Sound Waves Music Meeting

Akeem Herbert
Artist Manager / A&R
Red Music Rising

Akeem Herbert is an Artist Manager and A&R from Toronto, who has had a passion for music and the arts from an early age, playing multiple instruments throughout his childhood. Studying at Recording Arts Canada in their Audio Engineering & Sound Recording program, Akeem was given the opportunity to get firsthand experience on the ins and outs of how to make a great record, and a deep understanding and love for the Music Industry as a whole. As an independent artist manager and A&R, he has worked directly with notable Juno nominated Canadian talents, as well as worked alongside some of the biggest American Hip Hop talents. Having a keen ear for emerging talent and an all or nothing attitude towards his work, has proven to be the driving force to his success.

www.redmusicrising.ca

Alison Perdue
Day-to-Day Manager
Wednesday Management

Alison Perdue specializes in artist management, project coordination, and marketing strategies. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University in Creative Industries (Music Business & Accounting), she has gained valuable experience through internships with UTA, Paradigm Talent Agency, and LoyalT Management, as well as through a previous role as Project Coordinator at 604 Records/Light Organ Records.

Currently, Alison serves as a Day-to-Day Manager at Wednesday Management, working closely with The Beaches, Alex Porat, and Montreal-based producer Connor Seidel. In this role, she oversees daily operations, contributes to the development of release strategies, and creates impactful social media campaigns that enhance artist visibility and fan engagement.

www.wednesdaymgmt.com

Brendan McCarney
Label Manager
Paper Bag Records

Brendan started his career in music as a tour manager and video director. After countless tours across North America, as well as dozens of music videos and several feature documentaries (including one that landed on Netflix), he turned his attention to artist management and founded Double Denim Mgmt in 2014. Since then, he has also taken the role as Label Manager for the longtime celebrated indie label, Paper Bag Records.

www.paperbagrecords.com

Brenton Thorvaldson
Indigenous Music Office

Brenton Thorvaldson is the Project Manager for the recently launched Indigenous Music Office (IMO). The mission of the IMO is to uplift, empower, and strengthen Indigenous music creators, families, and communities. Brenton draws from his experience as an artist, songwriter, and musician-for-hire, and is also a member of the CCMA award winning act Tim & The Glory Boys. His solo debut, The Inner Trail, released under the alias Brenton David, received significant airplay on SiriusXM and saw multiple songs reach the top ten of the Indigenous Music Countdown. Brenton is a graduate of the entrepreneurship program at the Asper School of Business, and a member of Sagkeeng First Nation.

indigenousmusicoffice.com

Chris Wilson
It’s OK*

Based in Toronto, Chris Wilson has carved a distinct path in the music and entertainment industry. Currently serving as a Music Supervisor for Wrackett Music and the Board Chair for It's OK*, he brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles. He served as the Director of Programming + Brand Partnerships at The Drake Hotel Properties, and in London, UK, he was the Talent Booker and Music PR for Ace Hotel. Throughout his career, Chris has been pivotal in crafting and overseeing a rich blend of music, cultural programs, and events that resonate with diverse audiences. Parallel to his professional journey in music, Chris has a Master's of Design from OCAD U, concentrating on Strategic Foresight and Innovation. His academic pursuit revolves around bolstering Arts & Culture through insightful policy development and urban space design that harmonizes with community needs.

itsokworld.com

Claire Boué
Bilingual Administrative Coordinator
SOCAN

Claire Boué is the Bilingual Administrative Coordinator for SOCAN’s Creative Team. With over five years of experience in arts administration, her career spans roles in public and commercial galleries in Toronto, to the Music Department at the Ontario Arts Council, and her current position at SOCAN, which she joined in 2021.

For the past three years, Claire has supported SOCAN members through initiatives such as SOCAN 101 seminars and Song Camp Monday writing sessions. She also oversees the management of SOCAN’s two Houses in Los Angeles and Nashville.

