Casadie Pederson
Casadie Pederson is the owner of Muse Creative Management, providing artist management, A&R Services as well as writer catalog & calendar management. Hailing originally from Myrnam, Alberta, Casadie moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2010 where she attended Middle Tennessee State University. There, she generated many relationships on Music Row and especially with fellow Canadians who make Nashville their home. In 2012, she returned to Canada where she completed her Master Certificate in Music Business from the renowned Berklee College of Music. Over the years she has provided services ranging from project management, tour management and continues to serve as a creative consultant for Big Machine Music & Slaight Music Publishing, pitching songs for those respective catalogs. Pederson moved back to Nashville in 2019 where she currently runs Muse Creative. Her current roster of clients includes Emerson Drive, Jason Blaine, Raquel Cole & Samara Yung.
I wear many hats. My hat rack is filled. From artist manager, to road manager, to being “the lady with the songs” – I truly love all of my hats in this industry. It’s what keeps my soul fed & alive. In the 14 years I have been a part of this industry, I’ve experienced a lot. I’ve been an entrepreneur for most of that time. Last year, I relocated from Alberta & now make Nashville home. I launched Muse Creative Management earlier this year where I work alongside Jason Blaine, Emerson Drive, Raquel Cole, and more – also representing songwriters such as Tina Parol & Jimmy Thow. I am also proud to consult for Big Machine Music & Slaight Music, pitching their catalogs to Canadian artists. My passion for elevating Canadian music is at the core of who I am, and I would love to bring my ideas, experience & passion to the MMF board.
Chez Gayle
Chez is an Honors Graduate from the University of Waterloo’s Co-Op Chemical Engineering program with very strong project management, problem solving and interpersonal skills. With over 15 years experience in the entertainment business, he has honed his skills in international marketing, artist development, tour management and music publishing. Career highlights include developing and managing international reggae/pop group Brick & Lace, whose single Love is Wicked spent over 40 weeks on international charts and amassed over 200 million online streams; and the management of the Bloodline writing team whose credits include Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguileira and Nicole Scherzinger. Chez is an integral part of the 21 Entertainment / Chris Smith Management team where he has applied his technical skills in establishing and implementing the company's digital marketing strategies in the development of new artists.
As a person of color, I see the significance and need for having more diversity and representation on the executive level of the Canadian music industry. I have experienced the benefits of having successful mentors like Chris Smith to guide my career and I would like to play my part in developing the new wave of Canadian entertainment managers.
Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson is the co-founder and an artist manager at Subculture Music & Media, an artist management and digital marketing agency, operating in Toronto from the COHO suites hosted within Coalition Music. Since graduating from the Entertainment Business Management program at Metalworks Institute in 2014, Chris has acquired an in-depth familiarity to every aspect of artist management and digital marketing, as it pertains to brands and artists. With his extensive knowledge and industry experience obtained through different roles, including as an event manager, booking agent, digital strategist, and artist manager, Chris’s dedication and work ethic continues to support some of Canada's finest talent, as well as launch some of Canada's top up-and-coming artists.
I am running to be a member of the board because I believe that representation of managers on all levels, experiences, and walks of life within the MMF is important. As a new generation artist manager who identifies as a part of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, I have noticed that often many of our challenges are unintentionally overlooked. I believe that the MMF is positioned to be the ultimate support for all artist managers, and I'm excited to help ensure that true and full representation happens, and that all managers feel supported. I am confident in my ability and availability to contribute as a director, as finding ways to continually improve equality in our profession and industry as well as in the governing bodies that represent us, is a primary motivator for the work that I do every day as an artist manager. In addition, as a digital strategist, I also look forward to sharing my expertise to assist with the growth of the MMF and to further connect us online, with a focus on building community.
Gourmet Délice
Manager, head of Business Development and co-founder/owner of Bonsound : management, labels (Bonsound, Make it Rain, Blow the Fuse), booking, concert promoting, tour logistics and publishing.
Gérant, Directeur au Développement des affaires et co-fondateur/propriétaire chez Bonsound : gérance, maison de disque (Bonsound, Make it Rain, Blow the Fuse), programmation et production de spectacle, diffuseur et éditions.
Roster: Les Louanges, Safia Nolin, Elisapie, Dead Obies, Lisa LeBlanc, Mike Shabb, Tyleen, Marie Davidson & L'oeil nu, Les Deuxluxes, Milk & Bone, Geoffroy, Pierre Kwenders, Les Breastfeeders, P'tit Belliveau, Laurence-Anne, Sophia Bel, Mélissa Laveaux, Beyries.
