Conference Schedule

Thursday, November 17
Mohawk College, Fennell Campus
Hamilton, ON

Panelists'/Moderators' Bios

Panelists'/Moderators' Bios

Nick Blagona

As Canada's foremost recording pioneer, Blagona's illustrious career spans 40 years. He was instrumental in launching English and French Canadian Rock to the world stage (Kim Mitchell and April Wine, Robert Charlebois, Uzeb), and he designed/built North America's first and most successful environmental Studio – Le Studio, Morin Heights. He has extensive international experience in mobile recordings (Deep Purple, The Police World Tour, Green Day, FooFighters and Sloan). His creative engineering and mixing talent has enhanced the most notable recordings by Tea Party, Alexisonfire, Protest The Hero, Callaghan, Derek Miller and he continues to evolve with leading edge technology. In his arsenal Nick Blagona has been mastering hundreds of projects for the past 17 years. He has shared his genius with generations of successful artists from big band/jazz to metal/elect. Nick Blagona is now the chief engineer at Jukasa Studios. www.nickblagona.com, or www.jukasamediagroup.com, for the complete discography and history of his work.

Julius Butty

In 2004 Julius “Juice” Butty got his first big break co-producing the debut album “Watch Out!” for Alexisonfire, which to date has sold over 100,000 units and won the Juno Award for “New Group of the Year”. That led to him co-producing the debut solo record for Dallas Green (City & Colour), Protest The Hero's "Kezia" and “Fortress”. Juice co-produced Alexisonfire's release "Crisis", which debuted at #1 in Canada, and was also released in the US. The Juno Awards in 2007 honored Juice with a nomination for Producer of the Year, and Dallas Green’s “Sometimes” won “Best Alternative Album”. This speaks to the fact that Juice’s cutting edge approach to making records has made him one of the top producers in Canada. He produced Alexisonfire’s album “Old Crows/Young Cardinals” at The Armoury Studio in Vancouver. More recent projects have found him feeling at home at the world-class Jukasa Studios producing the new Protest The Hero "Scurrilous" (Vagrant/Universal), and new-comers Kobra And The Lotus full length, who recently signed to Simmons Records/ Universal Canada.

Christopher A. Case

Chris Case is passionate about music and the music business. In 2008, Case joined Rai Grant Insurance Brokers to build an Entertainment Specialty Area and help this community better understand and manage their risks. His experience as a promoter, artist manager, marketer and label owner is unique and enables him to help his clients make sense of "insurance". This month, in partnership with DAS Canada, Case is launching DASbusiness for Musicians, a new legal expense insurance program that offers coverage for a wide range of potential issues, including contract disputes, legal defence and most importantly provides unlimited telephone legal advice – for less than the cost of an hour of a lawyer’s time.

Michael Chambers

Michael Chambers (AKA moon:and:6) launched his professional music production career in the late 1990s, assisting on sessions for the Philosopher Kings and the Juno Award-winning Willie P. Bennett tribute album, Heartstrings. He has engineered and produced several successful indie pop/rock recordings, beginning with The Golden Dogs' critically acclaimed debut album Everything In 3 Parts (True North/Universal, 2004). Michael moved to Hamilton in 2007 where he worked under the mentorship and guidance of the late Dan Achen. During this time, Michael became a regular fixture at Achen's Catherine North Studios, working with artists such as The Coppertone, Danny Gorman, Rose Cousins, Luke Doucet, Ophelia Syndrome, Spirits, and The Rest. Michael now co-owns Catherine North alongside audio engineer Duke Foster. In addition to engineering and producing, Michael also remixes under the moniker of "moon:and:6."

Sam Cook

Sam started off her career in New York City interning for "The Late Show with David Letterman". Upon returning to Canada, she landed the role of "Slashin' Sam" on YTV's hit show "UHOH!" which aired in Canada, Singapore, Australia and the US. During the past 10 years she has also hosted her own radio show on many major market stations including KISS 92.5FM, 102.1 THE EDGE, ENERGY FM, COUNTRY 95.3FM and 102.9 K-LITE FM. Working in radio allowed her the chance to report live from the Red Carpet at the Oscars in LA and interview some of today's biggest names in music. Currently, Sam is the Program Coordinator for the Radio Broadcasting program at Mohawk College and continues to work as a voiceover talent in Canada, the US and England.

