SATURDAY JUNE 1 – SUNDAY JUNE 2, 2024
The annual R2i TuneUp Conference will be held at the Living Arts Centre located at 4141 Living Arts Dr, Mississauga.
Embark on your journey to success in the music industry with our expert guidance and resources. We provide you with the tools and knowledge to navigate the competitive world of music business with confidence to help you build a sustainable and prosperous career.
Saturday June 1
9:00AM REGISTRATION
9:50AM-10:00AM
Welcoming Address
Steve Kassay, Chair, CMAOntario
10:00am – 11:10am
Crafting Your Brand: A Guide to Artist Development and Branding Strategies
This workshop is designed for aspiring artists looking to establish a strong brand and develop their careers. Here we dive into the fundamentals of branding, including how to build and maintain your brand effectively. We will review critical aspects such as song selection, style, and imaging to help you shape a cohesive and compelling brand identity.
Learn what essential media assets should every artist have, how to find your unique sound, look, and the right team members to bring your vision to life as well as the importance of cultivating relationships to propel their careers forward.
Facilitator: Tara Shannon, President, Willow Sound Records
Participants:
Samantha Pickard, President Strut Entertainment/Manager, Karli June
Karli June, Artist
Robyn Ottolini, Artist
11:15am – 12:20pm
Mastering Content Creation and Management: Strategies for Authentic and Engaging Artist Marketing
Here we will guide artists through the process of developing an effective content plan to enhance their online presence. This session is your key to understanding the significance of content, why, when, and how to utilize it to connect with your audience effectively including how to maintain authenticity in your content that resonates with your followers.
And finally, explore the use of technology tools such as metadata optimization, Hootsuite, and more to streamline content management and increase efficiency.
Facilitator: Ali Raney, Director, Marketing & Label Operations, Starseed Entertainment
Participants:
Tracey Singer, President, K Music Management
Teigen Gayse, Artist
Chloe Wolchock, Content Marketing Manager, CCMA
Heather Wallace, Senior Marketing Manager, Universal Music Canada
1:45pm – 2:50pm
Hit the Road: Navigating Touring and Live Performances as an Independent Artist
Join us for an in-depth discussion on touring and live performance, featuring insights from artists and industry professionals who have built successful tours from the ground up. Learn about the timing, locations, and frequency of tours, as well as strategies for assembling a band and preparing for live performances. Explore the various types of gigs available beyond festivals and support slots. Understand the indicators of readiness for live performance and touring, including the costs associated with band setup and tour logistics. Examine the practical aspects of planning a tour. Hear real-life success stories of artists who have navigated successful tours, including the tools and promotional tactics they utilized to achieve their goals.
Facilitator: Mike Denney, President, MDM Recordings
Participants:
Jeremy Johnson , Johnson Talent Management
Carla Hackman, Founder/Agent, Fame Group Agency
Stefanie Purificati, Agent, The Feldman Agency
Saturday June 1
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Granting Your Musical Dreams: Navigating Funding Opportunities with Successful Applications
This seminar will provide valuable insights into accessing funding and grant opportunities for artists and musicians. Learn the essential elements of successful grant applications, including key components and strategies for constructing a compelling proposal. Explore the various grant programs available in the music industry and understand the requirements in terms of career stage and assets needed to apply. Here is where you’ll learn what a winning application entails and differentiating between ambitious goals and realistic targets for your grant application. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of funding opportunities and boost your chances of securing financial support for your music projects.
Presenter: Brian Hetherman, President, Curve Music
4:15pm – 5:15pm
Unlocking Music Income: A Roadmap to Royalties, Publishing, and Sync Licensing
Join us for an in-depth session focused on empowering artists to collect and protect their music income effectively. Explore the different types of royalties and the agencies responsible for managing them, with detailed information provided in a handout for reference. Understand the significance of music publishing as a revenue stream and learn how aspiring artists can kickstart their journey in music publishing using platforms like Taxi and MDiio.
Hear why it’s important to seek legal guidance at key milestones in your music career and clarify the distinctions between copyrights, PRO registration, and how to register them in Canada. Representatives will share best practices for maximizing earnings through royalties and offer insights into navigating this complex landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and take control of ALL your music income and protection strategies.
