The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. This theme encourages us to challenge the status quo and continue building a gender equal world. For the month of March, we will feature amazing women from the Canadian music industry. We hope to highlight their achievements, raise awareness about gender inequality and inspire change.
Alka joined Folk Music Ontario as the Executive Director in 2013. Prior to that, she worked as the Interim Executive Director at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival and spent many years as the Senior Manager of Operations with the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. Alka has also worked at CBC Radio as the Associate Producer for Outfront and in campus/community radio in Ottawa, Guelph, and Toronto. She sits on two Board of Directors including being the President of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition and as Treasurer on the Folk Alliance International Board, which is based out of Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
The theme of #ChooseToChallenge I incorporate in both my personal and work life. In my personal life, when I was growing up my parents, who were immigrants from India, instilled in me a sense of ethics and values. They always told me that I would have to work twice as hard as everyone else in Canada since I am a woman, and a woman of colour which makes it especially important to work harder. I have always kept this in mind as I started my work life and advanced in my career to always work hard and to always face challenges head on in a positive manner.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
I believe that it is very important to have women lift each other up. We must find positive qualities in each other and encourage women to use their skills to make sure that they can reach the highest potential that they so choose. More than anything, we need to have each other’s backs and know that we are not competing, but progressing together. I think that as we are older and more involved in the music industry, it is important to encourage young women and young women of colour to pursue a career in music and we should be mentors to uplift young women and each other.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in music today? Do you have any suggestions for the industry to make progress in alleviating these issues?
I think the big issue facing women in the music industry are still the barriers that don’t allow women to become the CEO’s of major record labels, or producers of their own music, or are put in the background when they are in bands. There are many more issues, but I think these ones are common and can be easily rectified. I would say that women should be brought up to be in charge and I am a firm believer in succession planning. When there is a succession plan in place, bring women in to be the successors by having them shadow the inner workings of what a CEO does, or bring them in when albums or tracks are produced so that they are actively learning. It’s important to have women involved on every level in order for women to succeed.
Music Nova Scotia’s new Executive Director is an arts professional with a comprehensive knowledge of cultural media, a passion for the music industry, and a decade’s worth of experience in the non-profit arts sector at the national level. Swanson arrived in Halifax after a four-year stint with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and The JUNO Awards where she helped produce the first sold-out seminar supporting women in music during JUNO week. Prior to that, she spent six years producing more than 50 albums at the Canadian Music Centre. Swanson is also an avid runner, fan of nature, opera singer, and audio engineer.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
I choose to challenge my own experience and learning when ensuring I am doing all I can to support the implementation of anti-racist policies and programs. Coming into a new province and job isn’t easy, but it’s important to be okay with feeling uncomfortable; progress is made by asking tough questions and putting your ego aside.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Pivoting is so important. It’s amazing if you have an idea of what you want to do with your career, but being open to new opportunities that might not be on that path will only serve to make you a better and more well-rounded employee, leader, volunteer, etc. Explore things that genuinely interest you, not solely skills you think should appear on a resume.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
It’s important for us to lift up not only other women, but all folks aiming to learn different skills and reach new goals across all equity-seeking groups. Be open to mentorship; offer guidance and support rather than waiting for someone to ask you. Look around your community and see who’s not represented at the table and actively invite them in.
Photo Credit: Shelagh Howard
Amy Eligh began her career in Publishing at Casablanca Media / Red Brick Songs in the Copyright and Royalties department, before moving into Creative – where she successfully stationed herself for over a decade before moving to Arts & Crafts Music. Within her role as Director of Publishing & Licensing, Amy pitches large-scale catalogue of songs for film, trailers, advertising, video games, and TV (US & Canada) as well as oversees the day to day within the department.
In addition to pitching, Amy organizes showcases for clients / songwriters with TV networks, music supervisors, and advertisers. She also develops new writers, arranges co-writing sessions, coordinates and hosts song-writing camps, and scouts for talent.