Shauna de Cartier

Founded by Shauna de Cartier, Six Shooter Records galloped into the limelight a decade or so ago, and since then has released 50+ albums and managed to keep 15 odd songwriters and bands in check. Along with its sister artist management company, Six Shooter houses a bevy of critically acclaimed artists, among them Luke Doucet, Melissa McClelland and their new project, Whitehorse, the Deep Dark Woods, Justin Rutledge, Jenn Grant, Amelia Curran, the Good Lovelies, and more. Six Shooter lives by the motto “Life is Too Short to Listen to Shitty Music.

Dave DeRocco

Producer. Writer. Commercial copywriter. Creative Director. Reporter/photographer. Author. PR person. Charitable fundraiser. Marketing specialist. These are a few of the media hats worn by Dave DeRocco over nearly 30 years in the media. Currently entrenched as Director of Marketing and Promotions for Astral Media Hamilton stations 102.9K-LiteFM, 820CHAM and 1150 CKOC, Dave’s responsibilities include driving brand awareness for the cluster across multiple platforms. He’s also the man behind the infamous “Toronto Sucks” campaign that spawned the CBC documentary. He lives in St. Catharines with his three kids and AC/DC inspired pet dog Angus and cats Malcolm and Bon.

Nik Duncan

Duncan became involved in music performing and recording as a teenager. After opening a sold out concert for Will Smith, Duncan filmed and released an independent music video, which was nominated for a MuchMusic Video Award , setting a precedent as the first time in Canada an independent artist was nominated with signed artists. Duncan then expanded into the feature film industry, and promoted feature films with Lou Gossett, Jr., Burt Reynolds, Mr. T, and Judd Nelson. Film spilled over into sports and Duncan represented sports legends like The Million Dollar Man and 9-time champion, Sting. Duncan broadened his repertoire with children’s films by promoting the world’s first junkmation feature film “The Legend of the Sky King” produced in South Africa. Duncan re-entered the music industry as a communications liaison for the publisher of 5 of Canada’s premiere magazines in the entertainment industry, including Canadian Musician magazine. Duncan founded Cali Communiqué, a communications company, to assist companies in connecting with their audience and achieve their short term as well as long term goals. Duncan is manager of recording artist and acclaimed songwriter, Brian Melo.

Emma-Lee

Velvet voiced Emma-Lee won critics over with her debut album "Never Just a Dream". Its eclectic mix of pop, jazz, folk and blues charmed listeners with old-time warmth and honest, confessional lyrics. The Toronto Star said "she's destined for big things". Memorable melodies, lush arrangements and an unforgettable voice lead Emma-Lee to win an Independent Music Award for "Best Love Song", showcases at high profile festivals such as SXSW, a national TV appearance on the CBC as well as heavy radio play on all of their stations and multiple film & television placements. Emma-Lee recently wrapped up recording her sophomore album "Backseat Heroine" to be released fall 2011.

Sandra Feduszczak

Born and raised in Stoney Creek, Sandra is a Speech-Language Pathologist working in Preschool Communication Services at McMaster Children's Hospital. She studied both locally and internationally, completing her undergraduate degree in Linguistics, Communication Disorders at Brock University before moving to Australia for three years and completing her Masters of Speech Pathology Studies at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Sandra will be traveling to Vietnam at the end of November 2011 to begin a very exciting volunteer opportunity with the Trihn Foundation Australia and the Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University, involving the training of 20 Vietnamese healthcare professions in the area of speech and language pathology - providing them with the skills to offer sustainable services in Vietnam. At the beginning of October, she organized a fundraiser to raise money for the Speech Therapy program in Vietnam. With significant help from close friends, The Vanishers - the Speech Therapy Vietnam charity night made this overseas volunteer work possible.