Fully bilingual in French and English, Claire is passionate about exploring the intersections of music and culture.

www.socan.com

Cory Thomas
Ninjacat Productions / The Park Theatre / Sidestage

Cory Thomas has been a drummer in the Winnipeg music scene since the late 90's and became a promoter in the early 2000's. He first began as a local promoter booking local bands.  After a few years, started booking out of town bands. Over time the shows he was booking started getting bigger and he eventually decided to open his own promotion company called Ninjacat Productions which was originally working out of a club called The Zoo/Ozzys. Later he would  take his current with The Park Theatre.  In 2024 I also opened a new club in south Osborne with some partners called Sidestage.  

www.instagram.com/ninjacat_productions

DijahSB
Recording Artist

Rapper, singer, Internet sensation DijahSB is a Black non-binary artist rapping their way through hope, heartbreak, and breakthroughs. Their fascination with the unguarded creative processes of their influences Kid Cudi and Lupe Fiasco birthed a desire to express themselves freely and unapologetically unique. 

From Brazil, Australia, the US and the UK, they’ve amassed a cult following of creatives and fans who religiously followed their Twitter account, that gives an unfiltered look at their life and opinions on various subjects; from sports takes, to political stances, along with a view into the world of an everyday artist trying to be heard, facing trials and tribulations head on. 

Over the years, Dijah has released EP’s, LPs and Mixtapes. In 2021, they released the critically acclaimed album Head Above the Waters, a Kaleidoscope of lyricism, honesty, and a clear vision of the successes to come, earning them increased attention from the industry, their peers and the 2021 Shortlist of the Polaris Prize, Internationally recognized and one of the top coveted awards for songwriters in Canada. 

Dijahs’ third LP The Flower That Knew tells their arc of wins and loses during their career from the perspective of a flower. Accompanied by their long-term collaborators Harrison, Cheap Limousine, and Veggi Beats, Dijah flows over soulful, bright beats with ease and purpose. The lesson is clear: through harsh storms, rough soil, snow or rain might come its way, a flower knows that it’s all part of the process of growth. “Even before I grew into the person I was, I knew I would be destined to bloom.” With every release, Dijah moves closer to their dream of living comfortably, happily and being a voice for the LGBTQ+ community.

www.instagram.com/dijahsb

Element Everest-Blanks
HYFIN / Radio Milwaukee

A veteran of the local music scene, Element Everest-Blanks is best known as a member of former Milwaukee Hip-Hop group Black Elephant.  In 2002, Element wrote and performed a song that appeared on the soundtrack and in motion picture “Deliver Us from Eva,” featuring LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union. She was also signed to the prestigious Ford Modeling agency and voiced television and radio spots for McDonald’s national 365 black campaign. In 2010 Element began crafting songs for NBA and NFL teams. She graced the cover of numerous magazines, and her music has also appeared on MTV.

Everest-Blanks was part of 88.9FM’s original on-air cohort of DJs when the station launched in 2007. She returned to the station as an on-air host in September 2021. In February 2021, she stepped into her new role as Music Director, making her the first Black woman in this role for the NPR station. On-Air Host and brand ambassador with HYFIN. Everest-Blanks leads their ""Latest 1st Afternoon Drive."" Everest-Blanks is also HYFIN’s brand ambassador working to create on-air and online content and build relationships within the community. 

With the launch of her new position as Music Director, Everest-Blanks launched a new social media series called HYFIN Verified. This series highlights urban alternative music artist that will and are creating a new sound outside of what the music industry has pushed on triple A radio. HYFIN Verified was designed to shake up the industry by highlighting artist that don’t fit neatly into any box. Most recently Everest- Blanks launched a new NPR Music Sunday specialty show " Mic Drop Moments."

https://hyfin.org

Jen Doerksen
Signal Noise Music / Velvet Antler Management

Jen Doerksen is a non-binary music professional based on Treaty 1 Territory. With over eight years of experience as a communications professional working in marketing, public relations, and videography, Jen has developed a skill set particularly useful to developing small businesses. Currently, they work as day-to-day management and marketing for The Sheepdogs management team, while offering label services under Signal Noise Music. Previously, Jen worked as day-to-day management with Boy Golden, and with the Misfit Music Management team. Before diving into artist management, Jen was a marketing manager at independent record label Birthday Cake Media. They also co-own boutique videography company BNB Studios, and help artist friends with grant writing, project planning, business strategy, and marketing strategy development.

