2025 DELEGATES
Take a peek at just some of the industry folks that will be attending NXNE 2025.
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Manager, Bravo Musique
We’re Bravo musique, a “music and talent label” that represents complex and complete homegrown artists, allowing them to shine on local stages and beyond. Bravo wants to give outstanding artists a chance by offering them the opportunity to perform and to exist. To do so, we provide them with sustained support, while cultivating relationships based on authenticity and a strong bond of trust. Bravo takes pride in being a vehicle for progress in its industry, by fostering inclusion, empathy, and respect for artists and their work.
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Manager, Starfish Entertainment
Starfish Entertainment is an independent music and artist development company based out of Toronto, ON. Established in 1995, Starfish is one of Canada’s premiere artist management firms. Starfish boasts internationally recognized, award-winning talent including multi-platinum selling artists Blue Rodeo and Jim Cuddy, Juno Award winning artists The Sadies, Elliott BROOD and Skydiggers and Gemini Award winning artist Suzie Ungerleider. Starfish also manages The Woodshed, a premiere recording studio based in the heart of Toronto.
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Manager, Secret Agent Man Music
Secret Agent Man Music (SAMM) is a small, but wildly passionate label & talent management agency dedicated to finding, nurturing, & promoting new talent in underserved markets in & around the indie/alt rock scene. Currently based in Aruba, with a division in Canada.
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Assistant Program Director/Music Director, Indie88
Indie88 - Toronto’s Modern Music 88.1FM
@indie88toronto
Home to mornings with @carlinburton_ & @radiobrent & @jackiepirico | @imadamtr @lanagay @therealbobwillette @danielwell
20 Hanna Ave, Toronto, Ontario M6K 0B7
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Manager, Play MPE
Play MPE® is the world’s leading provider of music promotional delivery services, dedicated to empowering artists and industry professionals with innovative solutions for success in the digital age. With a passion for creativity and a commitment to excellence, Play MPE® is shaping the future of the industry, one breakthrough at a time.
The Play MPE platform was built for the music industry. Artists, promoters, and record labels promote music to verified curators with Caster and track radio airplay with MTR. Top curators in radio, media/blogs, music supervision and more discover releases and access assets from major labels and independents 24/7 in Player.
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Founder & President, Revelios [Mental Health Works]
Revelios helps organizations design, implement, measure, and sustain meaningful mental health strategies — with a specialized focus on high-performance environments in the creative industries and life sciences.
We help music industry workers develop individual and collective mental health through research, education, consulting, coaching, and advocacy.
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Artist, Trifecta Sound Co.
Trifecta Sound Co. is an award-winning Canadian music label based in Saskatchewan and Toronto, with its artist and DJ roster spread across Canada.
Their work in music-driven community building has been presented at festivals and conferences such as Wavelength Toronto, BreakOut West, MoSo Fest, and the Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences. Their efforts have also been featured in media outlets including Exclaim!, Gigwise, CBC Canada, and VICE Noisey.
Most recently, their Artistic Director, Marvin Chan—also known by his stage name Merv xx Gotti—won Music Professional of the Year at the Saskatchewan Music Awards. The year prior, Trifecta Sound Co. secured a double win, earning both Industry Achievement and Music Organization of the Year.
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Independent Radio Promoter, Canvas Media
David Tysowski, owner of Canvas Media, is a University of Saskatchewan graduate with 30 years in the music industry. He spent over 12 years at Warner Music Canada in marketing roles across Saskatoon, Vancouver, and Toronto. In 2007, he joined Arts & Crafts as Director of National Promotion, handling campaigns in Canada and the U.S. for artists like Feist, Dan Mangan, and Broken Social Scene. In 2012, David launched Canvas Media, a Toronto-based radio promotion company, allowing him to work independently with a wide range of artists including The Lumineers, City and Colour, The Beaches, Royel Otis, Chvrches, and many more. Canvas Media marked its 13th anniversary in January 2025, continuing to support both emerging and established talent.
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Music Director, SiriusXM
Siobhan Woodrow is a music director with 15 years of experience in radio, working across a wide range of genres—from country to South Asian music. She is currently the Senior Music Director at SiriusXM Canada, where she oversees 15 channels broadcast across North America.
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Chief Technology Officer, Slaight Music
Barnaby Marshall is the Chief Technology Officer at Slaight Music, where he oversees digital investments and web properties. With over 25 years in media, he began in TV journalism before moving to digital in 1996, leading Shift Magazine’s interactive department for five years. In 2002, he joined the creative team behind Toronto’s Drake Hotel, contributing to its design and relaunch, later managing its entertainment venue. He consulted for Standard Broadcasting in 2006 and joined Slaight Music at its 2011 launch. Marshall has hired and led numerous creative teams and developed many websites. He’s also mentored at the Canadian Film Centre’s ideaBOOST accelerator, moderated and spoken on tech and music panels, and appeared on TV and radio as a media commentator.
