Income will Keep You Sane
LOCATION: Regency A
TIME: 2PM –3PM

Moderator: Greg Johnston, songwriter

Panelists:

• Jason Plumb, Artist
• Lizzie Marcy, TBWA/Chiat/Day
• Ian Lefevure, Artist [Hundreds and Thousands]
• Marco Defelice, [Ex-SuperGarage], SilentJoe [producer/supervisor]

At some point, most musicians tire of the road. Or the road tires of them. Or they get kicked out of the band. Or they rip a groin out attempting a scissor-kick off the drum riser, and never again walk without a limp. Or…or… How can you keep the income flowing when the tour bus wheels stop turning? Find out how to break into writing/performing for commercials, TV, film, games, and more.

Record Label DIY: Freeing Your Inner Ani DiFranco
LOCATION: Regency B
TIME: 3 – 4:30PM

Moderator: Jessie Stein, You’ve Changed Records

Panelists:

• Anna-Marie Reilly Gautam, Little Miss Know-It-All
• Kortnee Borden, ACTRA
• Rodney Murphy, SOCAN
• Victoria Shepherd, AVLA
• Ron Porter, CMRRA
• Rich Masio, IODA

You’ve made a record and you have no idea what you need to do next to take it to market. We’ll show you how by answering: how do you register your songs with SOCAN? What does the AVLA actually do? What are neighbouring rights royalties and how do I get them? How do I get the rights to put a cover song on my album? How do I get digital distribution? Can I go direct to iTunes? What are IRSC codes? Do I need to incorporate my company? How do I get a barcode? How are babies made? Is there a God?

Beyond MuchMusic
LOCATION: Regency C
TIME: 3 – 4 pm

Moderator: Nadine Gelineau, The MuseBox

Panelists:

• Shad K, rapper/artist/videographer
• Tabassum Siddiqui, AOL/Freelance writer
• Aaron Brophy, Managing Editor, Chartattack
• RT, The NE

Our artists and industry pros will discuss ideas on how and where to market videos beyond MuchMusic and YouTube. And if you’ve seen too many guitar solos played in a high wind, too many alt-country bands strumming on a train station platform, and too many dance scenes filmed in an alleyway—we also give creative alternatives to the classic music video.

UMAC (The Urban Music Association) presents Demo Derby: Smash Hits & Bruised Egos III
LOCATION: Regency D
TIME: 3PM – 4:30PM

Moderator: DJ Mel Boogie, Host, Droppin’ Dimez CKLN

Panelists:

• Farley Flex, Industry Expert
• Jeni “JJ” McKenzie, Flow 93.5FM
• Will Strickland, President, UMAC
• Famous, Artist
• Empire Isis, Artist

Domestic & international urban music industry execs and artists will listen & critique a sampling of artist submissions. Audience members will be given the mic and a chance to jump in and join the process.

FACTOR Fiction Redux
LOCATION: Regency A
TIME: 3:30PM – 4:30PM

Host: Carolyn Richardson, GM of FACTOR

This is a hands-on workshop, taking you through the process of completing an application for a recording grant and a touring/showcase grant. Our friends from FACTOR will be there to hold your hand and make sure you fill in all the right words in the right places. You’ll also learn how to build a budget (mind-numbingly complex without help) and write a successful marketing plan. Guaranteed to get you through your next grant application on just one case of Wild Turkey.

Celebrity Interview: Danny Fields interviewed by Warren Kinsella
LOCATION: Regency D
TIME: 4PM – 5PM

Toronto author, musician and commentator Warren Kinsella aims to shine the light of enquiry into the shadowy past of Danny Fields, who brought the MC5 and The Stooges to Elektra Records and co-managed The Ramones in their early career. Fields and Kinsella will delve into the changing world of artist development. The Ramones, Iggy and The Stooges, the MC5 all had time to develop and grow through a live scene at a time when songs were tried and tested over and over in front of a live audience before being committed to vinyl. No instant downloads; no MySpace or Twitter. Fans got information through magazines like Creem and Crawdaddy, and waiting for the next issue was sweet anticipation. Fields and Kinsella will discuss the new advantages and drawbacks in this age of instantaneous media.

2009 Panelists

OFFSITE EVENTS

THURSDAY

TOWN HALL:

Moderator: JAKE GOLD, CEO/President, The Management Trust

Jake Gold is one of Canada’s most successful artist managers. He is the co-owner of Kindling Music, an independent record label distributed by Warner Music Canada, and of The Management Trust, through which he is best known for his role in establishing and transforming The Tragically Hip into a national icon. Gold currently directs the careers of The Cliks, Sass Jordan, Lily Frost, and music producers Moe Berg, Russell Broom, Douglas Romanow and Laurence Currie.

Gold has been recognized by the annual Canadian Music Industry Awards as Manager of the Year in 1991, 1993 and 1994. He has been a member of the JUNO Awards Television and Talent committee since the 2003 awards broadcast in Ottawa-Gatineau.

Panelists:

DENISE DONLON, Executive Director, CBC Radio

With 25-years experience in Canada’s music industry, Donlon is a former host, broadcast journalist and producer of numerous groundbreaking music programs for Citytv and MuchMusic, as well as vice-president and general manager of MuchMusic/ MuchMoreMusic and president of Sony Music Canada. From 1986 to 1993, she hosted, then co-produced, MuchMusic’s The New Music. She subsequently worked as director of music programming for MuchMusic/Citytv, a position she held until 1997, as well as vice-president and general manager of MuchMusic/MuchMoreMusic, which she held until 2000. From 2000 to 2004 Donlon was president of Sony Music Canada. She currently lends her support and production abilities to a variety of high profile projects including Live 8; CBC’s Tsunami Concert of Hope; and the President Clinton Foundation Birthday Event.

Donlon has received various accreditations throughout her career, including the Broadcast Executive of the Year at the Canadian Music Week Industry Awards, the CMW Humanitarian Spirit Award, the Record’s Video Personality or Programmer of the Year, and in 1997 she was the recipient of Toronto’s Women in Films & Television Outstanding Achievement Award. She holds two honourary doctorates, was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002, and in 2005 was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. She currently sits on the board of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and of Margaret Atwood’s ‘long pen’ project Unotchit Inc.

JODIE FERNEYHOUGH, Managing Director, Universal Music Publishing Canada

Currently holding the position of Managing Director for Universal Music Publishing Canada, Jodie is also the President of the Canadian Music Publishing association, where he is active in lobbying, copyright reform and media relations.  He is a board member of SOCAN and the CMRRA. He is also responsible for the amalgamation of BMG music publishing Canada to UMPG Canada.

While at Universal Music Publishing Group Jodie has been instrumental in the careers of Sam Roberts, KOS, and most recently, Mobile and Hedley as well works with established Canadian superstars Jann Arden, Shania Twain, Daniel Lavoie and Avril Lavigne, among others. He has been named Canadian Music Publisher at the annual CCMA awards, as well as Publisher of the Year at the annual CMW Industry Awards.

BERNIE FINKELSTEIN, President, Finkelstein Management

In 1969 Bernie Finkelstein started True North Records one of Canada’s oldest and largest independent record companies. Over the years True North has received over 40 gold and platinum records as well as over 40 Juno awards.

In 2007 Bernie sold True North but continues to manage Bruce Cockburn, The Golden Dogs and Grand Analog. As well he is currently the Chair of VideoFact and CIRPA and serves on the Starmaker board.
He was given the Order Of Canada in 2007 and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

PAUL HAAGENSON, President, Canada, West, Live Nation Canada

MARK JOWETT, Vice President/Co-Founder, Nettwerk Music Group

STEVE KANE, President, Warner Music Canada

Steve Kane joined Warner Music Canada in 2001 as Senior Vice President and Managing Director and was appointed President in January 2004.  During that time he has been responsible for revamping the Marketing and A&R operations and bringing the company into an exciting new phase of development.  Under Kane’s direction, the company signed Billy Talent, whose debut album went gold in seven weeks, Buck 65, who has received international acclaim, Sarah Slean, Ron Sexsmith and Matthew Barber.

Kane joined Warner Music Canada after over fifteen years in the Canadian music industry where he was the Senior Vice President of Universal/Island/DefJam Canada from 1998 – 2001 and Senior Vice President of Polygram Records in Canada in 1997.  Throughout his career, he has also held positions in marketing and promotions at independent label I.R.S. and A&M Records, before becoming General manager at Virgin Records.

KEVIN LEFLAR, President, officialCOMMUNITY

Kevin Leflar is the Founder, President and CEO of The Official Community Corporation – officialCOMMUNITY – the leader in online community commercialization for established recording artists and their brands. officialCOMMUNITY extends an artist’s brand online by creating and managing a new and largely autonomous, but related, online business centred on the artist’s loyal community. Prior to the launch of officialCOMMUNITY, Mr. Leflar co-founded and served as Vice President and General Manager at InDIMENSIONS, an online media development and management company, where he was responsible for the development of new business, clients, communications and technical infrastructure.

He began his career circling the globe with multiple Juno award-winning artists such as Blue Rodeo and the Sattallites, and also served as Tour Manager for Artist Consulting Team/Risqué Disque.
Mr. Leflar also served as Chairman for the Music Managers Forum and General Manager for  Canadians Showcasing Internationally.

Currently, he serves as a member to The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), The International Ticketing Association (INTIX), The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), The Association of Internet Marketers and Sales (AIMS), and The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO).
In 2006, Mr. Leflar was honoured with the Victor Award for the “Best CPC Qualifying Transaction” at the Canadian Venture Forum (CVF).

HEATHER OSTERTAG, President/CEO, FACTOR

With 31 years in the Canadian music industry and 9 of those years as the President of FACTOR, Heather has dedicated her career to the advancement of Canadian talent.  As the President & CEO of FACTOR, Heather is required to liaise with government, broadcasters and the music industry at large.  She is a member of the Order of Canada, currently serves on the Board of the Country Music Association of Ontario, is the past chair of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), is a life-time director on the Board of Directors for the East Coast Music Awards.  In March 2006 she was awarded the Industry Builder Award from Canadian Music Week.  In 2007 she was awarded the Jo Walker -Meador International Achievement Award from the Country Music Association.

JACK ROSS, Senior Vice President, The Agency Group

Jack is a twenty year veteran of the Canadian Music Industry. He is a founding partner of The Agency Group, Canada and overseas operations. Jack manages an office staff of twenty people, a company roster of over two hundred clients and a personal roster that includes Great Big Sea, Paul Brandt, Sam Roberts Band, Bruce Cockburn and many others. Jack is currently involved in long term development projects with artists Justin Nozuka, LIGHTS, Lindi Ortega and many more.

CHRIS SISAM, General Manager, Corus Radio Toronto

Chris Sisam is General Manager of Corus Radio stations 102.1 the Edge, Classic Rock Q107 and AM640  in Toronto. Professionally, he has been in Radio for 25 years. Personally, he has been a band manager, hockey and soccer coach and served on a number of charitable boards.

