2026 Entrepreneur Accelerator
Supported by: TD Ready Commitment, FACTOR, the Government of Canada, Ontario Creates, and Creative BC.
Stay tuned about 2026 application timelines.
Women in Music is launching the seventh annual Entrepreneur Accelerator program, focused on supporting the next wave of women and gender- diverse Canadian music industry leaders. This year’s intake will accept a 30-participant cohort to learn together and build an entrepreneurial community. The program is open to early career, or transitioning career industry entrepreneurs and artist entrepreneurs. Each participant will be paired with a professional mentor throughout the program, matched based on the participant’s individual goals and intentions for the program.
Sessions included in the overall program include the following, all from a female and gender-diverse entrepreneur lens:
- Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
- Lean Business Canvas
- Brand Building Workshop (Industry Stream)
- Marketing and Sales Fundamentals (Industry Stream)
- Leadership Fundamentals (Industry Stream)
- Financial Literacy and Taxes
- Legal Fundamentals
- Fundraising and Grant Writing
- Pitching (Industry Stream)
- Revenue Streams in Music (Artist Stream)
- Discoverability (Artist Stream)
- Building a team (Project Management) (Artist Stream)
- Sync and Publishing (Artist Stream)
Women in Music Canada values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes and invites women and gender-diverse folks from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Deadline to apply is TBD.
Successful Applicants will be notified.
The 2026 Entrepreneur Accelerator including the mentorship program will run online from October to November 2026. Sessions will run weekly in the evenings, specific times and days are TBD.
You will receive an email with your application information. once you have submitted. If you have any issue with the form or questions about the program, please reach out to info@womeninmusic.ca
2025 Entrepreneur Accelerator Participants
Aiden McRorie Wilson
Aiden McRorie Wilson (she/her) – Aiden is fiercely engaged and passionately creative. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, she possesses a well-fostered affinity for exploring musical pursuits of all kinds. She has served on management teams for arts & culture centres, provided administrative support for Canadian music festivals of many shapes and sizes, and performs locally with bands of several genres. Aiden’s passion for creativity, unending desire to learn, and deeply-rooted sense of social justice serve as pillars to guide her engagement and advocacy efforts.
The music, arts, and event landscape in Canada, not to mention globally, is forever changing. As it grows and shifts, Aiden looks to use the space and privilege she has to collaborate with others, and take advantage of every opportunity to improve her own skills and broaden her range of abilities. In addition to working full-time, serving as a volunteer radio host, and assisting with a provincial bluegrass camp, Aiden makes time to play guitar and sing with Saskatoon-based country-folk band Gil & Wil, a new duo project with best friend and bandmate Holly Gilroy, as often as possible. She takes great pride in giving her best to her work and music, and to the industry that has allowed her to foster some of the most meaningful relationships one could ever hope for.
Ana Lia Arias Garrido
Andrea Vincent
Andrea Vincent has worked in festivals for a decade, from artist care to artistic direction and operations. Currently pausing from festivals, Andrea is exploring new pathways in music. As co-founder of Lawnya Vawnya, a nationally recognized incubator for emerging music, and later leading Dawson City Music Festival (2016–2022) and Sappyfest (2022–2024), Andrea has had the immense privilege of working with over 450 groundbreaking artists from around the world.
Fueled by a passion for Canada’s underground music and joyful, thoughtful gatherings and having been raised in grassroots, DIY, community-based organizing, Andrea is invested in reimagining industry norms and improving working conditions for musicians and cultural workers.
Andrée-Anne Roussel
Andrée-Anne Roussel is a media artist and filmmaker based in Montreal. Alongside her creative practice, she has worked for over 10 years in the film industry as a post-production supervisor. In the past year, she has started a new path in music management. She currently manages drummer and composer Ronny Desinor and has been actively learning about the music business through self-study and online training, including courses from SOCAN. She is now developing Lovely Lovely Sounds, a label and management company focused on modern jazz (or alt jazz, or neo jazz) and creative improvised music.
Bhavneet Toor Kang
With over a decade of experience as a marketing professional and cultural producer, Bhavneet Toor Kang is dedicated to amplifying South Asian voices and stories within the music, arts, and media landscapes across Canada. Recognized as one of the few female cultural leaders in the Canadian South Asian arts and music community, she creates meaningful spaces for representation, collaboration, and innovation.
Her work bridges creative strategy with mindful leadership, empowering artists and organizations to connect with diverse audiences and build sustainable careers. As a co-founder of a gemstone jewelry brand and a certified Reiki Master Teacher, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of commerce, culture, and spirituality—fostering projects that are both impactful and authentic.