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Head of Cultural Policy Hub, OCAD
Kelly Wilhelm (she/her) is a consultant and strategist with more than 25 years’ experience leading policy and innovation in government, the arts, media, creative industries, and the not-for-profit sector. As an independent consultant, Kelly leads a portfolio of projects, and is a sought-after speaker and facilitator. She is an Adjunct Professor and Head of the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University, a new partnership to build a national network to build informed, inclusive and integrated cultural policy at all levels in Canada. She is a member of the Global Creative Economy Council, an international forum on to advance the creative economy supported by the UK Creative Industries Policy Evidence Centre and the British Council. Previous roles include Chief of Staff to the federal Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency for the regions of Quebec, Chief Strategy Officer at the Canada Media Fund, Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and Director of Policy, Planning and Strategic Foresight at the Canada Council for the Arts.
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Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Richard Lachman directs the Zone Learning network of incubators for Toronto Metropolitan University, is a Professor in the RTA School of Media, and serves as a Technology and Creative Consultant for entertainment and software-development projects. He is a Gemini and CNMA award winner, and a frequent media commentator on technology issues. Lachman completed his doctorate at UNE in Australia studying neural network recommendation engines, did his undergraduate work in Computer Science at MIT, and holds a Master’s degree from the MIT Media Lab’s “Interactive Cinema” group. He was part of a startup acquired by Mattel, ending as Lead Designer and Lead Engineer for the Petz software with over 3 million units shipped worldwide. His areas of research include technology ethics, creative AI, transmedia storytelling, digital documentaries, mixed realities, and collaborative design thinking. His book “Digital Wisdom: Rethinking Innovation in the Age of AI” is forthcoming Fall 2025.
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Chief Product Officer, NEWM
Denny was recently named NEWM’s Chief Product Officer, responsible for overseeing the company's product strategy, from vision to execution, and leads the Product, Engineering, and Customer Support teams. He joined NEWM in the fall of 2023, facilitating the launch of two of NEWM’s web-based products, NEWM Studio and NEWM Marketplace. Prior to NEWM, he spent several years in product delivery management for the enterprise AI company, C3 AI, and in EY’s Analytics Consulting practice. Based in Detroit, MI, he graduated from Albion College with a BA in Economics & Management, and spent several years in the institution’s Music Performance program.
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Head of Business Development, LyricFind
Winnipeg native Zack Werner has built a diverse career as an artist, producer, executive, lawyer, educator, and manager. He now leads business development at LyricFind and Rotor Videos. Zack was a judge on Canadian Idol for six seasons and also appeared on World Idol. In St. John’s, NL, he launched popular initiatives like SING NL and KIDZROCK NL. He previously led Venus Management and Venus Records, developing artists like esthero, Len, and Down With Webster. A former Capitol and MCA recording artist, he also practiced entertainment law, representing acts like Finger Eleven and Ron Sexsmith. Post-Idol, he founded Zack Werner’s Idol School, with students achieving success in music and TV. He holds degrees from the University of Minnesota and UBC Law.
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Artist, Altered by Mom
Gina Kennedy (she/they) is a Toronto-based musician and songwriter known for her sharp lyrics, genre-blending alt-rock sound, and fearless stage presence. As the frontwoman of the award-winning band Altered by Mom, she crafts songs that hit with both emotional honesty and an irresistible edge. Altered by Mom is proudly independent so Gina handles the day to day like Social Media, Booking requests, and management duties. She not only pitches music to TV and commercials, she's also a Voice Actor, so whether you know it or not, you've likely heard her voice one way or another.
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President & Co-Founder, Music Solutions
Sebastian Mair is a co-founder of Music Solutions and has been a key figure in the Asian music industry since moving from Toronto to Tokyo in 1996. Prior to launching the company, he worked as a Cultural Officer at the Embassy of Canada in Japan. Music Solutions specializes in brand partnerships and VIP packages for major artists touring Asia, with clients including Creativeman Productions, Ubisoft, Fujipacific Music, Live Nation Japan, and AEG Presents. Mair also works as a music supervisor for film and TV projects and curates music programming for brands like Starbucks, Hilton Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and Bath & Body Works. He recently served as licensing supervisor for A Century Sound, a documentary on Tokyo’s 100-year history of music cafes known as ongaku kissa.
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General Manager, Arts for Canadians Tomorrow Society
Michael, a Toronto native, has spent nearly a decade in the public arts and culture sector across Vancouver, Toronto, and Taiwan. He is the General Manager of the Arts for Canadians Tomorrow Society, overseeing production and artist management for Jade Music Fest in both Vancouver and Taipei. Since launching in 2022 and expanding to Taiwan in 2024, Jade Music Fest has become a vital platform for promoting Chinese-language and mother-tongue-based music in Canada and globally.
