PASSPORT MUSIC EXPORT SUMMIT 2023
Self-Managed Artist Summit
Artists
Kenneth Wong | Alex Kade
Hailed as one of the rising stars of “sadboi EDM” from Toronto, Alex Kade effortlessly fuses emotion, hype, Rock, and EDM to tug on the heartstrings of electronic music lovers everywhere.
Only debuting in the middle of a pandemic in 2020, Alex Kade has already went on to DJ and host his signature “Anime Raves” at Anime Expo (Los Angeles), Otafest (Calgary), Otakuthon (Montréal), and UwU Con (Phoenix).
With over 16 million total views on his TikTok videos showcasing his “sadboi EDM”, mixed in with his love for Anime music, it’s just a matter of “when, not if” before Alex Kade becomes a regular name in the electronic world.
Noah Derksen
Noah Derksen is an award-winning roots singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Following up on his 2021 Canadian Folk Music's Emerging Artist of the Year, Noah's 3rd full-length album "Sanctity of Silence" is out March 9th via Symphonic. Plus, Noah's got long flowing auburn hair and a twinkle in his eye. What's not to love?
Domanique Grant
You may call her Queen Dom. Her mom did when she was a child, and now Toronto soul-pop singer, Songwriter, Domanique Grant is claiming it in adulthood, as the title of her forthcoming Double EP QUEEN/DOM.
In 2020 during one of the most uncertain times of our decade, Domanique used music to bring hope to the world. After a clip of her performing in the locked down streets of Toronto went viral, Domanique’s song “Till We See The Sun” was named “ the anthem of our time” by CTV National. It also became a song of hope for health care practitioners around the world.
Domanique was name one of Buzzfeeds top 20 artists to watch in Canada and her message of self love, generational healing and body positivity, has led to music collaborations with Tedx, L’Oreal Paris, Unilever Brands (Dove, Vaseline) and The Top 25 Women of Influence.
Today Domanique will perform original music, including a new song titled “I’ll Care for You”, which was commissioned by SRCHC and written as a dedication to everyone here today.
Domanique is accompanied by Deserae Dee
Maya Killtron
Maya Killtron’s music is fun, joyfully feel-good, and makes you want to roller skate. Her vibrant style and lush sophisticated take on Modern Boogie and Modern Funk have landed her features in Noisey, Earmilk, & Huffington Post garnering her devoted fans around the world.
2019’s Never Dance Alone launched her into the Boogie scene. 2020's follow up EP Fired Up saw the singer/violinist solidify her place as one of the genre's leading new voices boasting tracks full of lush strings, horns & big big vocals.
Partnering with legendary distributor Fat Beats, Maya has just released her second album Persimmon in 2022.
STORRY
STORRY is a two-time JUNO nominated singer-songwriter, visual artist, advocate and performer. She is on a mission to inspire through music that is evocative and honest. Her debut album, ‘CH III: The Come Up’ set the groundwork for her innovative sound, and was nominated alongside Celine Dion and Alanis Morissette.
In 2022, STORRY was featured on the title track of Stormzy’s album ‘This is What I Mean’ which was nominated for Album of the Year at the Brit Awards 2023.
Now STORRY is set to release the prequel to her debut album in early 2024, titled ‘Chapter 2: Run’ - an album about a woman surviving sex-trafficking and the non-linear journey of healing.
With the social-political importance of Childish Gambino, the powerhouse vocals of Adele, the grit of Cardi B and the musical theatrics of Queen - STORRY's music is a unique journey that transforms audiences. Her live performances are a truly visceral experience that need to be experienced to be believed. If it doesn’t touch you, it’ll hit you in the face.
Celeigh Cardinal
With a confident voice and boundless energy, Celeigh Cardinal owns a stage, connecting deeply with her audience through humour, passion and love. In 2020, Cardinal was awarded one of Canada’s highest musical accolades: the JUNO Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year. She also received a Western Canadian Music Award in 2018 for Indigenous Artist of the Year, and nominations in 2020, Indigenous Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Multiple tracks from her most recent release, Stories from a Downtown Apartment, have reached #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. Cardinal has two full-length albums completed and her third release in the works, which is being supported by the Canada Council for the Arts. In 2021, Edmonton-based singer-songwriter was chosen by The Walt Disney Corporation to record a single and music video as part of their first season of The Recital of Remixes. She has toured through Sweden, Germany, Denmark and The Netherlands and has showcased in Dubai at Expo 2020, Reeperbahn in Hamburg, Germany, and Folk Alliances from 2018-2020 in Kansas City, Montreal and New Orleans. Celeigh isquickly becoming one of the great Canadian voices that make up the fabric of this country’s roots music scene.