Emm Gryner

Emm Gryner is a Canadian pop/rock singer-songwriter with several albums to her credit. She won the Canadian Music Publisher's Songwriting scholarship, the Mix 99.9 Songwriting Contest (now Radiostar) and has been nominated 3 times for a Juno Award (twice for Best Pop Album). In Q Magazine, U2's Bono named Emm's song "Almighty Love" as one of 6 songs from the past 20 years that he wished he had written. Nelly Furtado named Emm's album "Science Fair" as one of her desert island discs. Emm has released 10 albums and runs her own label, Dead Daisy Records. She has performed around the world as a solo artist and has also sung in David Bowie's and on recordings by Rob Zombie. Emm made her film debut portraying Tracey in the film "One Week" starring Joshua Jackson. Emm was also the host of the CBC radio program "Under The Covers".

Astrid Hepner

Originally a professional saxophonist/educator from Germany, Astrid Hepner relocated to New York City in 1995 with her husband, musician and Hamilton native Darcy Hepner. She appeared regularly at the NYC downtown club Knitting Factory, and at numerous European Jazz Festivals. Prior to joining BMG Classics as International Marketing and Media Manager for ECM and RCA Victor, Astrid was a member of the New York Jazz Festival marketing team, running the day-to-day operations of one of the most innovative festival offices in New York City. In 2000 she moved to EMI Records and worked in collaboration with the Blue Note Label Group team on developing marketing and media strategies for world-class artists including Norah Jones, Anita Baker, Wynton Marsalis and Al Green. Astrid studied Musicology at the University of Cologne and earned her masters degree in Performing Arts from the Folkwang School in Essen, Germany. She also holds a diploma in Cultural Management. She sits on the Board of Directors of JPEC, the Jazz Performance and Education Center in Toronto and is the founder/Executive Director of the Hamilton based organization Hamilton Music Collective. Astrid currently teaches as a part time professor in the Mohawk College Music Program.

Fraser Hill

Fraser has been in the music industry for more than 30 years. He started out placing stock music in film, television and for commercial productions. He later moved on to become an Assistant Engineer at Eastern Sound in Toronto which lead to freelance engineering and co-producing; Red Rider, Tom Cochrane, The Grapes Of Wrath and Anne Murray. Venturing ever forward, Fraser formed a music management company with agent Ed Smeall, where they co-managed The Northern Pikes for several years. During that time, Fraser along with longtime production partner Rick Hutt co-produced and engineered several Gold and Platinum selling The Northern Pikes recordings, one of which “Snow In June”, garnered them a Juno Nomination for engineer of the year. For the last 15 years, Fraser has been working in the A&R department of EMI Music Canada where he was most recently made Senior Director of A&R. He is responsible for all facets of Artist development for EMI Music Canada. He currently manages an artist roster of over 14 artists, which includes superstars Anne Murray and Johnny Reid. Fraser has been responsible for signing Gold and Platinum selling artist’s Kreesha Turner, Serena Ryder, These Kids Wear Crowns and EMI Music Canada’s most recent signing Shawn Hook, whose debut release is slated for early 2012. Oh, and yes, he is the A&R person in the Sacha Gervasi directed documentary Anvil, The Story of Anvil.

Gord Lewis

Gord Lewis became exposed to music at a very young age through his parents - his father, an accomplished trombonist and choral singer – and his mother, a supporter of music appreciation as a parent and educator. A Westdale and Mohawk College grad, where he has an alumni of distinction award, Lewis founded, played guitar and was the main song writer for Teenage Head. Where Gord Lewis and Teenage Head went riots followed. This original member of Canada's punk scene, revered by fans and feared by promoters, is known for his onstage intensity and unusual chord structures. Gord’s dedication to music continues as an invited course speaker at universities/colleges and as a teacher to future guitarists. A list of performers Gord has played/recorded with over the years include: Johnny Thunders (New York Dolls), Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper Band), Marky Ramone (Ramones), Sylvain Sylvain (New York Dolls), Dee Dee Ramone (Ramones), Walter Lure (The Heartbreakers), Joe Bouchard (Blue Oyster Cult), Albert Bouchard (Blue Oyster Cult), Andy Shernoff (The Dictators), Clem Burke (Blondie), Corky Lang (Mountain), Darcy Hepner, Cyril Jordan (The Flamin' Groovies), Cheeta Chrome (The Dead Boys), The Sadies, Tom Wilson (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings).