I have had the honour to sit on the MMF Canada board for 10 years now. It has allowed me to better understand the Canadian music industry landscape and to take an active part in the advocacy and education endeavours that the organization is deeply involved in. Through Bonsound, as a manager, and involved in many other fields (label, booking, publishing and more), I aim to provide a variety of angles or point of views to the board. As a Quebecer, I come with a knowledge of our somehow different industry and through the years I've learned a lot about, and from my peers across the country. Also, MMF Canada has started to provide services and information in French and this is something I would love to see and help grow. It is very important to have different voices around the table and I'd be honoured to continue using mine to represent the Quebec music scene as well as all the other aspects and challenges of the music industry as a whole.
J Best
My focus has always been on developing creators who understand the power of their influence and emerging that understanding in creators that don’t. Throughout my experiences creating youth programming with Carleton University, the Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto, SickKids Foundation, and now Lumenus, music has always been the fundamental teaching and engagement instrument. It can connect people, promote inclusivity, shift perceptions, and inspire individuality while fostering intersectional collaboration. The creation of headinthestars music in 2015 was the culmination of that focus – a music management and brand development company with the heart of a community organization. First, we learn a musician’s approach to growth so we can acknowledge their sensitivities while challenging limitations. Then, we immerse them in inclusive environments with other creatives that actively assist in their development. At headinthestars music, we’re building unique and organic partnerships with creators who trust us to guide their artistry. We're family.
I will be an effective and impactful director with the MMF because my intentions and experiences as a music manager and community developer are instinctively aligned. Through personal experience and working with artists of intersecting identities, I understand the marginalization facing BIPOC and LGBTQ people in music management and the industry. We face the unique challenge of being simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated. Exhausted because we’ve communicated the issues for so long without compassionate reception. Exhilarated because no matter the density of obstacles, our passion and strategic work will undoubtedly inform generational shifts. Many organizations are engaging in conversations about exclusionary practices and ways to address these issues. Measures such as increasing representation, sensitivity training, and resource allocation are appreciated, but often don’t reach the community level, informing sustainable change. I want to help bridge these gaps by inspiring a balanced approach toward a better music industry, within a better world.
Jacynthe Plamondon-Emond
A graduate in film studies, Jacynthe Plamondon-Émond began her career in music videos and quickly moved into the musical field. Working for 15 years in an independent record label also providing management services (Gildor Roy, Kaïn) where she also created an independent digital distribution service directly with all DSPs. In August 2016, she starts her company (InTempo Musique). She’s been a manager and Label Manager or Record Label for various artists since (Pascal Allard, Samuele, Gaële, Geneviève Racette, Ian Kelly, Manon Bédard). She also helps independent artists for strategic services (Jérôme Couture, SNAILS, Sonia Johnson, Alexandre Poulin). She is also a consultant for SOPROQ, Metamusique, MCCQ and giving training in digital promotion for ADISQ, APEM and CQM’s members. She is a member of DDEX and an administrator on Fonds Radio Star’s board.
In our digital age, artists are relying on a growing number of lower revenue streams. Long-term career strategies and a good manager has never been so valuable for a musician to reach his career goals. My expertise in digital distribution and promotion and my work with DIY bilingual independent artists could bring a new point of view on many issues. I believe in increasing awareness on the impact strong management brings to the entire music industry. Being the core of the music business, a strong coalition of managers is the best way to help Canadian artists shine here and on the worldwide market.
Jake Gold
Current MMF Canada President, Jake Gold is one of Canada’s most successful artist managers, and for its 6 season run, a judge on the national television hit Canadian Idol. In 1981, Gold started his artist management company, The Management Trust, through which he is best known for his role in establishing and transforming The Tragically Hip into a national icon. In 2020 Gold reunited with the band to direct their legacy in Canadian music history; he also currently manages the careers of upcoming act “Common Deer,” acclaimed pop rock band "The Pursuit of Happiness," and music producers Moe Berg, Laurence Currie, Dan Hosh, and Russell Broom. Gold has been recognized by the annual Canadian Music Industry Awards as Manager of the Year in 1991, 1993 and 1994. In 2009, Gold was elected to the board of CIMA (CIRPA) and recently has been elected again to Vice‐Chairman for CIMA. Jake is also a board member for the MMF (Music Managers Forum) and is the 2013 MMF Honour Roll Award recipient for his lifetime work in the field of Artist Management.
I'm a 40 year veteran of artist management and a fierce supporter of artists rights. The MMF board is the place where i can be most useful in these causes.
