Conference

Offsite at The Phoenix

Brought To You By: Ontario Creates

Music Canada will shine a spotlight on Canada, looking back at how the industry has been affected by pandemic restrictions. Panelists will also look ahead at how we can better support everyone within the music ecosystem, how a united industry can develop further growth, so that we can support a full return to live music. Finally, we will also consider the role that labels play in protecting, promoting, and reinvesting in artists. Moderator - Patrick Rogers Brought To You By: Music Canada

(Keynote Interview) Ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way we interact with information, devices, and people on a daily basis. Simple examples that allow us to increase productivity and automate tasks include Alexa predicting when to start a shopping list, Gmail anticipating activating Smart Email, and Netflix recommending viewing something that you wouldn’t have expected. Yet, have we truly explored AI’s practical impact on the music landscape, especially as it pertains to artists, fans, and the overall consumer experience? Join the Chief Analytics & AI Officer of Ingrooves Music Group, Dr. SK Sharma, as he examines the scientific basis of applications and inventions in AI and what it all means for the music industry. Moderator - Sarah MacKenzie

(Presentation)

• Present an in-depth look at the Canada music industry pre COVID (March 2020) vs. Today (2022).  We will look back, so we can look forward.
• Reveal exclusive insights from the latest Canada 360 report which focuses on the music fan, what trends have emerged, what have the biggest challenges been, where are the music fans and what is the appetite to return to live. 
• Look at how music differs across provinces from genre consumption, streaming trends, and local artists gaining success.

Brought To You By: Luminate   

Brought To You By: 

(Panel Discussion) Got a hit song in your head? There’s a platform for that. This session will look at websites and platforms designed to take care of business, freeing up creators to create. Among them: Bandzoogle, an all-in-one flat monthly fee service that allows user to create their own site and digital press-kits, sell directly to fans, fan out over social media and tally sales; the revolutionary Bandsintown, a comprehensive touring app that manages your concert dates, LyricFind, servicing writers, publishers, now labels & distributors & 100+ platforms, monetizing lyrics & lyric translations, also with "free to create" lyric videos and Jammber, providing streamlined split payments and unified dashboards for artists and collaborators all over the world. Moderator - David Hazan

SoundsUnite is a new product that will revolutionize Music Education, Creation, Collaboration, and Distribution in the global marketplace. By targeting mobile, desktop and web, SoundsUnite will provide an end to end cloud solution for all musicians: from youth who are beginning to engage in music education through to professionals. Brought To You By: RBC Emerging Artists  

(Panel Discussion) Necessity was the mother of live-streaming over the past few years. Artists performed from various quarantined venues – including their own living rooms – for fans watching from their living rooms. Now that restrictions have been largely lifted at live venues, it’s time to take a second look at the virtual experience that provided a lifeline. Can live-streaming be a permanent add-on to the concert business? Could it boost revenues as some fans remain reluctant while others embrace the live experience? This session will examine scenarios where live-streaming remains a permanent part of the “new normal.” Moderator - Savannah Wellman

(Keynote Conversation) Interviewer - Tony Chapman

(Panel Discussion) Web 3.0, AI, VR, and other new technologies are opening doors to a whole range of new services, from gaming to entertainment, that will change the way people consume creative content. So what's going to change? How can rights holders make the best of these new technologies? Some leading experts and operators will take you on a journey into the metaverse and other brave new worlds. Moderator - Hazel Savage

(Panel Discussion) Music is everywhere today and people are not only enjoying more music than ever before, they’re also connecting with artists in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. This expanding music consumption landscape means that there is more opportunity for everyone. Labels, publishers and platforms are driving innovation and finding new ways to introduce artists and their music to a new generation of fans. This panel will explore the latest consumption models and what lies ahead for this exciting time in music’s reach. Moderator - Rudy Blair Brought To You By: Music Canada  

Learn how producer/engineers help shape songs with artists and songwriters by making technical and creative decisions that influence the final outcome of a sound recording. Topics covered: the art of collaboration in the studio, creating a sonic palette, hooks and earworms, factoring in commercial goals and radio formats.