Mark McIntyre

Born in Brantford and raised in Galt, Mark McIntyre now lives in Toronto . Known for his diverse musical interests Mark keeps himself busy playing a wide variety of music. He is both an electric and acoustic bass player as well as tuba and vocals. During his twenty-year career Mark has played/recorded with many different artists including Remy Shand, Kyprios, Jacob Moon, Paul Macleod, Danny Michel, Rob Szabo, Mike Todd, Matt Newton, Aaron Lines, George Canyon, Beverly Mahood, Dean Brody, One More Girl, Roxanne Potvin, Emmalee, The Canadian Tenors, and even the great Rich Little. Television credits include The Junos, The CCMA’s, Canada AM, The Mike Bullard Show, and dozens more across Canada. His recording credits are well over 100 CD's to date and he keeps himself busy recording and touring.

Luke McMaster

Luke McMaster was one half of the gold-selling Sony/BMG signed band 'McMaster & James' and has since become a significant songwriter and producer signed to Universal Music. Writing and getting cuts with a variety of artists, Luke's songs have become multi-platinum and gold sales for many of his collaborators such as: Rihanna (island/DefJam), Nick Lachey (Jive), Kyle Riabko (Aware/Columbia), Bret Ryan (Universal), Rex Goudie (Sony/BMG), Kalan Porter (Sony/BMG) and Marc Jordan (EMI). Luke's song, 'Christmas Dream' was the top Christmas single for Idol winner Theo Tams and his song 'Damned' climbed the Hot AC charts for Eva Avila. Three of Luke's songs are featured in the feature film 'Degrassi Goes Hollywood' including the hit title track " Life Is A Show ". Luke co-wrote the Marc Jordan 9-11 inspired hit song "Falling Man" on radio in Canada and the U.S. Currently Luke is in production on an exciting solo project set for release in early 2012.

Ben McVie

Ben McVie has been in radio since 1997 after graduating Humber College's Radio Broadcasting Program. Outside of Sales and Management there isn't much he hasn't done in the industry, with experience in production, creative, promotions, and on air. He got his first morning show in May of 2000 and has been doing morning radio since with stints in St. Catharines, Kitchener, Toronto, and currently at Hamilton's Y108 (CJXY 107.9 FM).

Bob Mersereau

Bob Mersereau is the author of, The Top 100 Canadian Singles, and the 2007 National Bestseller, The Top 100 Canadian Albums, published by Goose Lane Editions. The books, which feature several Hamilton artists, are a controversial hit with music fans coast to coast debating the choices, and what wasn't on the lists. But most of all, they are full of informative articles and the history of excellent Canadian music. Mersereau is from Fredericton, NB, where he's covered the East Coast and national music scene for 30 years, having written thousands of music reviews and interviewed just as many. He's a producer for CBC TV in New Brunswick, and the music columnist for CBC Radio in the province. His music writing has appeared in such publications as The Coast in Halifax, The Telegraph-Journal in New Brunswick, and The Globe and Mail. You can read his music reviews online each day, at http://top100canadianblog.blogspot.com.

Victor Mijares

Victor Mijares has been an active member of the Canadian music industry for nearly 10 years. His experience includes independent ventures in artist management and venue booking, as well as major label roles in A&R, marketing and online services. Victor has contributed to the ongoing success of artist like Tomi Swick, Ladies Of The Canyon, Divine Brown, Billy Talent and Buck65. Most notably, Victor played a key role in the signings and development of Canadian rock exports Die Mannequin and Hail The Villain, helping them secure international releases and touring, as well as multiple awards, prestigious nominations and even movie roles. Victor currently lives in Toronto and scouts talent across the country. He stays connected with his Latin-American roots and has a fondness for their music, spicy food and warm weather.

Jesse Mitchell

Jesse started out in the music industry at the age of 14 as drum tech for his father's band,Kim Mitchell. At the age of 18, he had already been on two North American tours and one 14-month long worldwide tour that included all of Europe. After a tragic car accident that claimed the life of his mentor and own Tour Manager at the time, 19-year old Jesse became the Tour Manager for all the bands that his mentor worked for which included a vast assortment of Canadian classic rock bands. Now at the age of 25, Jesse currently works at Alert Music where he co-manages Kim Mitchell and Vancouver band Good for Grapes. He is also the President/Owner of Mitchell Mgmt Inc, where he is a freelance Event & Production Director for corporate concerts & festivals across North America. Finally, he is also the General Manager of Supernova Concerts, which produces between 250-300 indie concerts a year across North America. Jesse states that even though he doesn't do the "12+ month tours anymore like when he was young gun," he is still on the road about 45% of the year.

