Meet the 2022 Board Nominees
It’s that time of year - MMF Canada Board Elections!
We value and respect diverse points of view and are committed to being an organization that has a place for everyone across Canada working in music management. The board represents the membership and the management community and sets the direction of the organization and needs to reflect a diversity of voices and viewpoints.
As a national organization, representation from across the country is important, as well as people working in different genres, from all levels of experience, and from different backgrounds - including folks who have been historically and systemically excluded from these spaces. We also seek to have both managers and self-managed artists voices represented.
MMF Canada members will receive an email with their personal voting link on September 6, 2022.
NOTE: You need have an active Single or Company membership in order to vote. The Company membership voting link is emailed to the person who purchased the membership. Associate subscriptions do not have voting privileges.
Click here to become a member and have your say in the 2022 Board Election. If you have an Associate subscription and wish to upgrade to a Single or Company membership, please contact amie@mmfcanada.ca. The fee will be pro-rated for the rest of your subscription.
Learn about the current board. Eight seats are up for election this year with four nominees elected to three-year terms and four nominees elected to two-year terms. Current directors Helen Britton, Liam Killeen, Michael Gorman, and Savannah Wellman are returning for the final year of their current terms.
We are excited to announce the nominees and are grateful to this wonderful people on this list who have stepped forward to run for a seat on the 2022/2023 MMF Canada board! Read about them below listing in alphabetic order by first name.
2022 Nominees
Angela Saini
BIO: Prairie-raised, Toronto-based artist Angela Saini is all about second chances and empowering others. A 2020 Independent Music Award Finalist for “Best Alt Country” and a 2017 Toronto Independent Music Award winner, she uplifts and inspires audiences with sing-a longs and storytelling about courage and finding joy in surprising places.
A self-managed artist since her solo career launch in 2012, she has several Canadian tours under her belt as well as treks across Germany, England and The Netherlands. The positive and upbeat songstress has been called “massively talented” by BBC Radio, and heard on CBC Radio, Stingray, and Sirius XM across North America. Her ability to combine life-affirming and honest themes laden with catchy hooks and memorable melodies make her uplifting as well as entertaining. She is most known for her sunshine-soaked song “Living on the Bright Side,” and has performed for festivals in Canada such as Home County in London, and The Philadelphia Folk Festival.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: As a long-time self- managed artist, I am energized to bring the perspective of an independent artist to the board. I sincerely feel I can be of service and also give back for all of the years I have learned and grown from this organization. There are many self-represented artist entrepreneurs like me in the music industry, and as a director, I am confident I can help represent this aspect.
Anthony Carew
BIO: Charity events with Free the Children and Make a Wish Foundation were Anthony’s first ventures into event production and promotion. Then while completing an interdisciplinary degree, music journalism presented itself as an opportunity. This provided first a look into the industry and how the various facets came together.
Teaching artists how to go from early formation to attaining professional showcases, award nominations, international guest features, and grants is a true passion. In addition to securing over $150,000 in funding, producing and moderating a virtual songwriters circle featuring Lu Kala (pop), Anabelle Iratni (Cradle of Filth/metal), Mallory Johnson (country), and Ana Luísa Ramos (Brazilian world music), as well as a hip-hop professional development webinar with Eva Shaw and Shad have been highlights of his work thus far.
Since 2021 Anthony has been split between Halifax (NS) and St. John’s (NL) as the East Coast Music Association’s Membership & Special Projects Manager.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: Getting to work across genres and disciplines within the music industry is incredibly rewarding. Participating on the MMF Canada Board of Directors is a chance to continue to help strengthen the Canadian music industry by sharing what I have learned through Berklee classes and practical experience. Under my guidance members of the Atlantic Canadian industry have been awarded grants for touring, professional development (out-of-province and virtual), special events, and artist development.
As the Membership & Special Projects Manager for the ECMAs, as well as my previous role as Outreach & Events Coordinator with MusicNL, I have an understanding of how board governed organizations work. The effort board members put in is evident in our meetings and their feedback on proposals. I would be happy to be a part of any two of the committees but I do have a particular interest in the Membership Relations Committee, Governance Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee.