Jeff Beaulieu
Jeff Beaulieu is Montreal’s Hopeful Tragedy Records owner, Upper Room Church Studio co-owner and HTR publishing founder. Since his first client, Your Favorite Enemies band, creation in 2006, influenced by the likes of Ian MacKaye (Fugazi/Dischord) and Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion/Epitaph), Beaulieu based his career and social involvement on a DIY ethos and community values. His vision led YFE, Alex Henry Foster and Sef Lemelin to not only become an international act, a Juno and ADISQ nominees artists and spokespeople for Amnesty International, but also pioneers of online live concert broadcast, direct-to-fan merch and fan club services. His unique interpretation of today’s entertainment business makes him a most appreciated speaker, debater, and mentor.
Being the Vice-Chair of the IMMF, coming a DIY artist background, who has been able to build international careers for several artists, building its own music factory in a Church near Montreal, and having developed expertise in every possible aspects of our industry, I can contribute by bringing a unique perspective to the MMF members. I’ve been a mentor at the SXSW, a speaker on several panels from Australia Big Sound, Warsaw Music Week, Halifax Pop and at the Reeperbahn, I’d love to contribute more at home!
Jeff Smith
I've spent the majority of the last 10 years in music consulting artists, providing a platform for artists to perform, interviewing music executives in the music industry as well as reporting on major music conferences and festivals. I successfully completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Event Marketing at George Brown College. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Marketing from George Brown College; A Bachelors in Entertainment and Events Marketing, and Social Media Marketing from New York University.
I want to be part of the change, I bring a unique insight to the music industry as working with industry leaders Boi-1da and managing up and coming R&B artist Savannah Re and Producer Yogi. I'd love to help shape and contribute to developing the music industry in Canada.
Jermayne Clayton
Jermayne Clayton is President (Management Division) and a driving force of Awesome Productions & Management; an up and coming artist management, label and publishing company. As President, Clayton is responsible for the ever-growing talented roster of electronic/dance artists (Cyril Hahn, Adam K), Hip-Hop/R&B producers (Grammy and Juno nominated Producer Jordon Manswell), and artists (Juno nominated singer and songwriter Jhyve). Claytons love for music is undeniable - a passion that began at a young age. Rhythms from Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye to Bob Marley, continue to run through his Jamaican-Canadian blood inspiring him daily. Dedicated to amplifying Canadian talent, Clayton continues to drive each initiative with more passion than the last. With an artist-first mentality and keen eye, he is focused on building the brands of his roster - in a time where Canadian Music continues to be a shining light in todays' music industry.
My tenure in the music industry allows me to bring a diverse and unique lens to the Music Managers Forum. Moving into my second year on the board, I have learned a vast amount about the needs and objectives of the initiative allowing me to better serve the membership. In addition, my experience working with both young and experienced managers across genres has given me a deeper breadth of knowledge across the industry. I am especially passionate the work we've started in supporting and mentoring young Black and Indigenous managers and self-managed artists. My continued advocacy on this cause resulted in successfully collaborating in the launch of Public Funds – alongside of fellow managers, industry leaders and government officials. Being on the MMF board allows me to assist in advocating for my fellow entrepreneurs in an uncertain time where it is imperative that we act as a beacon for the community. At times we are the last ones to be considered, but we play a crucial role for the overall success in every aspect of entertainment.
Jesse Reid
Jesse has been based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories for over a decade. She has been doing music management int he NWT for over 6 years, but has an eclectic background in communications, art, and the food industry. As a music manager, Jesse strives to help musicians and artists build sustainable music careers while working in their own communities. She believes strongly that information sharing and creating bridges of communication between communities will serve to build a stronger music industry.
I would like to see more representations from Canada’s North in the Canadian Music Industry. If i am elected to the board, I would work on increasing exposure of the Music Managers Forum in the North. I would additionally appreciate the opportunity to bring a northern perspective to national discussions relating to the Industry, highlighting unique concerns, challenges, promotional quirks, and opportunities that exist in the the Canada’s North. Practically speaking, my background in communications means that I bring a very useful skill set as a board member: Event management, writing, project planning, web design, PR, etc.
Joash Almeda
Joash's mission is to connect artists to their potential, and their art to its audiences. While studying for his Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music (University of the West of Scotland), and Honours Diploma in Arts Management (Harris Institute), he took particular interest in the often under-looked new barriers facing independent artists, as well as the vast opportunities provided by technology. In lieu of this, as the founder of Babylung Productions, artist manager of Almeda & Co, and contributor writer for The Ave Media's music business section, he resolved to helping artists connect with their audience while creating sustainable careers. Recent accomplishments include the highly regarded 2019 MusiCounts Scholarship and mentorship week (associated with the Juno Awards) which recognized his achievements to date and future promise, as well as the 2019 Harris International Program full scholarship which funded his Bachelors degree at the University of the West of Scotland.