Lou Molinaro

Lou Molinaro was born in Oshawa and grew up listening to rock 'n' roll. As a kid, he spent his paper route money at record stores. While attending Carleton University he got involved at the campus radio station. Then, with the campus radio bug still active, Molinaro landed his own show at Mohawk College radio station C101.5 (INDI 101) as the result of a company transfer to Hamilton. Since becoming a Hamiltonian, Lou has been a talent buyer, has spearheaded a record label, managed bands, and most recently is now co-owner of the out-of-the-box success This Ain't Hollywood. One of Lou's projects involves working with Albert Bouchard from Blue Oyster Cult fame on a musical project with a cast of stellar Hamilton Musicians called Bouchard's Outrageous Canadians. (BOC – clever!). Since 2009, Lou has been on the Program Committee of The Burlington Sound of Music Festival, and has brought acts like the New York Dolls and Devo to the festival. Currently, Lou has been working on a Hawkwind Homage with Gord Lewis (Teenage Head), Edgar Breau & Kevin Christoff (Simply Saucer) called Space Rituals.

Paul Morris

HTZ-FM’s Paul Morris is music director/assistant brand manager/air personality at Astral Media in St. Catharines. An industry favourite, Morris could fill a room with CMW “Music Director of the Year” awards.

Brandon Pacheco

With age and maturity comes talent; Brandon Pacheco is the contradiction. The thirteen year old sings with the mature depth and talent of people twice his age, and shows a passion and sensitivity that defies his years. Brandon accidently began his career by launching his YouTube Channel BrandonPachecoMusic and posting cover songs of his favorite Pop, Rock, and R&B artists for his grandma to see. His channel has gained over 500,000 views, and after singing the national anthem at a Canadian Soccer League game he landed a front-page feature in The Hamilton Spectator, followed by the attention of CHCH-TV and radio interviews. Brandon's 3-song EP was released on SweetBerry Records in 2011, a division of Hidden Pony Records. With interest in this young musician already gaining momentum, there is no doubt that he has the talent, skill, and passion to have a long and successful music career.

George Pettit

Grimsby born and raised George Pettit began to tour the globe as singer of Alexisonfire in 2001. His travels would take him across Canada, America, the UK, Europe, Japan and Australia. Alexisonfire would go on to record four full-length albums (and a few ep’s) and win several awards for their efforts. Pettit is an avid record collector of diverse tastes, is also a DJ, and has called Hamilton home for the past eight years. Whether it's 30 kids in a local recreation hall or a crowd of 80,000 on the main stage at reading festival, Pettit brings a wealth of experience on the subject of live performance and touring.

Ace Piva

Ace Piva has been connected with the Canadian music industry since 1996, starting off as a local session drummer around his home city of Hamilton. Ace learned the ropes of the industry by becoming his band's manager, North American booking agent and publicist among many other roles within the group. After starting his touring career in 1998, he learned there was much more to being on tour then just showing up and playing the gig. Without knowing, he quickly became the band's tour manager, accountant and most often the bands roadie. During 2007, Ace decided to put down the sticks and attend the International Touring and Tech Academy, from which he graduated at the top of his class. Shortly after completing I.T.T.A, Ace began touring North America in different roles as a Tour Manager, Stage Manager and Front of House Technician with various artists and International festivals such as 54-40, LIGHTS, The Beauties, Asobie Seksu, Ashley MacIsaac Threat Signal, D.O.A, Nashville Pussy, Fozzy (Featuring Chris Jericho of the WWE), Canadian Music Week, and South By Southwest. In 2008, Ace came up with E-MISSION TOURING and later brought the idea to two hard working and innovative individuals, Joe Cacioppo and John Morley. With hard work ethic and a strong passion for the industry, E-MISSION Touring continues to thrive on an ongoing basis.