Brett Santacona
BIO: Brett Santacona is an artist manager, and musician from Whitby, Ontario. Since starting off in the music industry in 2015, Brett has worked hands-on alongside several independent artists to refine their sound, and develop their careers.
In 2021, Brett launched his label services company Shop Class with the goal to equip artists with the right tools to grow. Brett’s management roster currently consists of Talking Violet, and KOZEN, while actively consulting with several independent artists.
Brett has worked extensively in the live events industry, working for several major festivals, events, and venues within Canada including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Budweiser Stage, Rogers Centre, TIFF, 2015 Pam Am Games, Wayhome Music & Arts Festival, Canadian Music Week, and the Rogers Cup.
As a musician himself, Brett has had the pleasure to work, and perform with several Grammy, and JUNO award winning artists including Larnell Lewis (Snarky Puppy), Erick “Jesus” Coomes (Lettuce), Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, and Crown Lands.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: I will be an effective candidate for the MMF Canada board, because I will approach this opportunity like songwriting. Millions of songs have been written over the years using the same seven chords. However if you deviate away from the structure you only create noise, and not music.
My goal is to equip you with the right tools to grow. That philosophy has empowered my independent artists to embrace out of the box solutions, foster strong supportive communities, and challenge them to reach new heights with their music. This approach has empowered me built a passionate career both as a young artist manager and on the live front, working in Canada’s biggest venues.
I know I can serve the community effectively and give MMF members the right tools to grow their careers. I am here to help you create music, and not noise.
Buk Nkosi
BIO: Buk Nkosi is a lifelong music enthusiast who has been managing artists for 6 years and co-founded two companies prior to starting Chaos Club Digital, which has won him awards such as 25 under 25 and small business of the year. Since beginning to manage artists his roster and previous clients have amassed over 100 million streams. Buk identified an opportunity to make an ecosystem suited to the evolving music industry by incorporating technology and combining it with innovative branding strategy to grow his company . Buk’s company manages a roster of 5 artists and 4 producers. The company works with independent artists, record labels, and management companies as a design agency.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: I would be honoured to be considered to be part of the board and share insights that will be beneficial to the broader music community. I believe I will make a good director because of my willingness to learn and adapt to the changes in the industry. I have been building a network that includes artists, managers, labels and other industry stakeholders which will be helpful in executing board initiatives.
Coralie Daigneault
BIO: Coralie Daigneault, twenty-five, has been a partner at House of Supercool with Fannie Crepin and Dorothée Parent-Roy since the merger of Supercool and La Swell in 2022. Coralie has been working in the industry for more than 6 years, fueled by her passion for shows, she founded Ic3y Mag, a popular music blog, in 2017. As an interviewer, journalist, producer and photographer, Coralie worked with several names in music, both local and international. In 2020, Coralie joined Supercool Management and brought the promising acts Barber For the Queen and Fraud Perry to the company. She is also the co-founder of the non-profit music promotion initiative Musique Bleue and on its board of administrators since 2021.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: I want to run for the MMF Board of Directors because I feel and see a lack of youth representation in the industry community and in managers.
Taking part in the positive change that MMF is bringing to the music is important to me; I naturally do a lot of advocating in our company and have been on a small scale since the start of Ic3y Mag. Integrating and communicating with other professionals throughout Canada would be an experience that could propel myself and House of Supercool as were moving forward in our fresh start.
I can offer a different and new perspective on issues at hand, as well as supporting celebrations to be had about significant progress being made. I am ready to discuss what improvements would advantage us all further (mental health, anti-racism, equity, etc). Joining the board would elevate my business knowledge and benefit my work at House of Supercool, as well as with my artists.
Cormac McGee
BIO: Cormac McGee has worked as an manager since 2016, working with artists across rock, pop, hip hop and folk genres. As current Director of Management at ArtHaus Music, he works with seven-time JUNO Award winner Serena Ryder and emerging rock act and recent Capitol Records signee TALK. Cormac also helps lead the ArtHaus Community not for profit and its Art of Growth program: a holistic educational series supporting the development of young artists and entrepreneurs that has worked with over 300 creatives across Canada.