CHRIS TAYLOR,  B.A., LL.B., Owner, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa

Time Magazine has sited Chris as one of the “movers and shakers who are building the entertainment industry” and Billboard Magazine repeatedly cites him as one of the country’s most influential music lawyers. He is the founder/owner of Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa, a leading entertainment and new media law firm. His clients have sold over 50 million albums worldwide. The law firm works with Nelly Furtado, Avril Lavigne, Billy Talent, Three Days Grace and Gogol Bordello. He is also the founder of Last Gang Entertainment, an internationally successful entertainment company working with Metric, MSTRKRFT, The New Pornographers, Chromeo and Crystal Castles. In the early 90’s, Taylor was lead vocalist for Virgin recording artist, “One” – widely renowned as one of the country’s finest live acts.

THE RIVOLI SESSIONS

FRIDAY

MUSIC SUPERVISOR THROWDOWN

Moderator: BOB HUNKA, HunkArts

After graduating from the University of Alberta with a questionably useful degree in Canadian Political History, he burst onto the scene as the Assistant General Manager of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.  With some fanfare three years later he moved to Toronto and joined Anne Murray’s legendary record producer, Brian Ahern, and assorted members of the Maritime Mafia in a ten year odyssey that took them to Canada’s fifth largest city, Los Angeles.  There he met Dolly Parton and moved to Nashville to first run her publishing operations and then to become manager of Monument Records, the original label for Dolly, Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristoferson and much later, the Dixie Chicks.
Hunka returned to Canada to work in the first independent film business (at Cannon Films and then TWE/Epic) and then in the television business.  The same year that he directed the televised Pre-Game Ceremonies at the annual NHL All-Star Game, Bob was hired to head of music at Columbia Pictures Television, now Sony Pictures Television where he worked on the music-driven primetime series “Party of Five”, “Dawson’s Creek”, and “Joan of Arcadia”; and the long running daytime dramas “Days of Our Lives” and “The Young and The Restless”.
He currently represents SOCAN via Los Angeles, and provides independent consulting services to music industry clients including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and where he might one day become a Music Historian.

Panelists:

REG HARKEMA, director – Leslie, My Name is Evil

Reginald Harkema (DJ Hans Lucas) has directed four features. A Girl is A Girl featured a performance by Superconductor. Better Off in Bed is a banned documentary about the New Pornographers. Monkey Warfare won a Special Jury Prize at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival. Leslie, My Name is Evil is the story of a jury member at the Manson trial who falls in love with the sexiest Manson girl. Reg came to directing from editing. His credits include Hard Core Logo and Last Night.

CINDY WOLFE, Music Supervisor, Masculine/Feminine Films

Cindy Wolfe was the music supervisor on Monkey Warfare and Leslie, My Name is Evil as well as working in the art department, doing stock footage research and clearances, and acting. She has also acted in both of Blaine Thurier’s films, Low Self-Esteem Girl and Male Fantasy. As The Tennessee Twin, Cindy has recorded two classic country albums, Free To Do What? and Don’t Peak Too Soon.

ANDREA VON FOERSTER, Firestarter Music

Andrea von Foerster was born in the West Midlands in England and grew up in various parts of the U.K., Indiana and Southern California.  She got her start in the music business while attending the University of Southern California.  Andrea started working at Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group in the music department for live action features during her junior year on such films as Armageddon, Gone In Sixty Seconds and her favorite…High Fidelity.

Andrea has done music supervision for both film and television for the last ten years.  She has worked on many music documentaries such as Freestyle: The Art Of Rhyme, Rock School, and most notably Mayor Of The Sunset Strip as well as independent films such as Cherish, Ten Inch Hero, The Darwin Awards and most recently, (500) Days Of Summer.  Andrea has worked on television shows such as Roswell, The O.C., Grey’s Anatomy and Rescue Me and numerous MTV shows such as Run’s House and Life Of Ryan. She is currently working on MTV’s Daddy’s Girls, E!’s Candy Girls, independent film Coach and Joss Whedon’s latest show, Dollhouse.

LAURA WEBB, Music Supervisor, MTV

Laura Webb got her start in the entertainment industry eight years ago as an agent trainee at Writers & Artists Agency and later moved to The Firm assisting one of the partners. She made the leap into the music supervision world in 2004 by working with Laura Wasserman’s company Avenger Entertainment. During her time at Avenger as a music coordinator she worked on films such as SHARK TALE, A LOT LIKE LOVE, XXX2: STATE OF THE UNION.  After Avenger Entertainment shut their doors Laura made the switch to television where she has worked on THE HILLS, NEWPORT HARBOR, LIFE OF RYAN, RUN’S HOUSE.  She is currently music supervising MTV’s HOW’S YOUR NEWS?, THE CITY and was the music coordinator on the summer film Fox Searchlight’s  500 DAYS OF SUMMER.

JOHN BISSELL, Mothlight

John Bissell and his company, Mothlight Music, offer music supervision for film, television and commercial campaigns. Past and present projects include the films “The Horse Whisperer”, “Lord of War” “Ladder 49″ and the soon to be released Kathryn Bigelow film, “The Hurt Locker”. His work in television and ad campaigns include “Ugly Betty”, spots for Hummer, Cadillac, American Express and a plethora of women’s apparel brands.

JOSH MARCY, Mophonics

As a producer at bi-coastal music house Mophonics, Josh has worked with composers and artists to create songs for clients including Mercedes, Adidas, Visa, Fuel TV and ESPN with Geddy Lee. Since placing New Young Pony Club’s breakout hit “Ice Cream” in a worldwide Intel campaign, he has also done music supervision for such brands as Apple, Pepsi, Nike, Jeep, and Playstation. His recent work also includes the Cannes-selected documentary “No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos”.

SATURDAY

MANAGER’S PANEL

Moderator:

SUSAN DE CARTIER, Starfish Entertainment

Susan de Cartier began her career in artist management working with Blue Rodeo and Crash Vegas at The ACT/Risqué Disque in Toronto. In the mid-90’s she formed Starfish Entertainment and began to develop both the company and its roster. Now representing some of the best bands Canada has to offer, Susan has guided Blue Rodeo on to become one of the most successful bands in Canadian history, selling over four million albums worldwide to date.

Panelists:

ANDRES MENDOZA, Cuto

Andres Mendoza is founder of “Cuto”, a consultancy specializing in digital music marketing, content and artist management. A “manager who markets”, Mendoza works with artists and labels to build community, grow and monetize fan bases and develop artist careers through vertically integrated marketing plans or a la carte consulting services. Management clients are Alex Cuba and Kate Schutt. Current and former consulting clients include EMI Music Canada (Serena Ryder), Phi Records (Band of Skulls), Alert Music (Michael Kaeshammer), Company House Records (Tom Fun Orchestra), Nordicity Consulting Group (Ontario Music Industry Study) and he co-owns inDEF Media, an HD music content company. Mendoza recently concluded a distribution agreement for Cuto with EMI Music Canada, adding another level of service to potential clients.

MELISSA GREINER, Mel’s Rockpile

Melissa Greiner has been heavily involved in the Canadian music scene for over 10 years. Currently she manages international touring outfit Holy Fuck, singer-songwriters Brian Borcherdt and Rebekah Higgs and most recently Halifax buzz band Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees. Melissa’s expertise lies in taking export-ready Canadian acts and parlaying them into the world market, priming them to move into places where the burgeoning Canadian music industry has room to grow. Mel’s Rockpile Management is a full service office with established contacts in the US, the UK, and around the world.

JUDITH COOMBE, Starfish Entertainment

Starfish Entertainment has been managing artists and developing talent since 1995.  Jude Coombe joined Starfish in January 2000 as the event coordinator for Blue Rodeo and The Jim Cuddy Band.  Today, Jude manages The Sadies and co-manages Oh Susanna, The Swallows and Skydiggers. In addition to managing artists, Starfish also runs The Woodshed Recording Studio, which has recorded Blue Rodeo, Jim Cuddy, Feist, Neko Case, Kris Kristofferson, The Sadies, Bruce Cockburn and The Constantines among others.  Throughout its history, Starfish has been directly involved in the creation and release of more than 28 albums.

RYHNA THOMPSON, Founder/President, Artist Manager, Envision Management

A creative international artist manager and musician, Ryhna Thompson has been based in Montreal and working in the music industry professionally for the last 12 years. In 2002, after 5 years of writing and performing with her group Parkside Jones, Ryhna founded Envision Management & Production, under which she began her work as a full-time international manager. Some highlights at Envision have included touring with Kid Koala on the Radiohead Amnesiac tour, Kid Koala’s “Short Attention Span Audio Theatre” (featuring 8 turntables, a wurlizer, short films, a slide show and bingo) and the production of shows such as Amon Tobin’s 5.1 surround show in support of his soundtrack for Ubisoft’s “Splinter Cell 3: Chaos Theory” as well as his 7.1 surround show in support of the CD/DVD release “Foley Room”. Additionally, some celebrated experiences have been the release of Kid Koala’s 350 page graphic novel “Nufonia Must Fall”, Kid Koala’s “Music to Draw to” series and Bell Orchestre’s collaboration with the Brooklyn Philharmonic at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

FRIDAY

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Moderator:

CATHERINE BIRD, Catbird.ca

Catbird.ca develops funding for Artists and Arts Organizations. I research funding sources, write grant applications and draft business plans, marketing plans, detailed budgets and final reports. I work with musicians, record labels, filmmakers, authors, dancers, visual artists, multi-media artists, arts presenters and arts organizations.

Panelists:

EVERLEY MCKEE, Executive Director, VideoFACT

Beverley McKee joined VideoFACT, the ground-breaking music video production fund funded entirely by MuchMusic, MusiquePlus and MuchMoreMusic, as program director in January, 1997, after stints with Warner/Chappell Music Canada and SOCAN. Hugely passionate about music and with an eye for developing Canadian talent, she maintains an artist-friendly environment at VideoFACT and has been involved in the careers of some of Canada’s top directors and musicians.

Since joining VideoFACT, she has overseen the expansion of the foundation, which has grown significantly with the launch of MuchMore, MuchLoud and MuchVibe. She also developed and launched PromoFACT, a fund sponsored exclusively by MuchMoreMusic, which provides production grants towards web sites and EPKs. In 2005 Beverley was promoted to the position of Executive Director, VideoFACT and PromoFACT.

MICHAEL MURRAY, Popular & World Music and Arts Service Organizations Officer, Ontario Arts Council (OAC)

Michael Murray started as an Officer at the Ontario Arts Council in the fall of 2007 where he took over the responsibilities of Popular & World Music granting programs and has recently added the oversight of OAC’s Arts Service Organizations initiatives. Prior to the OAC Michael participated in music, technology, community and arts management environments ranging from academic institutions to independent music groups to grassroots nonprofit organizations.