I want to run for board so that I can voice the concerns of young professionals like myself. As a recent graduate, and music business professional entering a volatile market, I understand the issues that graduates entering the market are facing. Many of my peers who hoped to work at firms are out of opportunity, and are thrusted into entrepreneurial pursuits as freelancers. As someone who lives and experiences the collective concerns of the next generation of the industry, I bring a unique perspective on the needs of the future of our industry. If the talents of recent graduates and aspiring industry workers are not nurtured, there is no future for our industry. With my background in music research practice, and artist-entrepreneurship, I hope to bring actionable ideas to life that addresses the specific barriers managers and artist-entrepreneurs are facing in the post-pandemic, digital world.
José Bertrand
Creative and fueled by his keen interest in music and the art of its management, José began his career as a musician. Having studied jazz performance at the University of Montreal, with certificates in cultural industries management (École du Showbusiness, Montreal) and in project management (PMP) from the Project Management Institute, he now has more than twenty years of experience in the field. Currently President of Alliance national de l'industrie musicale (ANIM), it was in 2010 that he created the Groupe JKB which offers Artist Management, Booking Agency as well as event management. Its services are offered mainly to artists and clients from official language minority communities (OLMCs) in order to provide its clientele with "local" representation knowing the components of a market such as French Canada in a minority environment. José has also recently taken the management of Digging Roots.
As President of ANIM, I have an accurate lense on the music industry for francophone outside Québec that could make my candidacy appealing to this board. Similar to the CIMA, ANIM is an advocacy leader, representing the national-interests of the Francophone music industry from official language minority communities (OLMCs). Understanding all pockets of this wide and multifaceted nation is cardinal for its growth. Furthermore, being Manager for a noteworthy indigenous act brings another peculiarity which could make my profile an advantageous asset to this organisation. Having served on different boards (VP and Treasurer) and currently presiding one and having seen the evolution of the Canadian MMF chapter over the past 5 years has given me the fire required to help advancing our role within the ecosystem. Advocacy for our role within this evolving environment as well as strengthen it is necessary to ensure its viability. These are my intentions as a potential board member.
Katrina Lopes
Katrina is the president of KL Management, whose roster includes platinum selling, Juno Award winning artist/producer Shawn Desman, soul artist/film composer/Sephora collaborator TiKA, soul singer/TedX speaker Danielle Ponder, and pop singer/songwriter Kayla Diamond. Her clients have toured with Backstreet Boys, Selena Gomez, opened for NAO, John Legend, Nas, SWV & performed alongside Sir Elton John. Together with her clients KL has garnered accolades including MMVA Video of the Year, SOCAN #1 Award, SOCAN Pop Song of the Year, and numerous platinum and gold singles. She executive produced the film "ALIVE", the cornerstone of an innovative campaign to promote Desman's album, winning “Outstanding Short Film” ReelWorld Film Awards, Canadian Screen Award nominations for “Best Youth Program/Series” and “Best Direction in Youth Program/Series”. KL also serves on the board for Manifesto, a youth arts organization, and is an innovator w/ Keychange, a global network working towards a total restructure of the music industry in reaching full gender equality.
The life of an artist manager can be an isolating journey which is why I am so passionate about being a part of MMF! It fosters a community where managers can share knowledge, experiences, opportunities, and provide overall support to each another. I’d be thrilled to participate and contribute via the board as it continues to provide managers with professional development opportunities, supports managers in nurturing their mental wellness, and in expanding the network to reflect a more racially diverse and gender balanced community. I have a passion for connecting people and would love to be a part of building capacity among emerging managers and a fostering a stronger connection amongst managers overall.
Keely Kemp
In 2018, Keely began working with Juno-winning artist iskwē, first as a business and financing strategist and then as Artist Manager in 2019. She recently began managing ANIIML/Lila Rose, a Canadian artist based in LA, and is in talks with one other artist. Artist management has become a passion for Keely, she’s good at it and it turns out all her years in various areas of the music industry have culminated in the role of artist manager. The management division will be built out in 2020 under the new name Bijou Artist Management. The chosen name reflects the beauty, elegance and unique qualities of the artists on the roster and the great art that they create and share with the world. Musically, the artists on Bijou inhabit the realm beyond the mainstream, where adventures take place, in life, music and art. Keely and the artists on the roster are mission oriented, knowing that we can make the world better through music.
Keely is also the Founder and President of CultureCap, a business services company for the creative industries with a focus on the music sector that provides business and strategic planning, funding strategy and development, and financing. Keely and her team actively support client's from the non-profit sector in board development & governance, diversity and inclusion practices, and facilitated strategic planning sessions. She is a well-connected cultural industries veteran and industry development strategist astute at bringing together the right kind of expertise for every project. Since 2013, Keely has been drawing together leading creative and business professionals who share in her commitment to “building a vibrant and profitable cultural sector.”