Moderator - Hill Kourkoutis Brought To You By: Music Publishers Canada & HoneyJam

(Panel Discussion) Data has been identified as one of the main reasons for friction in the digital eco-system. It puts pressure on rights holders, frustrates DSPs and ultimately prevents artists, songwriters, labels and publishers from being properly remunerated. What can be done to improve the flow of data? Is it time to talk about another GRD (Global Repertoire Database)? Can rights holders and DSPs work together towards a common solution? A panel of data experts will offer their views and solutions.   Moderator - Emmanuel Legrand

(Panel Discussion) Virtually every step of the creative process can be DIY these days. But when you get to the point of getting your music heard and standing out in a digital universe awash in streaming platforms and social media, you’ll invariably need help. This session looks at this new breed of leading alternative distribution companies and assesses how they differ from the old label model. Can they curate and target you to platforms that perfectly match your sound? Are they connected to the global marketplace? And what are the obstacles and opportunities facing indie labels and artists today as regards to global distribution? Moderator - Melissa MacMaster

(Panel Discussion) It can be hard for revolutionary ideas to fly if you have to keep explaining them. A couple of years in, the possibilities and potential of non-interchangable data and blockchain storage are finally taking root, with celebrity participation and serious business investment. This session will focus on offerings such as digital concert tickets, unique one-of-a-kind recordings, the ultimate collectibles and exclusive fan experiences. Moderator - Jermayne Clayton

(Panel Discussion) From a powerful lineage of artistry and advocacy , there is an emergence of new vibrant Indigenous voices and organizations. The Indigenous music community is accelerating into an exciting new space, artistically and throughout the Indigenous-owned music industry. This panel will explore some of the innovation, creativity, and diversity of ideas and initiatives taking place within the Indigenous music community. Indigenous thought leaders, artists, and activators will discuss the ways in which this work - based on Indigenous ways of knowing and being - is collectively mapping out bright new futures for music ecosystems. Moderator - Amanda Rheaume Brought To You By: Music Publishers Canada & International Indigenous Music Summit    

(Panel Discussion) An AI that “listens” to songs and can predict hits (Musiio), a stem solution for artists & labels that opens up your music (Audioshake) creating new opportunities for sampling, sync, re-mastering and more and a marketplace (BeatStars) that connects lyricists with instrumental beats, and allows them to license and mass distribute the results. This panel will feature these innovators and how they have challenged industry norms by delivering core solutions aligned with creator needs. Moderated by an all-in-one copyright solution for digital platforms (Pex) that enables the real-time management and licensing of content. Moderator - Wilson Hays

Celebrity Coach Lorraine Lawson will lead CMW artists in an interactive masterclass designed for artists to take their performance skills to the next level. Learn current cool strategies to not only create a powerful performance but a memorable one. This hands-on interactive program is designed for every level artist who wants to fill the gap from where they are to where they want to be, with current, cool and practical tools on how to perform more powerfully. The goal for every performer is to create a completely captivating show the audience will remember so become ‘fans’ for years to come! What you will get in the masterclass

• Identify who are you?
• Identify who is your ideal audience?
• Design a compelling and entertaining physical performance that reflects your artist identity and engages the audience from start to finish
• How to use Song Form to tell the story and move around the stage like a pro!
• How to create memorable moments you and your audience will never forget

You will also walk away with the skills to…..

• Design the perfect set
• Know what to say when
• Ways to connect deeply with the audience
• Create memorable moments
• Be able to love every minute you are performing

Each person who attends will get a FREE digital copy of POWER OF PERFORMANCE ‘ Becoming the Artist You Are Meant to Be’ written by Lorraine Lawson & Mary-Lu Zahalan *Available also on Amazon and Audible*

(Panel Discussion)   Moderator - Dalton Higgins

(Panel Discussion) Attend the SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN panel in person at CMW. Discover market specialists, labels, publishers, managers, agents, talent buyers, concert promoters, and industry decision makers from Japan. Meet people who can help build bridges between Canada and the world’s second most important music market.

Sebastian Mair will moderate the panel live from CMW in Toronto, with panelists being streamed from Japan in real time. Organized in association with the Embassy of Canada to Japan.