A passionate advocate for inclusion and creative expression, she is committed to shaping a more equitable and vibrant future for the arts in Canada.
Brigitte Jardin
Brigitte Jardin weaves a unique tapestry where the poetry of French chanson meets the heartfelt twang of American country. Hailing from Whitehorse, Yukon, she blends these two rich traditions into a sound that is entirely her own: tender yet bold, lyrical yet grounded. As one of the rare women who sings while playing drums, Brigitte captivates audiences with her quiet strength and authentic artistry.
Camille Neirynck-Guerrero
Camille Neirynck-Guerrero is a Belgo-Colombian visual artist and administrative manager who’s been working closely with the music industry for a decade. She was born and raised in Belgium, and moved to Toronto at the end of 2020. Upon arrival, she first connected organically with the live music scene via her photography, then established herself further with her excellent organizational and administrative skills paired up with her passion for live music.
She volunteered for two years for the platform JazzInToronto, working closely with the other two directors. They put together a summer weekend festival in 2022 (College Street Jazz Festival) featuring 95% women & non-binary acts. The same year she established the Drom Artist Collective, whose mission is to support emerging talent, amplify ideas that challenge the status quo, and affirm our values of community, integrity, & inclusivity. She took the lead on production & media by contributing her photography & filmmaking skills, and she organized a fundraiser for their annual community magazine.
Since April 2024, she’s taken the reins of the booking administration at DROM Taberna (which hosts over 100 bands a month), has attended many musical conferences on behalf of the establishment (WOMEX, FAI, FMO), and maintains a steady practice as a freelance photographer & videographer with a focus on Toronto live music scene.
Carolina G’ala
Carolina is the owner and director of Chia Production, an art, music and event production management platform for Latinex and Indigenous artists. The agency is based in Toronto, Canada and collaborates with various festivals and art conferences in Canada, US and Colombia. Alongside, Carolina has been working in the Canadian social sector leading projects in environmental health equity, social and racial justice.
Claudel Arseneault-Mercier
Claudel Arseneault-Mercier is a digital marketing strategist based in Montréal, specializing in the music industry. With over 10 years of experience, she supports emerging and established artists through her freelance practice, where she develops tailored advertising campaigns and content strategies that amplify artists’ voices and connect them with their audiences. Her background includes agency work as well as roles with renowned festivals like M for Montréal, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the industry. Her work combines creativity, strategy, and a deep understanding of the realities musicians face today. As a woman entrepreneur, she’s driven to help shape a more inclusive and innovative future for the Canadian music landscape.
Danielle McTaggart/Larkk
Danielle McTaggart is an artist in transformation. Best known as the powerhouse voice behind the Canadian Juno Award-winning duo Dear Rouge, she has spent years captivating audiences with electrifying performances and chart-topping alternative hits. Now, with her new project Larkk, McTaggart steps into an intimate, introspective space—one that trades the high-energy pulse of indie rock for the raw, poetic vulnerability of indie folk-tinged, atmospheric songwriting.
Larkk was born from Danielle McTaggart’s desire for deeper artistic exploration. Drawing fromlife’s most raw and vulnerable experiences, McTaggart channels emotion into a richly textured and expressive sound. After years of touring with acclaimed acts like Metric, Phantogram, and The Beaches, she felt a pull to connect on a more personal level—with herself and with listeners. What began as an inward journey of healing became Larkk: a project where the music found heras much as she found it. Now, through Larkk, Danielle offers a bold and honest expression of emotion, inviting others into that same space of reflection and connection.
The story of Larkk unfolded in a beautifully organic way. For years, Danielle McTaggart quietly wrote music on a small upright piano in her remote cabin in Western Canada—sculpting the bones of each song and carefully shaping the emotional intent behind them. It was an intimate, solitary process rooted in reflection and honesty. Eventually, she reached out to poet Derrick C.Brown, whose lyrical depth and raw vulnerability felt like the perfect complement to her vision. Their collaboration became the final piece in bringing the songs to life, completing the emotional arc she had been crafting for so long.
Brown, known for his powerful and surreal poetry, has been praised by NPR and The New York Times and has toured with artists like David Cross, Cold War Kids, The Afghan Whigs, and Eugene Mirman.
The recording process of her nine song debut Cinders was deeply personal, unfolding in intimate sessions where McTaggart brought her vision to life alongside a team of collaborators, including producer Thomas D’Arcy (Whitehorse, Neko Case, The Sheepdogs). McTaggart’s haunting piano performances, mixed in with her ethereal vocals create a lush yet delicate soundscape where each song feels like a whispered confession, blending Phoebe Bridgers-esque storytelling with the cinematic depth of Big Thief and Weyes Blood.