Prior to joining ArtHaus, Cormac led the Music Den incubator for music-technology entrepreneurs at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). At the Music Den, Cormac recruited and coached startup companies such as digital A&R tool Sodatone (acquired by Warner Music Group) and developed partnerships with international accelerators including Abbey Road Red (London), Universal Music Digital & Innovation (Los Angeles), and Music Innovation Hub (Milan).
NOMINEE STATEMENT: As someone who has worked at the cross-section of music and education throughout my career, I am inspired by the MMF’s mission to be the go-to resource for Canadian managers and artists on issues related to music management in Canada and around the world. I have personally engaged with several MMF resources and programs, including the Publishing Masterclass, ECMA Mentorship program, and comprehensive guide to funding bodies and industry organizations.
These resources have been invaluable to my career, and I am passionate about expanding MMF programming and member base into new and emerging musical communities across Canada. I believe ArtHaus’ Art of Growth programs can provide a valuable funnel of young managers and self-managed artists who will be the next generation of MMF members.
I am also excited to further my professional development through this role, learning about board governance and how to be a valuable, engaged member, as well as operating as a trade organization within an international network of collaborators.
Detlef Darko
BIO: Detlef Darko, a person and a brand that is dedicated to highlighting the exceptional talents, skills, and exploits of some of the most passionate, driven, and interesting creatives around the world through the eyes of a relatable and outgoing global citizen. A branding and marketing professional currently based in Brampton, Ontario. Born with the natural gift of storytelling. I was introduced to music industry as a freelance artist manager. I started a record label 2019 and currently running artist development with a few local artist in the city
NOMINEE STATEMENT: I want to be apart of board because it has always been a dream to be apart of fellow music and culture enthusiast as myself. Never had an opportunity to be employed in the industry yet but have been around it for a few years now working with different artist all over the world. As a creative entrepreneur I am currently managing a label/collective with artist and producer. With experience in branding and marketing I believe i will make a good director whiles bringing value and expertise to the organization.
Gourmet Delice
BIO: Gourmet Délice has been involved for almost 18 years in the development and promotion of the music company Bonsound, and the artists it represents.
First a musician in various bands (1989-2009), it is through these experiences that he touches everything related to the music industry. He founded Blow the Fuse records (1996), and co-founded the Mucho Gusto reissue label (1999). Originally from Quebec City, he moved to Montreal and joined Distribution Fusion III in 1999.
In 2004, he created Bonsound with three business partners. Initially dedicated to management and booking, it also became a record and promotion company, a tour production and concert promotion entity, as well a publishing company.
Today, 34 people work there and represent, on various levels, about 50 artists and musical groups, such as Lisa LeBlanc, Les Louanges, Dead Obies, P'tit Belliveau, Philippe B, Sophia Bel, Elisapie, LUMIÈRE, Franky Fade, Claudia Bouvette, Paul Jacobs, Milk & Bone, Corridor, Marie Davidson, Misc and Laurence-Anne, just to name a few
Gourmet has participated in SXSW, CMW, Pop Montreal, M for Montreal, Transmission, Transmit-China, SIM Sao Paulo, MaMA, A2IM Indie Week, The Great Escape, Linecheck, Westway Lab, CMJ, Bafim, Transmusicales, Printemps de Bourges, Bars en Trans, Megaphono, Festival international de la Louisiane, FIM Pro, BoMM, Rock al Parque, among others.
He is a member of the board of directors of ADISQ, MMF Canada, CDEC and CIMA.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: Bonjour everyone!
I have been serving on the MMF Canada board for 11 years now, and I would love to continue supporting managers and artists by advocating for the profession of music management on every level. Be it in front of funding and regulating institutions or by participating actively in establishing a sustainable and healthy framework for the art form that is managing artistic careers.
Through sharing experiences and ideas with other members of the board and the members of the organization, I wish to help create an open and inclusive environment, and garner collective intelligence to better advance in the ever-evolving world of music we live and work in. Being in Montreal and working in both French and English, locally, nationally and internationally, I’m always looking to build bridges between different cultures, learning and sharing relationship and business models.
It is with this mindset that I am running for re-election. Thank you for reading!
