2024 Entrepreneur Accelerator Participants
Suzifromtheblock is a singer/songwriter based out of Toronto. With an underground essence in a pool of alternative fusions, she delivers music in her own style, making sure each track has the perfect vibe and message.
Whether it’s behind a microphone, a canvas, or the camera, Rachel Bullen spends most of her time expanding upon an array of concepts as a Musician and Multidisciplinary Creator. As "Earth To Venas", she spins the rhythms of Toronto into lush and dreamy soundscapes, shaping her home studio into a world of its own. “Inspiration is absolutely everywhere; I love discovering the many approaches to developing a single idea and learning about the people each different story is tied to.” From performing Opera, Jazz and R&B, to navigating the worlds of Audio Engineering, Graphic Design and Photography, Rachel has explored many methods of expression and has committed herself to nurturing the threads that connect all artistry and people regardless of form. She credits her success to those who love and support her through every peak and pitfall, reminding her that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. “I strive to create art that defies the concept of limitation, and to explore a world of my own making —a world where anything can be my canvas.” Having spent over a decade navigating musical environments, she is now learning the fundamentals of business in hopes of offering her skills to creatives in surplus to her expression through song, as an entrepreneur. Today, Rachel and her tools paint portraits of modern love and beauty by hand and by voice; tomorrow, this waymaker weaves paths and stories into the tapestries that connect us to ourselves, and to the wondrous worlds of art and beyond.
Miranda Currie is a northern Indigenous artist living and working among the Dene people in Sombe K’e, more widely known as Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. She walks in two worlds, with one foot in her Swampy Cree heritage and the other foot in her Euro-Canadian ancestry. Her mission is to create authentic northern indigenous music, film and books that are accessible to all children and families.
In 2025, Currie will be releasing Sub-Arctic Sing-a-long! This, her third children’s album, introduces listeners to different genres of music, all from a northern indigenous lens.
Songs like “My Ribbon Skirt” are up-beat and celebratory while “Do You Know Why?” speaks sensitive truths about why we wear our orange shirts on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Miranda’s songs are interactive and include indigenous language and stories that will delight family audiences.
Also in 2025, Miranda will be releasing her long awaited follow up adult folk singer-songwriter album entitled Home. Continuing on themes of the northern landscapes, Miranda also draws upon sentiments of home and family to add resonating depth to the album. Smooth harmonies and soaring fiddle lines compliment the craftmanship of this songstress.
In 2022, Miranda was awarded Indigenous Artist of Excellence by NWT Music and her debut solo album Up in the Air was nominated for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year by the CFMA’s in 2015. In addition to being a musician, Currie is a filmmaker. Her film Tails on Ice premiered at the Cannes Short Film Festival (2021). Miranda is a dedicated land-based educator and author of four children’s books. Using music and the land, she helps young people connect to indigenous language and culture.
Desarae Dee is an Award Winning Canadian Instrumental Fusion Artist, Composer and Producer who has made significant waves in the Canadian music industry since 2014. Known as “Toronto’s Queen of Vibes,” her passionate and meaningful sound combines a unique mixture of faith, soul, vulnerability and divine balance. Desarae is an established premier talent whose unique and unconventional playing style is both genre-bending and boundary-pushing. Desarae’s goal is to create music that resonates deeply with listeners and inspires them on their journey of self-discovery. Alongside being a solo artist, Desarae is a Micro-Influencer who has reached tens of thousands of people and has garnished views in the millions on Instagram and TikTok with her diverse educational and creative music content.
Desarae has been a featured headlining artist at Canadian Music Week, Sofar Sounds Toronto, Burdock Piano Fest, Sundé Social, Canvas Art Bar, STACKT, Waveland Canada, Breaking Sound, YYZ Live/Toronto Pearson Airport and The Robert McLaughlin Gallery. She also featured on Season 1 of the YesTV Television series, “Outside the Box with Sheldon Neil,” and twice on “The Nikki Clarke Show” on Afroglobal TV. In 2023, Desarae was casted for the relaunch of the TV series, “Cash Cab” and is a contestant on the 2024 Inaugural Season of the revamp, “Cash Cab Music” on GameTV Canada and AXS TV United States. Desarae is also a strong believer in giving back to the music community and can be found providing music mentorship with Soundcheck Youth, and has lended her musical talents to the LIL SIS Organization. Desarae has backed a number of Canadian artists throughout her career, including Melanie Durant, Kim Davis, Kimmortal, TRP.P, Domanique Grant, 2019 CBC Searchlight Winner Shopé, AIZA, Juno Nominated artists Tafari Anthony and Zaki Ibrahim, JUNO Award Winner Aysanabee, Canadian Idol Runner-Up, Gary Beals, and has toured with Hip-Hop group, Super Duty Tough Work. She has also backed Grammy Nominated and Billboard charting artist, Matt B and NAACP Image and Stellar Award Winner, Sean C. Johnson.
