Supporting the Canadian independent music industry with contributions from Private Radio Broadcaster
The Juried Sound Recording: Album program is now open to creating new applications for the September 12 intake deadline. Do you have a project which would benefit from this support? Ensure you have an up-to-date Artist profile prior to applying and don’t leave it to the last minute – view the full program guidelines at factor.ca
Canadian Live Music Association presents "Bright Ideas for Venue Dark Days: Programming Beyond Concerts". Discover inspiration from their panel of industry leaders in this upcoming edition of Live U, as they uncover creative ways to program your room, the value of developing partnerships across diverse communities, executing your own concepts and the delicate balance of risk / reward.
Register now to ensure your spot and take the first step towards revolutionizing your programming!
Wednesday, July 10th @ 1pm ET
For more information and to register, visit: https://canadianlivemusic.member365.ca/public/event/details/c3389be24463725bf25bd91eed779b5c7deea4b9/1
Congratulations to all artist nominees, several who are among the 2024 Prism Prize recipients in the categories announced today. We at FACTOR know among the most potent forms of conveying the song is through marrying it to inspiring visuals and that’s why last year, FACTOR assisted with funding over 800 videos by more than 500 artists.
We celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day via profile/Q&As with artists Aysanabee, Miesha of Miesha and The Spanks, Logan Staats, Kaeley Jade, and Adam Sturgeon of Ombiigizi. See our Covver issue below for full details.
We celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day via profile/Q&As with artists Aysanabee, Miesha of Miesha and the Spanks, Logan Staats, Kaeley Jade, and Adam Sturgeon of Ombiigizi. Read the full feature at the link in our bio or go to covver.com/factor
“Only 6% of the songs you hear are produced by women. FACTOR will continue funding the vital Women In The Studio program until this figure achieves parity. Talented women in this area have been denied opportunities for too long and this program is a remedy for modernizing the recording industry." - Meg Symsyk, President and CEO of FACTOR
Music Publishers Canada is pleased to welcome the six participants of its 2024 Women in the Studio National Accelerator, which fosters the professional growth and advancement of talented producer-songwriters from across Canada.
The Women in the Studio National Accelerator offers participants a series of curated workshops, skills training, and networking opportunities with music industry leaders. Now in its sixth year, the Accelerator aims to provide training to the participants and equip them with skills and connections crucial for their advancement in the music industry.
The Music Publishers Canada 2024 Women in the Studio Accelerator cohort is:
Alysha Brilla - Toronto, ON
Cat Hiltz - Vancouver, BC
Charmie - Toronto, ON
Jinting (Jinting Zhao) - Edmonton, AB
JoJo Worthington - Montreal, QC
Samantha Selci - Toronto, ON.
The Women in the Studio National Accelerator is presented by Music Publishers Canada, and generously supported by RBC Foundation, The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent On Recordings (FACTOR)/Government of Canada and Ontario Creates. Music Publishers Canada would also like to thank sponsors Cassels and Compass Rose.
Learn more about this year's producers and the program here: https://www.musicpublishing.ca/women-in-the-studio
⚡Keychange Canada 2024⚡Keychange
We are excited to announce the full selected participants for the Keychange Canada 2024 talent development programme! Powered by FACTOR, with support from SOCAN Foundation and the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, nine women and gender-diverse Artists and Innovators will take part in a 6-month-long programme. Alongside showcase and speaker opportunities, the talent development programme will provide the participants with the space and opportunity to acquire new experiences, skills, resources and networks, deepening and broadening their area of expertise.
Read the full news here:
https://www.keychange.eu/about-us/news-feed-articles/keychange-eu-announce-the-new-bespoke-keychange-canada-programme-participants-for-2024
TONIGHT, inside Wiggle room Toronto The Shine Prjct presents: a global, yet Canadian celebration of the ‘sound with vocals’ on Electronic House, Dance and Techno. Taking you on a journey through the classics and today's talented vocalists!