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Recording Engineer
Nine-time JUNO winner Jay Dufour is one of the most in-demand mixers in Canada. In May 2025, he scored a #1 at Canadian Country radio with James Barker Band’s “You Didn’t Hear It From Me.” Earlier this year, he won his ninth JUNO for Sebastian Gaskin’s Brown Man. Past JUNO wins include work with July Talk, Donovan Woods, and Protest The Hero. Recent credits include The Reklaws, Tyler Shaw, SB19’s Josh Cullen and Stell, Shawn Hook, Aaron Goodvin, and Phillip Phillips. In 2024, he mixed Tyler Shaw’s #1 pop single “What Christmas Means To Me” and Jade Eagleson’s #1 Country hit “Telluride.” Jay’s unmatched versatility, relentless work ethic, and radio-ready mixes have made him a trusted name across Country, Rock, Pop, and R&B.
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DJ, Kiss FM
DJ Ace is a powerhouse in UK music, known for championing R&B and spotlighting the genre globally. With over 20 years at BBC Radio 1Xtra, he earned a Sony Gold Award and played a key role in R&B’s resurgence. In 2024, he joined Kiss FM to host its flagship R&B show, reaching 2.3 million listeners weekly. He co-founded The RecordBox/ERNB in 2015, supporting UK R&B artists. His work has earned him a 2025 Music Week Awards nomination. A three-time SXSW host, Ace remains a vital force, celebrating R&B’s roots while shaping its future on air and beyond.
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Senior PR Consultant, Victoria Lord PR
Victoria Lord is a seasoned expert in media relations, strategy, and marketing communications, known for leading high-profile campaigns for some of the world’s most iconic talents. Starting her career at Universal Music Group, she has built a strong reputation across the entertainment, music, arts, tourism, and hospitality sectors. For over 30 years, she’s worked with major names like Dolly Parton, Jim Belushi, and the late Gordon Lightfoot. In 2002, she founded her own public relations agency, representing clients such as Sony Music Canada, Massey Hall, and AEG Live. She has supported the Canadian Federation of Musicians, the Songwriters Association of Canada, and initiatives like Music Monday. Her work extends to Oscar-winner Rodriguez and tours for Van Morrison and Andrea Bocelli, as well as speakers like Bill Clinton, John Cleese, and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Victoria serves on the Canadian Live Music Association board and FACTOR’s Diversity Committee, and frequently mentors students through speaking engagements.
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Publicist, Music Festival Programmer
Cameron Carpenter is a veteran of the Canadian music industry having held senior positions at Quality Records, MCA Records, BMG and Sony Music in A&R, Marketing, Artists Relations and International.
He was on the team that brought XM Satellite Radio to Canada and has worked at Indie Week and NXNE.
Cameron has also worked as a freelance journalist, artist manager and publicist and was twice awarded "Major Label Publicist" at the Canadian Music Industry Awards.
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President, CCS Rights Management
In 2011, Jodie founded CCS Rights Management with a vision of a dynamic global independent company that puts artists and songwriters first, providing individualized attention and a full range of services to maximize income, elevate careers, and protect the value of their works.
Under his leadership, CCS has experienced continuous growth and significantly expanded its global reach and scope of services provided to a growing roster of award-winning and up-and-coming songwriters, artists, musicians, producers, and labels, as well as major corporate brands and other rights holders.
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CEO, BCMG Recordings
Mike Krompass (Mike K) is a multi-platinum producer, songwriter, mixer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and music executive. With over 800 million streams and 12 billion views, he ranks among the top 1% of producers and songwriters globally. As CEO of BCMG Recordings Inc., he holds the exclusive Canadian license to Extreme Music/Sony ATV, which includes works by Hans Zimmer, Snoop Dogg, Timbaland, and more—including the Death Row Records catalogue.
Mike began as a top session/touring guitarist in Toronto before moving to Nashville and Los Angeles. With his wife Anissa Krompass, BCMG operates as a full-service label and publishing company distributed by Sony Music’s The Orchard.
His credits span artists like Meghan Trainor, Smash Mouth, Fifth Harmony, Kelsea Ballerini, and Steven Tyler. His music has appeared in major films and TV globally. He’s also performed live with Nelly Furtado and others on SNL, Letterman, and The Tonight Show.