Prior to opening CultureCap in 2013, Keely served as the Program Consultant - Music at OMDC (now Ontario Creates) for 12 years.
Keely is the Co-Founder of the successful Across the Board 50/50 by 2020 movement to pursue gender parity on boards in the Canadian music industry.
Keely has taken board training and governance courses, and is an experienced board director, having held Co-Chair and Executive Vice-President roles on other boards.
First of all, I would like to acknowledge and thank the current MMF Board for their commitment and ongoing advocacy efforts in representing Artist Managers’ interests during the past seven months. Navigating the uncharted territories of this crisis has been challenging and you’ve done an excellent job at both representing our interests at the various levels of government and funding stakeholders, and as well, providing opportunities for the community to be connected to one another and to share our stories, concerns and fears, to learn from one another and experts in the various fields. Thank you.
As a board member, I would contribute to this work and bring to the table my broader expertise in business and strategic planning, board strategy and governance, government policy and funding. My time as an artist manager has deepened my already extensive knowledge of the music industry. I see the gaps from 30,000 feet and from the weeds. There are plenty of areas of concern for artists and artist managers and as a board member of the MMF, I will focus on being solution oriented, and helping to achieve the strategic goals of the organization.
I operate in life and business from a collaborative, respectful, purposeful position. I believe that this is the only way to make effective, long-lasting change.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully, Keely Kemp
Laurie Brown
Laurie Brown is an artist manager with Porch Swing Entertainment, an artist management company whose roster includes multi award-winning, triple JUNO nominated singer-songwriter Don Amero, charming folk duo Flint & Feather, and Celtic Americana duo The Doll Sisters. Porch Swing also offers artist management consulting, career planning, grant writing/coaching and project management, and workshops on grant writing and DIY management. With a degree in Artist Management from Berklee College of Music, and as an alumni of Canada's Music Incubator's Artist Manager Program, Laurie brings a wealth of industry knowledge, funding and showcasing experience, and organizational skills to the table. Laurie is a member of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), Western Canadian Music Association (WCMA), Alberta Music, Music Managers Forum (MMF) where she currently sits on the Board of Directors, and Country Music Alberta where she does double duty as the Executive Director of the organization.
Throughout my career, I have been privileged to manage artists at all levels and have been instrumental in the strategic career development of Don Amero who is on the cusp of breaking into the upper echelon of country music in Canada. I bring many years of board experience to the table including 3 years on the board of Country Music Alberta, where I stepped down from the Board in 2019 to accept the appointment of Executive Director. Throughout my journey I have had both good and bad experiences and I have learned from each and every one. I believe that all of these experiences combined would make me a good candidate for this position. I am a helper a heart and would welcome the opportunity to return, continue to learn, and serve on the Board of MMF for another year.
Leela Gilday
If you’re from the North, Leela Gilday’s music is home. If you’ve never been, it will take you there. Born and raised in Denendeh, she writes about the people and the land that created her. The power in her voice conveys the depth of love and life in a rugged environment and vibrant culture. This Juno Award-winner has toured extensively both nationally and internationally. She believes music has an inexplicable effect on people- a place where she can share light, dark and the most vulnerable moments. Her recent album North Star Calling is a raw, intimate, and beautifully revealing journey.
I believe that diverse representation is incredibly important. As a self-managed artist from the Dene nation with a 25 year career I have a unique voice in the industry. I would love to share my perspectives on Indigenous music and rural, northern communities with the board. I am also eager to learn about new directions and opportunities that I can share with my community. Finally, being on the board would provide further connectivity during this time of isolation, and assist in strengthening my own arts community here in the north, as well as being a stronger voice within the framework of our larger music community.
Lisa La Rocca
Lisa La Rocca is currently Director of Operations at Hamilton independent record label Sonic Unyon Records, with over 10 years experience in the music industry, including signing her first management client to the company in 2019. Lisa serves as a board member of the Hamilton-Halton-Brant Regional Tourism Association, the Downtown Hamilton BIA, and is a member of the Hamilton Arts Advisory Commission, and Hamilton’s Music Advisory Team. She was recently selected as the Music Industry Sector Representative for the City of Hamilton's Mayor's Taskforce for Economic Recovery. She is also a part-time PhD student in the Communication and Culture program at York University, focussing on Popular Music Studies.
Relatively new to the artist management side of the music business, I entered this role with a decade of diverse music industry experience in grant writing, label relations and live event organization, and a strong educational foundation, currently pursuing a PhD with a focus in Popular Music Studies. I believe this background, alongside my experience as a director on various municipal, non-profit, and arts organization boards, makes me a great candidate for the Music Manager's Forum Canada Board. As a young professional in the music industry, I feel that my drive to succeed as an artist manager will be an asset to this group and provide a unique perspective to the MMF's work.
