JESSIA

FACTOR is one of the main organizations that makes the Canadian music industry so special. I’ve been all over the world and have met very few artists who can say they receive financial support from their country to help build their careers. As Canadian artists, we’re incredibly lucky to have organizations like FACTOR investing in our music and helping us continue to create.

Being an independent artist is extremely expensive. It may look glamorous from the outside, but behind every song, video, and tour is a long list of costs. To tour, we have to pay for flights, hotels, rental vehicles, travel visas, musicians, and crew. To make an album, we’re covering studio time, producers, mixing engineers, mastering engineers, artwork, content, and so much more. The reality is that creating music at a professional level requires a huge investment.

That’s why FACTOR is so important. They understand the value of supporting Canadian artists and giving us the opportunity to grow, create, and represent our country around the world.

When I got dropped from my record label, I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to make another album. Thanks to funding from the FACTOR Artist Entrepreneur Program, I was able to record a full album and create several music videos to bring the project to life. Thank you, FACTOR, for helping me stay independent, own my art, and keep creating. I can’t wait to share what FACTOR and I have been cookin’ up for you all!

Photo by Chase Hassen