MMF Canada Online: Transcending Boundaries - Exploring the Experiences of Trans Artists and Industry in Music
WEDNESDAY APRIL 3, 2024 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm ET
(via Zoom)
Join us for this panel discussion sharing and exploring the experiences of trans artists and industry in the music industry.
TICKETS:
Registration is free.
MMF Canada welcomes the attendance of non-members.
SPEAKERS:
Saskhia Menendez (she/her) - Equality and Diversity Researcher & Activist
Saskhia Menendez's story is one of breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and championing diversity in the music industry. Celebrated for her innovative contributions as an Innovator at Keychange and a Previous Board Member at The F List Music. With over a decade of experience, Saskhia is a LiVE Diversity Expert Panel Member, passionately advocating for improved representation, equity, and inclusion.
As a multi-racial trans woman who transitioned 14 years ago, Saskhia brings a unique perspective to her advocacy efforts, tirelessly working to reshape the music industry landscape. In addition to her impactful work, Saskhia is a devoted parent of two children and is currently in the process of creating brand-new tracks set for release in 2024. Her commitment to academic excellence is evident as she prepares to undertake a PhD in gender equality in music, with a primary focus on trans and non-binary inclusion. She recently completed her MA in Music Marketing in 2021, building upon a musical education that began at the age of 8. She is also the host for the awesome podcast, Music Industry Insights Worldwide, voting member for the Brit Awards and Roll of honour inductee Women in Music, Agent of Change 2024 nominee and Inspirational global diversity role model 2023.
T. Thomason (he/him) - Artist
T. Thomason has captured audiences with high energy, emotional indie pop performances in Canada & beyond since his teenage years. A passionate advocate for queer/trans rights, T. aims to create life affirming, joyful experiences for his community (& everyone else) through music. He approaches songwriting as a commitment to “Say tough things tenderly,” a practice revealing an impressive depth of wisdom, clarity & courage in the young artist. Collaborating with Sarah McLachlan, opening for Carly Rae Jepsen, & touring with Collective Soul are only some highlights of T.’s exciting career to date. Recently signed with Six Shooter Records, 2024 promises to usher in T.’s best work yet.
Satch Satchell (he/him) - Songwriter
Small town born and fled, Joshua ‘SATCH’ Satchell migrated to Brighton to pursue his songwriting career, eventually forming and fronting the band ‘‘Frankie Furlow’, with long time collaborator Will Nash. The project enjoyed early success and performed at major festivals such as Glastonbury, The Great Escape and Reeperbahn and at venues across the UK and Europe, but something was missing.
After coming out as Trans, his voice breaking and the lowering of the keys of many songs, it was time to write some new ones.
With lyrical candor, genre-queer pop arrangements, and a band of talented friends alongside him, SATCH began sharing his story at Pride festivals all over the country, including headlining the first ever trans led stage at Pride in London.
Simultaneously, the devout songsmith was inspired to help others to tell their stories, and started co-writing with artists and producers around the globe, while also interviewing various trans voices on his esteemed podcast ‘Satch and Leo’s Transmission’.
His ground-breaking, autobiographical debut album “Present In The Post'' was released in October 2023. Launched to a packed out Phoenix arts club in London, one music journalist remarked ‘Satch is one of the most impressive new songwriters of this year. He speaks from the heart and stands out from the crowd’.
Sonically connecting with the marginalized, SATCH isn’t a project aiming to change the music industry. SATCH is a project aiming to change the world.
Laura Nagtegaal (she/her) - Tour, Stage & Merch Manager, Guitar & Keys Technician
Laura Nagtegaal is a self-employed tour & stage manager, guitar & keys technician, and merchandise manager with 25+ years experience across the globe. From intimate single digit audiences to headlining in front of 100k+ audiences, Nagtegaal specialises in providing the much-needed safety net for the artist.
SESSION ACCESS
The event will take place online via Zoom. The access link will be emailed to you after registration.