With a career that spans a decade, Desarae has numerous musical achievements, including being a Yamaha Music Canada, Hammond Organ USA and Juicy Earz Artist, being the recipient of the 2022 SiriusXM Black Canadian Award powered by the SOCAN Foundation in January 2023 and recently becoming part of the GRAMMY Recording Academy’s Class of 2024 as an official Voting Member for the NYC Chapter. She has an extensive resume that includes national and international touring, press coverage and radio plays. Desarae has released an abundance of music, with some of her notable songs such as, “Late Arrival (Remix),” “Comfortable (ft. Macklyn),” "Holiday Soul," "Chilly Timing," and "Meditation," allowing her to become a recurring artist on CBC Radio and NPR Music’s “Jazz Night in America,” in addition to being a cover feature on Spotify's Fresh Finds Jazz in July 2022. Desarae is set to release her long awaited and anticipated debut full-length album, “Adventure: The Album” on September 25, 2024, in celebration of her 10 year artist anniversary. Being an underrepresented artist in Canada, Desarae has been able to garnish much success by creating her own niche and lane in the Canadian music industry. Desarae is a rising star and performer to keep an eye out for in the upcoming years. She continues to break gender, racial, social and cultural barriers with her unique approach to music, while forging a path for current and future Black Women Musicians in Canada.
Meet Loreena Gabriel, a publicist, social media manager, and podcast host. A multi-hyphenate professional, Loreena is the behind-the-scenes ingredient amplifying the voice of brands and businesses, while empowering the next generation along the way.
Graduating from the University of Concordia, Loreena set her sights on public relations. Working for agencies based in Montreal and New York, Loreena is currently the communications and social media manager for Canadian Music Week.
Bridging the gap between her storytelling expertise and her love of music, a chance opportunity led to co-creating and co-producing, ‘The Morning Detour’, the first urban morning show on radio station CKUT 90.3 FM. The show was named third best show in Montreal by Cult MTL in 2023. Today, Loreena hosts her own podcast Total R&B highlighting emerging R&B artists from across North America.
Optimistic, driven and a creative entrepreneur, Loreena is always willing to bet on herself. Believing in doing all it takes to reach your fullest potential, her message to the world is summed up in the words of Muhammad Ali, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
Elizabeth Gabrielle, also known as Briellebeth is a Pop/RnB singer hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia and now resides in Toronto Canada. She has musical upbringing including advanced training in classical piano combined with a father who MD’d multiple touring Funk/Soul & RnB bands in Southeast Asia. Briellebeth is a seasoned vocalist, keyboardist and performer already at the young age of 25. With mentorship from an experienced producer and connections ranging through the Canadian and Southeast Asian music communities, Briellebeth is poised to make a serious impact on the Pop/RnB audiences of today.
Katie (she/they) has been going to shows for as long as she can remember. When she's not working behind the scenes at the Cap, for FLOURISH festival or Shivering Songs, she's making art and doing research on gender-based violence at the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation.
Melanie Letra-Frade ("Mel") is a music industry chameleon. Her experience ranges from talent booker, music event production manager and music event coordinator and now cofounder of the independent label, In The Sun Records. She also is an experienced engineer, producer and songwriter as well as an educator. Mel is fascinated by all aspects of the recording industry, from music creation to dissemination, currently really invested in booking and artist relations. Graduating from Humber College (2020) and completing a masters at Berklee College (2021), Mel focused her studies on jazz and world music performance and production. In that time, she explored the music industry and live production, learning the complexities between the Canadian and European markets. She continues her education participating in a mix of online courses and mentorships, gaining insight on marketing practices and data analytics. In her time in the music industry, Mel has joined musical projects gaining recognition in her roles. As a producer, an album that she produced was awarded the JUNO 'Vocal Jazz Album of the Year' in 2022. She was also selected as a mentee for SheSaid.So's we.grow mentorship in 2023, attending and participating at ADE in Amsterdam, and nominated for “Your Future Boss” at the 2024 Live Music Industry Awards. In her previous employment, Mel was the Head of Canada for an international showcase, expanding the company's reach into Canadian markets in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. In her most recent position, she was contracted by North by Northeast (NXNE) as the venue/artist manager, for the 2023 and 2024 editions of the festival. In this role, she led the venue acquisition and communications and managed backline and stage production organization as well as working with the artist curation team. Working with a woman led team, she was able to bring in her experience from previous roles to enhance festival and artist recognition while learning from a team of talented and uniquely experienced women in the field. Mel has a unique position of working in both live production and studio production. Her wide range of experience is proof of her malleability within any position she finds herself in. It is because of her background as a record producer and musician that she has a unique skillset and vocabulary that is deemed an asset to the projects she joins. "In The Sun Records is an independent label that gives artists the freedom to tell stories normally not heard. We chose the sunflower to be our emblem because the sunflower finds a way to the sun even in harsh environments, just like the music that our artists create breaks through the noise of our time to find its purpose.
Nominated for Emerging Industry Professional of the Year at the 2024 Nova Scotia Music Awards, Shelby Henry is the President of Wilder Mountain Entertainment, a boutique Artist Management and Event Production company based in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, with a mission to support creativity and wellness for Artists and communities, bringing people together through the power of music.
The homesteading mother of five currently manages her husband, Indigenous Singer-Songwriter Joe H Henry, and has overseen his career from a new Artist in 2022, to an Internationally exporting Artist in 2024/25. Her concert series Howlin' at the Moon is in its second year and showcases emerging and award-winning songwriters in an intimate acoustic setting, with a mandate of at least 50% female identifying Artists in the lineup.