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President, Guild of Music Supervisors, Canada
As Head of Music Supervision + Licensing at Vapor Music and Long Division, Heather balances her right brain creativity with extensive left brain attention to detail, allowing for a seamless licensing process from concept to contract to cue sheet. Her credits span television series, feature films, TV movies, advertising campaigns and video games that have been seen worldwide, including the globally trending series BET for Netflix (an adaptation of the Japanese manga Kakegurui), season 2 of Mistletoe Murders for Hallmark, and feature films Hell of a Summer (directed by Stranger Things’s Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk), Young Werther (dir. José Lourenço), Paying For It (dir. Sook-Yin Lee) and Drive Back Home (dir. Michael Clowater). She is a multi-Canadian Sync Award winner, and led in nominations at the 2024 awards alongside the Vapor Music/Long Division team.
Heather currently serves as the President of the Guild of Music Supervisors, Canada.
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Performance Coach, Luthur Mallory Productions
Luther Mallory is a renowned Artist Performance Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Music Artist. He specializes in teaching stage presence to performing artists and business professionals by helping them break through psychological barriers to access their most fearless, confident selves. After spending 10 years touring in a band—playing 1,000 shows across North America and living out of a van in Canadian winters—Luther developed powerful methods to manage pressure, nerves, and self-judgment on stage. He began sharing these tools with salespeople, executives, and high-achievers, helping them transform how they perform in both their careers and lives. Luther is the Performance Coach for two of Canada’s top music development programs: the JUNO Masterclass and CMI’s Artist Entrepreneur programs in Toronto and Calgary. Over the past decade, he has coached more than 1,000 artists, including JUNO Award and Polaris Prize winners, major label acts, and over 50 artists who have surpassed one million Spotify streams.
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Executive Director, ADVANCE Music Canada
Keziah Myers is a national leader advocating for diversity and radical intentionality as drivers of business success. She was named Changemaker of the Year by The Globe and Mail (2022), Distinguished Leader by Women in Music Canada (2023), and featured on Billboard Canada’s Women in Music list. In 2025, she will be honoured by The Hollywood Reporter on its Women in Entertainment Power List.
Keziah has built a dynamic career in PR, marketing, royalties, copyright, and label operations, working with LU KALA, Maroon 5, OVO, Deborah Cox, XO, Jessie Reyez, Boi-1da, and others.
As Executive Director of ADVANCE, she partners with government and industry to champion Black professionals in Canada’s music business. She is also a professor, speaker, workshop facilitator, and sits on three boards, mentoring the next generation and driving impact.
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Director of Marketing & Business Development, Soundpays Corp
Paul Eastwood is an entrepreneur and an entertainment executive with extensive experience in brand and business development across the sectors of recorded music, apparel/sportswear, merchandising, sponsorship, music publishing, and entertainment technologies.
He is currently the Director of Marketing & Business Development at Soundpays Corp where he spearheads all business initiatives in the live music, sports, and entertainment industries, and oversees the company’s branding, content and communications.
Prior to joining Soundpays, Paul held positions with Anthem Entertainment, The Feldman Agency and Showtech Merchandising.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away … he was Vice President of Marketing & Promotion at Universal Music.
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Senior Director, EDI, MLSE
Angela White is Senior Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, where she leads the Corporate EDI center of expertise. She drives the organization’s commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Angela and her team collaborate with stakeholders through a four-pronged strategy: integrating EDI into business KPIs, implementing inclusive policies, supporting employee inclusion groups, and building strategic partnerships with communities and experts.
Previously, Angela spent 18 years at RBC in various sales leadership and strategy roles, where she also championed diversity programs to disrupt bias and foster belonging.
Deeply committed to inclusion, Angela serves as an EDI advisor, consultant, and mentor—devoting her time to empowering under-represented youth and helping them navigate their career paths.
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Artist, Songwriter, Producer
Alex Exists is a Canadian alt-pop provocateur, songwriter, producer, and filmmaker from Toronto. He creates genre-blending anthems fusing neo-glam pomp, post-punk sneer, and classic pop with experimental edge. His beat-heavy, sharp sound explores rebellion, obsession, and desire with a darkly hopeful twist. His 2023 solo album Everybody’s Famous drew praise for its lush melodies and standout songwriting (Chris Buxton, Banger of the Day). A dynamic performer, Alex has shared stages with Ian Hunter, Jesus and Mary Chain, Gord Downie, and Mother Mother at venues like Toronto’s Mod Club and NYC’s Bowery Ballroom. He connects deeply with fans and is now crafting bold new music and visuals for 2025.
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Manager/Consultant, CLK Creative Works
David "Click" Cox is a seasoned entertainment professional with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Starting as an artist and concert promoter, he has worked across retail, radio, marketing, management, and A&R at Universal Music Canada. His company, CLK Creative Works, offers consulting services and is producing a documentary on King Reign. David teaches at The Remix Project and produced the acclaimed TV series Ultimate MC and the film The Onyx Experience, a tribute to Black rock artists. He is also the founder of Breaking Down Racial Barriers, an initiative to end anti-Black racism and promote equity in the industry. David’s enduring impact reflects his deep commitment to music, mentorship, and meaningful change in entertainment.