BARBARA SEDUN, Manitoba Film & Music

Barbara Sedun is currently the Manager of Music Programs at Manitoba Film & Music. She is also currently on the boards of Manitoba Music  and the Western Canadian Music Alliance. Previously Barbara had a great run as VP, Creative at EMI Music Publishing Canada. She is a facebook junkie and has more friends on myspace than she has a right to. She twitters on a regular basis but wonders why the same people read what she has to say on both facebook and twitter.  She loves mentoring sessions and is inspired by the direction the music industry is taking.

RUSSELL KELLEY, Head, Music Section, The Canada Council For The Arts

A former professional musician, Russell Kelley has been head of the Canada Council’s Music Section since December, 2001.  Prior to that, he was appointed the acting executive director of the Culture Division of Nova Scotia’s Department of Tourism and Culture from August 2000. He previously served as the founding executive director of the Nova Scotia Arts Council from 1997 to July 2000. During that period, he was a founding board member of the Foundation for Heritage and the Arts, Nova Scotia’s stabilization program.
From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Kelley was a Program Officer in the Music Section at The Canada Council for the Arts, responsible for a range of programs that included the choir program, the sound recording program, and the operating programs for both opera organizations and orchestras.

PROMO 101 (Workshop)

Moderator:

JOANNE SETTERINTON & RICHARD FLOHIL

Joanne Setterington has built Indoor Recess Inc from the ground up.  It has 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, Indoor Recess has achieved and maintained long lasting relationships with print, radio and television networks across the country. Their combination of experience, energy, ambition, creativity, intuition, compassion, drive and innovation has garnered them an impressive list of past and present clients and artists that include: The Agency Group, Aquarius Records, Arcade Fire, BMG, Cadence Weapon, Caribou, Billy Connolly, EMI, Exclaim! Anniversary Tour, Junior Boys, Last Gang Records, Corb Lund, M For Montreal, Sarah McLachlan, Metric, Myspace Canada, Nickelback, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Polaris Music Prize, Red Ink Music, Rounder Records, Sum 41, transmission, Upper Class Recordings, V2 and Wintersleep.

Richard Flohil has been a Toronto-based publicist representing a diverse group of artists for the last 40-odd years. In the past he has worked with k.d. lang, Colin James, Nana Mouskouri (!) and CAPAC. the predecessor of SOCAN. His current clients include Loreena McKennitt, Ian Tyson, Downchild, Justin Rutledge, Serena Ryder, Roxanne Potvin, The Good Lovelies, and many more – all of them good, and many of them lovely. He also presents between 16 and 20 club concerts each year, mostly at Hugh’s Room. After all this time, and all these years, he knows where many bodies are buried, although he never carried a shovel.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE

Moderator:

NEVILLE QUINLAN, Peer Music

Neville Quinlan: Managing Director of Peermusic Canada Inc (the Canadian branch of one of the world’s largest independent music publishing companies). Peermusic Canada represents The Tragically Hip, Tom Waits, Hawksley Workman, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, David Foster, as well as some of the richest song writer catalogues from around the world.

Panelists:

STACEY MITSOPULOS, B.A., LL.B. Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa

Stacey Mitsopulos (LL.B., B.A. (Hons.)) has been practicing entertainment and media law with Chris Taylor since 2002. After graduating at the top of her class at The University of Western Ontario (Honours B.A.) she earned her Bachelor of Laws at the University of Windsor in 1996, and was called to the Bar in 1998.Prior to co-founding Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa, Stacey worked in the Legal Department of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC); she also gained corporate/commercial experience at the national law firms of Bennett Jones and Heenan Blaikie. As her client list clearly demonstrates, Stacey is a strong supporter of independent musicians across the country, frequenting artist showcases and helping bands land record deals via her extensive contacts in Canada and worldwide. Stacey’s expertise includes drafting and negotiating all legal aspects of entertainment contracts, and advising clients on many aspects of Canadian and international entertainment law, including licensing, production, distribution, copyright, and personality issues.

GLENN LITWAK, Esq. Law Offices of Litwak & Havkin

A founding member of Litwak & Havkin, Mr. Litwak specializes in entertainment law. He has extensive expertise in negotiating and drafting a wide variety of contracts relating to the entertainment industry, representing filmmakers, film and TV producers, film distribution companies, directors, writers, digital content providers, PR firms, actors, models, personal managers, talent agencies, recording artists, music producers, musicians, songwriters, record labels, and music production and management companies. Mr. Litwak also has extensive experience in handling entertainment industry litigation.

GARY P. ADELMAN, Robinson Brog Leinwand Greene Genovese & Gluck, P.C.

Gary Adelman is a partner in the law of Robinson Brog Leinwand Greene Genovese & Gluck PC. His specialties include Music, Intellectual Property, Entertainment and litigation. Gary has also been a qualified panel lawyer for the Intellectual Property Panel of the Legal Referral Service for the Bar Association of the City of New York since 2007.

Previously, Gary was the managing partner of the Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Group at Barton Barton & Plotkin, LLP, the founding partner of the IP firm Adelman & Lavaia and an associate at the Litigation Firm of Weiner & Milo.

In 1993 Gary co-founded Liquid Sky Music, an electronic dance label which gained critical acclaim and underground success throughout the 1990’s. Gary also co-founded Downloadcard, Inc., an award winning technology firm whose innovative PIN Code technology was central to the recent wave of digital download giveaway marketing programs.

LISA WHYNOT, Solicitor & Barrister

Lisa Whynot is a Los Angeles based entertainment lawyer with offices in Toronto and Los Angeles with over ten years of experience in the entertainment industry representing artists, record labels and new media companies with respect to international issues relating to music, publishing and digital media law.  Lisa’s practice includes the negotiation of recording and publishing contracts between artists and Canadian, American and European music labels and music publishers and assisting corporate media clients in acquiring the master and publishing rights to music content in Canada, the United States and Europe as well as advising such clients on the operation of digital music operations in those territories. Until recently, Lisa held the position of Head of Business and Legal Affairs at EMI Music Canada where she advised on corporate, artist and intellectual property matters.

SOCAN – BREAKING THE UK WITH BORN RUFFIANS: A case study of an independent Canadian band and how they have found success across the pond.

Moderator:

RODNEY MURPHY, SOCAN

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. Prior to his current role at SOCAN, Rodney spent 5 years managing the catalogues and performance royalties of SOCAN’s highest earning Country, Rock and Pop members. Before joining SOCAN, Rodney worked for CKCU FM, Sony Music Canada and BBC Radio One in the UK.  In 2005, Rodney completed his Master’s Degree in Communications and Media Studies. Rodney’s Master’s Thesis on “Britpop” continues to collect dust on his record shelf, wedged between his duplicate copy of Never Mind the Bollocks and Music from Big Pink.

Panelists:

MITCH DEROSIER, Born Ruffians

Mitch “Mitch” Derosier was born and raised in Midland, Ontario. A town in which he still holds the record for most accidental self inflicted head injuries ever received by a small boy aged 3-10.He started playing bass in high school and soon afterward formed Born Ruffians with his cousin Luke Lalonde and good friend Steve Hamelin. After moving to Toronto shortly after graduation and realizing that University wasn’t really where his heart was and the prospect of becoming a real life version of Batman for the city was impossible and unnecessary, he devoted himself full time to his first love, the band and hasn’t looked back since.

LEILA HEBDEN, Dote Management

Leila Hebden was born in London, UK just after everything cool there had already happened. She went to the University of Liverpool to study English Language and Literature and swiftly realised that she wasn’t going to become a teacher. As any touring band will tell you “when in doubt get in the van.” And so she did just that. Tour managing for a few years before the road brought her to Toronto and a job as a publicist at Paper Bag Records.After settling in to Toronto rather nicely and getting a few Canadian winters under her belt, Leila began feeling that management was her true calling so she left Paper Bag Records to pursue her own dream and began Dote Management. The first addition to her roster was Born Ruffians followed shortly after by the Junior Boys,Young Rival and the newest addition to the fold, The Acorn.

LUCY DICKENS, International Talent Booking UK

Age: 33
Position: Booking agent, International Talent Booking (ITB), UK
Background: With both a father and uncle already key figures in the music industry, it was perhaps inevitable that Lucy would follow suit, she spent six years working at Warner Music imprint Coalition Records, before joining ITB where she has been for the passed 10 years.
Her roster now includes artists such as Hot Chip, Jamie T, Jack Penate, Devendra Banhart, Sebastian Tellier, Born Ruffians, Mercury Music Prize nominee Laura Marling and double grammy award winning and brit winner artist, Adele.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN RADIO & TV

Moderator:

GRANT LAWRENCE, CBC Radio 3

Panelists:

RAJA KHANNA, Co-CEO, Glassbox Television & Co-President of GlassBOX TV

As Co-CEO of GlassBOX Raja helps drive the company’s mandate to launch new channels and capture market share in the digitally-savvy 18-34 year-old demographic. While directly managing the forthcoming launch of GlassBOX’s next channel Raja is also responsible for legal, finance (including third party financing), digital media and business development at the corporation. Raja is also the Co-Founder of QuickPlay Media Inc., a global leader in mobile video delivery platforms. Raja helped guide QuickPlay through three rounds of venture funding (raising over $30 million), four product releases, growth to 80+ employees, and expansion into the US and EU. Previously, Raja founded Snap Media Corp., a leading interactive digital media company producing global award-winning social networking technologies, websites and interactive content. Raja sits on the Board of Directors for Sears Canada Inc, QuickPlay Media and the National Screen Institute as well as various advisory boards in the media, education and technology industries in Canada and the US.

ANDREANNE SASSEVILLE, SIRIUS Satellite Radio CANADA

Andréanne Sasseville oversees Canadian Content Development investments and Music Industry Relations for SIRIUS Satellite Radio in Canada and calls on her reporter duties to feature and support Canadian artists on weekly segments for eTalk, daily segments for TVA in Quebec as well as artist interviews for Cineplex movie theatres and music reviews for various Canadian magazines.

ALAN CROSS, Edge 102

Alan Cross is the host of ExploreMusic.com and The Ongoing History of New Music.  Between 2004 and 2008, he was program director of 102.1 the Edge/Toronto and was named PD of the Year at Canadian Music Week in 2005, 2006 and 2008.  He also writes books and newspaper columns on music and conducts lectures across the country.

STEVE PARKER, CRTC

Steve works as a senior broadcast analyst English radio policy and applications at the CRTC. As a senior policy analyst, Steve provides the CRTC staff and Commissioners with analysis, interpretation and background information pertaining to past, current and future trends in the Canadian radio and the Canadian music industry. In his capacity as a senior analyst Steve has also managed numerous major market competitive radio hearings across Canada.

Before joining the Commission, Steve was a professional musician for 15+ years working within the rock, country, singer/songwriter and jazz genres. As well as playing and touring, Steve owned and operated an Ottawa-based indie music label and production company for 5 years in the early 1980’s. He holds an honors music degree in arranging and composition, Jazz/Commercial music.

