Manitoba Music and Canada Council Launch Virtual Edition of Market Builder Residency for Indigenous Artists and Industry

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Artists from Across Canada to Connect with Industry Leaders and Exceptional Creators, March 22-26

Manitoba Music and the Canada Council for the Arts are launching a virtual edition of the groundbreaking music business project, the Market Builder Residency for Indigenous Artists and Industry. Running March 22 –26 through the Indigenous Music Development Program (IMDP) at Manitoba Music, Market Builder provides a unique opportunity for export-ready music entrepreneurs from across Canada to connect with industry leaders and exceptional creators.

Participants are export-ready artists gathering from across the country, selected by a jury of industry professionals: Deanne Rose Moore, Desiree Dorion, Hellnback, Ila Barker, Indigo, Jesse Bandura, Kaeley Jade, Lisa Muswagon, and Paul Star.

The Market Builder schedule will include industry presentations and discussions, one-on-one mentor meetings, song shares and an open mics, keynotes on important music business topics, and opportunities to build crucial business relationships. Participants will have the chance to connect with heavy hitters in Canada’s music  industry through mentor sessions and meetings.

Industry mainstays Crystal Shawanda and Stevie Salas will share their experience and expertise in two keynote addresses. Shawanda will also be part of daily mentor sessions with participants, along with Jace Martin (The Darren Ross Agency), Matt Maw (Red Music Rising), and MJ Dandeneau (MJ Entertainment Canada).

This year’s presenters include: Amy Eligh (Arts & Crafts Music Publishing), Eryka MacLean (FACTOR), Helen Britton (Six Shooter Records), Marty Ballantyne (Canada Council for the Arts), Mike Denney (MDM Recordings), Ola Mazzuca (Indoor Recess),  Stefanie Purificati (APA Canada), Sarah Burke (SiriusXM), and more.

Elder Dr. Mary Wilson will join to begin and close the week in a good way, as well as host a workshop on mental and spiritual health and wellness.  

Market Builder is the latest project in a series of IMDP virtual initiatives, including this month's "Iskwewak Nikamowak" celebration of International Women's Day, the second season of Talking Stick videos, virtual concerts on mother’s day and father’s day, professional development workshops on radio readiness and funding, and more.

Market Builder is made possible through the partnership of the Canada Council for the Arts. IMDP was launched in 2004 to help First Nation, Metis, and Inuit artists and industry develop sustainable careers in the music industry. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry as identified by a steering committee. IMDP is supported by the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Film & Music, and FACTOR through the financial support of the Government of Canada and Canada's private radio broadcasters.

Elder

Dr. Mary Wilson

Mary is a spiritual healer, wisdom & knowledge keeper. Affiliated with the International Spiritual Directors, Mary has been supervised as a psychotherapist for more than three years by Tricia Mercedes at Trademark Interventions.

Mary has a warm and approachable disposition and strength that brings clarity to most situations. Mary has provided therapy for residential school abuse and trauma survivors and has worked with countless families and individuals to help rebuild communities.

At times, Mary finds her skills in Neuro Linguistic and Cognitive Coaching has helped shift perceptions and open broader insight into challenges and issues that individuals and families face and works with her clientele to set goals that honor the traditional way of life.

Overall, Mary focuses on rebuilding community and individual strength and independance through a wide range of therapies, practices and guided spiritual programs to ultimately create a better life and place for everyone. 

Website
 

Keynote Speakers

Crystal Shawanda

Crystal Shawanda is an Ojibway/Odawa/Potawatomi artist with True North Records, from the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. She began singing when she 3, and recorded her first album in Nashville when she was 13. A multiple Juno Nominee and winner, CCMA winner, Canadian radio music awards winner, and multiple winner of the APCMA’s. Making the switch several years ago from country to blues, she has had multiple Maple Blues awards nominations, and her album “Churchhouse Blues” stayed on the Roots Music Report charts for 36 weeks. Crystal Shawanda is the highest charting Indigenous artist, in the Billboard BDS Era, and is the highest charting Canadian female artist for a solo performance, on American country radio, to date. Crystal is also a producer and the CEO of New Sun Music, the only Indigenous owned record label to chart a song, on mainstream radio. She has also been a board member of Nike N7 since 2008, which has granted millions of dollars to Indigenous youth across Canada and America. 