Matt Maw
From Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Matt is an artist manager now based downtown Toronto. Matt brings over 10 years of multi-faceted music industry experience to his role leading Red Music Rising, along with a passion for artist development and a mission to amplify Canada’s Indigenous artists on the global stage. Throughout his career, Matt has worked with some of Canada’s most celebrated artists, Indigenous and otherwise, including Tanya Tagaq, The Jerry Cans, Riit, Jeremy Dutcher, Broken Social Scene and BANNERS, among others. An honours graduate of the Harris Institute for the Arts, Matt has previously worked alongside organizations including Arts & Crafts Productions, Six Shooter Records and New Constellations.
Throughout my career I’ve worked in two worlds simultaneously, with one foot in the mainstream Canadian music industry and another in the Indigenous music community. My goal with RMR is to bridge those worlds and bring the resources and infrastructure of the Canadian music industry-at-large to artists, industry and communities who may not have historically had access to the systems afforded to their non-Indigenous counterparts.
My vision, other than helping to facilitate incredible art, is to dispel the idea in Canada that “Indigenous” is a genre. I’m here to uplift and amplify Our world-class artists and industry members who are shaking up the status quo.
I will bring a fresh perspective to the board, as a queer, Indigenous artist manager and organization leader. Indigenous representation is vital; this has become abundantly clear as we’ve witnessed the recent Indigenous artistic “renaissance”. Industry representation is as significant, for both the Canadian industry itself, but also for the Indigenous arts community at-large.
Melissa MacMaster
What an artist needs to truly succeed is a champion, a dedicated team who knows the artist beyond the music, and believes in their journey wholeheartedly. Melissa MacMaster founded 902HipHop, an artist management company, in 2016. MacMaster began her career in business management while working in Atlantic Canada's entrepreneurial ecosystem and start-up community. Transferring her high-caliber skillset to the music industry, she successfully launched 902HipHop home to Halifax hip-hop artists Quake Matthews, Kayo, MAJE, PsycThaPrince and producer Matty Galaxy. Using her expertise, she has been able to foster and support talent through pinpointing the specific needs of each artist she works with. Her primary focus has always been to create one-of-a-kind opportunities, nationally and internationally, to ensure that each artist she works with maximizes their full potential.
902HipHop is one of the only management companies on the East Coast that focuses on the representation of hip-hop, rap, and R&B artists and producers. I would be a great director because I will bring an East Coast voice to the table. By sharing our experiences, insights and best practices on the challenges and opportunities that aspiring and established managers face in regards to their business operations and the development of their artists careers. To help ensure that MMF Canada's workshops, seminars and online resources support the needs of managers on the East Coast. With an office in Halifax as well as Atlanta I can add value by providing educational and networking opportunities between members and key industry executives.
Mira Silvers
Over the past decade, Mira Silvers has worn many hats in the music industry: artist manager, agent, creative, publicist, journalist, festival talent buyer, and tour manager.
At FORT Entertainment, she reps an eclectic range of both Canadian and American musicians. Her artist clients have toured N. America & Europe with artists like: Kelela, Rejjie Snow, Masego, Solange, Danny Brown, Sango, Kelela, Snoop Dogg, & more. She has had the pleasure of collaborating with international clients at TDE, Grammys, Red Bull Music, NYLON, Highsnobiety, SSENSE, Adidas, Balmain, Tidal, FADER, Teflar, Kitsuné, Vans, Nike and the defunct Red Bull Music Academy, to name a few.
In Fall 2019, after wrapping up her first COLORS session and a music collaboration with Audi’s global team, she dove straight into JPEGMAFIA’s North American tour w/ her client Butch Dawson secured as support for the entire run. Earlier in 2019, she secured a direct support slot for her client, Tennessee-based rapper, bbymutha, on Earl Sweatshirt’s North American tour, and for her other client, she secured a direct support slot on Kali Uchi’s x Jorja Smith’s joint North American run.
Her Canadian clients are equally impressive: For the 2020 Polaris Music Prize, two of Mira’s artists received recognition by the prize. Backxwash, an emerging rapper taking Canada and the US by storm, received a shortlist nomination, and OBUXUM, a Somali-Canadian electro producer received a longlist nomination. Syv de Blare, a Montrealer living in NYC, is signed to 4AD’s imprint ‘b4’ working on an explosive campaign for her debut EP.