Laura Hickli (Mohkínstsis/Calgary) is an internationally touring progressive art pop songstress known for her tightly arranged dreamy soundscapes, exquisite vocals, evocative lyrics, and emotionally powerful performances. The classically trained pianist was homeschooled in a conspiracy-laden religious household where she honed her ability to reflect deeply felt emotions through dynamic, textured, and technical songwriting and production.
In 2023, during the tour of her latest record ‘Both Feet In The World, At Least I Can Stand,' Laura and her band suffered a serious motor vehicle accident that left Laura with PTSD and a traumatic head injury. After a year in recovery, she emerges with gripping and exceedingly personal new music birthed during her chaotic grieving process.
Hickli has a knack for creating art out of life's ebbs and offering a small gift of resilience to the returning tides. A performer in several award-winning projects, Hickli’s personal works continue to receive radio play on CBC, BBC+, Top Album of the Year awards, and accolades from The Big Takeover, Cups N Cakes and more.
Currently wrapping up her two month long 'Recovery Tour' of the United States, Hickli is preparing to record her new album ‘stranger to myself’ at The National Music Centre. Hickli’s developing story offers a fresh and inviting look at what life can be, while carrying the foundations of her spellbindingly intimate, yet explosive brand of dark process-music.
Jana Jacobs' songs brim with a melancholy that has been refined by endless farewells. By the age of 11, the tapestry of her life had been woven across three different countries, and music became her anchor.
Jana herself says that she is more comfortable singing about her life on stage than talking about it. Despite this, her conversational and intimate storytelling over soft guitar or a quiet beat create an easy yet captivating rapport with the audience. Her richly layered harmonies have the ability to instantly transport listeners to the sunset golden hour. Her melodies, though laid back and often playful, are woven with introspective lyrics that delve into topics ranging from mental health and intricate relationships to the often chaotic nature of growth. With every soulful note she delivers, listeners find themselves in a comforting embrace, even amidst their own uncertainties.
Since moving to Winnipeg 3 years ago, Jana has accrued a host of performance credits, including Manitoba Music’s New Music Night, Soul Supreme Night, Winterruption 2024, the 2024 Winnipeg Jazz Festival, and a CBC radio placement of her debut single “Sweet Nothings” on Up to Speed with Faith Fundal.
From the electric streets of Peterborough, Ontario, emerges indie-pop recording artist Sarah Jayne Riley, a dynamic force blending timeless sounds with contemporary indie pop. SJR’s mission is simple yet profound: inspire authenticity and compassion. Her lyrics celebrate personal growth and societal reflection, urging listeners to embrace change and their own unique experiences.
Her debut single "Talk to Me" is a powerful anthem of resilience and personal growth, setting the stage for her vibrant and evolving musical career. With a vocal style shifting from the heartfelt sincerity of Feist to the dynamic expression and fashion sensibility of icon Chappell Roan, SJR's music explores themes of originality, self-evolution, cultural critique and living in a masculine world.
Fans describe Sarah Jayne Riley as unforgettable—a 'MUST SEE' talent with an impressive four-octave vocal range and incredibly catchy songs that linger in your mind for weeks after experiencing her high-energy performance.
With more than 100 stages to her credit, including her highly acclaimed participation in “The Voice Kids” at 10, this 19-year-old pop singer-songwriter has 8 successful singles and 1 EP under her belt. Now set to release her next single and her sophomore album in 2025 (new era), she is preparing her first-ever Canadian tour for summer 2025. June6xteen is thrilled to share her art with the world and become a music industry leader, captivating, and inspiring audiences with her sound and powerful message. June’s goal as an artist is to touch the hearts of her listeners and make her music stand out for its emotional depth and relatability. Speaking with her heart, she is only being true to herself and wishes that it can resonate with people struggling and make them feel surrounded and understood when they think they are drowning and that there is no way out.
Yvonne Kushe is Ugandan- Canadian multidimensional creative and artrepreneur who manifests her talents as a singer, songwriter, educator, art curator and comic. She is also the founder of PolliNATION, an arts collective that seeks to elevate the wellbeing of artists through collaborative workshops and holistic artful experiences. Most recently, Yvonne Kushe won the 2023 AFAM Female artist of the year award. Kushe has an innate ability to infuse her music with a unique blend of emotions, storytelling, and an unmatched level of creativity, all of which have solidified her position as a respected artist in Canada and East Africa.