Tim Potocic

Tim Potocic is co-owner and president of 18-year old Sonic Unyon Records & Distribution in Hamilton, including in-house labels Sonic Unyon records and Goodfellow Records. Potocic has sat on the boards of CIRPA and CARAS and has enjoyed a Canadian Music Industry Award for label of the year, a Hamilton Entrepreneur of the Year award, and having several of his artists acquire Juno nominations. Sonic Unyon has grown into one of Canada's leading independent record companies releasing over 150 new recordings by a wide variety of acts. In 2008 Sonic Unyon opened a digital retail outlet to provide an unparalleled selection of indie, punk, hardcore, metal, electronic, and hip-hop, to the digital download buying public. The store features the unique element of dual delivery (physical goods bundled with downloads) and focuses on the niche alternative rock market. Sonic Unyon have also recently expanded into the Festival business, spending the last several years nurturing a local arts and music festival called Supercrawl. This past year Supercrawl attendance grew to over 20,000. Tim is looking to increase the size of Supercrawl in coming years and also to add a Hamilton Metal festival to the growing list of Hamilton music festivals.

Dave Rave

Dave Rave has been active and creating as a musician, producer, and songwriter since the late 70s where he became one of punk's pioneers. In the last two years alone he was featured on a live radio broadcast on the BBC, headlined the legendary Cavern Club three times, toured through France, Germany, Italy and all in addition to a gigging schedule in the US and Canada that sees him on the road almost every day of the year. He is called the Nick Lowe of Canada and his knack for a pop hook has made him an in-demand songwriting partner for the likes of platinum-selling Jack Douglas (John Lennon, etc.), John Wesley Harding, Jon Tiven, Alex Chilton, Lauren Agnelli (Washington Squares), Billy Ficca (Television), The Trews and other artists spanning all musical genres. Dave Rave is currently up for a Grammy for Song of the Year for the single "Anne-Marie" which charted at #57 on the FMBQ radio chart and was #1 on several stations in the US this year. Dave was shortlisted for another Grammy last year as well and both Grammy nods stemmed from the release of his CD, "Live With What You Know" (Bongobeat).

Lee Reed

Lee Reed is a veteran of the Hamilton music scene. Best known as the incendiary mouthpiece for the legendary Warsawpack, Reed has been in the game for over 15 years. Through years and various projects Reed has shared the stage with some serious industry heavyweights.. Bad Religion, Fishbone, Saul Williams, K-OS, Alexisonfire; he has released 3 recordings that have ridden the national college charts, including his last independent release that spent 6 weeks at #1 on CFMU; he has had interviews and features on MuchMusic, CBC radio & TV, Exclaim!; and has earned a small pile of awards including CMW Indie 'Urban Artist of the Year' (2003), and HMA 'hip-hop recording of the year' (2009).

Andrea Rehill

Andrea Rehill currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Light of Day Foundation , where, through world-wide concerts, funds are raised for the fight against Parkinson’s Disease and related illnesses. Current supporters and contributors to this foundation include Bruce Springsteen and Michael J. Fox. Andrea holds an honours degree in Popular Culture from Brock University as well as a postgraduate certificate in Corporate Communications from Sheridan College. She is currently a student of Massage Therapy at Ontario College of Health and Technology as well as a local DJ and concert promoter.

Jamie Reid

Born and raised in Hamilton and a graduate of Westdale High School, Jamie went on to be schooled at both Mohawk College and McMaster University. During the post secondary years he worked with the late great Randy Steele setting up and promoting music shows for local Hamilton bands such as The Shakers, Teenage Head, The Forgotten Rebels, and The Iguana Puppets amongst others. Upon completion of his academics in Hamilton he left to pursue a career in the Hospitality/Tourism industry which took him to Calgary, Vancouver, Florida and California. In 2005 Jamie resigned from his corporate position, came home to Hamilton, and in 2006 opened Picks & Sticks Music on Locke Street.