Moderator - Sebastian Mair

Brought To You By: CAAMA, FACTOR, Global Affairs Canada, Ontario Creates

(Super Session)  

“The most disruptive force in the music business, changing the game for songwriters and artists”  Hipgnosis Songs Founder & CEO Merck Mercuriadis Comes Home to Celebrate Canadian Music Week’s 40th with a Keynote Speech. Q&A with Joey Scoleri  

  Brought To You By: DISCO  

(Fireside Chat) Historically, catalog marketing focused on heritage repertoire, on an old format, targeting aging music fans. Lyn Koppe, Legacy Recordings/Sony Music Entertainment’s EVP Global Catalog Marketing, discusses how this model has evolved with a new focus on younger catalog and artists, single tracks, and particular moods, genres, and movements. How do you harness the power and global reach of streaming services and other tools such as TikTok and Heardle? How has the movement away from ownership, and the utilization of metadata and optimization transformed the approach to catalog marketing? Interviewer - Josh Rabinowitz

The CMW / Nile Rodgers Global Creators Award was established in 2014 to celebrate the most outstanding of creative geniuses of all ilk who have consistently made an indelible impact on a global scale throughout their careers. The inaugural award was re-named for its namesake and presented to Rodgers during his appearance at Canadian Music Week/2014 in celebration of his humanitarian work, prolific career, and the incredible influence he has had on the Entertainment Industry as a whole. UK based Merck Mercuriadis interviews Dion “No ID” Wilson and James Fauntleroy, two of the most hit laden  and culturally important writers of our times CMW’s 2022, 40th Anniversary In a first, the Award will be presented to them both, in person, on stage with an in-the-ROOM ZOOM by Rodgers himself, Live from NY! The CMW / Nile Rodgers Global Creators Award is a tribute to the significance and commitment to genius song writers by hipgnosissongs.com leader - Canadian born, London based Mercuriadis.

Sounzone (sync Simplified)  is an innovative system that makes it easy to choose the right soundtrack for screen-based media, including commercial, editorial and educational video projects. Find the perfect soundtrack for your video in a few seconds. Sounzone selects high-quality music and promotes it to the video industry market with fair prices for the buyer and the right profit for the composer. IMP (Caledon/Oakville Room)

Brought To You By: 

(Panel Discussion) The business of buying and selling catalogues has been booming over the past two/three years, with major artists' publishing a recording catalogues changing hands for significant amounts. Is this wave sustainable? What makes a deal a good deal? Can the market sustain such prices? And what is the end-game for all these investors? A group of music executives and finance experts will share their expertise about how to navigate the business of acquisitions. Moderator - Emmanuel Legrand

(Panel Discussion) Join the Songwriters Association of Canada and Music Publishers as they look at the importance of songwriting and music publishing to the Canadian music industry and the international market.  The panel will explore the songwriting process and discuss the business of how Canadian songs are taking over  the world.   MPC and SAC will also update your their plans for the rest of the year and how you can become involved.

Moderator - Margaret McGuffin

Brought To You By: Music Publishers Canada & Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC)

(Keynote Interview) From vinyl to downloads to ringtones to streaming, the music industry has always been defined by shifts in technologies, formats and consumer behaviors. We are in the next major shift in music creation and consumption. This shift will be defined by the protocols, tools and technologies that collectively make up “Web3” as much as they are defined and driven by fans, artists and communities. From fitness and gaming to NFTs and the metaverse, join Oana Ruxandra for a conversation about what’s happening today and what’s next.   Interviewer - Karen Bliss

(Panel Discussion) Synchronization continues to be an important source of income and competition has never been more fierce to secure placements. Join us for this discussion with sync music executives on the current condition of the film, tv, advertising, and gamesync markets. This panel will discuss the current needs of the sync market, production cycles, potential trends,the music pitch process, licensing rights and terms you need to know, and most importantly how to make money. Moderator - Mark Frieser Brought To You By: DISCO

(Fireside Chat) Moderator - Verdah Ansari

(Panel Discussion) Is working in film and TV as glamourous as they say it is? Find out at the Meet the Music Supervisors panel where we have 4 panelists who have worked placing songs in film, TV and advertising. This panel will touch on various topics such as licensing pit falls, what not to do when pitching, projects they’re working on and more!