signalnoisemusic.com

Jenna Priestner
Owner/Operator
Sidestage

Jenna Priestner is the owner/operator of Winnipeg’s newest music venue, Sidestage, which opened in October 2024. She spent twelve years prior to Sidestage fronting the punk duo Mobina Galore (New Damage Records), who toured extensively throughout Europe and North America. She also runs a merch store called Revel Records & Merch Co. selling local and international merch and distro along with her more recent solo folk project called Land Locked.

www.sidestagewpg.com

Jorge Requena Ramos
Artistic Director
West End Cultural Centre

Jorge Requena Ramos is a multi-disciplinary artist who grew up in Mexico City and now calls Winnipeg Manitoba his home. He has done extensive work as a film director, playwright, and television producer. He became the Artistic director of the WECC in 2019 after spending a decade amongst performers, travelling across Canada, the US and Europe with his band “The Mariachi Ghost”. In his tenure at the WECC he has overseen the development and growth of Winterruption, a festival that celebrates life in a winter city at -40 below. He has also helped the WECC transition into an Anti-racist, Anti-Oppressive strategic plan that will see their programming and practices reflect the truly diverse fabric o that makes Canada.

www.wecc.ca

Katie Goodfellow
Wardrobe Stylist and Costume Designer for Musicians, Artists, and Entertainers

Katie Goodfellow is a Wardrobe Stylist and Costume Designer for Musicians, Artists, and Entertainers while also working simultaneously in the commercial and film world. Her work has been featured in Billboard, Teen Vogue, FASHION Magazine, and ELLE Canada etc. Katie has designed looks for clients on international music tours (Valley, Scott Helman, Elio), as well as a TV series airing on Canadian television networks such as TFO. Katie is also working on her custom knitwear line that will be available for purchase in 2025.

www.instagram.com/k_goodfellow

Kerri Stephens
Lost Cat Artists

Lost Cat Artists is a female-led boutique operation founded by seasoned music industry professional Kerri Stephens, dedicated to supporting the growth of emerging and established artists. With expertise in mentorship, grant writing, partnership development, and management, Kerri provides tailored services to a diverse roster, including The Secret Beach, Leaf Rapids, Petunia & The Vipers, JP Hoe, and Gabi Ocejo. Drawing on over nine years of experience at Winnipeg's West End Cultural Centre (WECC), Kerri also leads the Manitoba chapter of Women In Music Canada and has recently begun collaborating with Enki Music on export development strategies to help artists and organizations expand internationally.

www.lostcatartists.com

Lara Supan
Head of the Agency Division
Midwood Entertainment

Lara started her career in the live music business as a performance artist herself. She went on to co-found and launch the crowdsourcing and crowdfunding platform, RoadNation. She moved on from RoadNation to co-found a boutique booking agency, Mile One, in 2015. In 2019, she joined forces with Jim Fleming at Fleming Artists and became Vice President of the company in 2020. In 2023, she accepted the position of Head of the Agency Division at Midwood Entertainment and currently represents artists such as Carsie Blanton, Crys Matthews, Susan Werner, Ordinary Elephant, Jonatha Brooke, Aleksi Campagne, Kellie Loder (US only) and others.

www.midwoodentertainment.com

Luther Mallory
Artist Performance Coach
Destroy the Stage

Luther Mallory is an Artist Performance Coach, Keynote Speaker and Music Artist. He is an expert in teaching Stage Presence to Performing Artists and Business Professionals. His focus is on the psychological barriers holding people back from accessing their most fearless and confident selves on stage. 

Luther is the Performance Coach for two of Canada’s most acclaimed music artist development programs - The JUNO Masterclass and CMI’s Artist Entrepreneur Programs in Toronto and Calgary.

Over the last decade, Luther has coached over 1000+ artists including JUNO Award and Polaris Prize winners, major label and independent artists of every genre, and more than 50 artists that have since achieved 1 million+ Spotify streams.

www.luthermallory.com/destroythestageseminar

Matt Horseman
Writer, Photographer, Journalist

Matt Horseman is a writer, photographer, and journalist. His work has been published in National Geographic, The Globe & Mail, Canadian Geographic, VICE, Musicworks Magazine, No Depression, The A.V. Club, The FADER, and other fine publications. He's shaped narratives and done photo and video work for artists such as Mo Kenney, Joel Plaskett, Julie Doiron, Nico Paulo, Boy Golden, July Talk, Matt Mays, and Terra Lightfoot. He's been a Polaris Music Prize juror since 2016, and has served on Sappyfest's board of directors since 2022. He used to play in a band.

matthorseman.com

Paco Barba
Artistic Director
Grupo Indie Rocks!