At Arts & Crafts Music, Amy works with Broken Social Scene, Old Man Saxon, Marcus Paquin, Dan Mangan, Ollie, Sarah MacDougall, The Northern Pikes and many more. Amy is also on the Board of Directors for Music Publishers Canada and Vice-Chair on the FACTOR Board. She is also a member of FACTOR’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I think I was very fortunate to start in a company that was run by strong, talented women. I was held to a high standard and had to hustle and push for every win, dust myself off and try again after every failure (believe me I failed a lot ha!). Don’t be afraid to fail, some of my best wins came from learning from my worst failures.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
Women supporting women is so important. If it wasn’t for that idea I wouldn’t be where I am now. Women have helped me in key instances that saw my career grow due to their direct support. I try to do the same and jump at any opportunity to help where I can.
Photo Credit: Lindsay Lou Photography
Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Andrina Turenne is a singer, songwriter and musician with strong ties to her Francophone/Métis roots and her home community of Winnipeg. In the last two decades, she has contributed to many successful projects including JUNO award-winning Chic Gamine. She has released 7 albums, contributed to over 40 recordings, toured on five continents and performed live for radio and television, as well as many international festivals. Now, she carves a new path as a solo artist with plans to enter the studio in late spring to record her debut full-length album.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
I think it is incredibly important for women to lift eachother up, not only in the music industry but in all aspects of life. When I started in music, I was fortunate to have opportunities to be mentored by some incredible women who I still look up to and turn to for advice. Those early experiences created a strong foundation for me to build a career on and their help and guidance gave me confidence and good bearings. It is important to me to pass on what I’ve learned in order to support the next generation of women and to keep building opportunities for us all to thrive. I believe there is no need for competition as the success of one is the success of us all and there is room enough for all our unique voices.
Can you name a woman who continues to inspire you, and how?
A woman who continuously inspires me is Buffy Sainte-Marie. She has been a trailblazer since the start of her career and to this day she makes music from the heart and delivers strong messages of love, justice and unity. She stands strong in who she is and navigates the world around her and the music industry with assertive power, grace and sincerity. I really admire Buffy Sainte-Marie and I thank her for all that she’s done, and all that she’s shared with the world. Truly an inspiration.
Photo Credit: Brodie Parachoniak
byjayr is a musician and interactive artist who makes music that ranges from cinematic, progressive house to evocative breaks and gritty industrial techno, with influences as diverse as Sevdaliza to grunge-era Nirvana.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
#ChooseToChallenge to me represents how we can challenge the stigma surrounding women within the creative industry. On a personal level to challenge myself not to feel ashamed for the way I express myself as a woman.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
To keep going and to be true to yourself. You don’t have to be someone you’re not in order to make your work go viral, you just have to keep going. And remember to run like a woman, play like a woman, and be strong like a woman.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
I think when it comes to women lifting each other up, it’s super important to make it a habit in our daily routine. Even something as small as complementing one another. We’re already dealing with so much as women within society on a daily basis especially within the creative industries. We always have to work harder and prove ourselves more, and it’s important to have women within and out of the industry be supportive of one another. All we’ve got is each other when all else fails and to not take that opportunity to lift one another up is well.. unfortunate. So it’s definitely a very important factor. We often find ourselves comparing to one another instead of doing that we should help each other reach our goals to all be at the top.
Can you name a woman who continues to inspire you, and how?
A woman who continues to inspire me is a musician named Sevdaliza. Her work isn’t the only reason she’s an inspiration, but because she’s started with nothing herself as a woman in the industry and built herself all the way to become who she is today while being a POC independent artist, that to me is enlightening. She stands up for what she wants, she calls out what she doesn’t like and she’s not ashamed to reveal what goes on at all. She’s empowering and inspirational in ways that motivates younger POC women to be able to do it all without thinking twice about “How will I get through this industry as a woman?” you just do it and don’t stop. If you fall, you get back up.
What are some tips or strategies, resources/groups you have used to overcome barriers that many women often face in their careers?