KAI BLACK, CBC Radio 2

Kai Black heads up the daytime music programming at the new CBC Radio 2. Since its launch a year ago, R2 has given almost 800 Canadian musicians their first national air play. Recently, Kai launched a major rotation strategy for Canadian music on Radio 2. If you want to know how to get national radio air play with Canada’s public broadcaster, Kai is the guy to ask.

MEDIA TRAINING WORKSHOP

Moderator:

JOANNE SETTERINGTON, Indoor Recess

Joanne Setterington has built Indoor Recess Inc from the ground up. It has 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, Indoor Recess has achieved and maintained long lasting relationships with print, radio and television networks across the country. Their combination of experience, energy, ambition, creativity, intuition, compassion, drive and innovation has garnered them an impressive list of past and present clients and artists that include: The Agency Group, Aquarius Records, Arcade Fire, BMG, Cadence Weapon, Caribou, Billy Connolly, EMI, Exclaim! Anniversary Tour, Junior Boys, Last Gang Records, Corb Lund, M For Montreal, Sarah McLachlan, Metric, Myspace Canada, Nickelback, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Polaris Music Prize, Red Ink Music, Rounder Records, Sum 41, transmission, Upper Class Recordings, V2 and Wintersleep.

Panelists:

TONNI MARUYAMA, Epitaph Records

Tonni started her career in Edmonton Alberta in record retail. Making a move from Record store to Record label by taking a position at Capitol Records (EMI) in Vancouver eventually presented the opportunity to take a Marketing/Promotion position at the budding independent label Nettwerk. Evolving into Marketing Director at Sony then to A&M, Tonni is now a Director with the thriving independent label Epitaph. Overseeing Sales, Promotion, Marketing and Publicity in Canada for the stellar roster of artists on Epitaph and sister labels Anti and Hellcat.

ROBERT OSTFIELD, andpop.com

Robert is Co-CEO of andPOP.com, one of the most visited entertainment news websites in Canada. andPOP was createdto offer original contentthat is updated daily, whileproviding an in depth look attoday’s popular culture. andPOP’s talented staff cover a variety of areas, including music, television, movies, technology and gaming.
andPOP has developed solid relationships with major music labels and movie distributors.Over the past year, andPOP has had many notable interviews, including Maroon5, Good Charlotte, Jerry Seinfeld, Lupe Fiasco, Matt Damon and many more. Additionally, andPOP is a pioneer in the use of video interviews as a content offering for visitors, and continues to grow its video library. andPOP reaches over 4 million people per month through its content partnerships and Internet portal.

JOHNNY HOCKIN, MTV

In his three years at MTV in Toronto, Johnny Hockin has interviewed hundreds of music’s biggest names from Usher to Nelly Furtado, Fallout Boy to The Killers. In his off hours he’s one of Toronto’s most visible DJs and music bloggers. Catch him as part of the MTV News team, weeknights at 630 and 8 on MTV.

JOSH OSTROFF, AOL
Joshua Ostroff is music editor for AOL Canada and AOL’s newly-launched, indie-centric site, Spinner Canada. He’s been covering the music beat for just over a decade-longer if you count reviewing Lollapaloozas for his high-school newspaper. After journalism school, he became music critic at the Ottawa Sun and later a freelancer for the Globe&Mail, Toronto Star, Exclaim!, eye weekly, Toronto Life and other various and sundry publications. Oh, and he still likes music. A lot.

SARAH LISS, CBC

BENJAMIN BOLES, NOW Magazine

AGAINST THE ODDS

Moderator:

STEVE JORDAN, Polaris Music Prize

Steve Jordan is the Founder and Executive Director of the not-for-profit Polaris Music Prize, which honours the Canadian album of the year each September with a cash prize of $20,000. The nominees and winner are selected entirely by a panel of music journalists and critics from coast to coast. Past winners were Final Fantasy’s for He Poos Clouds (2006), Patrick Watson for Close To Paradise (2007) and Caribou for Andorra (2008). Each winner has received immediate profile and sales boosts both at home and abroad. Prior to starting Polaris in 2006, he has served as an ‘Artists and Repertoire’ executive with multinational Warner Music Canada and independent True North Records. He has worked with musicians and artists from a variety of musical genres in a variety of roles, from publicist to promoter to manager. Prior to his 10 years experience in the record industry, Steve was a broadcaster, journalist, promoter, activist and mediocre cable access TV personality in Kingston, Ontario.

Panelists:

MICHELLE CABLE, Panache Booking

Panache is a booking agency representing over 130 artists from the United States, Japan,
Israel, Canada, UK, and Brazil with offices in both SF and NY. Initially a music publication, Panache continues to inspire and corrupt minds across the globe through print and sound.

SEAN CARLSON, Fuck Yeah Fest

HENRY OWINGS, Chunklet Magazine

Henry H. Owings is the publisher of the widely despised Chunklet Magazine. He claims to have produced a few comedy albums including Brian Posehn’s (Sarah Silverman Show, Mr. Show) release due out late this summer on Relapse and Patton Oswalt’s (Ratatoille, Comedians of Comedy) new album due out this fall on Warner Brothers. His second book, The Rock Bible (Quirk) came out late last year and has over 200 neatly typed pages and a bunch of illustrations by a guy from Scotland he’s never met. When Henry’s not busy having his thumb up his ass with these other non-paying sympathy gigs, he does graphic design for money. He brags that he’s been nominated for two Grammys. It’s all a lie.

DEMO DERBY, Presented by Songwriter’s Association of Canada (SAC)

Moderator:

DON QUARLES, Executive Director

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.

Panelists:

JOSH FEINGOLD, SESAC

BRIAN MONCARZ, Producer/Engineer, Whirlwind Sound

Brian Moncarz, a producer/engineer/mixer, began honing his organic production style over 10 years ago in various Toronto area studios.  A musician himself, Moncarz’s list of production credits include Moneen (Dine Alone/Vagrant), The Junction (Universal), Pilot Speed (Maple Music), Silverstein (Victory), Kyle Riabko (Aware/Columbia), and Lukas Rossi (EMI Publishing), plus engineering gigs for legendary producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Kiss, Jane’s Addiction) and three time Grammy award winning producer David Bottrill (Tool, Silverchair, Peter Gabriel).  Brian and David Bottrill have opened Rattlebox Studios in Toronto as a joint venture.  Most recently Moncarz has been involved in developing eMixEngine.com an innovative online mixing service.

BLAIR PACKHAM, Artist

PRIYA THOMAS, Artist

i like magic. i got my first magic kit when i was seven. it had false drawers, plastic wands and red felt lining. i admire sleight of hand, & someone who makes something from nothing; or makes something appear; then disappear, or reappear again. i like to think i work with illusion, and disillusion and delusion. i like projections, and transparencies and screens of meaning. i like lies, truth, your stories about what happened between us, and everything they’ve said in between. i know magic is best made in the small spaces between the things hoped for and the things lost. some things i make are tangible; some things are not. I like to share most things i make. i’ve come to admit that most magic happens where you are….under your feet, under the seams, before the map was written, and where it remains still…in your very laugh lines and crow feet, unrecorded by history – i’m a fond member of a big family; part of a circus caravan of unnamed roamers and jokers and heartache seismographers. i was born in hamilton, raised in montreal, i live in toronto.

GETTING THE GIG

Moderator:

HEATHER GIBSON, In the Dead of Winter festival/KHG Management

Heather Gibson is a manager, promoter, venue owner, and festival producer from Halifax, NS where she has worked in the music industry for the past 9 years.She is the co-founder of Halifax’s
singer-songwriter festival, “In the Dead of Winter” and the co-owner of Halifax’s best new venue, “The Company House”.Recently, she was named the Industry Professional of the Year by Music Nova Scotia.

Panelists:

RALPH JAMES, President, Toronto, 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.
In the same nature as the artists he’s developed, Ralph’s career has continued to flourish as he’s won multiple awards including Canadian Music Week’s Booking Agent of the Year Award five times.
Most recently, Ralph has been nominated for the Bobby Brooks Agent of the Year Award at the 2007 and 2008 Pollstar Concert Industry Awards.

JEFF COHEN, Owner, The Horseshoe Tavern

BERNARD KEARNEY, Owner, The Starlight/Jane Bond

Bernard Kearney is a proprietor of The Starlight and The Jane Bond, both located in Waterloo, Ontario. Jane Bond first opened in the Spring of 1995, and started booking live music in 1996. Although tiny with a capacity of only 40, over the years, the room played host to some memorable gigs including Hayden, Rufus Wainwright, The Sadies, The Constantines, Hawksley Workman, Feist, The Rheostatics, and Ron Sexsmith, to name a few. The Starlight, a much larger room, with a capacity of 270, opened in the Fall of 2003, and has since hosted its share of artists to include The English Beat, John Cale, Hugh Cornwell, Stars, Do Make Say Think, Kathleen Edwards, Martha Wainwright, Neko Case, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Otis Clay. In 2004, he was a recipient of the Kitchener-Waterloo Arts award for supporting the arts.

JULIEN PAQUIN, Paquin Agency

Under Julien’s direction, the Agency roster of Paquin Entertainment has steadily grown to over 150 acts, representing a broad spectrum of musical styles. Having signed such notable artists as Tegan & Sara, Serena Ryder, Josh Ritter and K’Naan, to name a few, Julien’s knack for finding quality talent has been proven time and time again.

MUSIC + BRANDS

Moderator:

IAN DANZIG, Exclaim! Magazine

Panelists:

KARL FLANDERS, Creative Director of Media, Saatchi & Saatchi

Karl has been planning and buying media for almost 20 years, most recently in the role of Creative Director of Media for Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising.
Over his career he has developed and executed insight driven communication plans within a wide range of categories. These categories include packaged goods, video gaming, financial, and automotive. Currently, his key client responsibilities include Toyota, Transitions Optical, and Appleton Rum.
Karl’s role:  To energize the creative message by fully exploiting the potential of each media opportunity that crosses his path.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Karl earned his B.Comm from Mount Allison University. In 1998 he was voted one of Strategy Magazines’ top four media persons in Canada.

DAVE VIDEKA, Jagermeister/ JagerMusic Canadian Manager

From Indie Labels to the Big Show at Universal Music Dave Videka has been involved with it all . Currently a retired Radio/Promo Rep as well as the daunting task of being a National Brand Manager for the majority of his 7+ years at Universal handling what seems like a 100 artists a year from Alexisonfire to Snoop Dogg.
Artists he has worked with in the past have won Junos (IRS, Silverstein, Alexisonfire) as well as multiple Gold (Rise Against, Rob Zombie etc.) & Platinum (Pussycat Dolls, Timbabland etc.) awards.

In 2007, Videka moved from Universal to Jagermesiter to build them a Custom Built Agency. At present, he is the Canadian Manager handling the development of marketing/promotional concepts, artist sponsorships & programming, The Jageretttes feat. The Suicide Girls, concerts/events & all sponsorships from coast to coast.