Moderator - Amy Eligh

Brought To You By: Music Publishers Canada

 

(Panel Discussion) Neighbouring rights, or performance rights for sound recordings, grew by 4.0% in 2021 to $2.4bn, and accounted for 9.4% of global recorded music industry revenues, according to the latest report from the IFPI. This stream of revenues has become crucial for labels and performers around the world. But how is the NR market structured? And how is the global network of NR societies performing? NR experts will explain how to maximise revenues from the global neighbouring rights market. Moderator - Emmanuel Legrand

(Keynote Interview)

First Annual Social Justice Honours Award Recipient

Interviewer - Merck Mercuriadis

Brought To You By: Ontario Creates and AcceleratiON

 

(Fireside Chat)

(Panel Discussion) There are four key technical people that contribute to the actual making of a record:  the engineer, the producer, the mixer and the mastering engineer.  This panel will clearly define the role of each person in the mechanics of recording a song or an album.  All too often, the artist, the A&R person, and the manager have some understanding of how production works, but not the complete picture. We hope to offer that on this panel!

The moderator, Joe D’Ambrosio, a veteran producer/engineer manager who looks after the careers of several of these brilliant men and women, will chair this panel to share as much information as possible with rapid fire questions for all our panelists as well as a vibrant Q and A afterwards.

Opening Remarks - Vezi Tayyeb

Moderator – Joe D’Ambrosio

(Panel Discussion) A&R has survived tumultuous times, with an estimated one-third of global label revenues still devoted to finding talent. But with streaming platforms like Spotify uploading tens of thousands of “unknown” artists daily, and the hum of TikTok followers replacing word-on-the-street, it’s become incredibly more complicated than checking out a “buzz” band at a club. This panel will take a global view of the job of developing and refining early talent – and the digital tools that have evolved to find it. And it will look at the evolving relationships between managers, publishers, agents, writers, producers and the labels. Moderator - Jodie Ferneyhough

Offsite at the El Mocambo - separate ticketed event

(Panel Discussion) From performance and mechanical royalties, to syncs, neighbouring rights, master royalties and more, this informative panel will focus on the many revenue streams available to music creators, and on the organisations that collect and distribute the funds. Moderator - Arun Chaturvedi Brought To You By: Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC), RBC & Gold Music Consultants

(Panel Discussion) Learning how to collaborate and co-write effectively is essential to being a successful songwriter today. Join professional music creators as they discuss the do’s and don'ts for making the very best of your collaborative work, and the new technologies that are making virtual collaboration easier than ever.

Moderator - Arun Chaturvedi

Brought To You By: Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC), RBC Emerging Artists & Gold Music Consultants

Blair Packham, formerly of The Jitters, is a well respected singer / songwriter who teaches the craft at Seneca College and runs SongStudio, a workshop for songwriters.  SteveWaxman is a 39 year veteran of the music industry working in management as well as indie and major labels.  In this seminar, Blair talks about the creative process of songwriting and performing while Steve shares insights on defining your narrative and understanding your value as an artist.  This is a seminar about empowering artists to take control of their careers.

(Panel Discussion) If anyone doubted the real value of live music to an urban economy, its absence during the pandemic made it plain. There was a loss of street excitement, venues closing, artists falling behind financially, depleted tax revenue and commercial activity. So, how do we get that creative economic engine humming again? A panel of “Music City” proponents will run through proposed initiatives to “bridge the gap” as the live music sector finds its way back to us, the audience. These include province-wide community initiatives, support for venues, expanding music offices and advancing support programs for music and musicians. If we “bring ‘em back live,” everyone benefits.

Opening Remarks - Mayor John Tory

Moderator - Miranda Mulholland

In this panel, Breaking Down Racial Barriers founders David “Click” Cox & Ian Andre Espinet will present the FINDINGS of the CIMA commissioned BDRB report on anti-Black racism in the Canadian music industry. We will discuss recommendations for creating a more equitable music industry, practical everyday actions that small companies and corporations can utilize, and “Next Steps”, Canadian Independent Music Association's upcoming FREE industry EDI professional development workshops for the industry, aimed at building a more equitable Canadian music industry.