A few tips and strategies as a woman within my career as both a musician and a visual artist is to not stop, and to keep going no matter what happens. I’m a very ambitious and goal orientated individual and I was called names for being that person. As much as it sucked because I knew if the gender roles were reversed they wouldn’t be spoken to in that way, it motivated me to aim even higher with where I wanted to be and who I wanted to associate myself with. If you’re told no, try again. If you’re told to change yourself to “fit in” walk away. Walk away because you don’t have to morph into what men in the industry want you to be. There is always a community that’s going to be there to support you so much more and give you the energy that you truly need.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in music today? Do you have any suggestions for the industry to make progress in alleviating these issues?
I think it’s a little complex because multiple things have changed in the industry when it comes to women but also a lot of things haven’t. Majority of labels are still run by men and there’s still a lack of women in the industry. It gets old when people are shocked that I’m a music producer rather than just a singer. Why must it be so surprising that a woman can do things just as well as men, probably even better, in the industry? These are the questions I ask myself when I meet people. There’s also this stigma and pressure surrounding how “perfect” you need to look as a female artist in comparison to men within the industry. This must change immediately because it’s our creativity that is being showcased not our looks.
Photo Credit: Marlena Goldberg
Named one of BUZZFEEDS Top 20 Artists to watch, Domanique Grant is amongst a new generation of artists, one whose music is going viral globally for its ability to spread light and inspire authenticity. Domanique Grant is the perfect combination of whimsical fierceness. Domanique’s message of self-love and body positivity has led to music being featured by L’Oreal Paris, Unilever Brands (Dove, Shea Moisture) in the RBC #RandomActsofCanadians Series and more. Last year Domanique’s viral single “Till We See The Sun” was featured on top 40 radio stations ranging from Virgin Radio to CBC. Her live performance has sold out a TEDx Talk and been featured on the Pepsi World Aids Day stage for over 40,000 people.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
The theme #ChooseToChallenge means leaning on more courage, vulnerability and action when choosing to show up. It means expecting more, apologizing less and realizing what our value is as women creators in the global music ecosystem.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
The most important message that I want to send out to young women is to have faith in your vision, voice, and authenticity. Your value isn’t defined by waiting for other people to validate your career, it’s by creating art that pushes boundaries and by doing the work. Trust your instincts, know who you are and never sacrifice that.
Emy Stantcheva is the Executive Director of MusicOntario, the provincial Music Industry Association (MIA) dedicated to supporting the grassroots growth of Ontario’s music sector. Since joining the organization in 2013, Emy has overseen all aspects of its operations, communications, marketing, funding, policy, and programming, fulfilling the association’s mission to create opportunities for emerging artists and music entrepreneurs through professional development, advocacy, and access to resources.
With 15 years of experience in the music industry, Emy has worked extensively in publicity, copywriting, artist management and development, traditional and experiential marketing, event, festivals, and awards gala production, international export strategy, community building, funding and grantwriting, advocacy, and sector-specific policy.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
We’ve got to challenge the myth of scarcity, because it perpetuates that there “isn’t” enough to go ‘round’, whether that’s resources for basic needs or space for more people to succeed alongside one another. We’re in a creative industry, and the more that we create space for women and non-binary, gender fluid, and gender non-conforming peers, the more work and opportunity there will be for all of us to influence and build the industry we would have wanted to enter ourselves.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
It is an absolute game changer to establish trust, friendship, resource-sharing, and support systems with female, non-binary, and gender non-conforming peers, regardless of which stages or chapters of your careers you may each be in. Everything ebbs and flows, and your long-term networks and toolkits as a professional are far better developed by supporting and respecting those who came before you, those who you came up with, and the newcomers to the biz – regardless of age. You don’t have to be best pals with everyone, but common ground is not that uncommon. 😉
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
We are seeing more women taking executive roles, and younger folks being afforded space to share ideas, inform best practices, and lead charges, which is heartening. Board rooms are slowly beginning to reflect the workforce which fuels our industry. But there’s a lot of change that needs to occur internally in organizations, companies, and the creative spaces that artists work in (studios, venues, festivals, etc.) to ensure that those peers enjoy the same safety, titles, compensation, and workloads, and privileges, which is often not the case. And, of course, our levels of privilege vary based on a great many factors, including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parenthood, language, and socio-economic background. Burnout should be a real concern across the board knowing how many of our talented and skilled peers continue to have to work ten times as hard for a fraction of the benefits.
President & CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association since its creation in 2014, Erin Benjamin has worked in the music industry for over 25 years – first as a touring and recording artist and then as Executive Director of both Folk Music Ontario (2001) and the Canadian Arts Presenting Association (2008). Currently Erin sits as a Board Member for the Ottawa Film Office, the Ottawa Board of Trade, the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest, and the Unison Benevolent Fund. In 2017 she enjoyed roles as both the Vice-chair of the Ottawa Juno Host Committee and Co-chair of Canadian Music Week. Erin has been honoured with the United Way’s Community Ambassador of the Year Award for her work in producing the impactful “After the Storm” benefit concert, raising tens of thousands of dollars for victims of Ottawa’s devastating 2018 tornadoes. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Erin has produced a livestream concert out of her home every week for legendary Ottawa entertainer Dave Kalil, helping to raise over $55,000 (and counting) for local charities.
Can you name a woman who continues to inspire you, and how?
I have to name two: the amazing Shauna de Cartier and Helen Britton, of Six Shooter Records. These women have taught me so much over the years, whether they know it or not. I’ve always marveled at their confidence, willingness and ability to speak their minds, always 100% of the time doing their own thing their own way, elevating others, owning their shit and being gorgeous, smart, funny and soooooo together – like always. How do they do that??
What are some tips or strategies, resources/groups you have used to overcome barriers that many women often face in their careers?
Be tuned in to what doesn’t feel good and don’t be afraid to call it out. Took me 20 years to learn that, to have the confidence to say stuff I always wanted to say but just smiled instead. Build your professional (and personal) networks authentically. Seek out the unusual suspects and let those relationships take you places you didn’t know you wanted to go. Give people a chance to change, and move on if they don’t, won’t or think you’re the one who needs fixin’. Lean in, but start from a place of generosity, always.
Hello Delaware blow apart the quietness with their bombastic glam punk pop. Frontwoman Dana Beeler uses her body as a weapon on stage, whilst the band swing from The Big Moon-like power chords to sludgy, Lommi riffage. The band will win fans wherever they go, their presence as memorable as their hooks. Hello Delaware’s blistering, dynamic live show has taken the band to stages shared with Hollerado, The Glorious Sons and The Wooden Sky, cities across Canada and the Atlantic Ocean where the quartet made its UK debut at The Great Escape and Focus Wales festivals in the Spring of 2018. And has since represented Nova Scotia and Canada at Reeperbahn, Tallinn Music Week and more!
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
You can do anything. Even if you don’t see yourself in the position doesn’t mean you can’t be in the seat. Work hard, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
Lifting each other up is the only way we get ahead.
To honour and celebrate women in music FACTOR created International Women’s Day playlist! We are proud to support so many talented women. The playlist features artists such as LU KALA, Riit, Rezz, Haviah Mighty, Jessie Reyez, Rose Cousins, U.S. Girls, and many others!
Julisa Ly is the Content Director for 95.9 CHFM in Calgary. Julisa got into radio for the music and she wants to support Canadian artists as much as possible. There are sooooo many great local artists that need our support and love.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Don’t give up. Keep your eye on the prize and all your hard work will pay off. It all takes time.
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
It’s great to see more women in management, but there’s still work that needs to be done. Businesses and organizations need to practice what they preach.
Kat’s roster includes platinum selling, JUNO Award winning artist/producer Shawn Desman, soul artist/film composer/Sephora collaborator TiKA, singer/songwriter Kayla Diamond, and singer/songwriter and composer Sol Escobar.
Together with her clients KL has garnered accolades including MMVA Video of the Year, SOCAN #1 Awards, SOCAN Pop Song of the Year, and numerous platinum/gold singles.