Morgan-Paige (she/they) is a Tkarón:to-based interdisciplinary artist. With experiences ranging from scoring short films to solo performances, her work and story were featured in Musicworks Magazine Winter 2020-2021 Issue 138, The WholeNote Magazine, Ludwig van Toronto and Toronto Guardian. Past projects include Bin Chicken film collaboration with Toronto Dance Theatre and Alyssa Martin, The Magic Wallet short film, Mission Sankofa short film, Hillside Inside’s “The Sound of Light”, “Where Do I Go?” short film with Tapestry Opera and Rock Bottom Movement, 21C Music Festival’s “New Music In A New World”, a commissioned work and performance for Suoni Per Il Popolo, sound art installation “My Ancestor Summons Me” at MOCA Toronto, Debaser Pique, the 21C Music Festival with the world premiere of her improvisational work “A Time to Exist” in Koerner Hall, Wavelength Summer Thing opening for headliner horrorcore rapper Backxwash and featured on most recent album “His Happiness Shall Come First Even Though We Are Suffering”, co-composer with Benjamin Shapiro for Dora Award-winning Sex Dalmatian with Rock Bottom Movement, and prototype premiere of “Resurrectio: Act I” an immersive animated and mixed media musical experience with re:Naissance Opera. Morgan-Paige’s upcoming work includes a commissioned work reimagining Bach’s Passion for Sapphonix Collective titled “Sapphic Passion” alongside 5 other composers (to premiere in Spring 2025).
Canadian r&b-reggae/dancehall fusion artist Omega Mighty has an eclectic sound, switching from Jamaican patois, sultry vocals and an energetic rap flow with confidence. In 2023, Omega independently released her sophomore EP “Notorious & Noble” featuring lead single “Rush Dem”, earning her a Juno award nomination for Reggae Recording of the year. Most recently, Omega has been named one of CBC Music Searchlight's top 10 Artists Competition for 2024, and is nominated for Reggae Xclusive's Entertainer of the year, Reggae North Awards' Top Reggae Song of the Year, and the LeadHer Awards. Selected for her mean pen, Omega teamed up with the City of Brampton and Canada's Music Incubator to write the city's new anthem "Celebrate You" in celebration of the city's 50th year Anniversary.
Having recently joined Paquin Artists Agency, Omega has been seen gracing the stages of various festivals opening for acts such as Flo rida, Fefe Dobson, Jesse Royal and the legendary band The Wailers. As an RBCxMusic First Up Artist 2024 and an alumni of the SOCAN Foundation Entrepreneurship program and VIFF cohort 2023, Omega is trailblazing the Canadian music scene with her unique sound.
Kathleen Morrison, an operatic soprano, is renowned for her captivating performances in opera, concerts, and lieder. Opera Canada hails her as 'Riveting,' while Kultur Extra Berlin praises her "Highly professional voice.”
With a remarkable array of accomplishments, Kathleen has left her mark in the music industry. She was named a CTV Inspired Alberta in 2022 and served as the 2016 Classical Music Representative for Calgary's Year of Music. Her talents have graced prestigious venues such as the 10th Anniversary of the Canadian Embassy in Berlin, Calgary's Music Mile, the National Music Centre, the historic King Eddy, and a 10-city tour of China where she performed for over 1 million people combined. She has also received nominations for the Calgary Awards and the Avenue Top 40 Under 40.
As the owner of 'Voice by Kathleen' studio, she mentors and coaches singers across genres, prioritizing healthy technique. Her studio has nurtured exceptional talent accepted into renowned Canadian universities (McGill, UofT, UBC, Ryerson, UofC) and esteemed international institutions like Berklee College of Music, American School of Music & Dance, and Broadway Dance Centre - ISVP Professional Semester. Noteworthy achievements of her singers include appearances on America's Got Talent, Alberta Country Music Award victories, and consistent casting in leading roles (Theatre Calgary and Storybook Theatre).
Kathleen's influence extends beyond her studio as an adjudicator for notable organizations such as Alberta Music Education Foundation, Airdrie Performing Arts Festival, and Drayton Valley Performing Arts Festival, and the Lethbridge Music and Speech Festival. She is also sought after as a masterclass clinician at esteemed institutions like the University of Lethbridge, Calgary Arts Academy, Calgary Public Schools, and Westwinds Music Society. Since 2019, she has served as the Director of Solo Voice Studies at the prestigious Renert School.
In addition, Kathleen is the artistic/executive director of the new formed non-profit, Alberta Vocal Arts, dedicated to promoting classical vocal arts in Alberta, they have re entry launched their Season Two. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Lethbridge, an Artist Diploma from the Vancouver Academy of Music and has recently completed the Rozsa Arts Management Program with the U of C Haskayne School of Business and the Rozsa Foundation.
Recent performances have included Rosalinde with Alberta Vocal Arts, Adriana in Adriana Lecouvreur with Calgary Concert Opera Company, and a reprise of 'Chiaroscuro: A Liederabend Reimagined" with Pianist Carlos Foggin.
Born & raised and residing in Calgary, Alberta, Kathleen finds joy and companionship with her beloved Grand Champion Trick Samoyed, Alfie and her new puppy Rosie. Notably, she is a Certified Trick Dog Trainer - All Star Trainer of the Year and holds the position of Vice-President of the Samoyed Association of Canada.