They have 35 Canadian artists sponsored in Canada (www.myspace.com/jagermusiccanada) which he believes is by far the most of any 3rd Party Brand in this country. They have built the music program to reward developing artists in this country by providing them with a leg up on other artists. Its completely customizable allowing for flexibility from artist to artist.

“Canadian Music, live shows & drinking a healthy portion of Jager is my life and I’m Damn happy to have been doing it for all these years…!!” – Videka

KENNY MACINTYRE, Red Bull

SUE KURUVILLA, Fred Perry

HOW TO SLAY AN AUDIENCE

Host:

MOE BERG

Moe Berg spent 11 years as the singer and songwriter for The Pursuit of Happiness. The band recorded five records and toured the world extensively. They were awarded one platinum and two gold records. Moe also became the Producer for the Pursuit of Happiness, and his success quickly caught the eyes and ears of various artists around the country.
His first book of short fiction, The Green Room, was published in 2000 and received many good reviews.

PUBLISHING BASICS (Part 1)

Moderator:

ALLISON OUTHIT, Outside Music

A graduate of Dalhousie Law School with ten years experience in the television industry, Allison Outhit joined Outside Music as head of Business Affairs in 2007.  She also works directly with artists as a business manager and writes a regular column on the music business for Exclaim! Magazine.  Originally from Halifax, Allison is herself a musician and published songwriter whose next album is slated for release in 2015…. assuming she finishes it.

Panelists:

CHERYL LINK, Peer Music

Cheryl Link began her career at FACTOR where she spent three years as a Program Officer followed by two years at independent distributor and label, Page Music where she held the title of Accounting and Label Relations.  In 1999, Cheryl moved to BMG Music Publishing Canada as their Creative Consultant and talent scout, helping to develop their domestic songwriting roster.  In 2004, Cheryl assumed the position of Manager, Copyright and Creative at one of Canada’s largest independent music publishers, Casablanca Media Publishing.

Presently, Cheryl is the Creative Manager at Peermusic Canada Inc. and is responsible for all domestic songwriters and artists, as well as for promoting the Peermusic worldwide catalogue to Film, TV, and advertising agencies.

MAGGIE MARTIN, EMI

Maggie graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA with a degree in Professional Music with a focus on Songwriting and Music Business studies. She began her career at Peermusic in the Los Angeles Film & TV Department. She joined EMI Music Publishing in 2005 where she is now a Manager in the Music Resources Department. She manages clearance and creative pitching of the EMIMP catalogue for Television, Film, Trailers and Promos.

RODNEY MURPHY, SOCAN

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. Prior to his current role at SOCAN, Rodney spent 5 years managing the catalogues and performance royalties of SOCAN’s highest earning Country, Rock and Pop members. Before joining SOCAN, Rodney worked for CKCU FM, Sony Music Canada and BBC Radio One in the UK.  In 2005, Rodney completed his Master’s Degree in Communications and Media Studies. Rodney’s Master’s Thesis on “Britpop” continues to collect dust on his record shelf, wedged between his duplicate copy of Never Mind the Bollocks and Music from Big Pink.

VERONICA SYRTASH, CMRRA

Veronica Syrtash is the Director of Business Affairs at the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA).    Veronica joined CMRRA in 1999, and is responsible for the negotiation, drafting and administration of CMRRA’s licensing agreements, and is also involved in Agency matters before the Copyright Board of Canada.

Most recently, Veronica led the negotiation of the Mechanical Licensing Agreement, which sets out standard terms and conditions applicable to the licensing of musical works on physical devices in Canada.  She also helped establish the CMRRA/SODRAC Inc. (CSI) Online Music Tariff, which created an efficient licensing scheme and fair royalty rates for the reproduction of musical works in the Canadian online music market.

THE NXNE MUSIC MEETING

Host:

SEAN COAKLEY, Songlines/AAA Radio Tracker

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

SATURDAY

ONLINE

Moderator:

CHRIS BUDD, Founder, Bearsuit Publishing & Owner/Editor, Indie Music Filter

Chris Budd started his career in the music industry in 2003 by interning for Aporia Records, an indie record label based in Toronto. After a year of handling retail and radio accounts, showcase organisation and promotional and marketing activities, Chris was promoted to Director of tv/film licensing. From ‘05-’07, Chris oversaw these activities at the label representing 16 domestic and international titles and landing placements for artists such as Lily Frost and The Coast. In mid ‘07, Chris formed Bearsuit Publishing, a publishing and song pitching company partnered with Aporia and Endearing Records in Vancouver. Chris is also the owner/editor for the Toronto music blog, Indie Music Filter. The site is nearing 1000 posts since its creation in January 2006 and now houses a mobile site for iPhones as well as a site for videos.

Panelists:

CHRIS MCKEE, McKee Agency
Chris Mckee is booking agent based in Toronto that runs his own agency that has put together concert tours across Canada for some of the biggest names in Urban music including: Rihanna, Flo-Rida, The Roots, Black Eyed Peas, Obie Trice, G-Unit, D12, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Fat Joe, Joe Budden, Royce Da 5′9, Naughty By Nature, Ludacris and dozens more. Chris also represents several of Canada’s top Urban acts including Juno winners Swollen Members, Snow & Maestro as well as Nikki Awesome & The Royal Society, Trish, Peter Jackson & The Smugglaz. www.myspace.com/mckeeagency

DAVID GARRISON, CMO of Indaba Music

As CMO, David works with the team to develop and execute effective marketing strategy and campaigns. Before joining Indaba, David was Director of Strategic Initiatives at SS+K, a non-traditional marketing and strategic communications firm that specialises in changing how people look at brands. Previously, he was a consultant at Katzenbach Partners, where he managed projects in industries ranging from non-profit to biotech. He has a BA from McGill University and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. David is no stranger to start-ups. He advises a variety of young companies on growth and marketing strategies and co-founded Remede Naturopathics, a leading clinic for natural medicine in NYC. As you can probably tell from the spelling in this bio, David’s Canadian.

MATTHEW POLLESEL, iheartmusic.com

FAB 5 FREDDY INTERVIEWS GZA (Wu-Tang Clan)

POST TOURING INCOME

Moderator:

GREG JOHNSTON, Peer Music

Greg Johnston is a Toronto based producer, songwriter/composer and is currently published by Peermusic Canada. Greg’s songs have been cut by countless artists like Nick Lachey, Olivia Newton-John, Shannon Noll, Eva Avila, and currently has a top 10 with Theo Tams “Lazy Lovers” whose record Greg most recently produced for Sony Music. Greg has collaborated with such
artists as Hawksley Workman, Sarah Slean, Ron Sexsmith, Shelley Peiken, Gavin Brown, Rob Wells, but to name a few.

In addition to Greg’s talents as a songwriter and producer, he is heavily involved in composing for Film and Television. At present Greg is composing for a new CTV six-part mini-series entitled “Curious & Unusual Deaths” and has just completed the score for Discovery/CTV’s new game show “Qubit.”
Greg has composed for CTV, CBC and various independent films and documentaries.

Panelists:

JASON PLUMB, Artist

An artist of considerable depth, Saskatchewan-based singer/songwriter Jason Plumb has over the course of the past twenty years delivered an impressive body of work, including his time with Canadian heroes The Waltons and his own body of solo work. His name is also credited on scores of film and TV productions for which he has composed and produced their musical scores. Most recently commissioned by the Saskatchewan Roughriders to write a theme song for the beloved Canadian football team, Plumb presented Regina with the perfectly titled “Paint The Whole World Green”. The song has become an anthem in the community, and when Paint The World Green produced an accompanying video, the tune attracted almost 175,000 viewers on Youtube.

LIZZIE MARCY, producer TBWA\Chiat\Day

First a writer and founding member of Toronto-based ‘boards Magazine and now a broadcast producer at TBWA/Chiat/Day, LA, Lizzie has both covered the creative process and managed the day-to-day realities of the ad world. While writing, Lizzie was inspired by the stories of commercial directors Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry and Ridley Scott. As a producer, she has her own stories to tell, creating global ad campaigns for clients such as Infiniti, Nissan, Visa, Uncle Ben’s, and Sony PlayStation.

Lizzie Marcy is married to a music supervisor and has two first names.

IAN LEFEVURE, Artist

MARCO DEFELICE, ( Music Supervisor/ Composer/Producer )  – Indie Joe / Silent Joe

Founder of Indie Joe, a music supervision house  in Toronto specific to providing music for Advertising.
Clients include Telus, Virgin Mobile, GM, Rogers, Lotto 649, P&G and a host of other blue chip Companies.
Marco also works with parent company Silent Joe in Film and Television.
Current TV Projects include CBC/ABC ’s ” Being Erica” and Feature Film “One Week”.
As well, Marco is the music director for the Interactive Social Network company File Mobile, and an accomplished Musician/Producer/Songwriter.

BEYOND MUCH MUSIC

Panelists:

SHAD K

Shad (Shadrach Kabango) is quickly becoming one of Canada’s most respected young artists. His sophomore record, The Old Prince, was received with top reviews by music publications across the board, snagged a Juno nomination for Best Rap Recording of the Year, and also secured a spot on the coveted Polaris Music Prize short-list. This summer, Shad will pack his bags and tour the US on the 2009 VANS Warped Tour in support of the US Release of The Old Prince. Shad is also completing his Master’s in Liberal Studies at Simon Fraser University.

TABASSUM SIDDIQUI, AOL/Freelance music critic

Tabassum Siddiqui is a Toronto-based freelance arts writer and editor who writes the regular “Northern Exposure” column (which highlights  new tracks by homegrown artists) for Spinner Canada, AOL.ca’s music  portal, and has covered the Canadian independent music scene over the  past decade for some of Canada’s leading publications, including the Toronto Star, National Post, Exclaim, and Eye Weekly. A self-proclaimed “word nerd” with a penchant for newsprint and indie-rock, she likes lots of sugar in her coffee, CBC Radio turned up high, and is always on the hunt for anything in the perfect shade of red.

NADINE GELINEAU, CEO/Founder, The MuseBox

Growing up in Canada, and living in NYC since ‘97, Gelineau has an extensive career in various aspects of the music industry. An executive with over 30 years of Domestic and International marketing experience in the music industry, her involvement ranged from radio (CKCU, CKUT, CBC Brave New Waves) to club dj, retail buyer, concert promoter and finally executive marketing roles at BMG Music Canada, Palm Pictures, Volcano and TVT Records. Her reputation as an innovative, results-driven, life-long music fan led to the birth of a partnership culture agency with Vice, called addVice, and eventually her own agency, The MuseBox. She also loves traveling towards the sun, her cat LeTigre, and spas. Within the field of Artist Management, Gelineau worked with The Dears during the “No Cities Left” album cycle; her current clients include Uncut, and 120 Days and Echo and The Bunnymen (in partnership with Porcupine Management.) Uncut, 120 Days, and Echo and The Bunnymen.