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Stevie Salas

A guitar player, writer, producer, and composer, Stevie Salas has recorded on over 70 different albums with artists as diverse as George Clinton, Justin Timberlake, Buddy Miles, T.I., Mick Jagger, and Rod Stewart. Having sold over two million solo albums around the world, Stevie has been cited as one of the top 50 guitarists of all time.

Dreaming of a career in music, Stevie left the small town of Oceanside, California in 1985. Eight months later he was discovered by funk music legend George Clinton as the lead guitarist for Clinton’s albums. Stevie received his first major label producer credit with “Was (Not Was)” when he co-produced the UK hit “Out Come the Freaks” from the Album “What up Dog?” Rolling Stone Magazine listed “What up Dog?” as one of the top 100 records of the decade.

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Participants

Deanne Rose Moore

Deanne Rose Moore is Cree from James Bay and is the winner of Canada's Next Top Indigenous Superstar. Her Debut single "Not Waiting Anymore" was released October 9, 2020 by the Darren Ross Agency. The song took off peaking at #24 on Canada's iTunes All Genres Charts and hit #1 on Canada's iTunes R&B Charts. The song is co-written and produced by USA Billboard Top 40 Producer, Jace Martin. 

Deanne Rose Moore's journey with music began as a young child. The voices of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill and Etta James inspired her style. Music became a beacon of hope during her childhood as she endured the life of foster care. These experiences propelled her to advocate for children, youth and families as a Social Worker and pursue her graduate degree, to develop trauma-informed therapy through music. 

The steadiness of music continues to provide hope for her and can be experienced through her soulful sound and songs. Her music speaks of raw and challenging experiences that offer messages of empowerment and resilience - two sentiments that supported her through life. It is her wish that her music will carry those with hurts and immolate resilience and hope.

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Desiree Dorion

Desiree Dorion grew up a mile and a half from the grounds of Dauphin Country Fest, one of the biggest outdoor music festivals in Canada.  As a little girl she would ride her bike there when the festival wasn’t on, climb up on the stage, and pretend to play to the thousands of fans that come to watch big country music acts. In 2014 her dream of playing the mainstage came true.

Desiree released her fifth studio album on February 7th, 2020 with Break the Chain. Exploring the themes of poverty, resilience, breaking the cycle of violence, family ties and Jack Daniels, Desiree’s music and lyrics are a reflection of the world around her. You can hear the emotional weight of these themes in her vocal. A departure from her previous albums, the JUNO nominee has incorporated a hint of pop into her country music style with Break the Chain.

One of the most celebrated artists in country music in Manitoba, Desiree has had four songs chart in the top 100 on the Canadian country music charts, along with several on the Indigenous Music Countdown. Her songwriting partner on Break the Chain is producer/songwriter Chris Burke-Gaffney. They enjoyed a successful collaboration previously with the hit “Whiskey Knows” In 2017, Desiree took home the award for Songwriter of the Year at the Manitoba Country Music Awards for co-writing "Whiskey Knows" with Chris Burke-Gaffney. "Whiskey Knows" was also a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition.

Desiree has toured across Canada and has performed throughout the US as well.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Hellnback

Hellnback also known as Karmen Omeasoo is a member of the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis Alberta. Lisa Muswagon is a Nakoda Cree member of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. They are married and parents to 2 sons and 4 daughters. Hellnback is a hip hop artist veteran and Lisa a contemporary hand drum singer, they each make their own music and together can create a solstice of music and sound with compliments of Indigenous flavour. Hellnback is a hip hop veteran and is known for groups such as Warparty and Team Rezofficial, he is currently a solo artist, with two nominated albums. Lisa is a performer, storyteller and teaches drumming and singing. Together they raise their family and make music to leave a mark for future generations.

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Ila Barker

With soul and voice as smooth as warm honey, singer songwriter ILA captures audiences with her sweet melodies and dynamic presence. ILA is of mixed Anishinaabe and settler heritage with roots running deep in the Manitoban prairies. Her craft is seasoned with rich history and powerful refined textures. Coming from a long line of storytellers, she fuses authentic and timeless notes creating moments of serenity and blissful escape.