Amanda is a musician, promoter, and audio technician from Vancouver, BC with a passion for all things in live events. She cut her teeth in the industry at sixteen working as an audio technician with Canucks Sports and Entertainment. This eventually led her to pursue an education at Capilano University to diversify her knowledge and grow as an events worker. During her studies, she was granted the opportunity to intern at two iconic Vancouver venues; The Rickshaw Theatre and Red Gate Arts Society. Following this, she packed up and moved to Whitehorse where she spent the remainder of her program’s internship studying and assisting at Music Yukon. Recently returning to her hometown and now armed with a diploma in Entertainment Management, she is excited to start a new chapter of her career and continue learning in the process. Today, she produces and promotes All Femme Fronted; a music series of her design intended to highlight the contributions and amplify the voices of gender-diverse and female-fronted artists in Vancouver’s underground music scene. She continues to work as an audio technician and enjoys playing occasional gigs with her various musical projects.
I have been involved in music since I first picked up a guitar at age 10. I have been playing in local bands ever since, doing everything from funk to folk to jazz. My efforts with these bands led to numerous performance opportunities, including national radio play with groups like Astronauts and Little Super Dangerous.
While recording basement demos with my closest friends and bandmates, and occasionally recording out of other studios, I discovered my passion for the recording and mixing process and began producing recordings for myself and my friends. Small projects at first, but I quickly began developing my own recording skills and decided to foster connections with local producers, to gain insight on the recording process and sit in on some professional sessions. I began working out of Audio House, owned by award-winning studio owner, Grant Howarth.
After my experience at Audio House, I knew I had to open my own home studio. This dream recently came to fruition in the form of Great Bird Studios, which was conceived and built by myself and my friends in the music community. I work out of Great Bird part-time, recording various genres such as folk, punk, rock, jazz, and classical. In addition to providing services for a variety of Calgary musicians, I self-produce recordings for my band, Little Super Dangerous.
Through all these experiences, my teachers, collaborators, presenters, and bandmates have primarily been men. As a woman in the music world, I have had to face unique challenges in these male-dominated environments, and as I prepare to make music my full-time pursuit, I am looking to build my tool-kit as a woman to make it in this business.
Sarah Ott is a music marketing manager and musician originally from Whitehorse,Yukon. She first realized the possibility of pursuing music when she was selected as a finalist in the Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Artist Program in 2013. She then went on to perform at a number of charity events in her hometown as well as abroad. This included performing in Greenland, representing the Yukon in the Arctic Winter Games Cultural Contingent, and for Prime Minister Stephen Harper in her hometown of Whitehorse.
Sarah pursued a BAH at Queen's University in Media and Performance Production and after taking on the role of business music director for an all female acapella group at the university, she realized her love for music business and marketing. She went on to work in marketing at Brown Bag Films in Ireland, for Warner Brothers hit show Riverdale as a production assistant, for E One Entertainment as a content producer and as a producer and marketing manager for Music Yukon.
After moving to Vancouver, Sarah continued to pursue her passion for artist promotion through her work at 604 Records as a marketing coordinator for country artists. After growing within the company, Sarah recently stepped out on her own, founding "Elora Marketing" a company focused on promoting musicians and other small businesses'. She has worked with the likes of JoJo Mason, Andrew Hyatt, Faber Drive, Teigen Gayse, Simon Clow, Mitch Zorn, Danielle Ryan and more.
DenMother is the experimental electronic music project of Canadian multidisciplinary artist Sabarah Pilon.
Her sound is described as atmospheric and ethereal converging with the feral, primal and instinctual, incorporating echoing vocal elements over layers of texture, drum and synth. DenMother creates an intimacy with her audience during her performances, which become living extensions of her music and act as stand alone rituals. Pilon first began experimenting with electronic music production in her bedroom while living beside the Atlantic Ocean, initially self-releasing music under the moniker ‘Orphan’.
After being discovered on Tumblr by then Maryland-based experimental label I Had An Accident Records, she released several cassettes and participated in collaborations with artists from across the US and Europe. Eventually, Pilon adopted the name “DenMother”.
Since then, DenMother has self-released numerous digital albums and EPs, continuing to showcase her ability to experiment within sub-genres under the electronic umbrella, resulting in an evolving yet cohesive discography. DenMother continues to refine and redefine her unique approach to songwriting and music production.
Her most recent work, ‘I Chased The Water’, is set to be released on September 17, 2024 and is a devotional sacrifice to the Primordial Sea, examining themes of the Goddess, sexuality, quiet rage, tragic romance, and our ancestral relationship with the ocean and all her mythology.
"Frantic Ram" (2021), a concept album structured around Dante's Inferno, explored deep within the psyche during times of chaos and confinement, was nominated for multiple awards including an ECMA for Electronic Album of the Year.
Pilon is actively working on a new project surrounding Tree of Life mythology across global cultures, with a specific emphasis on her personal Pathworking practice based in the Hermetic Qabalah tradition.