Dee Landsberg | The Della Kit
Queer Vocalist, Songwriter, DJ & Producer, the della kit was born into a lineage of Jewish and Italian Jazz musicians in Boston MA and was raised in British Columbia, Canada.With a career that has taken her all over the world supporting the likes of Mos Def, Lil Kim, and Quest Love, her debut album “moonbeams & frequencies” is signed to Art Haus Music, alongside Talk, Serena Ryder & Adria Kain. Produced by the della kit, AstroLogical & Mr Carmack, it’s a sonic journey that engulfs the listener in a neo-soul, jazz-inspired, funk wonderland. Laced with evocative stories of healing and self-love, “moonbeams & frequencies” has been streamed over 250k times across 146 countries & featured on numerous Spotify’s & Apple Music Playlists. Within only 6 months the della kit has gained press support from CBC, Much Music & Range Magazine and has performed at Juno Fest, Toronto Jazz Fest, Winnipeg Pride & Lightning in a Bottle.
Clea Anaïs
Clea Anaïs’ compositions center on a multifaceted artistic sensibility, and an emotional intelligence as sharp as bright-coloured crystal. Raised in Canada by a Mauritian dancer and British painter, Clea is a multi-ethnic artist, creating shimmer-pop dreamscapes. 2022 saw the release of Clea’s debut album, “Circle Zero” recalling the inimitable vocals of Lana del Rey, grounded in the nostalgic groove and lush pop stylings of Beach House or Japanese Breakfast. Accolades include the single “Stars Still Dying” winning Best Music Video Cinematography at the Canadian and European Cinematography Awards, landing in CBC Radio 3’s top 10 playlist, and the album reaching #1 on the CJSW (Calgary) charts. To support “Circle Zero”, in 2022 Clea toured Canada, Japan, and Finland, and performed at Tallinn Music Week in Estonia, The Calgary Folk Music Festival, Sled Island, Alberta Days, and Big Winter Classic.
Joseph Leroux | Bridal Party
Joseph Leroux is a songwriter and guitarist living on the unceded territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, or Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He is a member of art pop quintet Bridal Party, who released their sophomore LP Cool Down on February 15, 2023. He also makes music under the moniker Fond, and books and curates live music events as Regular Occasion.
Art Ross | Pillow Fite
Art Ross (they/them) is the lead singer and songwriter of Pillow Fite. Pillow Fite is Halifax, Nova Scotia’s most exciting new musical duo. Pairing tender, heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics with catchy alt-rock instrumentals and folky ballads, the genre lines get blurred in a way that keeps the project dynamic and binge-worthy while giving listeners all of the feels. As a trans non-binary fronted band, Pillow Fite strive to represent queer experiences both on and off stage, and work hard to perform in safe and inclusive spaces. Their next single, Overpass, is out March 2023 and they will showcase at Focus Wales and The Great Escape in May 2023.
Daniel James McFadyen & Barncat
Award nominated folk musician Daniel James McFadyen began his musical journey by playing at humble, bustling pubs in and around the Annapolis Valley. Originally hailing from Ontario, Daniel fell in love with the East Coast while on a family trip at 14 years old. "There's something inspiring about the people and culture on the East Coast; it's the most supportive community I have ever encountered."
Daniel now has two EPs and an award nominated debut album under his belt. With his upbeat and lively performances at sold out venues across the country Daniel has touched the hearts of many. In September 2023 Daniel will release his newest album.
Guests & Mentors
Shikayla Nadine
SNM Management
Shikayla Nadine is an artist manager hailing from North West London, where her love for music began at a young age. She manages a roster of multi-talented artists, including Rebecca Garton, Kadeem Tyrell, Levelle London, Kadiata, and Shanay Maliya, under her company, SN Music Management.
Shikayla's journey into the music industry started a decade ago when she became an artist management assistant for the manager of American rapper, Waka Flocka Flame. Realizing her passion for artist management, she went on to study Music Business and Brand Marketing, and also created, curated, and hosted her own radio show, 'Midday with Kay,' which promoted R&B music from around the world.
Aside from her work in artist management, Shikayla has become an advocate for women's rights, diversity and inclusion, and mental health within the music industry. She even wrote a thesis on the perception of black women in the music industry and has helped update the MMF guide to mental health. Shikayla has participated in panel talks with various organizations such as The Roundhouse, The Great Escape festival, Focus Wales, Nova Scotia Music Week, and Break Out West, among others. With her passion for music and advocacy, Shikayla is slowly but surely making her footprint in the music industry.