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Indigo

Métis pop vocalist and songwriter, Indigo, is taking space in the music scene to deliver girl power pop for the new generation. Growing up with the voices of The Spice Girls, Madonna and Britney Spears, Indigo used those early influences to anchor her craft, melding the DNA of strong, catchy hooks with todays’ heavy R&B and hip-hop culture. Toronto born and bred, the proud Métis singer is coming off of some early career successes, which includes winning the iN Bullseye 2018 grand prize of $10,000 awarded by Slaight Music and the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival. This grand prize allowed Indigo to work with JUNO winning producer Lantz (Jazz Cartier) to create a new collection of songs including her most recent single, The Light. With a saucy debut EP on the horizon, Indigo’s got a whole lot in store for 2021. Look out for this one.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

Jesse Bandura

Jesse Bandura is a Canadian recording artist. He's a singer-songwriter born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Bandura infuses his love of country and rock into his music. Jesse got his first guitar at age nine and has honed his craft playing live, touring across Canada playing bars, clubs, and many local festivals. Bandura's musical style has been linked to Jason Aldean, Steve Earl and Kidd Rock. 
Jesse released his 5 song EP, Crack a Bottle Full of Whiskey in 2016 featuring, "Whiskey" (2016)  and the follow up single "On the Run" (2018).  Bandura’s "On the Run"  has had regular rotations on Sirius XM Satellite Radio and has been featured on the Indigenous Music Countdown. 

Bandura was back in the studio in 2019. His new single  "Good Time” is about going out of town with your girl, kicking back and enjoying life. It’s all about having a good time.  "Good Time" is currently on Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channels 171 and 165 and was featured on the Canada's Top 40 Indigenous Music Countdown  and after enjoying 5 weeks in the  top 10,"Good Time” reached the #1 spot the week of August 22/20!

Bandura recently was added to The Indigenous Now on Apple Music , a playlist dedicated to serving new music from Indigenous Artists across North America!

Jesse has been recognized by CBC Satellite Sirius XM as one of Canada's Newest Rising Talent. Bandura was the first recipient of the 2017 Indigenous Music Awards for the Most Outstanding Manitoba Emerging Artist.

Bandura has been on the same bill as the Watchmen, Brett Kissel, Ridley Bent and Randy Bachman. Jesse has toured Ontario, across Western Canada and the Yukon throughout his 13 year musical career. 

He has played many local festivals including Summer Winds, Howl at the Moon, booked at Sandhills, South Beach, Painted Hand casinos,  Canada Day celebrations and many bars. He gives the utmost attention and fully engages his audience wherever he plays, be it an intimate crowd or a fully sold out venue.

Bandura grew up listening to Metallica and Eminem, he has a wide variety of musical influences ranging from country, rock and rap. Jesse's powerful vocals and mesmerizing guitar licks engage audiences wherever he plays. Jesse puts on a wicked live show full of energy with country rockin’ vibes!

Website | Facebook 

 

Kaeley Jade

Armed with a soulful, velvety voice, singer/songwriter Kaeley Jade possesses a captivating ability to craft music that is both playful and poignant. The Métis artist’s music has charted in the top 10 of the Indigenous Music Countdown and has been featured on Spotify editorial playlists including New Music Friday and Fresh Finds. She was recently selected from hundreds of applicants across Canada to perform in RBCxMusic’s First Up Program and has performed at events including the Big Valley Jamboree, Youthfest, and The Tim Horton’s Brier. Effortlessly blending lush poetry and hooky melodic lines, the Edmonton-based artist creates her own brand of folk-pop that is fresh, polished and vibrant. Recorded with the Juno-nominated team at Velveteen Music, her debut EP, Years Ago, is an evocative exploration of the challenges that arise when building relationships, reminiscent of artists like Vance Joy and Maggie Rogers.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Soundcloud

Lisa Muswagon

Lisa Muswagon is a Nakoda Cree member of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation also known as Cross Lake in Northern Manitoba. She grew up in Winnipeg throughout her childhood and her community in her late teens where she graduated high school. At a young age, she received a gift of the hand drum and has been a performer since. She obtained her Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager Diploma. A mother of 4, Lisa continued her studies and is a full time student at the University of Winnipeg completing a degree in business and a major in Writing and Communications. 