LOLA PARKS (Sandy Powlik) is a Soul Folk Pop singer-songwriter from Vancouver. Her style is intelligent, intimate, evocative, boho chic and deeply influenced by her heritage while staying true to her jazz roots. More than ever, Parks triggers our feelings of loss and grief met with hope and togetherness with recent releases. 2023’s "Freight Train (Mother Hubbard mix)" and “You Are The Best” speak to truth, reconciliation and female empowerment. Parks describes 2022's "You Are Light (Lynne's Song)," a tribute to her mama, "It'll Be All Right," on loss of life due to overdose and suicide, and “Never Alone,” as "Somber yet hopeful, carrying on with resilience and acceptance.” Parks has created a fiercely independent musical history that includes fronting a 17-piece big band; co-founding and being sole lyricist/vocalist of folk-rock group, Sonnenblume; releasing five studio recordings; winning Female Songwriter of the Year (Vancouver Island Music Awards) and Most Outstanding Vocal Jazz Musician (Denver Festival, US); Female Vocalist of the Year and Artist of the Year (VIMA) nominations; performing across five continents; completing a five-month residency in Nepal; brief residencies at hospitals in Zimbabwe and Haiti (reorganizing AIDS clinics, performing); and participating in a peacebuilding workshop in Burma. Music from Parks has been placed on TV's Higher Ground, Mutant Films’ "The Orchard" and CBC’s current Early Edition theme song.
On the wings of the north wind, Bria Rose shakes the room with soulful energy. Each song telling a story from the eyes of a young Tahltan/Cree woman finding her hope and way in the world around her. Her folk rock sound is complete with rasp and a deep alto flavor that bridges heart and grit. Bria Rose released her debut EP, Sprout, May 31st 2024.
Shakura S'Aida, acclaimed Americana roots soul singer and songwriter and Schitt's Creek recurring actor, has thrilled global audiences in 31 countries with her exciting and dynamic showmanship.
The Summerfolk 49 Festival has raved about the Toronto, Canada-based S'Aida's "engaging, vivacious and exciting" performing style and her uncanny ability "to touch your soul," while Donna Grantis (Prince, 3rd Eye Girl), her longtime co-producer and co-writer, praises the Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised, three-time Juno Award nominee (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy) as a "powerhouse vocalist whose artistic vision continually inspires me. Her captivating live shows bring people together to celebrate life and love."
With four albums under her belt, Shakura S'Aida's musical mission of unity is integral. "Music is a great connector," says the 2024 recipient of the prestigious SOCAN Foundation's "Her Music" Award. "I use it to uplift and remind people that they're not alone; that we're all community.”
Elsa Sainas (also known as DJ dood) is a multifaceted creative, DJ, event producer, and program manager with over a decade of experience in the music and event production industry. She began her career organizing and DJing small DIY raves and house shows while working at Long & McQuade, before transitioning into internal engagement and operations in the tech industry. After experiencing multiple layoffs, Elsa made the bold decision in 2024 to fully dedicate herself to her passion for event production and DJing.
This year, she was contracted to program the Vancouver Mural Festival, her largest programming achievement to date—a four-day festival featuring two stages and two after-parties. She also made her DJ debut at Bass Coast Music Festival after presenting an art installation there the previous year. Currently, Elsa serves as the Program Manager for Public Disco, where she curates inclusive, community-driven events that transform urban spaces into vibrant hubs of connection and expression. She led the curation and programming of Public Disco’s Summer Series, the organization’s largest event series to date, drawing thousands of attendees and showcasing both local and international artists.
Throughout her career, Elsa has been a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, championing safer spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities in the creative industry. Her work seamlessly blends music, art, and community engagement, inviting everyone to participate and feel represented.
Senaya is a Montreal-based singer, songwriter, and producer whose music transcends borders and genres. Rooted in her dual heritage of Senegal and Guadeloupe, she has created a unique sound she calls Soûlkreôl, blending elements of soul, jazz, blues, folk, funk and Caribbean( Zouk, Gwoka) and African rhythms ( Makossa, Afrobeat, Zougoulou$ . Her rich, powerful voice, combined with lyrics that explore themes of identity, freedom, and love, has made her a standout in the global music scene.
Senaya’s music journey has taken her to stages across the world, where she has performed at renowned festivals and events. Her work reflects her deep passion for cultural fusion, spiritual connection, and the power of music to unite people. Her latest album, Soûlkreôl Vol. 1: Roots/Racines, released on February 23, 2023, is a celebration of her multifaceted identity and the diverse influences that have shaped her as an artist.
In addition to her music career, Senaya is an advocate for embracing one’s roots and individuality. Through her art, she encourages others to embrace their unique cultural heritages and to live authentically.
Ariel Sharratt is an artist and arts worker from Epekwitk (PEI). Alongside her long music career in The Burning Hell, Ariel co-founded the Lawnya Vawnya music festival in St. John's, NL and currently books the Souris Show Hall. With her collaborators in Idlefield Art Lab, Ariel has developed several community-based recording projects, including building a solar-powered mobile recording studio in Glasgow in the Spring of 2024. Recently, Ariel has begun consulting with emerging artists, offering management assistance and other supports.
Grace Skehan is a Montreal based mezzo-soprano and music administrator. She is passionate about contemporary music and has spent the last two years focused on performing and commissioning new works. Recent highlights include the mezzo voice in the world premier of Danika Loren’s Tell Everyone, the soloist in Simon Forman’s Unobjective, Unordered, and Taro in Tong Wang‘s Labyrinth of tears.
Grace enjoys a rich variety of work as an ensemble singer and has appeared with Boston’s Handel & Haydn society, Opera McGill, and McGill’s Schulich Singers, among others. She currently serves as the alto section leader at Saint Matthias‘ Chuch in Montreal.