Brought To You By: BDRB & CIMA

During the pandemic, the world transitioned to live streaming concerts out of necessity. Now, live streaming is an established business, but making live streaming concerts as dynamic as a live show is the next phase of development. How can artists leverage live streaming shows whether they do a pre-show, full show and/or post show? What are the new tools for making live streaming shows more collaborative, engaging and financially lucrative? What are the financial opportunities for songwriters/publishers and artists? Join us for a wide-ranging discussion from various perspectives of leadership that are spearheading the world of dynamic live streaming experiences! Moderator - Monica Corton

(Fireside Chat)

Make Music Matter helps to empower marginalized voices with its innovative music therapy program Healing in Harmony. Initially designed for trauma survivors in conflict and post-conflict zones, it has been clinically proven to reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Working in tandem with a trained psychologist and music producer, participants write, record, perform, and disseminate professionally produced songs about their emotions and experiences. The process has a profound effect on both psychological healing and the restoration of a supportive, healing community.

The music is released globally on all major streaming platforms through A4A Records, with distribution through Warner Music Canada. A ground-breaking new publishing model helps to ensure that all royalties from the songs are sent back to the artists and their communities, regardless of socio-economic circumstances.

From survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo to young Syrian refugees with disabilities (and soon, survivors of generational trauma in Indigenous communities in Canada), Healing in Harmony has helped transform the lives of over 8500 individuals in eight countries worldwide.

Hear more about Make Music Matter’s work and their plans to bring the Healing in Harmony model home to Canada.

Interviewer - Karen Bliss  

The music industry is complex, and continues to change and develop at a staggering speed. It’s important to keep pace and know where the business is going. However, it’s also critical to understand the basics, which are just as relevant today as ever. What is the difference between owning a copyright vs. licensing it? What does it mean to “Deliver” something to a record label? What the heck is a “letter of direction”? And “cross-collaterialization”? Where is Don Passman when you need him… Whether you are a developing artist, or have been in the business for years and need a refresher, join these industry experts to break down some basic “need to know” legal concepts in the music business.   Moderator - Matt Gorman

(Panel Discussion) Even before COVID, the live entertainment business was reassessing the way it did business in the 21st Century. Accessibility, efficiency, personal and targeted experiences were goals to pull people outdoors and into the seats. Now that we’ve had a reboot, the business has had plenty of time to reimagine itself. “Experiential” is a buzzword that has gained traction, in both the live in-person philosophy and the live-stream performances that have filled in the gap. This panel will look at what has changed in the live experience, and what fans can look forward to as they return to venues this summer. Moderator - Laurie Kirby

Brought To You By: 

(Panel Discussion)

(Panel Discussion) This panel focuses on the experiences of managers as they’ve guided their artists through the two years when the music all but died. From the financial triage of maximizing and selling rights to pay bills, to the virtual concert “tour” game, and finally to the tentative return to the live stage, they’ve guided clients from challenge to challenge. Now that they’re managing a recovery, they’ll talk about their approaches to safe touring, growth strategies, reconnection with fans and even engagement with global and community issues. Moderator - Amie Therrien Brought To You By: Music Managers Forum (MMF) Canada  

(KEYNOTE SUPER SESSION) As the world locked down for the first wave of the pandemic, the industry was hit with a daisy chain of disaster. Concert promoters went bust. The bigger ones that survived did so through massive cutbacks and layoffs. Tours were cancelled and/or re-routed and rescheduled. Tickets for cancelled shows went un-refunded. Now, with artists tentatively back on tour, and shows augmented with live-streams, enterprising agents, promoters and venue owners seek to rebuild. This panel will take a second look at what happened, and what the future could hold.