Eryn Young/NYRE
NYRE is a dark pop artist from Toronto creating music that lives at the intersection of emotion and spectacle. Her sound blends cinematic pop, alternative atmosphere, and dance DnB to build immersive worlds that hit hard and stay with you. Every release is a chapter of her story that she has found the willpower to share—sonically, visually, and emotionally.
Her debut EP Avoidant was released in January 2025 and marked a turning point. It earned back-to-back Spotify editorial placements on Fresh Finds Canada, helped grow a global fanbase, and led to a Vevo premiere and curated radio airplay for the lead single “Joke’s On Me,” along with “It Should Be You.”
She is currently building the next era through a maximal future pop EP that fuses dance and alt-pop with sharp lyricism and bold futuristic cyber visuals. This project is about reclaiming power and reshaping her narrative after a world-changing betrayal. It is louder, more neon, and more experimental than anything she has done before. She is not chasing trends—she is building something lasting.
Eunice Keitan
Eunice Keitan is a Malaysian-Chinese-Canadian artist known for her innovative fusion of Neo-Soul with traditional Southeast Asian instrumentation. Operating as both a dynamic band leader and a captivating loop pedal artist, she masterfully recontextualizes ancient soundscapes, offering a truly fresh perspective on contemporary neo-soul. Her unique sound is deeply informed by her diverse upbringing across Canada, Malaysia and Singapore, weaving soulful melodies with a distinctive global twist. Audiences have described her music as “a magnificent and unorthodox blend of groovy drums, Eastern strings, and honey vocals.” Beyond its captivating sound, Eunice’s music often serves as a potent platform for insightful social commentary, navigating complex societal issues with a compelling combination of gentle understanding and an unflinching, powerful perspective.
Her work has garnered significant support from the Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council, alongside recognition from outlets such as CBC Music, BBC Radio, The Toronto Guardian, and Stereofox. Prior projects have earned her nominations for both a Toronto Independent Music Award and a VIMA (Vox International Music Award).
Highly sought after in the Canadian live music scene, Keitan is a dynamic performer known for her versatility. Her commitment to artistic growth and collaboration shines through her active involvement in diverse musical and cultural communities, such as the Small World Music incubator and her “Looping for Women and Femmes” workshops (co-presented by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments). With an extensive touring schedule, Eunice consistently captivates audiences throughout Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Gwen Simon
Gwen Simon is a multidisciplinary professional in the music industry with experience as an artist manager, A&R, independent journalist, editor, and licensing and royalty administrator. She is passionate about discovering talent, telling stories, and helping shape the careers of emerging artists. She also runs her own music blog, where she shares reviews, industry insights, and cultural commentary.
Beyond music, she is involved in the gaming industry as a media contributor, playtester, and content creator. Whether she is covering new releases, collaborating with studios, or building community through content, she enjoys working at the intersection of music, media, and interactive experiences.
Josefina D'souza/Fenifina
Fenifina is a Toronto & Mumbai based rapper and songwriter whose music moves between worlds, from the streets of Bombay to the chill of Canadian winters from Hindi and Marathi cadences to smooth English flow. One of the first Hindi female rappers in Canada, she’s carving her own lane with songs that balance introspection and rebellion. Whether she’s unpacking identity, healing or hustle, Fenifina’s sound carries the pulse of someone constantly evolving raw, honest and rooted in where she comes from, yet always reaching beyond.
She’s been featured in Rolling Stone India, Vogue India and The Times of India for her fearless storytelling and genre-fluid artistry.
Kaeley Jade Wiebe
Under the sweeping gaze of Edmonton’s prairie skies, Métis artist Kaeley Jade has carved out a space where art and soul converge. Her vibrant debut full-length album, Turpentine, has earned her significant recognition as a singer/songwriter in the Canadian music scene with accolades that include a Canadian Folk Music Award, Western Canadian Music Award Nomination, and Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Award. Her music has received radio play across the globe (including CBC, Sirius XM, and a #1 on the charts of the Indigenous Music Countdown), has been reviewed by publications worldwide, and has been featured in several film and television productions, including Warrior Up! and Hockey Night in Canada.
Blending folk, pop and indie rock, Kaeley’s lush imagery, stunning vocals, and electric stage presence have enthralled listeners at hundreds of venues and festivals across Canada, including the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, JUNOfest, International Indigenous Music Summit, and Canmore Folk Music Festival. Kaeley proudly wears her heart on her sleeve whether she is performing an intimate acoustic set or tearing it up alongside her full band (Gabriel Gagnon on guitar/vocals, Katie Demuynck on piano/vocals, Kelsey Wood on electric bass/vocals, and Jordan Poirier on drums/vocals).