Jodie Ferneyhough, President, CCS Rights Management
Michelle Allman Esdaille, CEO, The HOOK & Company
Sunday June 2
9:00AM REGISTRATION
9:45AM – 10:45AM
Breakfast Presentation: 50 Ways to Screw an Artist
Join us for breakfast and an illuminating fireside chat with Burt Gidaro and Paul Sanderson as they discuss the myriad of ways to Screw an Artist. Tales from the underbelly of the music industry will help you avoid getting screwed.
Join us for an illuminating breakfast fireside chat with Burt Gidaro and Paul Sanderson as they uncover the hidden challenges that artists face in the music industry. Through their experience and insights, they will help you navigate your career and avoid common some pitfalls and empower you with strategies to protect yourself and your work.
Paul Sanderson, Barrister & Solicitor, Sanderson Entertainment Law
10:50AM – 11:40PM
TIPS AND TOOLS FOR NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Amanda Power of the Unison Fund kickstarts the session, highlighting the various Unison support services available to music industry professionals during hardship, illness, and other work/life challenges. We continue the conversation with Catherine Harrison (M.Psych, P.C.C.) as she leads a dynamic and interactive presentation on improving mental health within the music industry. This interactive presentation encourages participant engagement through practical exercises and Q&A. Walk away with actionable insights, a renewed perspective on mental health, and a sense of community support within our vibrant Canadian music industry.
Amanda Power, Executive Director, The Unison Fund
Catherine Harrison, Founder/President, Revelios
11:50AM – 12:45pm
CAREER CONNECTIONS: NETWORK ROUND TABLES
Dive into a dynamic 60-minute session of networking speed dating tailored to accelerate your career relationships in the music industry. Engage in roundtable discussions with funders, agents, managers, labels, radio representatives, producers, talent buyers, and festival organizers to gain valuable insights and forge meaningful connections. Participate in targeted discussions, exchange feedback, and connect with like-minded colleagues while exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
Embrace the interactive format inspired by traditional speed dating, allowing you to interact with a diverse range of industry experts and peers as you rotate around the room. Don’t miss this unique chance to expand your network, share experiences, and elevate your professional growth in a vibrant and collaborative setting.
Facilitator: Holly Kassay, Durham Radio
Participants:
Adrian Lock, Director of National Radio Promotion, Pitbull Radio Promotions
Ali Raney, Director, Marketing & Label Operations, Starseed Entertainment
Amanda Power, Executive Director, The Unison Fund
Amber Bell, Membership Manager, CCMA
Brooke Dunford, Director, Booking & Business Development, Republic Live
Burt Gidaro, Senior Legal Counsel, ACTRA RACS
Carla Hackman, Founder/Agent, Fame Group Agency
Catherine Harrison, Founder/President, Revelios
Chloe Wolchock, Content Marketing Manager, CCMA
Danielle Erker, Label Operations Coordinator, MDM Recordings
Dave Devine, PD, Country 89
Dayna Bourgoin, National Music Director, Pure Country Radio
Heather Wallace, Senior Marketing Manager, Universal Music Canada
Jamie Baldini, Product Manager, MDM Recordings
Jeff Dalziel, Producer, Diesel Music
Jeff Johnson, Singer, Songwriter & Producer, founder, Bailey Way Entertainment
Jeremy Slattery (Arcadia Broadcasting) PD of Hot Country 103.5 Halifax
Julian Taylor, Artist, CMAOntario Board of Directors
Kat Clark, Core Entertainment Marketing Manager, OVG 360
Lindsay Hyslop, Product Manager, Canada, BBR Music Group
Michel Benac, President, LaFab Musique
Mike Denney, President, MDM Recordings
Patrick Duffy, President, Attention Design
Patrick M. Leyland, Partner, Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP
Jeremy Johnson, Johnson Talent Management
Paul Ferguson – VP, Programming & Operations, Cool 100.1
Samantha Pickard, President, Strut Entertainment
Tracey Singer, KMusic Management
Trevor Whittamore, Marketing Director – RGK
Wendy Boomer, National Music Curator – COUNTRY, Content Manager – Country 101.1