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Head, Joe D’Ambrosio Management
Joe D’Ambrosio, a 44-year entertainment industry veteran, heads Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. (JDMI), which represents top behind-the-glass talent including Grammy-winning producers Tony Visconti, Hugh Padgham, Kevin Killen, and Jay Newland, mixers Joe Zook and Jay Dufour, and arrangers Rob Mounsey and Larry Gold. Now in its 23rd year, JDMI manages leading producers, engineers, writers, and musicians. Joe is also managing partner of Audiosmith Digital Solutions, a nine-year-old recording services company based at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music. Audiosmith has recorded 38 Original Broadway Cast albums—such as Hadestown, Moulin Rouge, and Hello, Dolly!—and original scores for 46 films, including Joker, Little Women, and The Girl on the Train, plus songs from The Greatest Showman.
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Artist, OBGMs
Densil McFarlane is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of The OBGMs, a genre-pushing punk band based in Toronto. Known for their explosive live shows and commanding stage presence, The OBGMs have toured internationally and shared stages with acts like Sum 41, Billy Talent, and Death From Above 1979. Under Densil’s leadership, the band earned a Polaris Music Prize shortlisting and continues to grow a global fanbase through raw authenticity and relentless energy. In addition to performing, Densil is the founder of Burn Industry, a creative company focused on artist development and cultural impact.
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Producer/Songwriter
Denise De’ion is a Juno Award Winning Producer/Artist/Songwriter. She has worked with artists such as Boi1da, Haviah Mighty, Leila Dey, Phoenix Pagliacci and more. In addition to her work with other artists, she has also released her own musical projects (Peace of My Soul and Last Call). Her music has also been heard in episodes of Ginny and Georgia and Kim’s Convenience and through brand placements with Bacardi and Bulleit Whiskey.
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Owner/Promoter, Xerox Arcade/Bar
With over 30 retro arcades, pinball and many other types of games Xeroz Arcade/Bar is the ultimate fun place to go in Moncton N.B to see music, comedy, play games and many other types of events.
Named venue of the year for New Brunswick by Music NB in 2023 Xeroz Arcade/Bar has hosted bands and performers from Indonesia, India, Canada, USA, UK and Pakistan. Names such as Holy F*ck, Cancer Bats, Cry Wank, Comeback Kid, D.O.A. and more!
We are a designated safer space in the city and welcome all people no matter what gender( or no gender) sex, race or religion etc.... ALL ARE WELCOME
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Producer
Hill Kourkoutis is a JUNO Award-winning producer, songwriter, mixer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and director. She has worked with Aysanabee (JUNO-nominated Watin), Leela Gilday (JUNO-winning North Star Calling), Digging Roots (Zhawenim), SATE, Royal Wood, and Cassie Dasilva, among others. Her songs have charted across CBC, Alternative Rock, and Folk charts. She’s created music for children’s TV shows (Remy and Boo, Dino Ranch) and placements for Station 19, Degrassi, Cadillac, and more. As a performer, she’s played with The Weeknd and Serena Ryder, and appeared on CTV’s The Launch. She has directed videos for Mother Mother and Serena Ryder. In 2022, she became the first woman to win a JUNO for Recording Engineer of the Year. Hill works from her Toronto studio, The Lair.
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CEO/Publishing, Cymba Music Publishing
Toronto, ON
Vincent Degiorgio is the CEO of Cymba Music Publishing. His company, Cymba, is an acronym for ‘Crushing Your Music Business Apathy is one of the most pro-active, creative music publishing entities in Canada. With unprecedented global reach and a focus on the international market for recorded music and synch, it is home for writers and artists such as Monowhales, Keshia Chante, Talltale, Barbra Lica and Rachel Cousins. Songs written Cymba’s songwriters have been recorded in over a dozen languages and synchronized around the world. Cymba’s writer/producer roster includes Daniel Adams and Davor Vulama. Aside from being president of the company, Vincent is also a songwriter. His work with Dutch pop star Caro Emerald recently eclipsed the two million album threshold. He has also co-written seminal classics like Love Inc’s “You’re A Superstar”. He most recently wrote four songs with Juno nominated Matt Dusk on his “Jet Set Jazz” album. Working on the major label side as an A&R executive at RCA Records, Vincent signed N Sync to the label. He is currently on board of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and is the current chair of Music Publishers Canada.
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Lawyer, Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP.
