Free Salon, Requires Registration | Sep 8, 6-8 PM | Daniel’s Spectrum, Toronto
All Ages | Accessible Venue
Co-presented by Polaris Music Prize and the Music Managers Forum Canada (MMF), De-Mystifying Polaris is a Polaris Salon and panel discussion that uncovers the mysteries of Polaris, including topics like the new Polaris Song Prize, an exciting new initiative being announced at the 2025 Concert & Award Ceremony at Massey Hall, how Polaris jurors and grand jurors make their selections, and most importantly, how to get your art or artist in front of Polaris Jurors.
Speakers include an introduction by MMF Executive Director, Amie Therrien, host and MMF Outreach Director, Gabrielle Rubaine, and speakers including Polaris’ Communications Manager, Aaron Brophy, Artist Manager and CEO at MCMXVI, Carlos Pineda, and Polaris Juror and Music Supervisor at PIRATE SOUND, Danica Bansie.
In celebration of 20 years of Polaris Music Prize, the Polaris Festival presented by Sirius XM Canada is happening throughout September with over 15 events like Salons, Concerts, Listening Sessions, and our Concert & Award Ceremony at Massey Hall. Browse Festival events here.
SPEAKERS
Gabrielle Rubaine Salon Host, MMF Canada Outreach Director
Gabrielle is an agent of change. As an artist who opened for acts like Mos Def & Snoop Dog, she still found support lacking for Black female hip-hop artists. This was a catalyst for embarking on a career path on the business side of the industry. She’s taken on artist development roles, acted as Marketing Director of #BigTicket – a curated monthly showcasing hip-hop acts and worked at FACTOR in a variety of roles all focusing on outreach and diversity – implementing initiatives that continue to this day. She runs Rubaine Consulting, a strategic marketing and event production company, which founded INT’L Women’s Day Music Summit for creators in the hip-hop, R&B, reggae, and Indigenous music genres, providing a safe space, educational programming and showcasing opportunities for marginalized communities. Gab received the 2018 “Women in Media” International Women’s Achiever Award for curating the online radio show, “Queens of the Game” (2014-2017). Currently, she is Outreach Director for MMF Canada and co-founder of Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurial Society Hub.
Carlos Pineda, Panellist, Artist Manager and CEO at MCMXVI
Carlos Pineda is a Latino-Canadian entrepreneur and seasoned executive in the music and entertainment industries. As Founder and CEO of MCMXVI Inc., Carlos leads a boutique management company that develops and manages artists, producers, songwriters and creative talent. He worked with Kardinal Offishall for a decade and currently manages acclaimed artists and producers including Haviah Mighty, John Fellner, KTOE, BEDRM, Baby Linda and Notifi. He was named a 2025 Billboard Canada “Manager to Watch” and serves on the board of the Unison Fund. Carlos has helped shape the careers of both emerging and established talent across North America.
Danica Bansie, Panellist, Polaris Juror, and Music Supervisor at PIRATE SOUND
Danica is a music supervisor at PIRATE SOUND, a full-service audio house based in Toronto. With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Danica is a former music photographer, writer, and marketer. With a foundation in media & communications, English literature, and film, Danica brings her love of culture and storytelling to all of the projects she works on, whether that be commercial, film or TV. Exceeding the scope of music supervision, Danica is passionate about the sweet spot where underground DIY music meets the music business at large. She aims to champion the indie and underrepresented musicians in any way she can. Danica is a proud juror for the Polaris Music Prize and a member of the Guild of Music Supervisors Canada.
Aaron Brophy, Panellist, Polaris Music Prize Communications Manager
Aaron Brophy is the Communications Manager at the Polaris Music Prize, a position he has held since February 2012. In this role he’s in frequent contact with artists, labels and various members of the music industry. He also manages the day-to-day activities of approximately 200 Polaris jurors from across Canada and was a member of the first-ever Polaris Grand Jury in 2006. Aaron is a media veteran who has previously worked for outlets such as Chart Magazine, AOL Spinner and George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight as well as having pieces appear in publications such as Maclean’s, CBC Music, Noisey, SOCAN Words & Music, and AUX TV. Aaron’s extensive experience in the music industry and journalism has made him a valuable asset to the Polaris Music Prize.
De-mystifying Polaris is organized by Polaris Music Prize and Music Managers Forum, with support from the Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurial Society Hub (FLESH). The event is part of the Polaris Music Prize Festival presented by SiriusXM Canada. CBC presents the 2025 Polaris Music Prize. This project is funded in part by FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s private radio broadcasters. It is supported by SiriusXM Canada, Ontario Creates, the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, and the Slaight Family Foundation.