As an administrator Grace has worked with the Boston Early Music Festival, Boston Baroque, and McGill University’s Music faculty. She is passionate about using arts administration to uplift marginalized voices in classical music.
Grace is a graduate of McGill University’s Schulich School of Music and the recipient of several prestigious awards including the Phyllis and Bernard Shapiro Fellowship in Opera. She is a founding member of the Sappho Project and runs a private voice studio in Montreal.
Jessa Sky, is a Cree Singer/Songwriter whose music screams authenticity and depth. Jessa Sky is not only a talented singer/songwriter with two #1 hits and an impressive streaming record, but she’s also a passionate advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. Having triumphed over her own battles, she proudly celebrates 19 months of sobriety. Her journey serves as inspiration, enriching her music with authenticity and depth.
Her track "Forever," a collaboration with 2023 CBC Searchlight winner, Mattmac, soaring past 250K streams, solidifying her presence in the music scene. Her debut album, "Sky's the Limit," captivated audiences with its dynamic sound and heartfelt lyrics. With regular rotation on Sirius XM, Jessa is carving her path to success, currently crafting her much-anticipated EP set to release late 2024.
Brandi Vezina is a Red River Metis singer/songwriter with roots intertwined with classic country and rock. She’s a multi award winning artist who writes & sings about what she knows, lives, and loves.
She’s shared her songs and stories on numerous stages and many festivals including Dauphin’s Countryfest, Festival du Voyageur, APTN Indigenous Day Live, and Jazz Fest. Brandi is the recent winner of the Vince Fontaine Legacy Award and Manitoba Country Music Association Awards NCI Indigenous Country Music Award. She was named one of Front Porch Music’s “10 Indigenous Country Artists You Should Know.” She will be showcasing at Breakout West in Saskatoon and is attending the Canadian Country Music Week in September.
Her latest single “Tornado in a Trailer Park” is co-produced by Nashville Warner’s Styles Haury and CCMA award winning Murray Pulver. She says, “Styles and I had fun writing this one; it's meant to be a good time and get people boot scootin’ out in the neon.”
Recent singles “Tornado in a Trailer Park” and “Old Fashioned Values” can be heard on Sirius XM Canada’s Indigiverse, Top of the Country and several Apple Music playlists Boots & Mocs, The Lodge, Indigenous Now and the Indigenous Music Countdown. “Old Fashioned Values” has over 300 K streams on Spotify.
Vezina says, “I love writing music and playing live. It’s an absolute honour to be able to do what I love. I’m thankful for each and every fan who comes out to shows and supports my music. I truly appreciate y’all with my whole heart!”
With even more Nashville-based co-writes complete and new music planned for 2024, Brandi is definitely one that audiences won’t soon forget.
Lana Winterhalt is an artist, music producer, teacher, and arts organizer living and working on Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lana is the founder and director of Good + Plenty Arts Collective and their sub-group, Good + Plenty Producer’s Club, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating more opportunities for 2Spirit, women, non-binary and gender diverse Manitobans in the music production and audio industry. Lana and her team were proud to be named Rising Leaders at the Women in Music Canada Honours 2024, as well as receive nominations for Community Excellence at the Western Canadian Music Awards in 2023 and 2024.
Lana was awarded the Kevin Walter’s Legacy Songwriter award in 2022 for her work as both an artist and passionate arts advocate, and is the only non-male nominated for Producer of the Year at this year’s Western Canadian Music Awards. In addition to this work, Lana teaches songwriting at the University of Manitoba, composes music for short films, and is contracted to provide managerial services for emerging artists.
2024 Entrepreneur Accelerator Presenters
Tessa Balaz is multi-disciplinary artist from Sudbury, ON. She has now spent almost a decade writing and producing original music for herself and on production teams for major artists including Daniel Caesar, Drake, the Weeknd, Migos, Mariah Carey and more. She has been nominated for 3 Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards and the Sudbury Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. She has had her original music licensed to film and television, most recently to “Kim’s Convenience” season 4. She is currently trying to close the gap and raise the percentage of female identifying producers on the billboard charts, and serves as Executive Director for Northern Lights Festival Boreal and Jazz Sudbury.
Amanda Buer, PMP, is the founder of Amanda Buer Consulting Inc., specializing in project management and consulting services. Amanda has over 12 years of management experience, coming from a GIS & software background but has shifted her focus over the past couple of years to her passion, the arts. Experience with both independent and signed artists and has been working in the social media world, working with brands and influencers.
Catherine Harrison is a Canadian musician, human-centred leadership expert, author, certified professional coach, and advocate for inclusive and equitable well-being. She provides non-clinical mental health support to music industry professionals. As president of Revelios, Catherine aims to improve our collective mental health literacy and social fitness in the workplace through education, reducing stigma, and facilitating open, courageous conversations. She holds a master's degree in psychology and actively illuminates the unique mental health challenges that musicians and crew experience. Catherine is a trusted advisor to several national and international non-profit music organizations.