Graham Rockingham

Graham Rockingham has been covering the Hamilton music scene for the past nine years for the Hamilton Spectator. During that time, he's been named HMA Media Person of the Year three times as well as won an Ontario Newspaper Award for entertainment writing. During his 30+ year career in newspapers, Rockingham has held a variety of top reporting and editing positions for The Vancouver Sun, The Vancouver Province, the Metro group of daily newspapers and United Press International. Rockingham contributes a column to fyimusic.ca and teaches music journalism at Mohawk College. This year Rockingham was a member of the grand jury for the Polaris Prize for Canadian album of the year.

Barbara Sedun

Barbara Sedun is Sr. VP at EMI Music Publishing Canada, after having spent 16 years previously in the position of VP Creative. Barb was also the Manager of Music Programs at Manitoba Film & Music. She is a social media junkie, loves mentoring sessions, and is inspired by the direction the music industry is taking.

Tom Shea

Tom Shea is a Hamilton-based teacher and musician. When not busy with his own band, Trio Arjento, Tom runs two clubs at Saltfleet High School: the Guitar Club, which orchestrates classic rock tunes for an army of teenaged guitars, and the Social Justice League, which orchestrates fundraising and awareness-raising campaigns in the school and community. This joyful fusion of music and social responsibility has raised over $20,000 for War Child Canada. In 2010 Tom was the inaugural recipient of War Child Canada's "Fundraiser of the Year" award.

Jamie Tennant

Jamie Tennant began writing professionally at the Hamilton Spectator in 1992. He has since written for various publications including the TV Times, View, the Toronto Sun, Chart Magazine, and Hamilton Magazine. Currently, Jamie is the Program Director at 93.3 CFMU FM, where he also hosts two programs. For several years he was also music correspondent for the Spectator. He continues to write for various magazines, as well as artist biographies for the likes of San Sebastian and Finger Eleven. His Hamilton Magazine article on Simply Saucer was nominated for a National Magazine Award in 2009.

Ian Thomas

Ian first hit internationally in 1973 with Painted Ladies. With a Juno award, four SOCAN classic awards for Painted Ladies, Right Before Your Eyes, Hold On and Pilot, a UNICEF Danny Kaye Humanitarian award, multiple Juno and Gemini nominations, 15 albums and nearly as many top twenty records later, Ian has now added author to the mix with two novels, Bequest (Manor House 2006) and his latest The Lost Chord (Manor House 2008). Ian's lyrics have been utilized in English textbooks while his songs have found international success with many artists such as Santana, America, Manfred Man, Chicago, Bette Midler and Anne Murray. He also records and tours the country regularly with good friends Murray McLauchlan, Marc Jordan, and Cindy Church in a band called "Lunch At Allen's." Thomas coordinated a variety show which led to the formation of Lunch at Allens at the 2002 Hamilton Music Scene Festival. The group consisted of Rik Emmett, Murray McLauchlan, David Wilcox and Thomas. From 1990 to 2000, Ian wrote & recorded four albums and toured with his band "The Boomers" comprised of some of the Canada's finest musicians - Peter Cardinali, Rick Gratton and Bill Dillon. Thomas has scored music for over twenty movies, played the role of Dougie Franklin on the Red Green Show and has been involved in the production of over 1,000 commercials voicing many familiar characters including Clive Firkin of Firkin Pubs and Snap the Rice Crispie. It's no surprise that this year's HMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Hamilton's Ian Thomas.

Christopher Ward

Christopher Ward has written songs for Diana Ross, Hilary Duff, Wynonna Judd, The Backstreet Boys, Meredith Brooks, Amanda Marshall, Colin James, Roch Voisine and many others. His best-known song is the worldwide # 1 hit for Alannah Myles, 'Black Velvet'. In 1984, as Canada's first 'VJ', he helped launch MuchMusic, where he interviewed artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Peter Gabriel and Tina Turner. In 2002, Ward was featured in 'Austin Powers - Goldmember' in the group Ming Tea, alongside Susanna Hoffs, Matthew Sweet and Mike Myers. Ward contributed more than 20 songs over four seasons to the soundtrack of the Epitome Pictures/ CTV hit series 'Instant Star'. His songs have been performed on 'Idol' shows around the world. Recently, Ward was working with Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys on material for his new solo project. Four new Ward co-writes were debuted on the Degrassi Next Generation Hollywood feature. The second Degrassi feature, set in NYC, premiered in the U.S and Canada in July 2010 and contains 5 new Ward co-writes. Ward can be seen as a judge on the Tricon Pictures hit show 'The Next Star' on YTV.. The Cirque du Soleil extravaganza, 'Banana Shpeel', opened in November 2009 and featured several Ward co-writes.