The term ‘Gurl’ isn’t diminutive here, but an invitation to come together and hear their voices live on beats! Connecting Toronto/NY and South Africa for a night to remember!
SUNDAY: A 90 min Afro Tech + Afro House production workshop on June 9 at 2pm where Producer/DJ/Songwriter shares her journey, appropriated ‘Afro Sound’ and the basics of production using plug and play via laptop and Fruity Loops.
Excited to share the remarkable recognition earned by our President & CEO, Meg Symsyk, as she secures a well-earned spot on the Top 10 Leaderboard for the Inaugural Canadian Power Players List. This accolade not only celebrates her outstanding achievements but also highlights her passion and profound impact within Canada's dynamic music landscape. Heartfelt gratitude to Billboard Canada FYI Canada for honouring FACTOR's pivotal role, ranking us at #2 on the organization list, and acknowledging Meg Symsyk's exceptional leadership, positioning her at #8 on the Leaderboard.
Together, we continue to strive for collaboration, innovation to help evolve our programs all in support of building Canadian Artist success here at home and on the global stage.
We would also like to shout out our amazing FACTOR board members who were also recognized for their leadership and impact on the Billboard Power Players list:
Sarah Cummings at Bell Media, Chris Smith from 21 Entertainment Group, Julien Paquin from Paquin Agency Inc and Tegan Quin alongside her sister Sara Quin for their exemplary work with the Tegan & Sara Foundation that raises funds and fights for LGBTQ+ equality and justice through their flagship programming.
Billboard Canada also highlighted the success of Factor Funded company CEOs: artist manager Laurie Lee Boutet at Wednesday Management, Laurie Chouinard at Cult Nation, Kieran Roy at Arts & Crafts, Joel Carriere at Dine Alone Records/Bedlam Management, Justin West (and former Factor Board member) at Secret City Records, Jonathan Simkin at 604 Records and Terry McBride at Nettwerk Music Group. For organizations, Margaret McGuffin at Music Publishers Canada, Neill Dixon at Canadian Music Week, Amy Jeninga at Canadian Country Music Association.
🏳️🌈 Calling all artists from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community! 🏳️⚧️✨
As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month, we're excited to curate a playlist that amplifies the diverse voices and talents within our community.
We welcome submissions from all genres and styles. Let your voice be heard and your music be celebrated.
To submit your music for consideration, complete the form here: https://forms.gle/12Um7jj9qeNbmuqN6 🎶🌈
Last night, the 8th annual Make It Music Awards took place at STACKT Market! This year's honourees were recognized for their incredible contributions to independent music. We’d like to congratulate Julien Paquin, a member of FACTOR’s Board of Directors, who was awarded 2024 Make It STRONGER - The Brian Chater Leadership Award. Further congrats to former long-serving Board member Justin West, recipient of the Make It CHANGE - The Builder Award. We look forward to the rest of the Make It Music Summit kicking off today, into tomorrow.
Don't miss out on MMF Music Managers Forum Canada's engaging panel and networking mixer to discuss embracing different avenues of revenue to sustain ourselves as music industry professionals and artists.
Learn from panelists who have carved out ways to expand their skill sets and network through their numerous roles. Hear their insights on the realities, challenges, and enjoyment of wearing so many hats in this day and age.
Registration link: https://mmfcanada.member365.ca/public/event/details/35eae691db8c4d0b2d4a87b35c62041ea6dbb13a/1?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-mmfcanada&utm_content=later-42437932&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkin.bio
Applications for the Artist Development, Artist Entrepreneur, and Juried Sound Recording: Single/EP programs are open for submissions. Do you have a project which would benefit from this funding? Don’t leave applying to the last minute - view the program guidelines here: https://www.factor.ca/our-programs/our-programs-overview/
Axé WorldFest presents the 4th annual Empowering Women in the Music Industry Conference, April 25-27, 2024 in Ottawa, ON!
