ASSOCIATION UPDATE
Robyn Stewart Named New Executive
Director for Women in Music Canada Women in Music Canada ( WIMC ) has announced Robyn Stewart ( she / her ) as its new executive director . Stewart is an accomplished
WIMC ’ S NEW ED , ROBYN STEWART 19-year event director and
comes to WIMC from the Western Canadian Music Alliance , where she was the executive director and CEO . She is welcomed into the association by Chair and Founder , Samantha Slattery , who has spent the past eight years administering the non-profit organization since its 2014 inception .
Stewart will oversee all aspects of WIMC , including its various educational , career development , and networking events , as well as programming , industry engagement , research , and advocacy initiatives . An accomplished veteran in the Canadian cultural industries , she brings with her a wealth of knowledge from all facets of event management , partnership relations , fund development and beyond .
“ I am excited to take on this role , bringing immense passion for the importance of culture and music and of supporting emerging talent ,” says Stewart . “ Following my tenure at the Western Canadian Music Alliance , I am thrilled to support gender equity in the Canadian music industry through WIMC programming , training support , and community building . I look forward to learning the experiences of those struggling to reach their dreams and aspire to be a part of paving the way for a more equitable future for women and gender diverse artists and industry folks . I also look forward to working with fellow intersectional service organizations – IIMS , ADVANCE , and others – to maximize the support we can provide for all underrepresented creators and innovators .”
Stewart ’ s experience reaches all areas of event management and talent buying , with her strongest skills lying in financial management , complex logistics , government relations , and fund development , and partner relationship building . Celebration sites coordinator for the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games 2010 and entertainment buyer for the 2015 PanAmerican Games are among the projects Stewart says she is most proud of , as well as her work with the WCMA , which allowed her to support developing artists and engage in passion projects including working towards gender parity in the music industry on an international level .
Stewart also holds positions on the Polaris Music Prize , Canadian Live Music Association , and KeyChange boards of directors , and the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation advisory board .
Slattery will continue on as the chair of the WIMC board of directors .
Western Canadian Music Alliance Names SaskMusic ’ s Michael Dawson as Its New Executive Director
WCMA ’ S NEW ED , MIKE DAWSON
Following the news of Robyn Stewart departing to lead Women in Music Canada , the Western Canadian Music Alliance ( WCMA ) has announced that Michael Dawson will fill the vacancy as its new executive director . Dawson comes to the WCMA after eight years leading SaskMusic . He takes the helm of producing the BreakOut West festival and conference and the Western Canadian Music Awards .
“ Mike has experience across all sides of the music business and intrinsically understands the opportunities and challenges facing our community . He is a proven leader with a quiet diplomacy and a style that puts values ahead of self in every decision ,” says Sean McManus , WCMA president . “ I know that Mike will continue to elevate the Break- Out West brand as a sector leader in connecting people , promoting new music , and celebrating successes in Western Canada . I look forward to Mike ’ s vision for BreakOut West , and for a healthier , more equitable music sector .”
Dawson began touring and promoting shows as a teenager . He ’ s since been the artistic director of the Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange , a talent buyer for multiple venues across Western Canada , an artist manager , and ran an independent record label . He is also an award-nominated producer and recording artist with extensive international touring experience with his band Library Voices , and currently as a solo artist . He sits on several creative industry boards including executive roles with the CCMIA , WCMA , and local host committees .
The SaskMusic Board of Directors has begun its search for a new executive director . In the meantime , it announced that its communications and operations manager , Lorena Kelly , has accepted the role of interim executive director .
ADVANCE Launches New Amplify Podcast
DJ 4KORNERS ON THE AMPLIFY PODCAST
Non-profit organization ADVANCE , Canada ’ s Black Music Business Collective , launched a new podcast series called Amplify . The first episode dropped on Sept . 29 , 2022 , on all streaming platforms . The show takes a deep dive into the backstories and journey to success for some of the most prominent names of Black professionals in the Canadian entertainment industry . Amplify is hosted by Jemeni , an award-winning artist , writer , actress , radio host , and media personality .
The interview-based series , shot and produced entirely by a Black team , will feature six English episodes of candid , neverbefore-seen interviews from : 4KORNERS ( Toronto Raptors Official DJ / Recording Artist / Content Creator ); Ebonnie Rowe ( Producer / Founder of Honey Jam Executive Director of PhemPhat Entertainment Group ); Jermayne Clayton ( president , Management Division , at Awesome Productions & Management Inc .); Jamelia Campbell , ( publicist for ADVANCE and the first Black publicist at Sony Music Canada ); Jesse Jones ( host of Bachelor in
12 CANADIAN MUSICIAN