She serves on the board for Manifesto, a youth arts organization and Music Managers Forum Canada (MMF); an innovator with Keychange, a global network working towards a total restructure of the music industry in reaching full gender equality and was also named an honouree on the global “Alternative Power 100 Music List 2020”.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
To challenge the status quo, to forge my own path and define my own journey. To challenge what is possible. To challenge old truths by standing in my own truth (even when it is not always popular). To challenge what has been done before because “that is the way it has always been done” and create new ways of doing things. To consistently challenge who’s in the room and who’s not in the room. And of course, to always be challenging myself.
Can you name a woman who continues to inspire you, and how?
Delvina Bernard who is a Halifax based educator, civil and human rights activist and singer/songwriter. She was one of the founding members of the a cappella group ‘Four the Moment’. They made their debut at a rally in Halifax to protest the KKK who was trying to set up shop. Their music was political and told the stories of African Nova Scotian’s experiences. They promoted anti-apartheid in South Africa, anti-oppression against women globally, and anti-oppression against citizens in Latin America, and Black history in Canada. Through the international success of the group Delvina (or Vina as I know her 🙂 ) showed me a career in music was possible and individually she was instrumental in my teachings around racism, women’s rights, Afrocentrism, community, and activism.
She continues to inspire me through her current work surrounding reparations as an economic development strategy. As she has so eloquently shared “There is a case to be answered by former slave-holding countries for economic, social, and psychological crimes committed against African people and humanity during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Moreover, I want to develop solutions that address Black communities and nations’ current economic underdevelopment caused by the legacy of enslavement.”
Twitter Instagram KL Management
Co-founder, A&R and Managing Director, of indie powerhouse Indica Records, Kyria Kilakos has been leading the company for over 20 years. A record industry veteran, she has been involved in some of the most notable indie success stories including Half Moon Run, Phantogram, The Franklin Electric…to name a few. More recently she co-founded MTL Women in Music, the Quebec chapter of Women in Music (Canada). WIM is an organization with a mission to advance the awareness, equality, diversity, and opportunities, of women in the musical arts through education, support, empowerment, and recognition.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
#ChooseToChallenge generations of gendered standards by stepping in. Step into the conversation, step into the boardroom, step on stage or behind the mix board, whatever you choose to do may not feel comfortable at the beginning but do it anyway and own it. I’m still learning how to overcome biases and my own fear even after all these years of stepping in.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
One of my proudest accomplishments is seeing the women I hired and worked alongside continue to grow and shine in their perspective careers. We must create opportunities for women and foster a positive environment of support and empowerment in all aspects of our industry.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in music today? Do you have any suggestions for the industry to make progress in alleviating these issues?
Over the last couple of years there has been a positive shift of inclusion, more women serving on boards, speaking on panels etc… but there is still so much to do. We need more women in music more producers, engineers, technicians, business owners… I believe that shift will only come through education and opportunity. Young women need to be aware that these careers are open to them and we need to hire, encourage and support women in their chosen fields.
A songwriter/keyboardist, Lorena Kelly is a senior staff member of SaskMusic, where she’s served in roles from artistic direction and event coordination to leading workshops, marketing initiatives, and Women in Music Saskatchewan activities, in addition to participating on numerous regional and national arts committees and juries. Lorena has toured across Canada, the U.S. and internationally, backing up numerous country/pop artists (primarily women) as a freelance keyboard player/vocalist in addition to releasing albums with her own bands, freelancing in web design/management and serving as Vice-President of CFM Local 446. She’s a proud single mama to a creative little girl.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
Challenging expectations and limits. I’m too stubborn to accept things without question. It can be tiring, and frustrating to push against all the perceived barriers that exist whether that’s the lower performance fees paid to female artists, or inequitable radio play, but I do feel that one way we are going to move fully forward as women is by being loud and challenging assumptions. There is no job, genre, or playlist that should be off-limits and we need to continue claiming space for ourselves. Hopefully, not by ourselves.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
If your passion is leading you in an artistic direction, follow it. Reach out to your peers in the community, and the arts organizations that exist to help you navigate your way. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for advice or support, rather I feel it’s a sign of maturity, and openness. Apply for the grant, release the single, do the thing. Careers in the arts aren’t easy, and particularly aren’t easy for women, but don’t let that stop you. There are more and more positive changes happening all the time. Progress may be slow but it IS happening.