Hollister Joseph
BIO: My name is Hollister Joseph I have been I the music industry over 20years. I bring a unique twist to the industry. I use to be a DJ turned Artist Manager. I understand the corporate experience while still being grounded with the stress of being a independent artist.. I feel I'm the right candidate because I have the passion to help those that need more knowledge of what to expect when your being a recording artist. This role will help me figure out the industry to better assist those artist.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: My name is Hollister Joseph I have been I the music industry over 20years. I bring a unique twist to the industry. I use to be a DJ turned Artist Manager. I understand the corporate experience while still being grounded with the stress of being a independent artist.. I feel I'm the right candidate because I have the passion to help those that need more knowledge of what to expect when your being a recording artist. This role will help me figure out the industry to better assist those artist.
Jermayne Clayton
BIO: Jermayne Clayton is President of the 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/producers (Cyril Hahn, Adam K), Hip-Hop/R&B producers (Multi-platinum, Grammy and Juno nominated Producer Jordon Manswell), and artists (Juno nominated singer and songwriter Dylan Sinclair).
Claytons love for music is undeniable - a passion that began at a young age. Rhythms from Sinatra, Gaye to 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 musical ear, 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.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: We're coming out of one of the worst periods for managers in a long time and I'm happy to have seen the MMF be a needed resource during these tough time. I've been blessed to have served on the Board for the last three years but there is more work to be done. More than ever we need to serve, help to open doors for one another. I'd like to continue the work we've set out to accomplish; making the MMF more inclusive, creating more opportunity for managers and being a voice in our Canadian music industry on behalf of all managers and self-managed artists.
Jesse Northey
BIO: Jesse Northey is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge (Bachelor of Music -DigitalAudio Arts, and spent the first decade of his career living and working in Alberta as an audio engineer, musician, grant writer, and program manager for Alberta Music. From there he moved to Toronto to pursue artist management including working at Six Shooter Records as an artist management associate before starting his own company Victory Pool.
Northey has maintained a parallel career behind the curtains of the music world. His work as an engineer and producer has afforded him plenty of time to hone his studio skills, and his place on the High Priestess Publishing roster has led to songs appearing in far-flung places such as the Amazon's documentary on Pete Buttigieig, former Indiana Mayor turned presidential candidate.
Victory Pool, a record label and management company is helping to shepherd an impressive variety of acts such as Witch Prophet, The Deep Dark Woods, Marlaena Moore, Ghost Woman Status Non-Status, Altameda, Ombiigizi, and Ghostkeeper. They have been in operation since 2020
NOMINEE STATEMENT: I would love to be a part of the Music Managers Forum board. I've previously struggled to find music industry community in the past when I lived in western Canada, and I'm passionate about connecting managers and aspiring managers with resources in order to support them in their career. I want to see MMF set standards and share infrastructure building resources to help a range of Canadian managers succeed no matter what level they are at in their career or where they live.
I’ve been gracious to receive music mentorship through my work at Alberta Music, and Six Shooter Records and I would like to return that knowledge to the MMF members while also learning from those more established than myself. I run a company called Victory Pool that is a fast growing artist management company and record label representing acts like Witch Prophet, Ombiigizi, The Deep Dark Woods, Altameda, Status/Non-Status, Marlaena Moore, and more. Victory Pool has been in operation for a little over two years, and my fresh perspective working with a range of developing acts will be valuable to the general artist management community.
Jill Snell
BIO: A 30-year veteran in the Canadian music industry, Jill spent the first 15 years of her career at major labels in artist development and marketing (Island/A&M/BMG). Desiring a more hands on and grass roots approach, the subsequent 15 years were dedicated to independency during which time, Jill co-founded four indie labels/project management companies; The Orange Record Label (Uni), Angeline (Fontana), Road Angel (Warner) and 3 years ago created a new label and management company called Jayward Artist Group (co-owned with her flagship mgmt. client Tebey) with distribution by The Orchard, and with radio promotion by Sony Music Canada. The decision to create a formal management company came from 10+ years of managing artist projects and fully managing Tebey’s career since 2011. Jayward mgmt roster (artist/project) has included: Tebey, Matt Lang, Doc Walker and Kyra Daniel.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: My desire to run for the MMF board is both selfish and generous in nature! I have worked in the industry for 30+ years; served on the CCMA Board for 10+ years as well as chairing/co-chairing committees (15+ years) for CARAS. My experience has allowed me to acquire vast knowledge of most aspects of the industry which I am happy to share when I get the opportunity to do so via committees, boards, or mentorships. I also miss the camaraderie of the office environment because of the rewards that can be realized from collaborations with co-workers, colleagues and mentors and I hope to reclaim this missing piece if I get elected to the MMF Board. I would be honoured to glean knowledge and experiences from other managers and work together to offer guidance to developing artists and sectors of the industry who benefit from the work of MMF.