In 2018, she released the album "Buffalo and Rabbits" which is a ten story titled track album. The album tells the story of how Wapos goes on a journey to seek the lost story of the round dance. The album earned two nominations in 2018 for Best New Artist at the Indigenous Music Awards and Aboriginal Songwriter of the year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Lisa is a performer, speaker, workshop facilitator, and is currently the Vice President for Native Model Studio where she coordinates events and fashion shows. She also promotes confidence and self esteem workshops, runway training through modeling and photography.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Paul Star

Born and raised in Chisasibi, Qc, Paul is a proud member of the Eeyou istchee community. Bathed in music from infancy in his uncle’s band’s weekly rehearsals, he quickly got into how music can act as a unifier within a community. At age 9, as he picked up the guitar, and learnt the songs from local legends KASHTIN - And there would be no returning on this musical journey. 

Now, music has become a truly complete path for Paul, who now has completed the Music industry arts program at the Algonquin College, in Ottawa. “This program has really helped me understanding the inner works of the industry, and my true value as a producer and composer”, says Napash, who has since worked with a number of indigenous artists, as well as non-indigenous, on top of building his own record label, PaulStar Entertainment. 

Producing here and songwriting there, Napash is one of those rare hybrids of the music industry, one that has both his own, true, identifiable artistic voice, as well as being able to become a chameleon whenever he’s producing beats for other artists. 

One such artist was K.A.S.P., who would go on to create “FIST IN THE AIR” (Feat. Mike Bone), a song paying homage to the missing & murdered indigenous women (MMIW). Paul had produced the beat back in 2016, and as all good things, it takes a certain time to go from an idea of a song to a finished product - But it’s fair to assume at this point, now that the song has gained significant traction on radio charts, and that Paul is nominated for “Producer of the Year” at the International Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards show. http://indigenoushiphopawards.com/vote 

It’s around 2019 that Paul comes full circle about his label, and various projects. With the growth that PaulStar Entertainment is showing, as the releases are multiplying for 2020, and a new team, Paul is now looking at a bright future releasing his own self debut EP, “FIND MYSELF”, due fall 2020. 

“I’m trying to go for something that represents the world as I live it, while sharing the best things in the world for me as I sense them”, says Napash, as he’s also producing countryman Rob Webb’s debut ep, also due late 2020. 

“I’m proud of the way I’ve come”, says Napash as he’s heading into a business meeting regarding future projects, and the growth of PaulStar entertainment. Education used to be something Napash considered a challenge, and rightfully so when anyone is forced to learn in a different language than their own, but like many, he found a way to make music his solution and his path. 

“But there’s still a lot to accomplish!”, he says with a smile.

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Mentors

Crystal Shawanda

Crystal Shawanda is an Ojibway/Odawa/Potawatomi artist with True North Records, from the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. 

She began singing when she 3, and recorded her first album in Nashville when she was 13. A multiple Juno Nominee and winner, CCMA winner, Canadian radio music awards winner, and multiple winner of the APCMA’s. Making the switch several years ago from country to blues, she has had multiple Maple Blues awards nominations, and her album “Churchhouse Blues” stayed on the Roots Music Report charts for 36 weeks. Crystal Shawanda is the highest charting Indigenous artist, in the Billboard BDS Era, and is the highest charting Canadian female artist for a solo performance, on American country radio, to date. Crystal is also a producer and the CEO of New Sun Music, the only Indigenous owned record label to chart a song, on mainstream radio. She has also been a board member of Nike N7 since 2008, which has granted millions of dollars to Indigenous youth across Canada and America. Crystal has been nominated for two Juno Awards in 2021

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Matt Maw, Red Music Rising

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, The Jerry Cans, 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.

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

MJ Dandeneau

MJ DANDENEAU is a Metis of French and Anishinaabe descent woman from the Red River Metis Nation. Her mother comes from the Metis Red River Valley and her father comes from Penetanguishene, Treaty 61. She is an accomplished bassist, director and producer. Through her business, MJ Entertainment Canada Inc, she has worked and toured with various artists worldwide for the past 16 years. Nationally recognized with recording awards such as JUNO, WCMA, CFM she has recently received the Indigenous Full Circle Award from the Manitoba Arts Council. MJ’s extensive music career includes booking agent for Europe and Australia, Artistic & Musical Director, industry board member and funding assessor for Canada Art Council, Factor, Juno, WCMA Awards, CFM Awards, MusicAction and Manitoba Art Council. She has assisted artists in music career development and serves as a connecting point into the international touring arena.  MJ has also had the opportunity to expand her musical reach by taking on roles as a Composer/Sound Design for musical theatres such as Royal MTC, MTYP, Prairie Theatre, Sarasvati Theatre and Theatre and Cercle Molière. MJ’s key focus and passion are supporting and empowering indigenous artists in successfully navigating the national and international market. 