Every once in a while, an artist appears who is destined to break the mold, LU KALA is one of them. The fiery voiced songstress – with signature vibrant orange hair to match – is redefining what a pop star sounds and looks like.
Her debut EP, WORTHY, ventures into emotional places few dare to go. WORTHY is unflinching in its tales of personal, hard-earned love lessons. Romantic disillusionment, identity and self-worth are all laid bare with breathtaking, unapologetic honesty.
LU KALA, a body positive and freedom of expression advocate, hopes WORTHY’s message will empower others to own their own voices, literally and figuratively.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
This last year I have been challenging myself to work on my songwriting craft and I challenge the status quo in my career being a plus sized black woman, which is not something you see very often in pop music
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
You are fully capable, take time to hone your craft so you are well prepared. Strive for greatness and surround yourself with the right team you can trust. I’d also tell them to use their voice, to always speak up as well as to never give up.
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
I am seeing more women producing great music lately and I am always ecstatic when I get to create with producers and songwriters who are women. Three of my four music videos were directed and edited by women and I am always seeking out more talented women to collaborate with.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in music today? Do you have any suggestions for the industry to make progress in alleviating these issues?
The biggest issue is a lack of representation in decision making positions. Until that changes women will continue to be underrepresented. I honestly feel like so much has to be rebuilt for progress to begin. One thing women can do right now is advocate for one another, share knowledge, and resources.
Photo Credit: Daniel Lastres
Mar is an artist manager and radio host with her own company, Mar On Music. She manages Partner, Goodbye Honolulu, Tallies and Poolblood. Originally from Vancouver. Mar lived in London UK for 8 years where she played in various bands and worked for BBC radio. She has toured in numerous Canadian and UK bands, been a CBC radio personality, worked as a European booking agent, music publicist and now runs her own MGMT company in Toronto. She loves radio and hosts a weekly new music show on CHUO 89.1FM & CHMA 106.9FM in Canada. Mar champions indie artists above all else.
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
When I first started playing in bands 20+ years ago, “girl band” was a genre, female vocals were degraded, and people would review us with lines like “these chicks can actually play”. In our present day, if someone talked about female musicians that way, they would be called out. There was no calling out in our day, it was deemed a “good review” and the ingrained misogyny in my own soul didn’t even see anything wrong with it.
Can you name a woman who continues to inspire you, and how?
My mom, I found her high school yearbook from 1967 where she stated “she hoped to be a good housewife” in the life goal section. Over 50+ years later my mom has had a career in education, written published books and is still working and running her own business in her 70s. We inspire each other by following our passions and working for ourselves.
Photo Credit: Dustin Apodaca
Rebecca Szymkow is an artist manager and talent buyer for Birthday Cake Media, a management company and record label based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Rebecca represents management clients Mariel Buckley, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and Sebastian Gaskin, programs lineups for festivals and events, and heads Branding and Synchronization Division for the record label. Rebecca studied Arts and Cultural Management and spent her time travelling all in the name of live music, so decided to marry the two as her career choice. Rebecca spent 6 years at Paquin Artists Agency, progressing to an agent representing some of the best developing talent coming out of Western Canada prior to transitioning further into a career focusing on artist development. She is an innovator for the 2020 Keychange EU Initiative and is passionate about making strides in equality for gender minorities within the music industry.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I would like women to know that saying no is just as important as saying yes. Learning boundaries and not agreeing to take on every task will help you better stick to your career vision and keep you from suffering from burnout.
Can you name a woman who continues to inspire you, and how?