RT!, Executive Director, The NE Inc.
RT! has quickly become one of Canada’s most successful and prolific film/media directors since debuting on the music video scene only a few years ago. Over the course of six years he has been awarded ten International music video awards, including Director of the Year, two years consecutively at the MuchMusic Video Awards, and has been nominated for more than thirty film and television industry awards. His acute characterization and often cinematic visualization has made him one of the most sought after new taste-makers in North America today.

AARON BROPHY, Managing Editor, CHARTattack.com

Aaron Brophy is the managing editor of the daily music news and information website CHARTattack.com. He was also on the first ever Grand Jury for the Polaris Music Prize and generally enjoys music that sounds like Neil Young, The Jesus And Mary Chain, Black Sabbath, The Smiths or PJ Harvey.

RECORD LABEL DIY

Moderator:

JESSIE STEIN, You’ve Changed Records

Jessie Stein is a musician, grant writer, tour manager and founding owner of You’ve Changed Records, a Montréal based independent record label. She has been involved with indie music for the past 10 years, involved in the Blocks Recording Club, Pome Records, Opak Media, among other independent ventures. She has toured internationally with Miracle Fortress and her revolutionary band The Luyas.

Panelists:

MIRO OBALLA, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa, Entertainment and Media Lawyers

Miro has been practicing entertainment law since 2002 and was one of five lawyers who founded Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa in 2006, Primarily focused on music, Miro’s practice also encompasses the areas of film, television, gaming, new media, dance, art and event promotion. His client list includes major label and independent artists, songwriters, record labels, music publishers, film and television producers, music producers and on-screen personalities. He has taught courses in the entertainment business program at the International Academy of Design, and at the Harris Institute for the Arts and is on the board of directors of the Urban Music Association of Canada. In addition to his legal experience, Miro has been actively involved in the business side of the entertainment industry as a former owner of both a nightclub and an entertainment company. He applies this entrepreneurial background to his legal work, providing clients with strategic business planning as well as legal advice to help them navigate the murky waters of the business of entertainment.

ANNA-MARIE REILLY GAUTAM, Little Miss Know-It-All

Anna-Marie began her music industry career in 1994 as a shared co-op student between Pandyamonium/William Tenn Artist Management (PM/WTM) and JAM! Entertainment (Jack Ross’ management company before he co-headed The Agency Group Canada). She ended up spending nine years with PM/WTM, working her way through several titles and roles, not least of which was being in charge of all of the finances for the company and its roster. This included both Hayden’s Hardwood Records (since 1995) and Hawksley’s Isadora Records (since 1999). In 2001, Anna-Marie received an honours diploma in Business Marketing from George Brown College and used those new skills to advance the labels’ marketing initiatives.

2003 saw Anna-Marie launch her own company, Little Miss Know It All, to offer a variety of services to artists, independent labels and management firms including: business management/bookkeeping; marketing/management consulting; grant administration; tour co-ordination/budgets. Although her client list isn’t short and includes everyone from artists to managers, she continues to focus her skills on the finances for Hayden/Hardwood Records, Hawksley Workman/Isadora Records, and Paper Bag Records.

KORTNEE BORDEN, ACTRA

Carolyn Richardson joined the FACTOR team as General Manager in November 2008 with a predominant background in Public Relations and Communications. Carolyn comes to FACTOR after working with the Ireland Fund of Canada where for 3 years she held the position of Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Sponsorship Manager. While working for the Ireland Fund of Canada she was seconded for the Opening of Ireland Park 2007 as both the Coordinator of Volunteers and Coordinator for the Gala Dinner attended by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. In 2008 she participated in the 2008 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame as part of the Organizing Committee. As FACTOR’s new General Manager, Carolyn oversees the day to day administrative and operational aspects of the organization.

RODNEY MURPHY, SOCAN

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. Prior to his current role at SOCAN, Rodney spent 5 years managing the catalogues and performance royalties of SOCAN’s highest earning Country, Rock and Pop members. Before joining SOCAN, Rodney worked for CKCU FM, Sony Music Canada and BBC Radio One in the UK.  In 2005, Rodney completed his Master’s Degree in Communications and Media Studies. Rodney’s Master’s Thesis on “Britpop” continues to collect dust on his record shelf, wedged between his duplicate copy of Never Mind the Bollocks and Music from Big Pink.

VICTORIA SHEPHERD, AVLA

Victoria Shepherd has spent the past 12 years working for the music industry, and has been the AVLA’s Program Manager since 2006. On behalf of over 575 producers, AVLA non-exclusively administers certain music video and sound recording rights, and since its inception in 1984, has paid out many millions of dollars to rights holders.

RON PORTER, CMRRA

Ron Porter is the Director of Copyright of the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency LTD. (CMRRA). Ron has been with CMRRA since 1991 and currently oversees the Copyright department and Membership Services areas. Previous to CMRRA, he worked at PROCAN (now SOCAN) for their West Coast Division, in the Writer/Publisher relations position. He has also worked for Polygram Records in the licensing department.

RICH MASIO, Senior Director of Content Acquisition, IODA

Rich serves as a key person at IODA responsible for securing licenses of many of IODA’s leading Rightsholders and has been with the company since 2005. He was a staffer at two pioneering internet companies, SonicNet (1995-96) and CDNOW (1997-2001), in addition to running a label, heading up sales at two independent record distributors, a journalist, DJ, club promoter and father of two.

DEMO DERBY, Presented by Urban Music Association of Canada (UMAC)

Moderator:

DJ MEL BOOGIE, Host, Droppin’ Dimez CKLN

DJ Mel Boogie is one of Canada’s best-known female DJs. In a career spanning almost 15 years, Mel can be heard weekly on Droppin’ Dimez, Canada’s ONLY all-female hip hop show, alongside JJ Rock and Big G, every Monday night from 11PM to 12:30AM on CKLN 88.1FM-Toronto.

Panelists:

FARLEY FLEX, Industry Expert

Former Canadian Idol judge Farley Flex has been actively developing the urban market since the mid-80s, starting by managing Canada’s most successful solo rap artist, Maestro.
Flex has spent his entire career discovering, promoting and developing new Canadian talent.  Farley is also a principal founder of Plasma Corporation, a music and media company based in Toronto, Ontario.

JENI “JJ” MCKENZIE, Flow 93.5 FM

With more than 12 years broadcasting experience, JENI joined FLOW 93.5 in 2007.  You can find everything from Soca to Jazz to R&B/Hip Hop in her IPOD & JENI brings the same vibes, passion and energy to her FLOW listeners during the midday every Monday through Friday 10:00a – 3:00p.

FAMOUS, Artist

Imagine working for free for 2 years at companies like Universal and Sony/BMG while studying the industry you want to take over. Imagine owning the airwaves on Canada’s #1 urban radio show with only 60 seconds. Imagine people thinking you write for Jay-Z. Now imagine your dream coming true. Imagine…being FAMOUS!

EMPIRE ISIS, Artist

Dubbed one of Canada’s Breakout Artists of 2009, Empire ISIS introduced the year with her Sophomore Album, Brand New Style.   An international gangstress speaking five languages, Empire ISIS has pushed forward her world mashup sound along with her Musique Plus/Much Music show “The Gangstress Chronicles”.

WILL STRICKLAND, President, UMAC

Combining his cultural status with an exemplary educational background & over 20 years of entertainment industry, Will Strickland is responsible for several unique “firsts”:

1)    Conceptualized & created the first ever online concert in Black Music history
2)    Established the world’s first university-accredited course on hip hop culture
3)    First American President of UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada

FACTOR

Host:

CAROLYN RICHARDSON, GM of FACTOR

Carolyn Richardson joined the FACTOR team as General Manager in November 2008 with a predominant background in Public Relations and Communications. Carolyn comes to FACTOR after working with the Ireland Fund of Canada where for 3 years she held the position of Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Sponsorship Manager. While working for the Ireland Fund of Canada she was seconded for the Opening of Ireland Park 2007 as both the Coordinator of Volunteers and Coordinator for the Gala Dinner attended by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. In 2008 she participated in the 2008 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame as part of the Organizing Committee. As FACTOR’s new General Manager, Carolyn oversees the day to day administrative and operational aspects of the organization.

DANNY FIELDS INTERVIEW WITH WARREN KINSELA

DANNY FIELDS

Danny Fields was born in New York City sometime during WWII. He went to public schools, then to Penn, and to Harvard Law School from which he dropped out.

His first job was at Datebook Magazine, where he happily used John Lennon’s quotes about Jesus and Christianity being LESS popular than the Beatles on the cover and as inside headlines. After a blizzard of death threats, the Beatles decided to stop touring forever following their Candlestick Park concert in San Francisco in August of 1966. Fields was never happier.

Delighted by making mischief in the silly old music business, Fields went on to confound executives and hoi polloi alike with albums by the MC5, Iggy and the Stooges, Nico, David Peel and the Ramones whom he managed for five years at the start of their career.

He’s also an amateur photographer, now included in a group show which has been to Paris, London, Los Angeles, and Tokyo and is now on view in Hong Kong.
Otherwise, he watches tv documentaries on volcanoes and man-eating hippos.

WARREN KINSELA, Founder Social Blemish Records

Warren Kinsella is the author of ‘Fury’s Hour: A Sort-of Punk Manifesto.’ He was the lead singer and bassist of Calgary’s Hot Nasties, and the founder of punk label Social Blemish Records (”More hits than zits!”) Kinsella has interviewed dozens of punk bands over the years, and is currently a member
of Shit From Hell, a Toronto-based geriatric punk quartet. He thinks Iggy Pop is God.

2009 Townhall

Thursday, June 18, 2009   The Second City Toronto, 51 Mercer St. at Blue Jays Way

The NXNE Town Hall is a free-for-all, wide-ranging discussion on the music biz. Featuring reps from indie and major record labels, media, funding agencies, as well as managers and artists, the Town Hall serves up hard truths & strong opinions (not necessarily both at the same time). Grab a drink and listen in…or grab two drinks and jump in.

2009’s Town Hall:

OK–the bad news is the shrinking industry and an economic downturn; the good news is–maybe–an unprecedented chance to market our music and our artists on an international scale. Watch & listen as company heads from all aspects of the industry hash out how these challenges and opportunities are changing the way we do business.

Moderator: JAKE GOLD, CEO/President, The Management Trust

Jake Gold is one of Canada’s most successful artist managers. He is the co-owner of Kindling Music, an independent record label distributed by Warner Music Canada, and of The Management Trust, through which he is best known for his role in establishing and transforming The Tragically Hip into a national icon. Gold currently directs the careers of The Cliks, Sass Jordan, Lily Frost, and music producers Moe Berg, Russell Broom, Douglas Romanow and Laurence Currie.

Gold has been recognized by the annual Canadian Music Industry Awards as Manager of the Year in 1991, 1993 and 1994. He has been a member of the JUNO Awards Television and Talent committee since the 2003 awards broadcast in Ottawa-Gatineau.