You can hear more about the start of Mira’s career and trajectory here on Women in Music UK podcast Bitesize Bodacious Babes’ Episode 26. http://www.bbbpodcast.xyz/episodes.html
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised around the world, I have happily worked and thrived as an outlier by carving out spaces for myself and for my artists. My career has seen a steep trajectory as it has been deeply intertwined with the rise of Black music, a culture in which I am humbled to be a guest.
As an outlier, I am passionately driven by innovation, bringing new and diverse perspectives and solutions to the table. I pride myself on using my work to carve out spaces for others and using these platforms to make room for different voices to be heard.
I work hard to ensure fair and ethical practices in my business and artist management. My priority has always been to give artists the time and space to create, ensuring that they develop beyond any norms and boundaries. Moving forward, I want to use the skills I have developed whilst working within the Canadian and US music industries, to help the development of a new generation of artist managers.
In Canada, we are losing our top-notch artist managers and artists to the US. Emerging artists are looking to the blueprints and success of artists like Drake, The Weeknd, Jazz Cartier, Jessie Reyez, Alessia Cara, and Kaytranada -- who found success outside of Canadian borders. Canada is in a unique position to use this opportunity to build an innovative platform to champion Black/Brown artists and artist managers. We have hometown heroes with incredible talent and potential. I would love the chance to work with other MMF board members to harness and unleash that potential.
Nastonshia George
Nastonshia George aka Empress Nas is an artist manager, promoter, event planner, booking agent, producer, writer, studio owner, music label owner and is employed with the Ministry of the Attorney General. In 2015, with a business partner at the time, she started Cut and Clear Music Productions, which has since evolved to Cut & Clear Music Productions Inc. Empress Nas has produced two albums in the last three years (Cut & Clear Riddim and Lyrically International), which featured artists from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Toronto, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Empress Nas has showcased many artists at events across Toronto as an event planner and promoter. She is featured twice in the Reggae Xclusive Magazine, as well as the 2020 calendar. She is currently artist manager to 2020 Juno Nominee Petraa. As an artist manager, Empress Nas finalizes deals between her artists and producers and is responsible for administrative documentation including Socan Applications, Factor registrations, grant writing, etc.
As an MMF Canada director, Empress Nas would educate and advocate for fellow artist managers and their artists. As CEO of Cut & Clear Music Productions Inc., Empress Nas aims to showcase local and international artists who aspire to be great in their art, no matter the genre. Empress Nas utilizes her platform to raise awareness of events, artists, music, businesses, and opportunities in the community. Becoming an MMF Canada director would greatly aid Empress Nas and her community in this effort.
RoseAnna Schick
RoseAnna Schick is an artist manager, publicist, published writer, and award-winning entrepreneur who specializes in music and motion pictures. Since 1995 she has worked with dozens of musicians, more than 70 special events (including JUNOs, Interstellar Rodeo, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Dauphin’s Countryfest, Western Canadian Music Awards), and over 90 film and television projects.
RoseAnna is most passionate about guiding the careers of roots-rockers Adrian Sutherland & Midnight Shine. In addition to handling all business, logistics, and marketing, she produced five music videos – with Adrian Sutherland’s Politician Man winning Best Performance Arts & Entertainment at 2020 Yorkton Film Festival. She was nominated Outstanding Manager at 2001 Prairie Music Awards for her impressive progress with Pushing Daisies, and earned three music video nods for hit song Disagree.
In film… RoseAnna specializes in unit and launch publicity, EPK production, media relations, and digital marketing. She is an experienced field producer and production coordinator, and scriptwriter for commercial projects.
RoseAnna was honoured to be named a Woman of Distinction in 2011, and nominated 2007 Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. A lifelong writer, RoseAnna’s work was nominated for 2013 Professional Writers Association of Canada Awards, and garnered a 2018 Outdoor Media Summit Award.
I would like to run for the MMF Canada Board because I love the music industry, and feel like I have knowledge and skills to offer – particularly in the area of artist management. I’ve been fortunate for an exciting and successful career in the entertainment industries spanning 25 years, as a publicist, promotions person, digital marketer, administrator, coordinator, project manager, producer, consultant, and strategist. Out of everything I have done, artist management is my absolute favourite.
I have been a quiet trailblazer in community development in Manitoba and Western Canada, having co-lead the Manitoba Audio Recording Industry Association through its relaunch into Manitoba Music (and hiring Sam Baardman, the organization’s first Executive Director). I’m a founding member of the Prairie Music Alliance, known today as the Western Canadian Music Alliance. On the film side, I was the Executive Director of the Manitoba Motion Picture Industry Association (predecessor to On Screen Manitoba) for three years (2002-2005), and on its Board for six years (2012-2018).
I would make a good director because I am passionate about giving back, and driven to want to continue developing and strengthening our artistic industries.