This conference is set to ignite inspiration and drive change in the industry. Don’t miss out on this game-changing experience!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/empowering-women-in-the-music-industry-ewimi-2024-tickets-859211774547
CIMA’s MAKE IT MUSIC conference returns this April at STACKT Market in Toronto for its second edition. Join CIMA as they look to the future of the industry, exploring disruptive business models, cutting-edge tech, innovative marketing approaches, and resilient music ecosystems with global industry-leading experts.
The MAKE IT MUSIC conference takes place on April 24 and 25, with the kick off Awards & Gala (tickets sold separately) on April 23. Spots are very limited for this intimate and interactive event, so make sure to grab yours now and take your place in the next chapter of Canada’s music industry!
To get more info on MAKE IT MUSIC’s speakers, sessions & tickets, check here: https://makeitmusic.vfairs.com/
Have you been and want to share your story? We are accepting submissions from artists and organizations. Share how FACTOR has impacted your journey, for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! To submit, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_6cn_75Yj5JOxQCDNxLpnR_FrpcLagwFVLriB821f68
APPLY TO PLAY !
Nova Scotia Music Week (NSMW) will take place in Wolfville/Mtapan from November 7-10, 2024. Music Nova Scotia is excited to invite artists and performers of all genres from across Nova Scotia to apply to play at ! Showcase applications to play at NSMW 2024 are open now until Thursday, April 11, at 11:59 pm AT, and the application fee is $25.
Visit the link in our bio to apply.
You must be a member of Music Nova Scotia in good standing to apply. If your membership is not up to date by the deadline to apply, your submission will not be considered eligible.
Submissions are now open for Awards and Showcasing at the 2024 Semaine MNB Week, in Moncton, NB, October 24-26 2024.
To apply for a Showcase: https://www.musicnb.org/
en/semaine-mnb-week/artist-submission
• Submissions for the Prix MNB Awards: https://
www.musicnb.org/en/prix-mnb-awards/submission-form
PEGI CECCONI – A FAREWELL TO THE QUEEN
It would not be possible to express the profound sense of loss we at FACTOR have in bidding farewell to our friend and former colleague Pegi Cecconi – long-serving board member with three terms as Chair, industry builder, close confidant and mentor to both past and present FACTOR employees and board members.
“I was lucky enough to be mentored by Pegi over the last six years and am forever grateful for her advice and guidance on both the FACTOR board and the publishing industry,” said Board Chair Amy Eligh. “It’s hard for me to put into words how much I valued our time together and loved her stories and wisdom on an industry that at the best of times can be difficult to navigate. We’ve lost an Industry Titan. She ended her life as she lived it, on her own terms. Miss you Pegi, you truly are the QOFE.”
Director Emeritus Duff Roman recalls: “Pegi Cecconi defined the Canadian independent music scene – focused, efficient, committed, and always putting the artist first. She had a quick mind embellished with an even quicker sense of humour. She brought that savvy intelligence, talent, and work ethic from SRO-Anthem to the many roles she filled at every acronym in the industry: CIMA CIRPA, CMRRA, IDLA and, of course, FACTOR. Pegi was a firm believer in giving back. Her reputation preceded her when she arrived at the Foundation, volunteering as Treasurer and then appointed as Chair. Her 18-year tenure at FACTOR elevated the term “working board”, raising everyone’s game by example. She didn’t suffer fools. But, ultimately her superb executive skills and tough love approach would enshrine her as the Grande Dame of the Canadian Music Industry. I prefer the formality of the archaic to her own self-title as Queen of F ****** Everything. One of a kind. She will be sadly missed. Rest in peace, my friend.”
“Pegi worked five decades in the music business and evolved with it, defending the artists, writers, and creators every step of the way. Her impact was felt globally as we all have a legendary Pegi Cecconi story, whether we witnessed it first-hand or not,” said FACTOR President & CEO Meg Symsyk. “That is a testament to her work ethic and daily ethos. Her unique quality was that she made you want to do business with her – even if it usually ended up on her terms. As her terms were always fair and she never made it about her. She was persuasive, tenacious and a comedian – as long as you didn’t put her in front of a microphone. Her impact, hilarious stories, and ‘Peg-isms’ will live on. Thank you, Pegi; I would not be where I am today without the guidance and mentorship from you.”