Panelists:

DENISE DONLON, Executive Director, CBC Radio

With 25 years’ experience in Canada’s music industry, Donlon is a former host, broadcast journalist and producer of numerous groundbreaking music programs for Citytv and MuchMusic, as well as vice-president and general manager of MuchMusic/ MuchMoreMusic and president of Sony Music Canada. From 1986 to 1993, she hosted, then co-produced, MuchMusic’s The New Music. She subsequently worked as director of music programming for MuchMusic/Citytv, a position she held until 1997, as well as vice-president and general manager of MuchMusic/MuchMoreMusic, which she held until 2000. From 2000 to 2004 Donlon was president of Sony Music Canada. She currently lends her support and production abilities to a variety of high profile projects including Live 8, CBC’s Tsunami Concert of Hope, and the President Clinton Foundation Birthday Event.

Donlon has received various accreditations throughout her career, including the Broadcast Executive of the Year at the Canadian Music Week Industry Awards, the CMW Humanitarian Spirit Award, the Record’s Video Personality or Programmer of the Year, and in 1997 she was the recipient of Toronto’s Women in Films & Television Outstanding Achievement Award. She holds two honourary doctorates, was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002, and in 2005 was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. She currently sits on the board of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and of Margaret Atwood’s ‘long pen’ project Unotchit Inc.

JODIE FERNEYHOUGH, Managing Director, Universal Music Publishing Canada

Currently holding the position of Managing Director for Universal Music Publishing Canada, Jodie is also the President of the Canadian Music Publishing association, where he is active in lobbying, copyright reform and media relations.  He is a board member of SOCAN and the CMRRA. He is also responsible for the amalgamation of BMG music publishing Canada to UMPG Canada.

While at Universal Music Publishing Group Jodie has been instrumental in the careers of Sam Roberts, KOS, and most recently, Mobile and Hedley as well works with established Canadian superstars Jann Arden, Shania Twain, Daniel Lavoie and Avril Lavigne, among others. He has been named Canadian Music Publisher at the annual CCMA awards, as well as Publisher of the Year at the annual CMW Industry Awards.

BERNIE FINKELSTEIN, President, Finkelstein Management

In 1969 Bernie Finkelstein started True North Records, now one of Canada’s oldest and largest independent record companies. Over the years True North has received over 40 gold and platinum records as well as over 40 Juno awards.

In 2007 Bernie sold True North but continues to manage Bruce Cockburn, The Golden Dogs and Grand Analog. As well he is currently the Chair of VideoFact and CIRPA and serves on the Starmaker board. He was given the Order Of Canada in 2007 and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

PAUL HAAGENSON, President, Canada, West, Live Nation Canada

MARK JOWETT, Vice President/Co-Founder, Nettwerk Music Group

STEVE KANE, President, Warner Music Canada

Steve Kane joined Warner Music Canada in 2001 as Senior Vice President and Managing Director and was appointed President in January 2004.  During that time he has been responsible for revamping the Marketing and A&R operations and bringing the company into an exciting new phase of development.  Under Kane’s direction, the company signed Billy Talent, whose debut album went gold in seven weeks, Buck 65, who has received international acclaim, Sarah Slean, Ron Sexsmith and Matthew Barber.

Kane joined Warner Music Canada after over fifteen years in the Canadian music industry where he was the Senior Vice President of Universal/Island/DefJam Canada from 1998 – 2001 and Senior Vice President of Polygram Records in Canada in 1997.  Throughout his career, he has also held positions in marketing and promotions at independent label I.R.S. and A&M Records, before becoming General manager at Virgin Records.

KEVIN LEFLAR, President, officialCOMMUNITY

Kevin Leflar is the Founder, President and CEO of The Official Community Corporation – officialCOMMUNITY – the leader in online community commercialization for established recording artists and their brands. officialCOMMUNITY extends an artist’s brand online by creating and managing a new and largely autonomous, but related, online business centred on the artist’s loyal community. Prior to the launch of officialCOMMUNITY, Mr. Leflar co-founded and served as Vice President and General Manager at InDIMENSIONS, an online media development and management company, where he was responsible for the development of new business, clients, communications and technical infrastructure.

He began his career circling the globe with multiple Juno award-winning artists such as Blue Rodeo and the Sattallites, and also served as Tour Manager for Artist Consulting Team/Risqué Disque. Mr. Leflar also served as Chairman for the Music Managers Forum and General Manager for  Canadians Showcasing Internationally.

Currently, he serves as a member to The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), The International Ticketing Association (INTIX), The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), The Association of Internet Marketers and Sales (AIMS), and The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). In 2006, Mr. Leflar was honoured with the Victor Award for the “Best CPC Qualifying Transaction” at the Canadian Venture Forum (CVF).

HEATHER OSTERTAG, President/CEO, FACTOR

With 31 years in the Canadian music industry and 9 of those years as the President of FACTOR, Heather has dedicated her career to the advancement of Canadian talent.  As the President & CEO of FACTOR, Heather is required to liaise with government, broadcasters and the music industry at large.  She is a member of the Order of Canada, currently serves on the Board of the Country Music Association of Ontario, is the past chair of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), is a life-time director on the Board of Directors for the East Coast Music Awards.  In March 2006 she was awarded the Industry Builder Award from Canadian Music Week.  In 2007 she was awarded the Jo Walker -Meador International Achievement Award from the Country Music Association.

JACK ROSS, Senior Vice President, The Agency Group

Jack is a 20-year veteran of the Canadian music industry. He is a founding partner of The Agency Group, Canada and overseas operations. Jack manages an office staff of 20 people, a company roster of over 200 clients and a personal roster that includes Great Big Sea, Paul Brandt, Sam Roberts Band, Bruce Cockburn and many others. Jack is currently involved in long-term development projects with artists Justin Nozuka, LIGHTS, Lindi Ortega and many more.

CHRIS SISAM, General Manager, Corus Radio Toronto

Chris Sisam is General Manager of Corus Radio stations 102.1 the Edge, Classic Rock Q107 and AM640  in Toronto. Professionally, he has been in Radio for 25 years. Personally, he has been a band manager, hockey and soccer coach and served on a number of charitable boards.

CHRIS TAYLOR,  B.A., LL.B., Owner, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa

Time Magazine has cited Chris as one of the “movers and shakers who are building the entertainment industry” and Billboard Magazine repeatedly cites him as one of the country’s most influential music lawyers. He is the founder/owner of Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa, a leading entertainment and new media law firm. His clients have sold over 50 million albums worldwide. The law firm works with Nelly Furtado, Avril Lavigne, Billy Talent, Three Days Grace and Gogol Bordello. He is also the founder of Last Gang Entertainment, an internationally successful entertainment company working with Metric, MSTRKRFT, The New Pornographers, Chromeo and Crystal Castles. In the early 90’s, Taylor was lead vocalist for Virgin recording artist, “One” – widely renowned as one of the country’s finest live acts.

2008 Program

Jian Ghomeshi Interviews Thomas Dolby
Noon – 1PM • Regency B/C

Jian Ghomeshi:
Toronto broadcaster, writer and musician and host of daily CBC/Sirius arts & culture show “Q.” He has hosted TV & radio programs including The National Playlist, Sounds Like Canada, and The End, and has written for the Washington Post, The Globe and Mail, and more. First found fame in the multiplatinum selling group Moxy Früvous.

Thomas Dolby:
Electro-pop icon Thomas Dolby has released four milestone albums and two gigantic hit singles (“She Blinded Me With Science” and “Hyperactive”) plus collaborations with George Clinton and Ryuchi Sakamoto. He’s produced Joni Mitchell and Prefab Sprout, and was David Bowie’s musical director at Live Aid. When other less impassioned souls might have retired to the beach or the Betty Ford clinic, Dolby spent the 1990s in Silicon Valley inventing the technology that enables mobile phones to play music. His new live album The Sole Inhabitant is out now.
A true visionary.

He shoots—(He strums)—He scores!!
Noon – 1PM • Regency D

Moderator: Dave Bookman (Edge 102.1)
Panelists: Dallas Green (City & Colour), Dave Hodge (Sports Announcer), Boyd Devereaux (Toronto Maple Leafs), Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo)

The mutual admiration society between musicians and athletes has reached playoff pitch. Pro athletes all have a pre-game psych-up ritual, and the right tunes are key parts of the drill. Meanwhile, musicians’ hearts go pitter-patter when they’re offered a chance to sit rinkside or schmooze the dressing room after a game. It cuts both ways: you’re as likely to see Lebron James on the cover of Rolling Stone as spot Gord Downie playing goal for the Boston Bruins old-timers. Today’s groundbreaking panel presents A-listers in their respective fields tell us why they’d swap their field of dreams for the others’ centre stage.

It Better be Free, or How Can You Sell What Others Are Practically Giving Away?
1PM – 2PM • Regency A

Panelists: Mitch Joel (Twist Image), David Usher (Artist), Michael McCarty (EMI Music Publishing)

How come so much talk about the future of the music biz dwells on the past? Is the whole industry going to hell in a handbasket? Not quite—but the new boss ain’t the same as the old. MP3 players, digital music, concert tix, and merch are flying off the shelves—last Christmas, iTunes had its biggest day ever, selling more than 20 million songs in one day. So how do you get in on the action? Our industry pros will dissect the new business models, plumb the social media, and demystify digital channels—all to help you find where the money is.

Technology/DJ Culture: The DJ on Display
1:15PM – 2:15PM • Regency D

Moderator: Jay Devonish (Stones Throw)
Panelists: Nasty Nav (NastyMix / Play De Record), Egon (Stones Throw), Lil’ Jaz (Artist), P-Plus (Artist), DJ Grouch (Artist)

Rocking parties, breaking singles, putting out their own albums-DJs are a key piece of the music biz today. This session asks what successful DJs do to stake out their turf as trendsetters & tastemakers. Our DJs swap ideas about how new technology is changing DJ culture and where things go from here.

Bob Harris BBC Radio 2
2:00PM-3:00PM • Regency B

OMDC Music Makes It Presents: Ready to Rumble: Music Supervisors Get Down & Dirty
3:15PM-4:15PM • Regency A

Moderator: Michael Perlmutter (instinct Entertainment and Communications)

Panelists: David Hayman (Vapor Music Group), Andrea Higgins (Arpix Media), John Rowley (J. Rowley Music Services), Jodie Ferneyhough (Universal Music Publishing), Jennifer Jonas (Producer)

A group of film & TV Music Supervisors gets greased up and goes to the mats to show how music can make or break what’s happening on screen. Using a scene from Bruce LaBruce’s film OTTO, these pros reveal trade secrets about why they choose certain tunes to make their screens sing—including those shoot-em-up video games your kid brother’s always playing. This isn’t exactly an “Idol” contest, but you can throw your vote down, too.