Mariel Buckley inspires me every day. Her ability to speak her mind about bettering the music community is something we need more of.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in music today? Do you have any suggestions for the industry to make progress in alleviating these issues?
One of the biggest issues facing women in music today is that the heavy lifting and fight for gender equity should not be solely carried by gender minorities in this industry. Change is most impactful when it is instituted by everyone.
Rhonda’s job is to let the musicians master their instruments, while she conducts the business of growing the industry. She enjoys the challenge of wearing many different hats. Success oriented herself, Rhonda is equally concerned with helping her team and members achieve success in their lives by providing strategic direction, resources, and sage guidance. Rhonda brings the following assets to MusicNL: over 20 years leadership and experience in board governance and a decade working with corporate Canada through the chamber of commerce movement. As a former lobbyist and advocate she will represent her member’s voice to the three levels of government and stakeholders.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
It means I will choose to step up and lean in. Helping mentor young women all around me by creating a place at the table for them … including my 9yr old daughter!
What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in music today? Do you have any suggestions for the industry to make progress in alleviating these issues?
Confidence and belief in yourself. Call women and ask them to be engaged. Create a place at the table for them, do not wait for them to answer the call, tap them on the shoulder.
Sam has been working in the music industry throughout North America and the UK for almost two decades. Her career has focused primarily on live music working for promoters/festivals including Reading & Leeds Festivals, Coachella Music Festival, Virgin Music Festival and WayHome. In addition, Sam spent several years as a manager at Nettwerk Management’s UK office working for major-label multi-platinum artists. She is the founder of Women in Music Canada, a non-profit organization aimed at fostering gender diversity and equality. Sam is also a member of the FACTOR Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Don’t let stereotypes, bias or preconceptions prevent you from pursuing your passion and/or a career you love. Be tenacious, creative and resourceful, and never lose faith in yourself.
What are some tips or strategies, resources/groups you have used to overcome barriers that many women often face in their careers?
Find excellent mentors, seek out companies, colleagues and teams that foster healthy environments, and don’t hesitate to ignore the glass ceiling and build your own house.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in music today? Do you have any suggestions for the industry to make progress in alleviating these issues?
Per the RBC study, COVID-19 has set women in the workplace back 30 years, which placed in the context of existing pay/opportunity/representation disparities of the Canadian music industry, provides serious cause for concern. Changing the gender economic balance and investment in our industry will be a wonderful starting place to combating these issues.
Savannah Wellman is a co-founder of Tiny Kingdom Music, a record label and artist management company based in Vancouver, Canada. Her 15+ years in the music industry began with a BFA in music performance and developed at Music BC Industry Association where she was the Project Manager for artist development initiatives. Her musical and industry knowledge has been called upon as a juror for the JUNO Awards, Prism Prize, SOCAN Songwriting Prize, and as a member of the Music Managers Forum Canada Board of Directors. Tiny Kingdom also administers the Women in Music – BC chapter.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
#ChooseToChallenge is a great theme for IWD because it summarizes what we all need to do both internally and externally to see change. We need to address our own self-limiting beliefs and embodied patriarchal ideas – and then do that outwardly and call out the people and policies that uphold them.
What are some tips or strategies, resources/groups you have used to overcome barriers that many women often face in their careers?
To anyone who has had doubts or faced challenges in pursuing a career in the music industry, I want to encourage them not to give up. To find support networks that can help lift you up when you feel defeated and remind yourself of your goals and values and why it’s important that your voice is heard.
Photo Credit: Victoria Black
Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais is a multi-award-winning former journalist/broadcaster/writer who has been on Canada’s media scene for two decades. Over the years she has spent time at CTV News, APTN and NCI FM. She was honoured to win first place for the Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge in 2008 for her play, Notay Kiskintamowin “Wanting to Know”, the same year she was named a National Aboriginal Role Model by the Governor General of Canada—and graduated from the University of Winnipeg where she founded what is now known as the Indigenous Course Requirement and is recognized as a Notable Alumni.