Opening Keynote - Michael Dorf, City Winery

Moderator - Heather Gibson

Brought To You By: Scotiabank Arena

(Keynote Conversation) Every artist, every manager and everyone in the music business at large will be enlightened by this most important aspect of an artists career and the professionals behind their careers. Monetizing your Music is the end result of Creating your Music. If it ain’t out there, it ain’t monetizing! Enter Steve Stoute, United Master founder. Stoute is excited by the rapid growth of the self-releasing artist sector which is estimated to have generated $1.2 billion globally in 2020. The UnitedMasters boss insists that “there are no opportunities that signed artists at record companies have over independent artists”. Digital distribution is paving the way for ALL creators of music to Monetize. From its inception, United Masters has paved the way to a future where ALL artists are treated equally. Enter David Melhado, UnitedMasters, VP of Music and Marketing who is focused on creating more opportunities for creators to make a living off of their passion. Mulhado, MacMaster and Lopes will “ turn on your bright lights ” to see clearly, “ the road ahead to making a living in the music business."  Moderator - Melissa MacMaster

(Panel Discussion) A discussion on the successes and challenges faced by the emerging global Afrobeats industry. With a panel comprised of industry veterans and influential playmakers, the conversation will highlight the exponential growth of the genre and unique marketing techniques behind it. The conversation will conclude with a brainstorm session on solutions to the obstacles holding Afrobeats back from reaching the next level.

Moderator - Chinedu Ukabam (Supafrik/Gumbo)

(Panel Discussion) This panel will focus on the ticketing industry's reaction to the pandemic - and what promoters and venue owners can expect from their providers in this new hybrid world. Industry Pro's will dive into new technology and innovations, provide insight into new income streams, and debate where ticketing is headed. A must for anyone who sells tickets for their events. Moderator - Dave Lock

(Panel Discussion) This past summer, as Canada saw wildfires followed by massive flooding, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the United Nations Climate Working Group report  "a code red for humanity".  A conservative estimate puts the impact of the music industry at being responsible for 20-60 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent per year. And although the music sector has a large carbon footprint, musicians can also play a major role in helping to shape people’s hearts and minds and have a tremendous influence over their audiences and fans. Music has an important role to play in inspiring the world to confront the climate emergency as well as taking steps to decarbonize the sector. From streaming, venues, staging and merch to touring, travel, festivals and live music, we will discuss what is happening across the music industry to address the climate crisis and explore how the music sector can play a key role in responding to the climate emergency.

Moderator - Jonny Dovercourt

  Brought To You By: Luminate  

Sounzone (sync Simplified)  is an innovative system that makes it easy to choose the right soundtrack for screen-based media, including commercial, editorial and educational video projects. Find the perfect soundtrack for your video in a few seconds. Sounzone selects high-quality music and promotes it to the video industry market with fair prices for the buyer and the right profit for the composer.   IMP (Caledon/Oakville Room)

(Panel Discussion) The old image of pot haze hanging over a concert crowd is particularly anachronistic now that cannabis is legal and available almost everywhere. Available in infused-beverage and edible form, its marketers seek to be treated like other concessions at events. But big alcohol companies still have the upper hand with regulations that allow them to sponsor and advertise where cannabis companies can’t. This session will examine the level of acceptance we’ve achieved, where we want to be, and the steps we need to take to level the playing field at live events. Moderator - Britney Guerra

(Panel Discussion) With the pandemic practically erasing live revenues and minuscule streaming royalties for most artists, money from merch has become a more important revenue source than ever. New products and distribution channels keep popping up, and the marketing-minded are pushing the boundaries of what fans can buy to show their love. This panel will look at what’s on offer, what’s considered collectible and what’s in it for the artist. Moderator - REDD Brought To You By: Single Music

Take a personal guide through Spotify's artist tools & features. Meet the team and discover your biggest platform.

(Panel Discussion) The pandemic has heightened financial pressure on many people, particularly musicians and live music workers. With many artists forced to forego touring for a prolonged period of time, the economic impact is certain to be ongoing for many. On this panel we’ll explore what artists and music workers can do to help balance the scales of lost income felt over several years. Topics on saving, managing debt, taxes and the financial wellbeing of our industry will be covered.

Moderator: Anna Ruddick (The Unison Fund, touring and session bassist)

Co-Moderator: Jackie Dean

Presented By: RBC Emerging Artists and The Unison Fund 

Offsite at the El Mocambo - separate ticketed event

Host - Jully Black