Sarah Osgoode
Sarah Osgoode is an established music professional with a demonstrated history of success in the entertainment industry. She is a skilled Artist Manager, with over 20 years of experience working with both developing and established artists. Sarah is currently Director, Artist Management at eOne Music. eOne Management is home to Powfu, Arkells, Lights, KahLo, DCF, Harrison, among others.
Previous to working at eOne, Sarah was a Director at Bernie Breen Management where she worked with The Tragically Hip, Matthew Good, Headstones, Big Wreck and more.
Sarah has a deep understanding of all aspects of her artists’ careers and business, leading them in areas of Music Business Finance and Administration, Tour/Production Management, Artist Merchandise Development, Record Label Relations, Music Licensing, and Music Publishing. In her career, she has created and maintained over 25 artist and artist-related companies.
At eOne Music since 2017, Sarah has brought her strength in repertoire administration, touring and merchandise to all artists across the roster with a heavy focus on Canadian top-rockers Arkells, and Juno award-winning Lights. Most recently she has become a co-manager for Columbia Record’s recording artist, Powfu. She, like all artist managers, is charged with finding and generating unique opportunities that showcase the artist’s growing ambitions in an ever-changing music climate.
Sarah was recently a recipient of the Music Manager Forum’s 2019 Banner Year Award along with Arkells, Ashley Poitevin and Chris Taylor.
I have been an artist manager for over 25 years and for most of that time have been a member of the MMF. I have seen the organization succeed, and I have also wished I had been more involved to help make things better, to BE better. I think the MMF is an important association that makes us all better. I am at a point in my career where I want to commit more actively to improve the landscape for artists, and for my chosen profession. I would welcome the opportunity to be on the Board of Directors of the MMF.
Sherry Sinclaire
Sherry Sinclaire has been working in the Canadian music and entertainment industry for over 25 years, with more than a decade focusing on digital content. For the past four years she has been operating and running her own company, Sinclaire Creative Solutions. Sherry manages Juno Award winner Catherine MacLellan.
Previously working at companies like Bell Media, TELUS, Virgin Records, MCA/Universal Concerts (now Live Nation) and TicketMaster has allowed her to develop relationships throughout the recording, concert, radio, press, television, film, and telecom industries. Sherry's skills in partner management, marketing, promotions, event management, digital content and business strategy; gives her the rare advantage of understanding how the industry works with content partners, product development, legal, and government regulatory bodies. Sherry is passionate about helping independent and developing artists who often benefit from her previous work with global acts such as Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Janet Jackson and top television brands like HBO Canada, CTV, TSN, Space and Much.
In recent years, the business of music has changed drastically yet many of the music management support systems remain rooted in the past. To move forward, secure the tools we all need and ensure goals are achieved, it is essential to be able to work with regulatory, legal and creative teams in government and large company settings, as well as, with independent teams. I have done this in my career. I believe my experience sitting on the board of Music BC (including as President) and my work experience in the music and entertainment world - especially with digital rights, the live music sector, marketing and promotion - can help create innovative ideas and supportive solutions for the management needs of today.
suzie cawthorne
I am manager for RON WARREN GANDERTON SOUND CEREMONY BAND . I use HARD TO HANDLE MANAGEMENT for most of our dealings. I have been working with several international artists as a consultant.Craig Ingham(UK) Keith Turner (US+Uk) mostly with Rons Canadian promotions. I have a very up to date working knowledge of industry past and present. I have used my skills to enhance my clients public image into international artist pages . I have managed the recording ,distribution or rereleases and new cd,records for SOUND CEREMONY. I will be an asset to mmfcanada board. I have served on and chaired many public boards in past . I am a no nonsense get on with solving and creating positive situations for my clients.
I will make a good board member for many reasons. I am informed. I am available. My skills as a former board member on various public local boards has been productive and positive. I would like to involve my self with helping make positive national and international experiences for Canadian musicians and the folks who work with trying to further Canadian and international music standards. KEEP MUSIC LIVE IS MY GOAL, AS WELL AS KEEP MUSICIANS WITH FOOD ON THE TABLE.
Tane Lorenia Uribarren
Music runs in my blood and is what I am most passionate about. My dad was a musician who recorded a couple of LPs, and I grew up in the middle of it. I wanted to pursue a music career on my own, but my parents encouraged me to focus on business, so I did for a long time. During that time, I would also help musician friends with branding, tour managing, event coordination related activities. I have taken many music management courses. I am currently full time managing the career of an artist.
I want to run because I have a lot of new ideas to bring the Forum to a new level and help enhance the careers of all involved. My personality and leadership styles, along with my cross functional business experience and international perspective, having lived in 5 different countries, will make an ideal director.