It’s and we hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! Since we were closed on , we have our list of new releases from artists today. Find the full playlist at the link in our bio.
18 artists who have been in recent activities of recording, marketing, touring, or video took home 22 awards at last weekend’s JUNOs and we are proud to have supported their activities which culminated in this outstanding recognition. Congratulations from everyone at FACTOR!
The 2024 JUNOS are this weekend and we’re counting down to the big event by celebrating several outstanding nominees who have been in recent years. Congratulations to all the nominees in the Breakthrough Group of the Year, Adult Contemporary Album of the Year & Adult Alternative Album of the Year categories. In this round are artists who have been recent recipients of investment support to projects which might include some or all of: sound recording, touring and showcasing, marketing, or video.
The JUNO Songwriters’ Circle featuring acoustic performances, conversations and a chance for connection will be taking place on Friday, March 22 at the Light House Arts Centre. Don’t miss out!
Attending SXSW? FACTOR is proud to be supporting CIMA’s Canada House artist showcases on March 13 & 14 at Swan Dive. Featuring performances of 24 artists from across Canada and the opportunity to network with industry leaders, don’t miss Canada House!
Hailing from Ghana Africa, Kwame Nantwi's name, "Tona", was given to him because of his distinctive tone of voice, which he uses not only to project his rhymes, but also a unique style that transcends the typical boundaries of the Hip Hop genre. The production in Tona's catalogue encompasses influences from old school Hip Hop, as well as a fresh sound similar to new underground electro Hip Hop. In 2014, Tona’s catalogue included being placed on the Polaris Music Prize Long List for his politically conscious driven album with “The Freedom Writers” and a year later he won the JUNO award for “Best Rap Recording”. In addition to these credentials, Tona was also a winner of the Sirius XM Radio Indies award for “Best Rap Group of the year” as part the collective “Naturally Born Strangers”. His track "Dial Tone", off the Don't Holla EP, earned Tona a Stylus Award nomination as well, not to mention a permanent spot on Toronto's influential urban station, Flow 93.5. Tona continues to play shows internationally and make a credible contribution to the scene. His entrepreneurial spirit, sharp-witted, and metaphorical rhymes make him one of the best players on the rise in the game of hip-hop.
FACTOR asked him:
What advice would you give your younger self in your 1st year working in the music industry?
The advice I would give my younger self is to be in a constant state of mind of detachment, allow things to come and go, don't force it. Enjoy the experience and learning from every lesson you overlook.
What has been a career highlight for you so far, or what are you looking forward to achieving?
I would say one of my career highlights has been performing and setting the stage for the legendary Wu-Tang Clan at the Centre of Gravity Music Festival in Vancouver. I have had the opportunity to do a good amount of music festivals in the past but this one has the most significance because we initially were only given 20 minutes to do a set on Day 1. The performance turned out so fire, they invited us back for Day 2 and once again we did our job to perfection. It also turned out to be the last Centre of Gravity festival since with an Attendance of 25,000 people.
Zenesoul (Zen-Soul) is a JUNO nominated R&B artist from Brampton. Touching on intimate topics of love and self-love, Zenesoul has created a nostalgic yet modern and soulful sound that she has been curating since the age of 11. Zenesoul’s consistency and drive has allowed her to produce 6 EPs since 2018, with her newest EP, Fantasy released in November 2023. Zenesoul also has her first single of 2024 releasing on Feb 23. She continues telling her story, aiming to empower music lovers everywhere and invites you to join her on her journey.
FACTOR asked her:
What has been a career highlight for you so far, or what are you looking forward to achieving?
The highlight of my career so far is getting nominated for a JUNO and I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to go on tour one day.