A highly sought master of ceremonies, host, event planner, promoter, advocate, speaker, volunteer, marriage commissioner and karaoke connoisseur, Shaneen loves to keep a packed schedule and is also the Chair of the Board of Directors for Bear Clan Patrol Inc. and sits on the board of The Canadian Folk Music Awards. She has showcased Indigenous artists and their music throughout her career and is proud to be the Indigenous Music Development Coordinator for Manitoba Music. Shaneen is also a member of the FACTOR Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Above all, Shaneen’s most important role in life is at home with her husband Martin and their sons Sampson and Marrick.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
For me this means not only a challenge to society to do better, but also a challenge to each woman to be okay with themselves. Whether you’re a working mother, a corporate professional, an artist, or a stay-at-home mom, be okay with all that you are. Challenge yourself to be proud of your hard work, honour yourself, respect yourself and empower yourself and other women.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Believe in yourself in all that you do. Your grandmothers, mothers, and the ones yet to come need you to be the best woman you can be. Our role as women in any workplace is important and significant and always know you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
Women need to empower one another and share space in a respectful way. Things like gossip, lateral violence, bullying, and gaslighting have no place in the life of truly successful women. In my work it is so important for me to ensure that all women have opportunities. Women need to help each other any way we can because a win for one of us is a win for all of us.
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
I see that Indigenous women now have a role in the mainstream music industry. We are few, but we are mighty. In my past role in broadcasting/journalism I see that we still have a few women standing strong, but there need to be more Indigenous women. I am proud to see that CTV National News has a woman as their senior anchor.
Can you name a woman who continues to inspire you, and how?
My mother and my aunts. Despite generations of adversity, they have raised children, held careers, obtained education, loved their partners and became grandmothers. They’ve never stepped on another woman to get ahead in life. They’ve worked for all they have and have brought their daughters, sisters, nieces and granddaughters up along with them.
What are some tips or strategies, resources/groups you have used to overcome barriers that many women often face in their careers?
I seek the support and advice of my mother, aunts and Elders. I have been bullied, faced lateral violence, and had my human rights breached in workplaces in the past. It was other Indigenous women who did those things to me which made it that much more hurtful. I’ve prayed for them, moved on and have made a life commitment to never do to another woman what has been done to me. I work very hard to empower and respect other women.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in music today? Do you have any suggestions for the industry to make progress in alleviating these issues?
The music industry is just like any other industry in Canada whether that be the justice system, the health care system, the child welfare system etc. We see white men of privilege at the top of the game. Women need to be helping one another to be making our presence known and that we stand in solidarity with one another. In our careers we need to ensure that we make space for our families as well. Whether you’re an artist or an industry professional, many of us are mothers, wives, daughters etc. Our family is important and that needs to be intertwined with our career life as well. This is especially important for the Indigenous music community since a breakdown in the family unit has been imposed on us for so many generations.
Victoria Lord is a dynamic PR practitioner with over 28 years of industry experience. In 2002, Victoria established her own practice, VLPR, having come from an in-house role at Universal Music Canada. She has a solid reputation as a knowledgeable resource who consistently delivers creative, effective, strategic campaigns. Specializing in the entertainment, music, arts, and live performance sectors, Victoria’s client experience includes Sony Music Entertainment Canada, AEG Live, Canadian Federation of Musicians, Canadian Live Music Association, Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, Unique Live & Experiences, Hilton Hotels Toronto, and Vintage Hotels, among others. She is now the co-founder and partner at Edery & Lord. Victoria is also a member of the FACTOR Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
The theme for IWD 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you in your personal or work life?
We don’t truly understand the potential of our strength until we have pushed through what challenges us. Those achievements, the acts of courage, and determination I have experienced and see amongst my friends and colleagues, inspires me to be involved in our movement towards creating greater understanding and equality.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you?
The best kind of peer support includes doing everything we can to make sure our individual and collective voices are heard, our ambitions fostered, and our contributions valued. It is also imperative that we transfer our success by empowering the next generation of young women to take on leadership roles.