I’m in a Band—Can We Play Your Festival?
3:15PM-4:15PM • Regency D

Moderator: Panos Panay (Sonicbids)
Panelists: Matt McDonald (CMJ), Ruud Berends (Nooderslaag / Eurosonic), Sam Baijal (Hillside Festival), Brad First (SXSW)

Remember that scene from “The Partridge Family” when Danny slides a tape of the band to Reuben Kinkaid under the toilet stall door? Well, you don’t have to stoop that low anymore. The fastest, bestest way to headlining that cross-country tour may be a career-making play at one of the world’s marquis music festivals. Programmers from mega-fests like New York’s CMJ, Holland’s Noorderslag, and mother-of-all-music-extravaganzas (and NXNE sister-fest) South by Southwest dish the straight goods on how & why they choose their lineup. Forget schmoozing the A&R dudes and find out how to get your act onstage in front of the eyes and ears of the world.

Meet the New Boss
3:15PM-4:15PM • Regency B

Moderator: Jason Richards (MuchMusic)
Panelists: Adam Countryman (The Agency Group), Alok Sharma (Harbourfront), Eric Warner (Over The Top Festival), Adam Gill (EMBRACE), Louise Simpson (SPARKS)

Ever wonder why the monkeys running the music zoo seem so…old? Well, it just seems that way. Here, you’ll meet some exciting and influential new faces in the biz—and believe us, the industry would be in better shape with more of these guys calling the shots. Booking, programming, branding, and online marketing—this revolution may not be televised, but its effects go way beyond traditional channels, determining the way we’ll be listening to music from the next year to the next generation. You want new ideas? Look to new people.

Your Witness: A&R takes the Stand
3:15PM-4:15PM • Regency C

Moderator: Mark Jowett (Nettwerk)
Panelists: Michael Howe (Downtown Records), Tommy Brunett (Universal Buzz), Martin Heath (Lizard King Records), Jennifer Hirst (EMI Music), Tobin Watkinson (Myspace Records)

Come hear the once-mighty A&R cabal explain why they’re still relevant in today’s music universe. A major-label record deal was until recently the Holy Grail for every dirt-poor tunesmith looking to score chicks, dope & dough. By now, though, everyone’s realized that the CD is fast becoming a museum artifact—so wherefore the A&R rep? Our top-drawer A&R panelists have all been around a while—let’s find out where they’re going next.

SAC (Songwriters Association of Canada) Presents Demo Derby:
Smash Hits & Bruised Egos
4:30PM-6PM • Regency D

Moderator: Don Quarles (SAC – Songwriters Association of Canada)
Panelists: Priya Thomas (Artist), Marc Jordan (SAC), Cheryl Link (Peermusic)

Your opportunity to get your song heard by music industry execs and professional songwriters—without having to camp out on anyone’s front lawn. Bring a demo to the session; CD tracks are randomly selected and played—then dissected in front of the entire group. Not for the faint of heart. (Note: Demo Derby registration will take place at the NXNE Registration desk and will close at 4:00 PM FIRM on June 13th. We regret that absolutely no songs will be accepted after 4PM. Please submit songs on audio CD and include 3 hard copies of the lyrics. Due to time constraints, some songs may not be reviewed.)

FACTOR FICTION?
4:30PM-6PM •Regency A

Moderators: Erin Kinghorn: General Manager – FACTOR ; Krista Culp: Communications Manager – FACTOR

Every musician tells clenched-teeth stories about someone else who scored a FACTOR grant to record a demo or CD or put together a tour… so what do you have to do to get your own grubby paws on some FACTOR dough? The organization’s GM and Communications Director are on hand to field queries on their programs and info seminars (and to deftly sidestep pissed-off “why-not-me?” whining). So come with questions, and you’ll leave with what you need to know about reachingdeep into the FACTOR pocket.

MMF AGM
4:30PM-5:30PM •Regency A
Invitation Only

War Stories From The Road
Noon – 1PM • Regency B/C

Moderator: Lucy DeCoutere (Trailer Park Boys)
Panelists: Carole Pope (Rough Trade), Darrin Pfeiffer (Goldfinger), Tyler Westerlund (White Cowbell Oaklahoma), Robin Fucking Black (Robin Black), Keith Morris (Black Flag / Circle Jerks), Fernando Saunders (Artist)

What plays on the road stays on the road… at least until today. Whether you think the reality of life on tour is closer to the Monkees or to Spinal Tap, come prepared to be disabused of a few notions. Our panelists will be prodded and coaxed into dragging forth dark & ugly anecdotes from the sordid past. The Regency Ballroom may never be the same.

UMAC Presents: Play Some Funky Music, White Boy!
Noon – 1PM • Regency D

Moderator: Addi Stewart (aka Mindbender)
Panelists: Ayah (Artist), Che Kothari (Earwaks.com), Tara Nicole Donald (GreenTaRA), Michie Mee(Artist / TV Personality), Famous (Radio Personality / Artist)

You may not be old enough to remember when Top-40 radio played everything from cheesy pop to hard rock and—yes—funk and R&B. But if you’ve got your ear to the airwaves today, you’ll know that urban artists are notoriously under-represented on mainstream music channels through radio, TV, and digital media. The Urban Music Association of Canada (UMAC) explores the problem, and presents top urban artists and entrepreneurs who dish the goods on how Canadians in urban music can get quality gigs and vital career-building exposure. (Hint: it doesn’t mean running off south of the border!)

Hip-Hop Confidential:
Maestro Fresh Wes Interviews Fab 5 Freddy
1:15PM-2:15PM • Regency D

Fab 5 Freddy:
Fab 5 Freddy is a pioneering cultural legend, a key player in bringing hip-hop to the world and into the mainstream. Brooklyn-born Fab 5 Freddy began as a visual artist, executing graffiti pieces throughout New York City. He later bridged the gap between the art world and the new hip-hop scene developing in Harlem and the Bronx. Fab moved on to directing and writing music for film & videos, and to the small screen as an MTV host. His pop-culture essays have been published in Vibe and The New York Times.

Maestro Fresh Wes:
Maestro Fresh Wes is the recipient of the first Rap Juno Award as well as the first Canadian Hip Hop artist to have a song appear on Billboard’s Top 20 Rap Singles Chart. He has released 6 albums, one of which is the best selling Rap album in Canadian history.

Hugh Cornwell Interview: Getting to grips with a Strangler
1:15PM-2:15PM • Regency B

Hugh Cornwell:
Hugh Cornwell was the original frontman and songwriter in The Stranglers, one of the UK’s most important and successful groups of the punk and new wave era. He has been a solo artist since 1990. His new album, Hoover Dam, is available now, and is accompanied by a film, Blueprint.

Chillin’ wit Sheek:
Addi Stewart Interviews Sheek Louch
2:30PM-3:30PM • Regency A

Sheek Louch:
For over a decade, Sheek Louch—who also answers to “The Wolf”—has been pumping out serious hip hop from his home base in Yonkers, NY. As part of The Lox, he struck big before the millennium with Money, Power and Respect and We Are the Streets. He’s also down with the business side as owner of a recording studio and co-founder of record label D-Block. Sheek’s also built up the usual list of feuds—he’s had a few pops at 50 Cent and Diddy.

Addi Stewart (aka Mindbender)
A rising star in the Toronto hip hop community, Mindbender has played shows across North America and is a contributing music writer for NOW magazine.

UMAC Presents: The New Record Label
2:30PM – 3:30PM • Regency D

Moderator: Dalton Higgins (Harbourfront)
Panelists: Vivian Barclay (Warner Chappell Music), Katrina Lopes (UOMO), Masia One (Artist), Dan Kershaw (SOCAN)

If your eyes glaze over when you hear phrases like “music publishing” and “intellectual property,” come hear the UMAC crew explain why these and other equally abstract concepts are
actually relevant to you, your career, and to what’s happening to music everywhere. Major record labels are struggling to survive—find out what the future looks like.

“Producer”: I Hear Rich People
2:30PM – 3:30PM • Regency C

Moderator: Byron Wong (Homeworks Studio)
Panelists: Kevin Churko (Independent Producer), Mick Glossop (Producer), Annelise Noronha (Grayson Matthews Audio Design)

Producer: (n) “An autotrophic organism viewed as a source of biomass that can be consumed by other organisms.” Well, that’s no worse than many definitions of “producer” that we’ve heard.
Our producers examine themselves— in public—and share the fruits of their investigation. Juno nominees and winners will be given drug tests before the panel.

North American Bookers’ Summit
3:45PM – 4:45PM • Regency A

Moderator: Emmanuel Patterson (Live Nation)
Panelists: J cloth (Indie Promoter), Jonathan Ramos (REMG), Brent Smith (Just Entertainment)

How does a band with only 1,000 Myspace friends get a gig at a key big-city venue? Is it the tunes, the packaging, the EPK (or just that that the drummer’s sister is shagging the club owner)? What’s the best way to approach a talent booker? When does “persistent” become “fucking annoying”? These bookers give you the scoop and list the things that pique their interest and piss them off.

SOCAN Presents: BRING THA NOIZE
4PM – 5:30PM • Regency B

Panelists: Craig MacMillan (Frontline Management & Bookings), Addi Stewart (aka Mindbender), Jason Smith (Smallman), Adam White (The Reason), Adam Bomb (The Empire)

Hip Hop meets Punk: Building a DIY tour plan. Why do Canadian hip hop artists have such a bitch of a time booking viable national tours, while underground punk acts are able to knit together regional audiences into a thriving touring economy—in spite of the fact that punk has even less mainstream media exposure than hip hop? This round-table will pair reps from punk and hip hop to discuss what each can learn from the other when it comes to DIY touring.

Where Did All The Money Go (and how can I score some more)?
3:45PM – 4:45PM • Regency C

Moderator: Dave Videka (Jager Music)
Panelists: Daniel Ewing (Rogers), John Omazic (Converse), Brenden Mallette (Live Nation), Tina Simpkin (Gibson)

I have (1) a fan base (2) a tour booked (3) an expensive crew & overheads. I don’t have (1) a
vehicle or gas (2) insurance (3) enough ketchup left to make tomato soup with hot water from the motel bathroom sink. So can a sponsor bail me out? Is a sponsorship the best way to reach more people who will pay money to see me rock? Or are sponsors the devil incarnate, offering filthy lucre just to tempt me to sell out the purity of my artistic vision? (How much more of that soup before I puke?)

UMAC Presents: You Call That a Hit?
3:45PM –5PM • Regency D

Moderator: rez Digital (OTA Live)
Panelists: Mel Boogie/Droppin’ Dimez, Farley Flex (Plasma Corporation), Gail Phillip (UMAC), David “Click”Cox (Universal Music Canada), Will Strickland (UMAC), Ty Harper (OTA Live)

A&R directors, talent scouts, artists, radio personalities & music directors will risk public embarrassment by listening to & spontaneously critiquing a sampling of urban artist music submissions. Can they spot the good stuff and toss the crap? Audience members will get a chance to disagree with the experts on the tracks played during this session.