Lori Yates

Lori Yates is true country in a Johnny Cash "middle finger" kind of way - the cowgirl singing her heart out in the punk clubs. Enigmatic, rebellious and hard to pin down, Yates has been called "alt-country" long before the phrase existed. Oshawa-born and Toronto-raised Yates cut her teeth with her punky new wave band The Last Resorts before forming Rang Tango, a part of the fertile Queen West music scene of the mid "80's that gave birth to Blue Rodeo and the Cowboy Junkies. She has toured with Dwight Yoakum, Steve Earle, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Big Sugar, Blue Rodeo, Jan Arden, Colin James and Faith Hill. Returning to her roots, Hey Stella! was formed in 1998. Their debut CD, garnished them #1 band in NOW Magazine's readers poll. In 2001, Yates moved Hamilton, inspiring a prolific period of songwriting that harkened in the newest chapter of Yates' musical career, "The Book Of Minerva." Yates has received both an HMA Songwriter and an HMA Alternative Country Recording award, and has been nominated for a Juno and CCMA award.

General Information

General Conference Information

Now in its eighth year, the HMA "Careers in Music" Conference:

• introduces attendees throughout the Golden Horseshoe to the wide spectrum of career possibilities in the music industry, e.g. opportunities in finance, entertainment law, artist management, marketing, radio, distribution, fine arts (both music and visual), photography and technology (sound engineering, video editing, concert production)
• through industry leaders, provides insights, skills, and career direction to local musicians and music industry personnel
• provides hands-on, experiential volunteer opportunities to those interested in investigating and/or pursuing a career in the music industry (which counts towards community involvement hours!)
• feeds both the current and future music sectors with new talent and opportunities
• admission is free for students (secondary school seniors and post-secondary) and accompanying teachers

Click here to view volunteer opportunities.

Past participating schools and institutions include: University of Toronto, Halton District School Board, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, Hamilton Wentworth Separate School Board, Grand Erie District School Board, Mohawk College, McMaster University, Sheridan College and the Harris Institute.

The Conference - which offers a full day of industry panels, keynote addresses and/or celebrity interviews, and creative and technical workshops - feeds both the current and future music sectors with new talent and opportunities, and is fully endorsed by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

Past speakers include: Alan Cross (Corus/102.1 The Edge/The Ongoing History of New Music), Bob Mersereau (Author, Top 100 Canadian Albums/CBC), Rich Beddoe (Finger Eleven), Jake Gold (Canadian Idol, Management Trust), Derrick Ross (S.L. Feldman and Assoc), Ross Reynolds (Universal Music), Daniel Lanois (Producer/Artist), Graham Rockingham (Journalist), Emmanuel Patterson (Live Nation), Paul Sanderson (Sanderson Entertainment Law), Barb Sedun (EMI Publishing), legendary producer Nick Blagona and hundreds more!

Testimonials

Conference Testimonials

"The HMA 'Careers in Music Conference' is a great and much-needed career opportunity for our students, particularly at a time when the creative industries sector is growing and strengthening. Not only do they have the excitement of being present during the Conference, they get meaningful learning and mentorship from a variety of high caliber professionals in the music industry. Perhaps most valuable is the understanding and knowledge gained about all facets of the available careers that the music industry offers, which supports our students in their chosen pathways. We have many teachers that bring students every year!"

Karen Wilkins, Arts Consultant K -12, Leadership and Learning Department, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board

The Producers Panel with Rich Beddoe, Amy King, Michael Chambers, Duke Foster, and D'Arcy McGilligan:

"I really enjoyed this workshop because we got to hear all about sound recording, which is pretty cool. And hearing it from the drummer from Finger 11 was AWESOME!!!! Also hearing it from people who work in that business and also having one of the people who actually came from Mohawk was pretty cool because she was in my position when she was my age and now she's doing this awesome job!...at the end we were able to ask them questions, anything we wanted to know about sound recording."

Jacklyn, Mohawk College Student, November 2010