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Jace Martin, The Darren Ross Agency

Jace Martin is the President of The Darren Ross Agency located on Six Nations, ON. It is a 100% owned and operated record label & artist booking agency. The agency is home to JUNO Winners, Crystal Shawanda, Derek Miller, Shane Yellowbird, Stevie Salas and more. Martin has over 25 years experience in the music industry as artist, performer, songwriter, producer, event management and is a 5 Time Music Award Winner. The Darren Ross Agency founded in 2015 has released 6 Albums and 2 Radio Singles from A.k Mcleod, Leah Belle, Jace Martin, James Wilson and hit the USA Billboard Top 40 Radio Charts in 2017 all produced by Jace Martin. Jace Martin produced and released a Debut Song from Canada’s Next Top Indigenous Superstar, Deanne Rose Moore and the song hit #1 on Canada’s iTunes R&B Charts and #24 All Genres Canadian iTunes Charts. Jace has booked for many prestigious events including Berkeley University, NXNE, Festival of Friends, Yonge & Dundas Festival and performed for over 400 Million people during the 2015 Pan Am Games, Sang at Ritchie Valens NAMA Hall of Fame Induction, shared the stage with Robbie Robertson, Sam Moore, Jonny Lang and been featured on MuchMusic, CBC, Showcase, Bravo and more. Jace currently is hosting Music Industry Workshops for Artists all across Canada and working on his new album after just releasing “Rainboworld” which debuted #67 on Canada’s R&B Albums Charts in 2020

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Presenters

Amy Eligh, Arts & Crafts Music Publishing

Amy Eligh began her career in publishing at Casablanca Media / Red BrickSongs in the copyright and royalties department, before moving into Creative –
where she successfully stationed herself for over a decade before moving to Arts & Crafts Music. Within her role as director of publishing and licensing, Eligh pitches large-scale catalogue of songs for film, trailers, advertising, video games, and TV (US and Canada) as well as oversees the day-to-day within the department. In addition to pitching, Eligh organizes showcases for clients / songwriters with TV networks, music supervisors, and advertisers. She also develops new writers, arranges co-writing sessions, coordinates and hosts song-writing camps, and scouts for talent. At Arts & Crafts Music, Eligh works with Broken Social Scene, Timber Timbre, Reuben and the Dark, Overcoats, The Darcys, Lowell, Taylor Knox, and many more. 

Website

Eryka MacLean, FACTOR

Having grown up in Scarborough (within the GTA) has led to her having a deep appreciation for culture and the impact it brings to our societies. She’s passionate about music and homegrown talent. That passion drove her to FACTOR, and she’s been a part of their team since the summer of 2009. She carries her love of culture and music with her in all she does. She’s invested in helping artists see success and bringing them onto a stage where they can show the world their unique art.

Website 

Helen Britton, Six Shooter Records

As a business owner, artist manager and industry stakeholder for over twenty years, Helen Britton’s approach to the music business has focused on developing the infrastructure to support long-term, multi-dimensional artist careers. CEO and President of Six Shooter Inc., the management division of Six Shooter Records, Britton oversees a roster that includes Tanya Tagaq, July Talk, Whitehorse, Zaki Ibrahim, The Dead South and William Prince. With perseverance and integrity, Britton has built Six Shooter Inc. as a destination for internationally renowned artists whose creative pursuits often extend beyond the standard role of musician or performer. In addition to her artist management work, Britton also represents Tanya Tagaq for live booking (Canada and Europe), speaking engagements, book publishing and as Executive Producer for an upcoming documentary and a stage production. As a President for Music Manager’s Forum Canada and on the CARAS/MusiCounts board, Britton is also engaged in developing and supporting initiatives towards a more equitable, accessible music business for all.