Alongside her career as a singer/songwriter, Kaeley’s artistic pursuits also extend to the theatre, film and visual arts ecosystems; her multifaceted artistic journey has been significantly shaped by a hunger to continually build her knowledge and skills, which is reflected in her formal education by way of a BFA in Acting from the University of Alberta, and through her participation in a range of programs and residencies, including the National Music Centre OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator, MDM Recordings’ Henry Armstrong Award, and Citadel Theatre RBC Horizon Emerging Artists Program. A self-described multidisciplinary artist, Kaeley’s innate curiosity and creativity create many opportunities for her to weave her disciplines together. Most notably, her work on Two-Headed/Half-Hearted, an 18-song country-folk musical that premiered at Northern Light Theatre in 2022, showcased her talents as a composer, sound designer and actor while delving into themes of sisterhood, family, and identity.
As she prepares to unleash a new chapter of music, Kaeley invites her listeners to embrace change, find strength in vulnerability, and love fiercely.
Kereese ‘KP’ Plummer
Kereese ‘KP’ Plummer is a creative force with a sharp eye for artist branding, music curation, and culture-shifting collaborations. Rooted in both the music industry and the community sector, she’s a self-starter who thrives on innovation, storytelling, and making things happen.
Her work speaks for itself – KP has secured brand partnerships with 1800 Tequila, Kraken Rum, and Roots, among others. She produced a solo artist concert at the iconic Drake Underground that sold out in just 11 days and had fans lined up outside the venue, a testament to the marketing and promotion she led. She’s played a key role in landing independent artist EverythingOShauN coverage in Complex Canada, Noisey/Vice, Exclaim, and NOW Toronto, as well as performances on standout platforms like From the Block and On the Radar—all without the backing of a major label.
Beyond the titles and credits, KP wears many hats: creative director, producer, stylist, set designer, project manager, and problem-solver. Whether it’s leading the vision for music videos, building production teams, scouting the perfect location, or mapping out rollouts, she’s always pushing boundaries. Recently, KP joined the CARAS/JUNO Awards Music Advisory Committee for R&B/Soul, demonstrating her commitment to amplifying diverse voices and crafting moments that leave a lasting impact.
Bilingual in English and French, KP brings a uniquely holistic perspective to creative leadership, grounded in her education and experience in health and community care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a registered nurse, with a strong foundation in the social determinants of health, mental health across the life cycle, and community health programming. Her work with racialized and underserved populations informs her approach to storytelling, empathy-driven branding, and culturally competent creative direction. With nearly a decade of experience as both a healthcare professional and creative producer, she excels at leading cross-functional teams, managing end-to-end project workflows, and crafting compelling, strategic design solutions that resonate with diverse audiences.
KP is also a strong believer in lifelong learning at every stage of a career. She has completed several educational programs that have further sharpened her skills and broadened her perspective across music and creative industries. These include the GIRL CONNECTED Mentorship Program, RBC Launchpad Music Entrepreneurship Program, the Breaking Down Racial Barriers LA + NY Export for Black Music Managers, and most recently, the Vapor Music Group MNDSHFT Workshop Series—an immersive program exploring the craft of sound design, music supervision, scoring for film and TV, and more. These experiences continue to enrich her dynamic, well-rounded approach to leadership, collaboration, and cultural impact.
Mae Laurel McKillop
Mae McKillop (they/she) is an artist, producer, sound tech & recording engineer from Winnipeg, Manitoba. After growing up surrounded by music, they started their career recording music by building and co-operating Twin Ribbons Recording Studio on Salt Spring Island, BC. Upon moving back home to Manitoba, Mae has plugged into the Winnipeg music scene as an engineer at Paintbox Recording, an associate producer technician at CBC Radio and as a live sound tech amongst local venues. Lead by curiosity and imagination, Mae McKillop is inspired by each individuals creativity to discover a unique method to capture their sound.
Makia Mina Niang
Makia Mina Niang is a bilingual music journalist, born and raised in Paris, France, and now based in Toronto. She is passionate about all forms of art connected to music, including voices, writing, production, and beyond. Her everyday goal is to be a cultural storyteller dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in the global music scene. With a background that bridges France and Canada, she explores the intersections of sound, identity, and diaspora through interviews, written features, and digital content.
Her career began with media outlets that trusted her early on, including Abcdrduson, Red Bull France, Shimmya, and Boycott Magazine. These opportunities allowed her to interview artists, participate in music podcasts, and write cultural articles, helping her build both her voice and perspective as a journalist.