Katrina Lopes
BIO: Kat’s roster includes platinum selling, Juno Award winning artist/producer Shawn Desman, pop duo/production team RadioClub, soul artist/film composer/Sephora collaborator TiKA, and singer/songwriter/producer Kayla Diamond. Together with her clients KL has garnered accolades including MMVA Video of the Year, SOCAN #1 Awards, SOCAN Pop Song of the Year, and numerous platinum/gold singles.
She serves on the board for Manifesto, a youth arts organization; Music Managers Forum Canada (MMF); Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA); is a mentor via Femme It Forward, Shesaid.so, and Bespoke; teaches music industry classes to young men in custody via F-You: The Forgiveness Project; is an innovator w/ Keychange, a global network working towards a total restructure of the music industry in reaching full gender equality. And was named an honouree on the global “Alternative Power 100 Music List 2020”.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: The life of an artist manager can be an isolating journey which is why I am passionate about continuing to be a part of the MMF board as it fosters a community where managers can share knowledge, experiences, opportunities, and provide overall support to each another. I’d be thrilled to continue to contribute to the board in supporting managers’ professional development, and support managers in taking care of their mental wellness, with a specific focus on expanding the membership 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 and infrastructure within our industry and am committed to sharing ideas and knowledge with my peers.
Leela Gilday
BIO: Leela Gilday is a celebrated musician, songwriter, singer, guitarist, composer and creator from Denendeh. Born and raised in the Northwest Territories, she writes about the people and the land that created her — of love, life, a rugged environment and vibrant culture. Her music has been recognized with many awards, including two Junos, and she has toured nationally and internationally for the better part of 25 years. She is the musical director for the Arctic Inspiration Prize Ceremony (2018–2023), and sits on the Executive Working group for the new National Indigenous Music Office. As a music supervisor, she curates and licenses Indigenous music for Indigenous film, television and podcasts. She is an activist and an advocate for Indigenous voices. She is a self-managed artist that has made a practice of amplifying other young Indigenous artists, and embraces community-minded ways of being in the world.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: I feel that I bring a different perspective to the MMF board as an Indigenous person from the north, and a self-managed artist. I have tried during my first term to bring this view into the programming and the processes at MMF. It has been a challenging year for me, but I am ready to step back to the table and continue to bring my unique perspective.
Matt Maw
BIO: Matt Maw (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation) is the Director & Lead Artist Manager at Red Music Rising. Matt brings over a decade of multi-faceted music industry experience to RMR, 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, William Prince, Riit, Jeremy Dutcher, Broken Social Scene, and BANNERS, among others. A graduate of the Harris Institute for the Arts, Matt has previously worked alongside organizations including Arts & Crafts Productions, Six Shooter Records and New Constellations.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: Having just served my first term on the board of MMF, I am seeking reelection as a director to continue the work that the board has undertaken over the past 2 years. I bring a distinct perspective to the MMF, as an Indigenous arts professional helming both a label and management company in tandem, working with clients from a variety of genres and representative of many nations and cultures. MMF Canada has seen tremendous growth and transformation during the past two years; particularly remarkable given the state of the world and COVID-19's effect on industry at large. It would be a pleasure to continue the important advocacy work of the MMF with my fellow board members and to continue my own work of furthering Indigenous representation in Canada's music industry, for Indigenous artists and industry professionals alike.
Mira Silvers
BIO: Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised around the world, Mira Silvers has happily worked and thrived as an outlier by carving out spaces for herself, her artists, and others. Her career has seen a steep trajectory as it has been deeply intertwined with the rise of hip-hop, a culture in which she is humbled to be a guest in. Over the past decade, she has worn many hats in the music industry: artist manager, agent, creative, publicist, journalist, festival buyer, and tour manager.