Sarah Falzon is a lawyer at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP. She has been practicing music and entertainment law since 2015, primarily working with and representing artists and music services companies navigating through varying stages of their careers and businesses.
Sarah is a graduate of McMaster University (Hons. B.Sc. in Mathematics & Statistics) and Osgoode Hall Law School (J.D.). She has been a guest speaker for various events and organizations, including Women In Music Canada, Canadian Music Week, Canada’s Music Incubator, Honey Jam, Law in Action Within Schools, and Toronto Metropolitan University.
Sarah is passionate about helping artists and arts workers, and about corporate social responsibility in these spaces.
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Manager - Creative Industries Office, City of Mississauga
City of Mississauga Film, Television and Music Office. Sector development
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Founder, FEST App
Ready to elevate your festival experience? Meet FEST!
We're not just an app; we're your ultimate guide to your festival journey, whether you're rocking out in the crowd or orchestrating the magic behind the scenes.
FEST is the app that eliminates festival stress for both fans and organizers. Instantly access real-time schedules, artist lineups, interactive maps (no more getting lost!), personalized notifications, sponsor integrations, and even a built-in audio player.
More than an app, FEST is your strategic marketing tool to maximize event visibility, activations and fan engagement.
And that's not all! We're building the biggest global community of festival lovers, already connecting 150,000 enthusiasts. We're proudly powering events in over 5 countries, including iconic ones like NXNE, POP Montréal, Rototom Festival, and Pride Montreal.
Dive into the FEST experience: festapp.io!
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Music Business Professor, Durham College
Linda Noelle Bush has over 30 years of experience in the Canadian music industry, beginning in A&R at Attic Music Group under Alexander Mair and Maestro Fresh Wes. She later joined Universal Music Publishing as Creative Manager/A&R, where she supported artists like K-OS and Sam Roberts. In 2004, she launched New Romantic, a management company and label with artists including controller.controller and The Organ.
Her work expanded into Film & TV, including roles as music supervisor and licensing manager. As Music Manager at WildBrain, she oversaw music rights for iconic family brands like Yo Gabba Gabba! and Teletubbies. Later, as VP of Artist and Label Services at Cadence Music Group, she led Fontana North distribution and worked with artists like Jeremy Dutcher and Lido Pimienta.
Today, Linda mentors emerging talent and teaches at Humber and Durham Colleges, sharing her industry insight and passion for helping artists build sustainable careers.
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Director of Business Development, FEST App
Ready to elevate your festival experience? Meet FEST!
We’re not just an app; we’re your ultimate guide to your festival journey, whether you’re rocking out in the crowd or orchestrating the magic behind the scenes.
FEST is the app that eliminates festival stress for both fans and organizers. Instantly access real-time schedules, artist lineups, interactive maps (no more getting lost!), personalized notifications, sponsor integrations, and even a built-in audio player.
More than an app, FEST is your strategic marketing tool to maximize event visibility, activations and fan engagement.
And that’s not all! We’re building the biggest global community of festival lovers, already connecting 150,000 enthusiasts. We’re proudly powering events in over 5 countries, including iconic ones like NXNE, POP Montréal, Rototom Festival, and Pride Montreal.
Dive into the FEST experience: festapp.io!
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Artist
Vancouver, BC
Yafania is a dream romance pop artist, utilizing her signature storytelling to craft unforgettable immersive music and music video experiences. As a newly-minted nineteen year old, this singer-songwriter possesses a ferocious drive and unrelenting passion for creating music rooted in romance. Each song she writes is a carefully crafted narrative, capturing exact moments and the realizations that accompany them. Her sound resonates with friends and lovers across generations. Coming into her own as a visual storyteller, each song and accompanying music video is a chapter in a larger story, filled with the kind of romantic idealism and emotional depth that sets her apart from her peer
Yafania’s music video saga continues with the highly anticipated release of “Don’t You Want to Be With Me?” the second chapter in a cinematic love story that began with “The Right Guy.” The saga seamlessly blends Yafania’s captivating vocal artistry with the on-screen charisma of Disney star Pearce Joza, weaving a heartfelt tale of youthful love and transformation.
Her signature approach has earned her a dedicated following, with over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and millions of views across platforms since June 2024.
Now hitting her stride, she connects with listeners on a personal level through relatable stories and messages of encouragement, driven by her dynamic personality and unwavering drive. Already having showcased her unique ability to capture exact moments and the emotions that accompany them, Yafania has proven to be one of the most exciting young artists to watch.
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Program Administrator, FACTOR
The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings – FACTOR – is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to providing investment support toward the career development of Canadian artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations to produce and promote a diversity of Canadian music in a world of choice, be competitive at home and abroad, and to contribute to Canada’s creative economy. Funding for our programs is contributed by the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Music Fund and from Canada’s private radio broadcasters.