Vel Omazic
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Canada’s Music Incubator
Vel Omazic has been CMI’s executive director since co-founding the not-for-profit organization in 2011. He has worked in the Canadian music industry for three decades, having served as Vice-President, National Promotion and Media Relations for Sony Music Canada for 10 of those years. He got his start in the National Promotion/Publicity department at PolyGram Records. Prior to launching CMI, Vel was VP Marketing & Communications at Green Living Enterprises, an environmental consulting, marketing and events agency. He is an active member of the Advisory Board for Ryerson University’s Music Den, a hub for music tech and next generation music companies, and an advisor for Platform’s Music Tech Accelerator program (Reverb) in Calgary. Vel is also on the Advisory Board for the Gatecrash Music’s newly founded Incubator (2021) in Mumbai, India, which is modelled after CMI.
Gregory Scott
MusicRISE Entertainment
Gregory Scott is the Founder & Executive Director at MusicRISE Entertainment. He brings numerous years of experience from working worldwide logistics in the military and as a roadie for various musicians.
MusicRISE is an international talent and tour management company located in Toronto, Canada. The agency focuses on bookings, tours, transportation - logistics, merchandise, and brand management. The MusicRISE Entertainment client roster consists of local and international singers, bands and DJs that cross a wide range of music genres.
Neelam Donohue
Peace Run Records
Working for Peace run records, Sunshine coast, Australia.
Boutique event management, festival bookings, artists services. Woodford Folk Festival 22/23 – Media liaison, contract completed Jan. Cultural liaison, experience creator and bringer of warmth!
Sondra Gold
CPA
Sondra grew up in a home filled with creativity. When it wasn’t her mom writing or performing music–her dad was blaring the Beatles, and she was practicing for her 10 years of dancing and performing in musicals. This love for the creative arts ignited her passion for working within the cultural industry.
Saddled with over a decade of experience working alongside music industry accountant veterans D. Jae Gold and Michelle Gold, Sondra has had the opportunity to work with many high profile clients and those who are just finding their footing in their careers. She has expertise in music, film, TV, comedy clubs, nightclubs, all performing arts, and anyone in front of and behind the camera.
Sondra’s speaking engagements include Coalition Music (Canada’s leading music incubator), VO North Conference, U Of T (Munk School of Global Affair), #paid, Music Managers Forum (MMF), Song Studio, Folk Music Ontario, Kensington Market Jazz Festival and more.
Sondra works hand in hand to ensure her clients are tackling their immediate needs but also considering their future ambitions. Better yet, she equips them with the tools they need to understand how to run the accounting side of their business.
There’s nothing that brings greater fulfillment than to enable her clients to do what they love for a living so that she can take care of the accounting — After the Show.
Brooke Morgan
The Orchard
Brooke Morgan is a Toronto-based “music suit,” for lack of a better term, wearing a number of hats in the industry. Brooke joined the wonderful music distribution team at The Orchard in 2021 as a Label Manager, working with a wide range of clients such as Birthday Cake Media, Dine Alone Records, R&B artist Dylan Sinclair, and country icons High Valley. Brooke brings her previous experience as Label Director at Paper Bag Records to this role and to the development of Wavy Haze Records, the independent label she co-founded with Born Ruffians and Huxley Management. And to add one final music hat, Brooke previously delved into the world of artist management, working with the acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer and indie up-and-comers Ice Cream.
Kenneth Wong
Short Form Studios
Kenneth Wong is a Musical Artist-Entrepreneur and Electronic Music Producer, working and performing under the moniker “Alex Kade“.
As a producer, Kenneth has remixed and co-written with numerous artists, including Luma, Emily Vu, Tray Little, Cinzia & The Eclipse, F.N., Nodis, Cayley Spivey, Jayde Vincent, and Double A-Ron - to name a few.
Kenneth also educates musical artists on how to better market their music, their brand, and themselves using organic social media methods, as well as paid advertising. With his methods, he’s helped his artists garner over 13 000 TikTok followers in under a month, 2M+ views/month consistently, develop an authentic fanbase, and grow their income while pursuing what they love - music!
Jesse Stensby
Vitriol Radio
For the past 20 years, together with his cohort Jerry Steller, Jesse Stensby has built up Vitriol Radio Promotion as one of the most prominent radio promo companies in North America. Vitriol is a leader in developing bands at college, non-commercial, and commercial specialty radio, introducing artists to the most passionate music fans you'll find.