What advice would you give your younger self in your 1st year working in the music industry?
I would tell my younger self to do more research on the business of music and to be careful of who has access to my content.
Liza, the Ethiopian-Canadian singer/songwriter brings dynamic range to neo-soul, alternating between moments of hushed intimacy, delicate introspection, and climactic catharsis. Hailed by Atwood Magazine “as a voice for the R&B sound today,” she has quietly attracted praise from Billboard, Refinery29, FLOOD Magazine, WONDERLAND, TheFADER and Complex, in addition to amassing millions of streams independently. Her 2021 EP, DONE IS DONE, illuminates strength through a real-life post-heartbreak rebirth. In between holding down a career as a registered nurse and clinical researcher, she assembled DONE IS DONE with producers Akeel Henry and Kofo. The centerpiece “LANSDOWNE” pairs airy guitar with a glitchy beat as her voice flutters between an anxious exhale and empowered high register. With LANSDOWNE surpassing 1 million streams on Spotify alone within three months of its release, Liza continues to grow her audience through viscerally relatable music.
In 2019, Liza lent her voice to “COMPLEXITIES” from Daniel Caesar’s critically acclaimed CASE STUDY 01 and landed on Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground official Spotify playlist, in BET’s Twenties, Amazon Prime’s Harlem, ABC’s Grown-ish, and Netflix’s Raising Dion among others. Liza was one of six selected artists to take part in the ASCAP’s annual The Come Up Showcase and was selected as Soundcloud’s Artist to Watch for the month of October. In November 2021, Liza was one of 30 artists worldwide, and one of the first ever Canadians, to be selected as part of the YouTube Music Class of 2022. Most recently, Liza was selected as the only artist and Canadian to be a part of the inaugural Snapchat Creator Class
of 2023 and has been named Amazon Music’s Breakthrough artist. Liza was recently awarded the Canadian Black Music Award and as she continues to propel momentum while listeners anxiously await for her new project out in 2024.
FACTOR asked her:
What has been a career highlight for you so far, or what are you looking forward to achieving?
Ending up on First Lady Michelle Obama's Spotify playlist and being on a billboard in Times Square were huge highlights for me!
Liza (), the Ethiopian-Canadian singer/songwriter brings dynamic range to neo-soul, alternating between moments of hushed intimacy, delicate introspection, and climactic catharsis. Her 2021 EP, DONE IS DONE, illuminates strength through a real-life post-heartbreak rebirth. In between holding down a career as a registered nurse and clinical researcher, she assembled DONE IS DONE with producers Akeel Henry and Kofo. The centerpiece “LANSDOWNE” pairs airy guitar with a glitchy beat as her voice flutters between an anxious exhale and empowered high register. With “LANSDOWNE” surpassing 1 million streams on Spotify alone within three months of its release, Liza continues to grow her audience through viscerally relatable music.
In November 2021, Liza was one of 30 artists worldwide, and one of the first ever Canadians, to be selected as part of the YouTube Music Class of 2022. Most recently, Liza was selected as the only artist and Canadian to be a part of the inaugural Snapchat Creator Class of 2023 and has been named Amazon Music’s Breakthrough artist. Liza was recently awarded the Canadian Black Music Award and as she continues to propel momentum while listeners anxiously await for her new project out in 2024.
Photo credit: Betty Behailu
THEHONESTGUY is a JUNO nominated artist from Toronto whose blend of R&B, funk and soul music creates a unique blend that is self-coined " THE FUNKY SOUL". His debut project, LOVE SONGS FOR NO ONE (2021) & sophomore (HOW TO MAKE LOVE) amassed over 2 million streams. With a strong penchant for melody and groove often compared to the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire and D'Angelo, THEHONESTGUY is a force to reckon with. He is currently prepping for the release of his third project VELVET SOUL funded by FACTOR.
FACTOR asked him:
What advice would you give your younger self in your 1st year working in the music industry?
