On Track | Indigenous Music Business Basics

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This fall as restrictions begin to lift and shows return to the public, get organized and develop the tools needed to establish your music as a business. During this four-session workshop series, join Indigenous Music live on Facebook or YouTube from 5:30-7PM CT to learn about four foundational music business skills, including royalty registration, show booking etiquette, bookkeeping techniques, and music law and agreements.

Royalties & Registration

Wednesday, September 8 
Mentor: Margaret McGuffin, Music Publishers Canada

Margaret McGuffin is the CEO of Music Publishers Canada.   She loves diving into research and policy development related to the creative industries and  has worked with a large number of music industry trade organizations and collective management organizations.  She currently  is Chair of the Board at Work In Culture and a member of the advisory board at MusiCounts.  She is also always happy to talk to you about copyright or how music publishers are leading the way in making sure Canadian songs are heard around the world.

Watch the full presentation on YouTube or Facebook

Show Booking Etiquette & Communications

Wednesday, September 15
Mentor: MJ Dandeneau, MJ Entertainment Canada Inc.

MJ DANDENEAU is a Metis woman of French and Anishinaabe descent from the Red River Nation. Her mother comes from the Red River Valley (Ile de la Cross Nation) 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 been awarded the Indigenous Full Circle Award, one of the Manitoba Arts Council prestige prizes in the Arts.

MJ’s extensive music career includes booking agent for Europe and Australia, artistic & musical director for various bands and artist, sound designer and composer for various theatre productions and films. She has assisted artists in music career development and serves as a connecting point into the international touring arena. MJ, continues to compose for theater companies such as Royal MTC, MTYP, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Theatre for young people, Sarasvati Theatre and Cercle Molière. MJ’s key focus and passion are supporting and empowering indigenous artists in successfully navigating the national and international market.

Watch the full presentation on YouTube or Facebook

Bookkeeping Techniques

Wednesday, September 22
Mentor: Tim MacMillar, Aye Aye Music 

Aye Aye Music was founded by Tim MacMillar in 2019. Tim is a member of the band Protest The Hero. In addition to being a guitar player, he was always the business liaison to their business management and eventually became the day to day bookkeeper for the band. He has also co-founded the publishing company Sheet Happens Publishing and worked in the business management division of Six Shooter Inc.

As an active artist, he brings a different perspective to the business management field. Most accountants haven’t had the real world experience of what it’s like to be in a band and know what it takes to sustain a living doing so. This experience allows him to have a critical understanding of where a musician should be earning and spending and help to plan on how to keep the business running efficiently.

Watch the full presentation on YouTube or Facebook

Music Law & Agreements

Wednesday, September 29 
Mentor: Michael Duboff, Edwards Creative Law

Michael Duboff is a Canadian entertainment lawyer with a professional focus on film, television, immigration, and litigation. He has worked with a variety of artists helping to facilitate projects, performance opportunities locally and across borders, and organizational matters. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Michael’s practice spans across Manitoba where he carries on clients and representation in addition to the firm’s primary residence in Ontario. Prior to working as a lawyer, Michael worked professionally in both the music and film/tv industries, as a musician in an alternative rock band and as a freelance director/writer/producer in Toronto and Vancouver. His passion for the arts and artists helps drive his practice and makes him grateful to be able to continue to work for and with the vibrant arts communities.

Watch the full presentation on YouTube or Facebook

 

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