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Marketing Coordinator, Play MPE
Vancouver, BC
Play MPE® is the world’s leading provider of music promotional delivery services, dedicated to empowering artists and industry professionals with innovative solutions for success in the digital age. With a passion for creativity and a commitment to excellence, Play MPE® is shaping the future of the industry, one breakthrough at a time.
The Play MPE platform was built for the music industry. Artists, promoters, and record labels promote music to verified curators with Caster and track radio airplay with MTR. Top curators in radio, media/blogs, music supervision and more discover releases and access assets from major labels and independents 24/7 in Player.
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Radio and Media Engagement Manager, Play MPE
Play MPE is the world’s leading provider of music promotional delivery services, dedicated to empowering artists and industry professionals with innovative solutions for success in the digital age. With a passion for creativity and a commitment to excellence, Play MPE is shaping the future of the industry, one breakthrough at a time.
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Technology
NEWM is a blockchain-powered music ecosystem that gives artists full ownership and control over their royalties. Built on the transparent Cardano blockchain, we eliminate intermediaries, empowering musicians to monetize their work from creation to retirement. NEWM’s vision is to reshape the music industry by fostering direct, seamless connections between artists and fans. Our flagship product, NEWM Studio, bridges Web2 and Web3 by allowing artists to tokenize and distribute streaming royalties with automated royalty splits. The NEWMiverse will also include a music streaming platform, rights marketplace, direct tipping, and more – redefining music ownership and fan engagement. Learn more at newm.io.
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Director & Co-Founder, Gemini Music Group
Duncan Reid Boudreau is a Toronto-based producer, mix engineer, and co-founder of Gemini Music Group, a publishing and production company focused on artist development, sync licensing, and catalog growth. With a background as a trained vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Duncan approaches production with a deep understanding of both artistry and execution. His work is rooted in collaboration, clarity, and emotional connection, helping artists finish records that feel authentic and industry-ready. Through Gemini, he is building a creative home for artists looking to scale their sound and expand their reach.
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Manager, Asahi Canada
Asahi Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Asahi Europe and International.
Asahi Canada's collection of premium beers each tell their own brand story and share a passion for craftsmanship, authenticity and using only the finest ingredients. Our iconic premium beers include Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch, Asahi Super Dry, Pilsner Urquell, Fuller’s London Pride, Tyskie, Kozel, Lech and Zubr.
With a business that has unmatched expertise in the category, Asahi Canada differentiates its brands through experience led marketing that creates emotional connections with customers through community building events and premium partnerships. Our distribution disciplines and innovative ways of working allow us to offer more value to our customers, ultimately helping to change the way people think about beer. We are continuously making strides to lead the super-premium beer space, and our unique collection of brands allow us to deliver the perfect beer for every occasion.
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Music Development Coordinator, City of Mississauga
Corey Poole is a cultural policy expert currently leading the City of Mississauga’s award-winning efforts to grow its music sector. He’s spent the last decade helping build better regulatory frameworks for creators through cross-sectoral research and policy projects aimed at all three levels of government in Canada.
He’s happiest when leading innovative projects that get artists paid and build new audiences. Before diving full-time into policy, he worked as a DJ and musician in an electro-punk band signed to a rap label.
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Manager, MMF Canada
Amie Therrien leads the MMF Canada team, supporting managers and self-managed artists with professional development, networking and mentorship opportunities, and advocacy.
Amie also ran Balsam Pier Music, an artist management and development company where she primarily worked with folk, roots, and Americana artists. She is a member of the Toronto Music Advisory Council, served nine years on the Folk Music Ontario board, worked for Coalition Music, Folk Alliance International, and is an alumni of the Artist Manager Program with Canada’s Music Incubator.
Amie is based in Toronto and is the President of the Toronto & York Region Métis Council, a kayaker, a meditator, a beading artist, a newbie jigsaw puzzler, and a recovering civil engineer.
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Agent, Midnight Agency Toronto
A stalwart in the Canadian music industry, Grant embodies a profound connection to music as both an award-winning artist and agent. His musical journey commenced on stage as the dynamic frontman and DJ of the electrifying Moses Mayes. After a decade of captivating performances, he seamlessly transitioned behind the scenes to become a music agent and he’s never looked back. With 12 enriching years at Paquin Artists Agency, Grant curated a distinctive roster of live and electronic acts before taking a bold step in 2020 to co-found Midnight Agency. Under the Midnight banner, he represents award-winning clients in Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. In a testament to his unwavering dedication, Grant was honored as the 2023 Canadian Live Music Association's Agent of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the most influential agents in the industry.