I would tell myself that it’s a marathon and not a sprint, and to keep going, it gets better - NEVER SETTLE.
What has been a career highlight for you so far, or what are you looking forward to achieving?
2023 I was nominated for a JUNO award and I had my first headline show in my home city, Toronto.
Leila Dey, a rising star in the R&B world, captured hearts with her 2021 album 'DETOUR,' a reflective project born from the challenges of the pandemic. This album was accompanied by an innovative Visual EP, merging music and film to bring her songs to life. Beyond her musical prowess, Leila has become a TikTok sensation, earning acclaim from industry legends for her captivating covers and performances, including a notable repost from Anita Baker.
2022 marked a year of significant achievements for Dey, with her talent shining on stages from the intimate Paradise Theatre to the massive invitational ‘Gumball 3000’ at Yonge/Dundas Square, and as a key performer on Jessie Reyez’s ‘YESSIE’ Tour across North America. Her growing influence in the music industry was further solidified by her recent performance as the direct support act for OVO’s Roy Woods' 'Me & U Tour' in Toronto, underlining her status as a beloved artist and a dynamic performer.
Adding to her impressive repertoire, Leila has recently released the 'Dreams Turn Into Reality' documentary, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at her journey and experiences during the North American leg of Jessie Reyez's 'YESSIE' tour. This documentary highlights Leila's dedication, talent, and the raw energy she brings to every performance, providing fans with an intimate glimpse into the life of a rising R&B sensation.
FACTOR asked her:
What advice would you give your younger self in your 1st year working in the music industry?
Fail quicker. Stop caring about how others perceive you and figure out where you want to dedicate your 10 thousand hours."
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View our Spring 2024 newsletter at the link in our bio!
First exhibited at the 2024 JUNO Awards in Halifax, this video celebrates artists who have been recipients of investment support in recent years for activities of recording, marketing, video, and touring - with added emphasis to shout out the #FACTORfunded nominees of the year. To watch the full video, visit the link in our bio to watch it on YouTube!
The Sponsorship program is directly funded by Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and allows FACTOR to support music-related projects and events that may not be captured in other program mandates. In 2022-23 we invested in 59 Sponsorship projects across Canada. Some examples include: VMF Winter Arts & Music Festival in Vancouver, the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council’s Wake the Giant event in Thunder Bay, The Legacy Awards in Toronto, the Arctic Music Conference in Nunavut, and more. Check out our annual report for the full list of supported events, workshops, and conferences.
This growing program supported 65 companies in 2022-23, and provided over $12.5 million in investment support which benefited 775 artists.
As we get closer to wrapping up the year, let the stats steal the spotlight as we reflect on the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Congratulations Debby Friday! This year’s winner of the Polaris Music Prize, for the #FACTORfunded album Good Luck!
Tonight’s the night! The 2023 Polaris Music Prize Gala is happening at Massey Hall. We are beyond excited to be in attendance and take in the live performances while we await the announcement of this year’s winner! Congratulations and good luck to all the nominees. #FACTORfunded.
Meet the 2023 WIM Canada Entrepreneur Accelerator participants 👏👏 This program kicks off today and these 20 individuals will spend the next five weeks diving into sessions on numerous topics to help them achieve next level success in their careers as artists and industry members. Focused on supporting the next wave of female and gender diverse Canadian music industry, FACTOR invites you to learn more about all the participants and the program here: https://womeninmusic.ca/en/programs/2022-entrepreneur-accelerator/participants
Grateful for Drake's endorsement, despite not being a personal recipient of support, of the value in being #FACTORfunded for the artist community. From last night's All Canadian North Stars show at History. Footage credit: Mauricio Ruiz
TODAY, April 30 at 8pm ET join Myseum of Toronto as they premiere the "Women in Hip Hop" music video featuring Dijah SB, Keysha Freshh and Exmiranda🔥🔥 The video will feature performances, video presentations and art that reveal the way women navigate the Hip Hop scene in Toronto. Don't miss it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3OF_1mPzPc
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