Learn more here:
www.revelios.com
Faria is an entrepreneur, a project management professional, and a sales funnel enthusiast. She likes to consider herself a business sidekick for entrepreneurs (Robin to their Batman) who are struggling with optimizing their online brand and automating their sales funnels. She joined Diversity Institute to support and empower marginalized people to build stronger communities and reduce the pay gap affecting folks who are systematically disadvantaged. With a mission to help propel the entrepreneurial dreams of minority communities, Faria coaches participants on how to take their business from idea to launch. Faria has completed a Master in Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. And she has founded two start-ups.
Shalini is a leading financial expert helping entrepreneurs understand all the things they need to know and do to stay on CRA's nice list. Beyond just filing taxes, she helps the entrepreneur understand how to read and love their numbers.
Growing up with a serial entrepreneur for a father, she's been around business forever. It made sense she'd pursue her CPA and eventually join in the family business. Outside of working, she's mom to 3 boys and wife to her college sweetheart.
Leyla Razeghi is a Business Strategist who helps business owners create growth plans, reduce risk and manage their operations productively.
With experience in Fortune 500 CPG (consumer packaged goods), retail, and nonprofit and international development. She now works in business strategy at the largest organization for Indigenous women in Canada and teaches courses for startups.
She helps businesses with goal setting, business plans, grant writing, sales and revenue models, customer research, data analysis, and insights.
Leyla’s formal education includes a degree in Industrial Engineering, an MBA in strategy, a diploma in brand management, and training in solution-focused consulting.
Darlene Tonelli is an entertainment and intellectual property lawyer and the founder of Inter Alia Law, a virtual association of lawyers who support clients in technology, media, and entertainment. She is also the co-host of the Lawyer Life Podcast, and author of the award-winning Inter Alia Law blog.
Inter Alia is a team of 10 lawyers who practice in association. They use their in-house experience and large firm training to help small companies with no legal department, as well as other in-house counsel in larger companies, to solve workload issues and workflow challenges, particularly with commercial contract drafting and negotiation in the technology and entertainment industries, and copyright licensing.
Inter Alia lawyers have all spent time in both private practice and in-house at some of Canada’s top media, tech, and entertainment companies. Inter Alia lawyers are counsel to some of Canada’s largest companies, including top entertainment and media companies, emerging and established technology companies, television production companies, concert promoters, and new media producers like podcasters. Inter Alia’s clients refer to Inter Alia as “game changing”, “a rockstar legal team”, “business-savvy and efficient”, “a breath of fresh air”, and “smart and collaborative lawyers who put their clients first at all times”.
Prior to Inter Alia, Darlene spent 8 years at Universal Music Canada, where she was Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Affairs. At Universal, Darlene oversaw music licensing, and was tasked with building new digital business models. In that role, she worked on several groundbreaking license deals with major broadcasters and international streaming companies to bring music to Canadian listeners in new ways. She collaborated with Music Canada on The Next Big Bang: A New Direction for Music in Canada, which was a significant research project conducted to encourage innovation and growth in the Canadian music industry. She was also an original member of the Music Canada Advisory Council, advising Canada’s major record labels on diversity and equity.
Outside the office, Darlene serves on the Board of Governors for The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall. She is part of the faculty of the Osgoode Certificate in Entertainment Law (Music Licensing) and the Ryerson Law Practice Program (the Business of Law), and speaks often in Canada and the United States on a wide range of topics including emotional intelligence in lawyering, negotiation skills, authenticity, key skills for in-house counsel, and business development
Chiara Toselli is the Head of Marketing at Altinity, a company that provides services for ClickHouse, an open-source columnar database. She oversees all marketing initiatives, including branding, content creation, social media, and email campaigns. She is passionate about creating engaging and impactful marketing strategies that connect with the target audience and drive growth.
Michelle Allman-Esdaille is a visionary leader at the forefront of the music industry, spearheading initiatives that transform how artists and music professionals connect, grow, and thrive. As the CEO and Founder of The HOOK & Company, she has created a dynamic online marketplace where artist managers and industry professionals can connect directly with artists and music creators to support a wide range of projects, from business development to creative growth. The platform not only helps artists but also provides visibility to the industry’s game-changers, building a pipeline of work for freelancers to live sustainably while fostering artist success. The newest version of the marketplace is set to re-open March 2025. The HOOK & Company is the parent company to Sustainable Creative Living and The HOOK Sync Group. The HOOK Sync Group, the first Black female-owned sync agency in Canada, specializes in sync placements and sync licensing, working to ensure that diverse voices are represented across the entertainment landscape. Under Michelle’s leadership, the company has secured placements on major platforms such as BET+, HGTV, TLC, VH1, Bravo, and CNN, showcasing her commitment to elevating underrepresented talent in the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and recognized-as-female communities. Under Sustainable Creative Living, Michelle leads an education platform that offers application-based courses tailored for career advancement in sync music production, songwriting, and composing for TV, film, commercials, and games. These courses include the flagship Sync Music Production Accelerator, export-readiness training, ethical AI music production courses, and The Singing Speaker program, which trains artists to infuse their music into keynote speaking engagements. As a consultant, Reiki practitioner, and co-author of "You Have So Much Potential – Inspiring Generational Healing & Transformation," Michelle’s multifaceted work reflects her deep commitment to holistic success, mental health advocacy, and empowerment for underrepresented communities in the music industry.