Over time, she has interviewed major French artists as well as Canadian talents such as Jon Vinyl, Dylan Sinclair, and High Klassified, alongside U.S. artists including Ravyn Lenae, Omar Apollo, and Laila!. In February 2025, she founded Stepperz, a media platform spotlighting emerging movements in Rap, R&B, and Afrobeats, with a mission to connect audiences beyond the American lens. Her work focuses on giving artists the space to share their truth while helping audiences discover new music that matters.
Stepperz currently exists through a bi-weekly YouTube video series exploring music-related topics, along with daily content on Instagram and TikTok, including music news, thought-provoking videos, and cultural debates. A bilingual website is currently under construction and will launch in September 2025, bringing together all of Stepperz’s work in one place and taking the platform to the next level.
Morgan Sutherland
As a Sponsorship and Brand Partnership Consultant with over a decade of experience in the live music and events sector, Morgan Sutherland specializes in building creative, values-driven partnerships that sustain and amplify cultural projects. Her work focuses on strategically aligning brands with music festivals, public events, and community-led initiatives, creating mutually beneficial relationships that go far beyond logo placement.
Morgan’s career has been shaped by leadership roles with organizations such as Rifflandia Entertainment Co. and Friends of Victoria Basketball, where she has led the development and execution of multi-year partnerships with national and local brands. From pitch to on-site delivery, she manages the full lifecycle of sponsorships by crafting integrated marketing strategies, collaborating with operations and production teams, and ensuring exceptional client experiences that translate into long-term investment and impact.
What sets her apart is a deeply entrepreneurial approach. She treats every project like a partnership business, with a focus on innovation, integrity, and cultural relevance. She is committed to creating space for collaboration that reflects the values of the communities served, especially within music and entertainment.
Through this program, she is excited to sharpen her business acumen, expand her network, and deepen her capacity to grow a sustainable, woman-led consultancy that continues to champion artists, events, and meaningful cultural experiences.
Nadia
Nadia makes R&B that feels like a dream and full of feeling. Her voice cuts through everything with power and warmth, creating a sound that feels modern but timeless. Think a little bit of Snoh Aalgra, Sza and a little bit of Ariana Grande, but still something totally her own. Her latest single, “Intertwine,” is made for late nights after the club shuts down, after the looks are exchanged, when everything slows down and deepens. Originally from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Nadia made waves in her hometown pretty quickly. In 2023, her song “Off the High” was nominated for R&B Recording of the Year at the Music PEI Awards. She followed that up in 2024 with two nominations for “Intertwine” R&B Recording and Music Video of the Year and took home the win for Music Video of the Year, thanks to a beautiful collaboration with director Griffin O’Toole.
Nadia’s just getting started, but her music is already reaching far beyond the island.
Robyn Froese
Robyn Froese is a soul-folk artist and community arts facilitator based in Vancouver. If Amy Winehouse’s voice and Joni Mitchell’s songwriting birthed a love child it would be Robyn Froese. She crafts raw and vulnerable music that explores themes of mental health, healing, and love. She has released multiple EPs and singles, with features on BBC Radio and nominations for Fraser Valley Folk Artist of the Year in 2023 and 2024. Alongside her performance career, Robyn runs songwriting workshops for marginalized youth and women in recovery, blending her training in trauma-informed care with her passion for music. She believes in the power of creative expression to connect, heal, and transform communities.
Rosina Kazi
One of the silent movers and shakers in Toronto’s underground arts scene, Rosina Kazi is the lead singer of the protest electronic duo LAL and part of the global dance music project, ROSINA. Rose has been instrumental in the growth of many of the city’s QT/BIPOC artists and DJ’s, providing venues and forums for their musical expression. More importantly, she/they have managed to add an air of consciousness and political awareness to many of those events, and this awareness is the most distinctive factor of her/their work. They also help run Unit 2, a community / professional arts based arts space for QTBIPOC artists and friends in Toronto for over 10 years. In 2009, Nic and Rose decided to move into a warehouse and open Unit 2. After not seeing themselves represented in the Toronto Arts community in positions of power, they with several friends (Toyin Coker, Ange Loft, Daniel Mach) decided to start their own Do It Together arts space, dedicated to QT2S/BIPOC community and friends. Rose focusses on their art full-time. Rose has been composing music professionally for over 25 years. She has recorded 8 albums and has guest appeared on over 10 recordings.
Selena Pondthip Luangduangsuthidet
Selena Pondthip Luangduangsuthidet is a multimedia journalist, creative director-producer, music programmer, and cultural heritage ambassador based in Toronto. A Lao refugee and community advocate, her work focuses on connecting Lao Canadians and preserving Lao and Southeast Asian heritage through art, music, media, and education.