Website 

Marty Ballantyne, Canada Council for the Arts

Marty Ballentyne is a Program Officer with the Canada Council for the Arts, based in Ottawa. From northern Saskatchewan, Marty has had an eventful career in music and indigenous media and communications. As part of the rock band Breach of Trust, Marty co-wrote and helped produce the band’s 3 albums, becoming a part of the EMI Music roster, and shared the stage with the likes of The Tea Party, Finger Eleven and Headstones. Marty has also worked with artists such as Joey Stylez, Leela Gilday, George Leach, Derek Miller and Inez Jasper. Marty got his start in media as a teenager with a summer community radio project in his home community of Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, and later was instrumental in the growth and development of Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal Radio Network, serving as its CEO for four years. While there, Marty was involved in the creation of APTN, becoming Vice Chair just before its’ launch in September 1999. Marty also worked for APTN as a programming executive, helping to bring shows such as Blackstone to the screen. Relishing his current role at the Canada Council, Marty welcomes every opportunity to work with artists and to make a positive contribution to the arts community.

Website 

Mike Denney, MDM Recordings

Mike Denney is a man with a smile and a vision, acknowledged by many as a fervent champion of the Canadian music industry and his clients around the world. With roots in Toronto, he brings a multitude of expertise, creativity and knowledge along with his record business acumen to the industry and the award winning artists he proudly works with. 

An honoured former member of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) Board of Directors and former member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®), Denney’s passion and steadfast support for the country music genre and contribution to the industry has been acknowledged with three CCMA Award™ wins for Record Person of the Year (2014,2015,2017) and the 2020 CCMA ‘Industry Person of the Year’ award. 

In his roles as President of MDM Recordings Inc. and Managing Partner for the newly relaunched acronym Records label, his vision and leadership led MDM to become the #1 independent country label in Canada in 2015 and 2016, with his elite roster of artists achieving multiple Top 10 hits and three #1 singles in 2020 alone. 

In 2015 and 2016, the MDM Recordings team, affectionately known as the “road family” celebrated the CCMA Award for Record Company of the Year.

In June of 2017, Mike Denney relaunched the acronym Records label along with Managing Partner Tony Tarleton, anchoring themselves as the latest full service record label imprint in Canada with a global focus. 

The MDM Recordings Inc. roster includes: 2017 JUNO Award winner, 3x CCMA “Female Artist of the Year” and CCMA “Album of the Year” award winner Jess Moskaluke, CCMA “Rising Star” Award winner Bobby Wills, multiple JUNO Award nominee Don Amero, CCMA Award nominees Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion, David James and Tyler Joe Miller, who recently became the first independent Canadian country artist to reach #1 at radio with his first two singles. 

The acronym Records label is home to JUNO nominated indie rock/alt-country artist Megan Nash as well as JUNO nominee Del Barbar, Kaia Kater and newcomer Mikhail Laxton.

Website

Ola Mazzuca, Indoor Recess

 From the dancehall to the moshpit, music is Ola Mazzuca’s life vocation. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Ola launched her career as a multimedia journalist, covering culture and heavy metal music. 
Ola developed essential experience as a Project Coordinator at McMichael Canadian Art Collection, where she spearheaded the Enabling Change Project, which supported the Canadian art landmark to develop and deliver accessible and inclusive programs. Blending her passions for art and advocacy, she is a Publicist at Toronto management and PR agency, Indoor Recess, working with artists from Canada and beyond to help make their music and stories heard. 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Stefanie Purificati, APA Canada

Stefanie Purificati is an agent and music industry veteran who got her start as the in-house talent buyer at the Drake Hotel. She began her career as an agent in 2010 and recently helped open the Toronto office for APA Canada. Her current roster includes Virginia to Vegas, iskwē, Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, Bettye LaVette, Caveboy, Riit and many more. A highly active member of the community, Stefanie has sat on the Board of Directors for the Country Music Association of Ontario, worked for the Polaris Music Prize for a decade, and is a frequent panelist at conferences like Canadian Music Week, Halifax Pop Explosion, Line Check (Milan, Italy), Canadian Country Music Week and many more.

Website 

Sarah Burke, SiriusXM

Sarah Burke manages the Canadian music department at SiriusXM, overseeing fourteen channels of various genres, including Indigenous Peoples Radio (ch. 165). She is also a host for SiriusXM, Indie88 in Toronto, and the Women in Media Podcast. 

Website 

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