They've been proud to work alongside legends like Nick Cave and Brian Wilson, and alternative stalwarts like The Sadies, Metric, Tegan and Sara, Grimes, Purity Ring, and more in just in the past few years. Their efforts have earned #1 records for artists like Helena Deland, The Sadies, Hot Chip, Metric, Rostam, TR/ST, just to name a few.
Jesse has been a featured panelist and speaker at many colleges and conferences throughout North America including CMJ Music Marathon, Midwest Music Exchange, and more. He's also recorded and self-released multiple albums with his band and even dabbled in tour management throughout the years.
Everton Lewis Jr.
Wracket Music Supervision
Everton Lewis Jr. is an industry veteran and the go to music supervisor for the hottest and most dynamic music syncs in the business. Over the past ten years, he’s forged his way as a thought leader and built an extensive rolodex of A List music industry connections.
He created his own lane when he founded and launched EH! SIDE Music Supervision - a company solely dedicated to Canadian music syncs.
Following the success of EH! SIDE, Everton, Jr. took on the role as Head Music Supervisor at VICE Canada where he solely mangaged the music department for Virtue Agency, Tv Production and Editorial and worked on projects including Dark Side of the Ring, It's Suppertime w/ Matty Matheson, Rat Park, Tattoo Age, Post Radical w/ Rick McCrank and Mr.Tachyon w/ Director X. He was responsible for music syncs on Virtue campaigns including Sephora, Durex and Vans.
Today, Everton, Jr has returned to music supervision on his own terms with his company, Wracket Music Supervision Inc. with most recent projects CBC's Anyone's Game & Next Stop Season 2, YO! MTV Maps and Amazon Primes: All or Nothing Toronto Maple Leafs.
Everton, Jr also supports Apple as Brand Music Supervisor providing music supervision for Apple's keynotes and commercials.
Jonathan Li
Prosody Digital
Jonathan Li is a data-driven and growth-focused digital marketer with over 15 years of experience working for agencies such as Critical Mass (Omnicom) & Evans Hunt. He has led digital work for clients such as Nissan USA, Dell, AT&T, Infiniti USA / Global, Hewlett Packard, Electronic Arts, and CBC Music. His consulting agency, Prosody Digital, works with businesses and marketing agencies to improve their eCommerce, SEO, paid advertising and analytics capabilities.
As a mentor/speaker he has worked with multiple organizations such as Canada's Music Incubator, The Juno Awards, Music NB, Music BC, Manitoba Music, and Music Nova Scotia. He is also a part of the teaching faculty for The Songwriting Academy. A faculty that encompasses a group of songwriters, producers and music professionals with combined sales of over one billion records dedicated to equipping songwriters and artists. Altogether, Jonathan has mentored over 800+ artists, songwriters and music managers over the last 6 years.
In his past artist life, Jonathan was a Western Canada Music Awards and Gospel Music Awards nominated singer/songwriter. Alongside marketing, he works as a songwriter for both independent & major label artists and has recently moved into the world of sync, garnering placements with the NFL, NBC/Universal and Peacock.
Stefan Reichmann
Haldern Pop
He stayed in the village, observed and memorised a lot, maybe even learned a little village science about staying, going and coming back. A study, so to speak, of diligence and reliability in the countryside, in other words, of the forces that are capable of building things, reviving them, setting them on tradition-rich ground and continuing them progressively. With hospitality, Haldern Pop attracts others to the village, those who have gone elsewhere, those with flies on their faces, seekers who are allowed to find and are welcomed.
As founder of the Haldern Pop Festival, in the early 1980s, he expanded the given capabilities of the village of Haldern to include those of art, developed the concept of Volkswirkschaft and formed the Haldern Pop brand from it. In addition to the festival, the music label Haldern Pop Recordings, a concert agency, a record shop, another festival in South Tyrol and the Haldern Pop Bar, as an "off day" live club for stranded musicians between Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam and Cologne, have since been created under this umbrella. He also runs the enthusiasm factory Einfach, König & Du.
Connecting diverse people, setting communities and places in resonant vibration, allowing one's own space within the whole and inspiring from the known to the unknown is his entrepreneurial ambition.
Listening. The silent revolution.
Ria Mae
Nettwerk
Ria Mae is a multi-platinum, multi Juno nominated artist from Eastern Canada. Ria has toured Europe with Tegan and Sara, North America with Dido, and Canada with Scott Helman. She has performed with K.D. Lang, Elle King, Xavier Rudd, Shawn Hook, Family of the year and more.