Now, at FORT Entertainment, she reps an eclectic range of American, British, and Canadian musicians. Mira and her team have had the pleasure of collaborating with international clients such as: TDE, Grammys, Red Bull Music, COLORS, Audi, NYLON, Highsnobiety, SSENSE, Fila, Burberry, Adidas, Balmain, Tidal, FADER, Teflar, Kitsuné, Vans, Nike, and the defunct Red Bull Music Academy, to name a few.
FORT artists spent the entirety of 2019 touring, including North American tours with Earl Sweatshirt, Kali Uchi’s x Jorja Smith, JPEGMAFIA, and headline tours in Europe. Other musicians, her artists have toured with include: Kilo Kish, Kelela, Rejjie Snow, Masego, Solange, Danny Brown, Sango, Snoop Dogg, & more.
In 2020, Backxwash won the 2020 Polaris Music Prize in a historic win. Polaris, also, long listed Somali-Canadian electro producer OBUXUM. Syv de Blare, a Montrealer living in NYC, has signed to 4AD’s imprint ‘b4’ and is working on an explosive campaign for her debut EP in Q1/Q2.
As an outlier, Mira is passionately driven by innovation and is keen to bringing on new and diverse perspectives and solutions to the table. Moving forward, one of her many missions is to use the skills she has developed whilst working within the Canadian and US music industries, to help development for the new generation of artist managers. She absolutely believes that Canada is in a unique position to use this opportunity to build an innovative platform to champion Black/Brown artists and artist managers — and she would love to hear from and work with MMF members, industry, and non-industry voices to harness and unleash that potential.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: After being on the Board of Directors at MMF (Music Managers Forum) Canada for the first time and through the pandemic, as a part of a wonderful team we were able to put together a strategy plan together that would help ready for the encompassing change our industry is facing today. We have only begun to scratch the surface on the amount of work to contribute to the future of MMF Canada and the potential it has to become not only a known beacon to the current generation of managers but also emerging managers, especially those who are from marginalized backgrounds. I would like to continue the work to advocate and bring a fresh perspective to how the role of managers and self-managed artists is constantly evolving and changing in the music industry in Canada. I would love to continue to advocate on behalf of managers & self-managed artists especially on issues regarding diversity/equity and representation of multidisciplinary musicians in the music industry.
Nastonshia George (Empress Nas)
BIO: Owner, operator of Cut & Clear Music Productions Inc. A company that went from partnership to being incorporated in the province of Ontario. Cut and Clear Music Productions Inc consist of dedicated professionals, with extensive experience within the music industry. The aim is to provide the best quality service and make certain that their client's music is in the hands of producers and label executives, as well as negotiating contracts and setting up tours.
As an artist manager Empress Nas has a very strong work ethic and determination to enhance her clients’ online presence and boost their professional resumes. With a unique approach to marketing and a productive plan in place, this allows her artist to concentrate on creating quality music while she deals with the rest of the process. With years of experience working as an independent music promoter, Empress Nas also believes that there should be just as much creativity and passion put into the live events, setting up a platform for the artist to showcase their art. This allows the opportunity to build live material for digital exposure online, also great for all attendees (including the band, host, photographers/videographers and other music enthusiasts).
A few of Empress Nas working relationships includes clients such as
• Singer/songwriter Recording Artist, Poet, Model, the incomparable Prestige Ignites,
• Singer/songwriter, Event Planner, Magazine Publisher Donna Makeda,
• 2020 Juno Nominee, Singer/songwriter, Fashion Designer Petraa,
• Dancehall artist, Singer/songwriter, Selector Empress Divine,
• Also artists from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, and St. Vincent, Grenadines and Canada's own Ras Morgan who prefer the “do it yourself” route.