She is closely involved with LaoCan, a grassroots national organization dedicated to amplifying diasporic voices and supporting the preservation of Lao and Southeast Asian culture. Through her work with LaoCan, Selena contributes educational content centered on traditional language and cultural knowledge, while helping create media and arts opportunities for members of the Lao diaspora.
Selena’s professional experience spans radio, television, music, and digital media. She has worked with organizations including Lao Radio 1430 AM, SiriusXM Canada, Instagram (Meta), CityTV, The Queer Network, Nettwerk Music Group, and independent music and media collectives. Her roles have included music programming, business and marketing consultation, broadcast production, digital design strategy, and music video production.
Across her work, Selena brings a community-first, culturally grounded approach to storytelling. She is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, supporting emerging creatives, and ensuring that cultural heritage and contemporary media move forward together.
Shanti Abbott/Puma June
Puma June is a Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer whose genre-blurring sound draws from her eclectic array of influences. Fusing elements of pop, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, her music is shaped by a feminist lens that defines both her artistic identity and narrative. Puma June is “not just [a] musician but [a] multidisciplinary artist”, with a large focus on the surrealist, fashion-forward visual pairings with her music. She has been recognized by publications such as Earmilk, Canadian Beats, Exclaim!, CBC, and many others over the past year for her exciting visuals and distinctive, refreshing sound. After completing the Independent Music Production program at Seneca in 2023, June entered 2024 with strong momentum, receiving the RBCXMusic X Prism Prize MVP Project Grant, and being selected for both the RBCXMusic ‘First Up’ program and SOCAN’s EquityXProduction Program. In March 2025, Puma June released her debut EP, “A Woman That They Want” making her mark as one of the most exciting new voices in Canadian alt-R&B.
Siena Dolinski/SIESKI
Caught between the body’s truth and the mind’s wonder, SIESKI’s music reflects her inner world — deeply evocative and sensory, curious and intuitive, and alive with imaginative charm.
A queer theatre artist turned alt-pop siren, she weaves storytelling, movement, and melody into immersive worlds that feel both intimate and otherworldly. Her alluring vocals and melodies flow and swell, absorbing the listener in what Earmilk describes as “an auditory odyssey that heightens your senses and leaves you with an insatiable craving for more.”
Like a ‘modern day Beth Orton, but also more contemporary projects like Magdalena Bay,’ (Music Connection Magazine) SIESKI is an enigma redefining what alternative pop can feel like.
Highlights include her queer-femme anthem “Lady Deity” (featured in the Vizzybility Project curated by Canada’s Drag Race winner Priyanka), the FACTOR-funded video “Scale Model,” and placements with CBC Music, CTV’s etalk, and Women in Music’s Shatter the Glass.
Sophia Sanford
Sophia Sanford’s journey in music is a lifelong practice of emotional translation through the reorganization of words and sounds, where music has invariably been a space to articulate specific truths and turn pain into power. Sanford’s obsession with the voice and all things sound brings a depth of emotion to her music production, echoing with eerie beauty. Raised on Sayayen (Texada Island), Sophia’s pursuit of music began in childhood, playing bass, piano, trombone, and traveling the world with choral and jazz choirs. Her technical and creative growth took her to Montreal for Jazz studies and later to London, UK for pop and production, before returning to qathet, BC. Sophia’s passion lies in translating experiences into pleasurable activities centered around sound, self-expression, and connection.
In 2024, Sophia launched Noise Machine, a studio, residency space, and label supported by independent distributor Aloaded. Nestled in the coastal qathet region, Noise Machine supports artists and arts professionals, offering creative access to nature, slow production/touring, and rest practices tailored to artists. Sophia continues to deepen their technical skills through mentorship, reveling in opportunities that allow her to understand sound, nature, and music culture on deeper levels. In 2025 Noise Machine launched as a label and has seen its first two releases in albums KODAE (KODAE, TAYLR) and Violet Gave Willingly (Sanford). Signing TAYLR (Montreal) and Isaodre (Toronto) the next few years will prove to be exciting. 2026 sees the launch of their membership program where artists can access tiered and tailored help through Noise Machine and our growling list of business partners and creative collaborators. As an artist themself, Sophia is constantly innovating hoping to advance the expereince of artist by providing personalized, empathic, and accurate support, believing the system we currently have is not working for most creatives.
