Meet the MusicWorks Panelists: Heather Bishop & Safwan Javed

Posted on

There are some important things you may not think about when you first begin a career in music: finances and law. Coming up in our MusicWorks session on May 18, DIY Series: Financial Management & Music Lawwe'll be learning all about. Artist and entrepreneur Heather Bishop and lawyer Safwan Javed of TOML LLP will join us to talk about when muisc folks need to begin thinking about these important business fundamentals and how to get organized for them, including topics like CRA’s criteria for eligible expenses, deductions for tax returns, fine print, and when you need an entertainment lawyer.

After more than four decades of crooked miles, Heather Bishop has deduced that she is an alchemist and metaphysical artist. Her work transforms beliefs while simultaneously rooting you in the truth that magic is afoot. Armed with only her six string guitar and rich voice she has traveled the world leaving beauty and light and 15 award winning recordings in her wake. Heather has dedicated herself to activism and, for her life's work, has received The Order of Canada, The Order of Manitoba, and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. Most recently she was called upon to sit on the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments. Retiring from music, Heather has continued to live many lifetimes in her current avatar, morphing most recently into an educator, keynote speaker, and Master Hypnotherapist. Her vision is of a world that is socially just, environmentally sound, and spiritually fulfilling.

Safwan Javed is an entertainment lawyer at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP. His practice generally focuses on intellectual property and business matters as they relate to the intersection between law and music. He has been practicing law since 2009. Safwan co-founded the band “Wide Mouth Mason” in 1997. The band became a mainstay of the Canadian music industry, garnering critical acclaim and legions of fans. Safwan remains the drummer and co-manager of the band. Safwan is currently President of Fair Trade Music International, a music-creator organization dedicated to building an ethical global music ecosystem. He has previously sat as a board member for SOCAN, SOCAN Foundation, and the Songwriters Association of Canada.

Get to know them better with our little Q+A...

What item, that you don't have already, would you most like to own?

Heather: A fully electric not smart car

Safwan: A mountainous Caribbean island

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? 

Heather: I came here to rock this life

Safwan: I’m killing time, while it’s killing me.

What is the best advice you have ever been given relating to your career in music?

Heather: Always work with people better than yourself

Safwan: Wear multiple hats

What is one aspect of your work that you wish more people understood?

Heather: The deeply spiritual connection

Safwan: How important having appropriate agreements in place is

Find out more about this workshop and register online

Read more news