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Program Coordinator, Ontario Creates
Paige Guscott is a music industry professional who has spent the past decade working in cultural sector economic development. She has worked at various advocacy and funding agencies like Music BC, FACTOR, and Ontario Creates, managing programs and improving access to funding. As a Program Coordinator at Ontario Creates, she helps administer funding to music companies across Ontario, and she loves celebrating the impact that the music industry has on culture and the economy.
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Publicist, INK Entertainment and LPR
Lisa Persaud is a powerhouse public relations professional and a driving force in the entertainment and cultural landscape. With over 20 years of experience, she has built a dynamic career at the intersection of music, hospitality and film.
Now based in Toronto as Head of PR at INK Entertainment, Lisa brings her global expertise in public relations and brand development to shape some of the city's most iconic brands, talent and experiences.
At just 19, Lisa made history as the founder and editor-in-chief of Industry Mag, the first female-led urban entertainment publication to spotlight emerging talent on a global scale. She went on to hold high-impact roles at leading companies such as Diageo, Interscope Records, Tyler Perry Studios, the NBA, the NHL, and Def Jam, spearheading campaigns, press tours, and brand partnerships across North America and United Kingdom.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lisa is deeply committed to community impact. She founded the LCP Foundation, a non-profit supporting survivors of domestic violence through mentorship and career development, and launched a mentorship program pairing students from underserved communities with industry leaders. Known for her bold vision and steadfast purpose, Lisa continues to use her platform to elevate others and influence culture for the better.
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Producer, An Exploration Of Hypnotic Sound
Sarah Power is a producer known for her innovative work in live entertainment and music production. As founder of Initiated Entertainment, she produced the acclaimed album An Exploration of Hypnotic Sound by Asad Mecci and Rufus Wainwright, blending hypnotic techniques with immersive soundscapes for a transformative listening experience.
Sarah also serves as lead producer for HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis, co-created by Asad Mecci and Colin Mochrie. Under her leadership, the show has achieved major success Off-Broadway, in Las Vegas, and on tour across North America, earning praise from top media outlets.
With a background in corporate strategy and an MBA from the Rotman School of Management, Sarah brings a unique blend of business acumen and creative vision to her projects. Her work continues to push boundaries at the intersection of performance, wellness, and immersive media.
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Artist, An Exploration Of Hypnotic Sound
Asad Mecci is a world-renowned hypnotist and the creative mind behind the new album “An Exploration of Hypnotic Sound” with Grammy-nominated artist Rufus Wainwright. This groundbreaking project blends original music with hypnotic techniques and guided vocal suggestions, offering a deeply immersive listening experience designed for relaxation, introspection, and creativity.
With over 20 years on stage, Asad’s performances have captivated millions worldwide and earned features in The New York Times, Time Out New York, The New Yorker, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Now, he brings his expertise in hypnosis to the music world—inviting listeners to tune in, relax, and discover the power of sound.
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Content Marketing Manager, L-Acoustics
Koral Captain is a digital marketing professional with a strong background in content strategy, social media, and brand storytelling. She currently serves as the Content Marketing Manager at L-Acoustics, where she leads the creation and execution of content strategies that celebrate sound as an art form and elevate the brand across platforms. Prior to joining L-Acoustics, Koral was on the digital marketing team at Paramount Pictures, where she contributed to award-winning campaigns for major film releases including Scream VI, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.
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Adjunct Professor and Partnerships Advisor, University of Toronto Faculty of Music
Catherine Moore, currently Adjunct Professor of Music Technology & Digital Media at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, emphasizes creating (and pitching!) value in business courses, workshop coaching, and consulting work. In her teaching, the focus is on new technologies for digital media distribution, music startups, and collaborative courses that bring students in user-experience design, computer science, and music together. Catherine taught at NYU from 1995 to 2016, directing the Music Business Program for many years. Her focus there was on price strategy, strategic marketing, business development, A&R music evaluation, and international expansion. Catherine’s first music-business job was managing a record store in Liverpool, England, and she is a music critic for American Record Guide magazine. She continuously seeks parallels and inspirations from other industries -- such as food production -- and tells anyone who’ll listen that it’s a vital way to protect against sector insularity.
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Manager, MMF Canada
Amie Therrien leads the MMF Canada team, supporting managers and self-managed artists with professional development, networking and mentorship opportunities, and advocacy.
Amie also ran Balsam Pier Music, an artist management and development company where she primarily worked with folk, roots, and Americana artists. She is a member of the Toronto Music Advisory Council, served nine years on the Folk Music Ontario board, worked for Coalition Music, Folk Alliance International, and is an alumni of the Artist Manager Program with Canada’s Music Incubator.
Amie is based in Toronto and is the President of the Toronto & York Region Métis Council, a kayaker, a meditator, a beading artist, a newbie jigsaw puzzler, and a recovering civil engineer.