Sophia offers technical and creative support to a wide range of sound and video projects, manages a label, releases their own music, applies for funding relentlessly. Sophia’s commitment to music education sees her teaching music production in her community, hosting artists at Noise Machine, and providing mentorship programs to emerging talents. For the second summer in a row Noise Machine is set to host a grant-funded month-long mentorship for femme artists looking to advance their production skills. Under Sanford, Sophia has released 2 personal projects, x singles, and x music video from across these projects. VGW the extended score of her sister’s CSA-nominated documentary by the same name exploring themes of grief and loss as a woman in a technical field. It was on Exlaime.ca’s release radar for 3 weeks, and on Billboard’s releases to watch. A remix album for Violet Gave Willingly will come out in 2026 while she continues to work toward a full-length alt-pop album. Her work is a testament to her dedication to music, community, and the pursuit of deeper understanding through sound. Her journey is one of continual growth, creativity, and a relentless drive to turn stories into powerful, emotive music sharing their own and the stories of other like-minded artists.
Sophie Noel
Sophie Noel is an artist, writer, and music industry professional based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Since 2018, they have juggled a variety of roles in the Canadian music ecosystem, on teams like Birthday Cake Records and Forward Music Group. Sophie recently launched Open Chord Creative, through which they offer marketing and mindset support to artists who want to build sustainable careers off social media. When they’re not on tour, you might find Sophie putting up posters around Halifax, hosting community co-work sessions at their local cafe, or working from home with their two tuxedo cats. Sophie also sits on the executive committee of NOWADAYS, an emerging arts and culture festival in Dartmouth.
Stefani Truant
Stefani Truant is the founder of Truant Artist Management (TAM), a boutique agency created to fill a significant need in the classical music industry by providing composers with the tailored support they need to thrive. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked extensively with leading institutions such as the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO), focusing on new music initiatives and collaborations while connecting composers with the platforms and opportunities they deserve.
A fierce champion for contemporary classical music, she has led groundbreaking commissioning projects including Life Reflected and Encount3rs, as well as other national and international commissions that drive innovation in orchestral and chamber music. She created the Carrefour Composer Residency, a partnership between NACO and the Canada Council for the Arts, where she mentored emerging composers by guiding their professional careers and helping develop works that contribute to the Canadian canon. As curator of The Wolfgang Sessions, a new music chamber series, she showcased music of the 21st century, grounded in her belief that today’s music speaks in our vernacular, raw, personal, and profoundly relevant.
She holds two music degrees, a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts in Music in Arts Administration from Acadia University. She has served on various juries, including for the JUNO Awards, and remains actively engaged in the national and local cultural community. Stefani currently serves on the board of the Canadian Art Song Project and, as a proud second-generation Italian-Canadian, also serves on the boards of Fogolâr Furlan di Ottawa and Italian Week Ottawa.
Suzanne Summers
Suzanne Summers, is a DJ, music curator, marketing director, and community builder based in Edmonton. With over a decade of experience, she has performed at festivals, weddings, clubs, and special events, spinning disco, house, pop, hip-hop, and bass-driven remixes.
She is the co-founder of Vibe Collective, a women-led DJ agency that connects clients with diverse talent while supporting women, WOC, and non-binary artists through mentorship and professional development in both creative and corporate spaces.
Beyond music, Suzanne brings more than 15 years of experience as a marketing director, with a background in brand development, event strategy, and community engagement. She channels these skills into building inclusive and vibrant music spaces.
Most recently, she co-created The Movement: Somatic Rave with Angie Clark (YEGYOGI), a fusion of somatic practices, breathwork, guided movement, and live DJ sets designed to help people reconnect to their bodies through music and ceremony.
Whether she is behind the decks, crafting immersive experiences, or mentoring artists, Suzanne is committed to creating connection, joy, and freedom both on and off the dance floor.
Tess Ray Houston
Tess Ray Houston is a Red River Métis Creative and Industry Professional based in Treaty 1 (Winnipeg, MB), with over 10+ years of experience working across Music, Film and Art.
After supporting musicians through non-profit and contract work they joined the Indigenous Music Office’s Cultural Cadence Program, where they were mentored by Amie Therrien (Music Managers Forum) and Kim Temple (High Priestess Publishing), leading to the launch of Midnight Bannock, a company offering artist support and development, creatively and professionally.
In Film, Tess held a principal role in the four-time CSA-nominated Crave/APTN series Don’t Even, is ACTRA-affiliated, and represented by Darryl Mork Talent. They are a valedictorian graduate of CMU College of Makeup Art & Design (Special FX) in Toronto, with credits including APTN’s Indigenous Day Live, The Shine Network, and Ricki’s/Cleo’s. Tess has also modelled for Lesley Hampton at Toronto Fashion Week.
In the Visual Arts, Tess has held solo and group exhibitions, led workshops and sessions, and participated in programs with the Indigenous Friends Association. They’ve received mentorship through the Manitoba Arts Network (with Lita Fontaine) and Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art (with Dr. Maureen Matthews).