Cut & Clear is working with HNIC (Helping Neighborhoods implement change) which is geared to assisting youths in our community achieve success in their endeavors. Cut and Clear Music Productions Inc is also the home to Cut and Clear Radio, Empress Nas oversees the weekly operations, developing programs for several shows hosted by DJ Malachi, DJ Kemixx and Sanzalixious Selekta SA. In addition to working as a online Radio station Manager, she has also been hired to screen write several music videos, worked on set as a 'Video Production Designer', and since then added photography and videography packages as services offered by Cut and Clear Music Productions Inc. Empress Nas has forged a dependable, long-standing direct relationship with all of her clients and other sources including producers, photographers/videographers, graphic designers, bloggers, freelance journalists and editors.
Empress Nas understands the artist's priorities, and will continue to add growth to Cut and Clear Music Productions Inc, ensuring high amounts of quality, building a solid, respected reputation in the music business and making meaningful connections with the community. She is currently working on her own Book / Autobiography, please stay tuned.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: MMF Canada in my view is another way for me to connect with industry managers/professionals who possess the skills and attributes that will assist in my growth in the music industry. I also believe that gaining more knowledge and skills through MMF Canada will definitely assist me in assisting others in my community through mentoring, as well as educating both artists whom I manage and artists that Cut & Clear Music Productions Inc is involved in showcasing and mentoring. I believe that the knowledge gained through the MMF Canada's platform will go a long way in solidifying my position in the Canadian Music Industry.
Patrick “Patch” Twaddle
BIO: Patch runs his own full-service management and consultancy company, Ptchworks. Coming from a background as a performer and musicologist, he shifted further into the business side with an MBA, a specialized diploma in Arts, Media & Entertainment Management, and Certificate in Entertainment Law. He's worked on a variety of events and projects, mainly in Toronto and London, UK, including for Imogen Heap's Mycelia for Music non-profit and in rights management for a blockchain-based start-up. He teaches on media and entertainment in post-secondary settings, primarily at the Schulich School of Business.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: I believe MMF Canada is a vital part of the Canadian music ecosystem, drawing together and equipping a wide range of professionals who often work independently, in small teams and in different career stages. I would be honoured to serve as an MMF director, and would look to expand its footprint across Canada and in under-served populations. I would help strategize towards greater advocacy for managers and export initiatives, along with strengthening MMF’s partnerships and creativity. I share MMF Canada’s vision for greater inclusion and equity, and would work towards levelling the playing field in all areas of the industry.
Piers Henwood
BIO: Recently awarded the Music Managers Forum "Honour Roll" award, recognizing outstanding career achievement in artist management, Piers Henwood is a GRAMMY- and JUNO-nominated manager and musician. Since forming Amelia Artists in 2002, Piers has co-managed the careers of past and present clients including Bedouin Soundclash, Tegan and Sara, Buck 65, Luca Fogale, The Funk Hunters, The Librarian, as well as his own bands Astrocolor and Jets Overhead.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: With 20+ years experience in artist management, I enjoy looking for opportunities to share knowledge and experience, as well as give back to the community. The MMF plays a valuable role in sharing resources and creating connections between the sometimes lonely job of managers, and I would be honoured to serve on the Board of Directors.
Sandeep Swaminathan
BIO: My name is Sandeep. I moved to Toronto sometime in 2018 as an aspiring musician to break out in this vibrant multicultural city and belt it all out as one of the local artists. Pre-pandemic, The Spiral Theory and I co-wrote, recorded our debut album, Turn of the Tide, and released those tunes sometime in Sep 2020 on all major streaming platforms.
The Spiral Theory is looking to reignite the sounds of modern rock. The band’s sounds contain influences from iconic classic rock sounds, combined with an original, melodic take on their genre. In short, classic in feel but modern in execution! The Spiral Theory is an interesting DIY blend of artists from different cultural backgrounds and the love for music that brought them together. The band is Sandeep Swaminathan (on Vocals), Joe Liranzo (on Guitars), Andrew Hughes (on Bass), and Alan Dennis (on Drums).They give off a vibe that crosses The Police with Gin Blossoms and sprinkle on some walking basslines with strong vocal harmonies.
NOMINEE STATEMENT: As a gregarious person wearing a smile and an innovative hat, I would love to represent and be a part of the board to present current-world scenarios, network, give back, encourage and advise to make our community for music a better place for all.
I also want to be in the board so I can be open, collaborative, speak-up when necessary, and cut down the stereotypical ideas that are sometime thrown out with knee-jerk reactions.