Paco Barba, born in Mexico City in 1981, is a graphic designer from Columbia College in Chicago, IL. During his remarkable tenure as digital marketing director at Thrill Jockey Records from 2005 to 2013, Paco left an indelible mark on the label's extensive catalog, contributing to over 40 titles. His role in promoting the label and facilitating artistic exchanges between Chicago and Latin America further enriched the cultural landscape.

Paco's exceptional talent has garnered him numerous awards and recognition. His visionary projects, such as "Close to There/Perto de Lá" (2018) between Chicago and Salvador, Brazil as well as "Elastic Arts: An Improvised Music Exchange Between Mexico City and Chicago" (2019), received support from the esteemed MacArthur Foundation International Connections Fund. His curatorial practices in printed books were honored at the Tokyo Art Book Fair in 2019, and he received a prestigious Curatorial Fellowship at the Experimental Sound Studio in Chicago, IL, USA in 2017.

As the artistic director of Grupo Indie Rocks! since 2015, Paco continues to make a profound impact on not only helping artists to find their way in the territory, but presenting over 430 captivating performances at renowned venues and festivals in Mexico City, including Festival Hipnosis, Festival Aural, Festival del Centro Historico de la Ciudad de Mexico, Lampo, Semana IR!, and the recent addition of the Pitchfork Music Festival in Mexico City. Paco's unwavering commitment to showcasing exceptional artistry continues to shape and elevate the cultural landscape, providing unforgettable experiences for audiences.

htto://www.instagram.com/_pacobarba

Paul Biro
Operating Partner and President
Sakamoto Agency

Operating Partner and President, responsible for day to day management and operation of the company, as well as artist touring and development as Senior Agent. He’s a four-time winner of the Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer of the Year Award at Canadian Country Music Awards and has played a major role in developing breakout bands and artists like 2x Gold Artists The Washboard Union, Double Platinum Artist Aaron Goodvin, and break out artist Hailey Bendict, booking touring dates across Canada, the US and Europe. Paul continues to book a well-rounded roster of both established and up and coming artists. Paul and his team have also launched three new divisions to Sakamoto Agency. A radio and digital promotion company called GPS Promotion and management arm called GPS Artist Management, in partnership with GrassRoots Promotion in Nashville, and a record label called Sakamoto Music, distributed by the good folks at Warner Music Canada.

As well as representing roster artists with Sakamoto Agency, which has won the Booking Agency of the Year Award at the CCMA’s three times from 2020-2022, Paul programs several major events across Canada as a senior entertainment buyer, and promotes his own shows and tours regionally. Acting as programmer or buyer, Paul has delivered artists from Willie Nelson to KISS to Tom Cochrane, and he continues to invest in relationships with artists, managers, and agencies from around the world. His focus on nurturing relationships has allowed him to build a solid foundation in the global music industry working with both domestic and international artists in the form of booking, promoting and management. Over the years Paul has worked as an agent with Patricia Conroy, Rick Tippe, Gord Bamford, Aaron Pritchett, Johnny Reid and countless others, he is passionate about art and believes strongly in the amazing talent of Canadian artists

www.sakamotoagency.com

Ruben Ramalheiro
Director of Live Entertainment
True North Sports + Entertainment

Ruben started as an intern for Smallman Records a Winnipeg based record label and a concert promoter representative for The Union Ltd. These roles paved the way for further opportunities in production and promotion with industry giants such as Live Nation, AEG Live, Just for Laughs, and more. His notable achievements include co-producing JUNOfest in 2014. Since 2016, Ruben has held the position of Director of Live Entertainment at True North Sports and Entertainment. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in bringing international acts to the Burton Cummings Theatre, one of Winnipeg’s landmark venues. His efforts have significantly contributed to the city’s vibrant live entertainment scene.

www.tnse.com

Sage McBride
Booking Agent / Musician / Grant Writer/Coach
Midnight Agency

Sage McBride is a Canadian booking agent, musician, and grant writer/coach who blends artistry, strategic management, and advocacy. Based in Fernie, BC, Sage is a booking agent at Midnight Agency, where she plays a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for artists across North America. Her keen understanding of the live music industry, combined with her own experience as a touring artist, allows her to develop tailored strategies that connect artists with audiences and drive career growth.