Tracey Richard
Tracey Richard is an Acadian musician, multidisciplinary artist, and cultural worker based in Moncton, New Brunswick, on the unceded traditional territories of the Wolastoqiyik and Mi’kmaq peoples. Trained as a classical flautist, she later expanded her creative practice into media arts—working in stop-motion animation, audiovisual installations, and projections—often in collaboration with her artist collective, Collectif HAT.
Her work has been presented nationally and internationally at festivals such as Les Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma, the Festival International du Film sur l’Art, Les Sommets du cinéma d’animation, and the Dawson City International Short Film Festival. In 2019, her film Le grous poisson received the Prix La Vague ACIC/ONF for Best Acadian Short Film at the 33rd Festival International du Cinéma Francophone en Acadie.
As a musician, she has performed across the Maritime provinces and recently participated in the SOCAN Foundation’s Equité X music production mentorship and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s Women in Post program.
Following six years as vice-chair of the board at Music New Brunswick, she has now joined the organization in a staff role, coordinating the 2025 Music NB Awards Ceremony. She also serves on the board for the only feminist music and arts festival in New-Brunswick, Miroir/Mirror, where she led its technical direction for the last two editions.
As well as maintaining a full-time creative practice in filmmaking and music, Tracey currently works as coordinator for RE:FLUX, an experimental music and sound art festival in Moncton, New-Brunswick.
Tyra Jutai
Tyra Jutai is a Toronto-born multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter weaving drama, seduction, and rebellion into her signature retro-pop sound. A classically trained pianist who later expanded to multiple instruments, she found her voice through storytelling—using music to navigate heartbreak, identity, and chaos. Inspired by cinematic worlds, mythology, and old Hollywood glamour, Tyra crafts a sonic universe where nostalgia meets modern edge.
Influenced by icons like Shirley Bassey, Amy Winehouse, and Ennio Morricone, her music is both escapist and grounded—urging listeners to celebrate joy, love, and life’s contradictions.
Methodical yet spontaneous, Tyra builds each song with intention, drawing from poetry, film, and deep introspection. Her persona on record is enigmatic and playful, unapologetically embracing complexity. Whether through sultry melodies or soaring vocals, she invites listeners into a world where the past and future collide, leaving them empowered and electrified.
Wura Adisa/Wura Sol
Wura Sol is a Nigerian-Canadian soul singer and songwriter whose music blends elements of jazz, R&B, gospel, and afrobeats. Her sound is rich with emotion and storytelling, drawing from her lived experiences, faith, and cultural roots. Known for her warm stage presence and raw delivery, Wura creates music that makes people feel deeply and honestly.
Her journey as an artist is shaped by movement across cities, genres, and moments in life, and each song reflects that. She has performed at venues across Toronto and Saskatoon, including sold-out shows at Bar Cathedral and Handlebar, and has been featured on CMTV, at Pearson Airport, and in events for Black History Month and International Women’s Day. Wura is a recipient of the Arts Reach grant and continues to grow as an artist through vocal training, collaboration, and mentorship.
Wura Sol’s music invites listeners into a space of reflection, healing, and soul, where every lyric carries weight and every note feels lived in.
Zymbul Fkara/R.Flex
Meet cheeky R&B creator, R. Flex. She’s not afraid to mix politics with bops. From calling Doug Ford a “powdered timbit” in an Instagram viral reel to calling Donald Trump’s hair transplant gender affirming care, they blend sharp commentary with Y2K R&B sensibility. Channelling the impish spirit of Janet Jackson, Tinashe, and Kelela, they push R&B to exciting places. Her commitment to storytelling through music and fashion explores intimacy, self-discovery, and identity. They challenge traditional narratives of love and self-love, creating safe spaces for queer joy and expression. As a Black non-binary transfemme, authenticity is at the core of their work.
Their high-energy 2022 EP Flex With Benefits earned praise from Exclaim, Bandcamp, and The Star. Featuring collaborations with Tafari Anthony and Desiire, the EP explored queer desire and empowerment. Tracks like ‘Too Late,’ ‘4U,’ and ‘DNA’ earned global recognition, appearing on queer playlists in Amsterdam, Toronto, and New York.
In their second EP of 2022, Once Upon A Flex, R. Flex slowed the BPM but heightened the vulnerability, garnering critical acclaim from Earmilk as a trailblazer. As one of the first artists to perform at Club Quarantine, their electrifying performances solidified them as an underground star in the making. She’s opened for artists like Haiku Hands, Khalifa, and Shad with a flair that continues to make its mark. Distinct and forward-thinking, you have every reason to Check The Flex.
2024 Entrepreneur Accelerator Participants
