Meet the Mentors: Andrew Sannie, Don Amero, Jesse Marr, Madeleine Roger

There are plenty of differing opinions when it comes to crowdfunding but, at the end of the day, it has been a proven outlet for funding new projects, helping some bands out of a jam, and a serious fan-engagement tool. Crowdfunding allows an artist’s fan base to take part in a project by pledging money to the project in return for special incentives. Thousands of music projects have been successfully funded through different crowdfunding platforms. Given the competition for music fans’ attention, and the many pitfalls of this approach, this DIY Series: Crowdfunding workshop on December 11, will offer tips and techniques to make a campaign stand out amongst the others and succeed in generating funds while strengthening an artist’s community.

Andrew Sannie is Canadian creative, artist and contributor to convergent street culture and art. As a member of The Lytics, he's garnered international acclaim, parlaying that success into partnerships and music syncs with the likes of Converse, Apple, Gymshark and Tiger of Sweden, as well as a Western Canadian Music Award in 2017 and a place in the 2016/17 JUNOI Masterclass. His personal work in the visual arts has garnered international attention, teaming with some of Winnipeg’s most renowned curators in Synonym Art Consultation and Pat Lazo, who he’s collaborated with to curate Wall to Wall Mural Festival. He’s also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Canadian based experiential marketing and consultation company, Grape Experiential, who to date have worked with the likes of Skipthedishes, Just Eat, Hudson’s Bay Company, and Redbull — to name a few.

With the release of his 2018 album, Evolution, Don Amero (MDM Recordings Inc./Universal Music Canada) stepped into the mainstream country music genre with brand new material that he considers his strongest yet. Don is an engaging storyteller, songwriter and performer who has been touring and speaking all across Canada for over 10 years. With seven albums to his name he has already garnered numerous national and international awards, including a JUNO nomination in 2013 and two more in 2016. With powerful vocals, a lovable stage presence, and a soulful sound along with his tireless work ethic, ambition, and determination, Don has earned the respect of the Canadian Music industry and has proven himself a much sought after performer who genuinely connects with his audience with an easy and effortless charm. 

Jesse Marr is a Winnipeg-based entrepreneur and creative. In 2015 he founded a cannabis ancillary product company, where he served as the marketing director and drove sales to 54 countries through a very successful crowdfunding campaign and raised over $400k in pre-orders. A highly creative and innovative individual fluent in a wide range of design mediums, Jesse presently works primarily with Canadian cannabis companies to execute marketing and business development strategies. He works tirelessly to create valuable experiences that improve how individuals interact with the world around them.

Madeleine Roger is a folk singer/songwriter from Winnipeg. Her new debut album Cottonwood quickly reached the #1 spot on the Canadian folk/roots/blues charts, garnering acclaim for its exceptional songwriting, stunning vocals, and meticulous instrumentation. She was co-nominated for Producer of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards and earned a English Songwriter of the Year. Madeleine co-produced and co-engineered Cottonwood with Lloyd Peterson (The Wailin' Jenny's, The Weakerthans, James Keelaghan) at Paintbox Recording in Winnipeg. The album was proudly made with gender parity - half of the producing, audio engineering, musicians, and other artists identify as female. Along with appearances in her folk/roots duo Roger Roger with her twin brother Lucas, Madeleine has performed at music festivals and stages across Canada and Europe including The Winnipeg Folk Festival, Summerfolk Festival, The Calgary Folk Club, Campbell Bay Music Festival, Festival Du Voyageur, and Home Routes house concert tours.