Sage is also a member and managing partner of the acclaimed alternative folk-rock band Shred Kelly. Her work with the band has contributed to their national and international success, offering her invaluable insight into the needs of artists navigating the modern music landscape.

As the co-founder of Saem House Creative, Sage has secured crucial funding for artists through successful grant applications to organizations such as Amplify BC, FACTOR, Radio Starmaker, and Music BC. Her ability to translate creative visions into actionable plans has helped artists overcome financial barriers and realize their potential.

In addition, Sage serves as a grant coach for Creative BC, where she mentors emerging artists and fosters the growth of vibrant local music ecosystems. A passionate advocate for smaller communities, she actively works to create opportunities that support sustainable touring and enhance the accessibility of live music.

www.midnightagency.com

Samira Wacker
Booking Agent, Promoter, and Festival Curator
dq agency

Samira Wacker started out in the music industry in 2012, working as a music journalist, photographer and podcaster. After five years, she switched to festival booking at Jenseits von Millionen Festival where she’s still head of program. She currently works at dq agency, a berlin based booking agency & promoter and is always on the search for new talents. In her daily work she campaigns for equal rights for FLINTA*s in the music industry.

dq-agency.com

Tobi Parks
xBx / National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) / D Tour

Tobi Parks is an entertainment and intellectual property attorney, owner of xBk, a Des Moines-based music venue, Board Vice President for the National Independent Venue Foundation, the 501(c)(3) arm of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), and a founding member of D Tour, a national collective of independent promoters.  She has worked in the Business and Legal Affairs division of Sony Music for a number of years as an attorney and Director of Copyright for Sony's Columbia Records, Epic Records, and RCA Records.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and a Master of Arts in Media Literacy from Webster University in St. Louis and a Juris Doctor degree from Drake University Law School.

www.xbklive.com

Brandi Vezina

Brandi Vezina is a Red River Metis singer/songwriter with roots intertwined with classic country and rock. It's been a busy and exciting year for Brandi Vezina. She landed coveted showcases at BreakOut West and Country Music Week, a spot in the Women in Music Canada Entrepreneur Accelerator and is the 2024 recipient of the Vince Fontaine Legacy Award. Vezina writes & sings about what she knows, lives, and loves.

www.manitobamusic.com/brandivezina

Sam Singer

Sam Singer is a multidisciplinary artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, celebrated for his contributions to music and film. With a distinctive genre-blending style, he has released two EPs and two full-length albums, garnering airplay on CBC and SiriusXM, and contributing to films showcased at prestigious festivals worldwide.

Singer’s music fuses classic folk and modern indie influences, evoking the romantic and melancholic essence of a bygone era. His unique voice, often described as a ""croon,"" paired with a razor-sharp band, creates a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. His latest album, ""Where the Rivers Do"", has been praised for its poetic lyrics and nostalgic melodies, reinforcing his reputation as a vivid storyteller.

www.manitobamusic.com/samsinger

sundayclub

Having been isolated in rural Manitoba at the time of the global pandemic, Courtney and Nikki began crafting their project, now known as sundayclub. With little opportunity to socialize or collaborate with their peers, they became inspired by their immediate surroundings: a cozy basement bedroom. Their catalogue reflects just that; existing as a multitude of tiny snapshots of singular moments and feelings in time.

www.manitobamusic.com/sundayclub

TOMMYPHYLL

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria, Tommyphyll forged a bold and visionary sound he calls "Afrodiem"—an electrifying fusion of Afrofuturistic soundscapes and thunderous tribal percussion. His music pulses with the essence of his Nigerian heritage, intertwined with the dynamic influence of his life in Canada. In September 2020, he unleashed his self-produced debut album, *Art of Dreams*, marking the beginning of a journey that has captivated audiences far and wide.

www.manitobamusic.com/tommyphyll