Headwaters Arts Music Seminar
Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
"People don't know what they missed!" This statement was made by a Sheridan student as she was leaving the day-long professional development workshop presented by Headwaters Arts. The quality of the speakers was top notch. Music industry experts, such as, Jeff Burns (Prism Music), Linda Dawe (Music Solutions Inc), Alex Andronache (Metalworks) and representatives from various schools, Bob Roper (Harris Institute), Jeff Wright (Trebas Institute) and Geoff Warder ( Fanshawe College), as well as Larry Kurtz of the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival, and recording artist,Skye Sweetnam, each discussed their life experiences and areas of expertise and answered questions from the audience. The seminar also included four musical performances by Justin McDonald, Matt Marinelli (from the band, Borealis), Lisa Watson and Larry Kurtz. Thank you to all of our guest speakers who generously donated their time and expertise.
Advice from two of our speakers
In conversation with Bob Roper: Bob Roper has 38 years in the business. He is a Juno Award winner, former National Production Director at Capital/EMI, Tour Manager of Supertramp, A&R Director at Warner Music, Marketing Director for CPI and Executive Producer of the Juno Awards.
He began his presentation by speaking about some of the largest Canadian musicians today: Celine Dion, Shanya Tawain, Avril Lavagne, Diana Krawl, Nickleback. Many of these are solo Canadian musicians however there are between 150-250 people working under them (manager, lawyer, producer, tour manager, song
writers, musicians, road crews, promotion rep, consultant, etc.). There is an enormous opportunity to work in the industry. If you are able – move to get the job you want. There is a lot of demand for audio engineers. Look at television for example; there are 14 music channels. Move to India, China... It is not easy but there are lots of opportunities in recording, marketing, and publishing.What are record companies looking for? Good songs, a unique live performance, and a focus. Start building your career early. Even if you have all of these things it is still a struggle. Independent labels do give artists more time to grow. Have fun with it and realize you can’t do it alone.
How do you protect your song? Record it on a CD or sheet music, or notes and mail it to yourself by registered mail. Turn intellectual property into physical property.
Skye Sweetnam discusses life in the industry: At only 20 years old, Skye has already toured 25 countries, performed for 2 million people and shared the stage with artists such as Britney Spears, Avril Lavinge, Hillary Duff and Ashlee Simpson and has appeared on the Tonight Show and was the voice for Barbie Diaries. Skye signed with Capital Records at age 14 and released her first CD Noise from the Basement. She was nominated for a Juno Award in 2006 and in 2007 released her second album Sound Soldier. She shared some of her experiences with the audience including some of her professional music videos, online (self directed) videos, and personal videos of visiting Capital Records in Hollywood, live performances and interacting with fans.
I create what I feel and what I like. I write, draw, act, do web design, videos and find it all very rewarding. My first break came at age 12. After doing talent shows and flogging a CD, my big break came when my CD made its way from a Bolton hair salon to EMI records through Sanderson Taylor. Zack Werner became my manager. James Robertson, age 20, became my song writer.
Skye discussed creating an EPK – Electronic Press Kit. It is an important tool that lets record companies understand more about you, your lifestyle and personality. Skye stated that her press kit was sent to Hollywood EMI at age 14 and shared a portion of it with the audience.
Skye's advice: The web is a great way to keep fans interested and excited. I have made videos, contests, keep an online journal. On the internet, you have complete artistic control which is fantastic. Always do what you can to keep the fans interested. I have a large fan base in Japan and released my album with a cover just for Japanese fans. That old saying – you’re only as good as your last hit. You can’t relax. You can have fun and it is great being creative all the time. Never be afraid of having rejection. Give them more than what they expect.
Check out some of Skye's online presence:
http://www.skyesweetnam.com/beta/
http://www.youtube.com/user/SkyeSweetnamVideo
http://www.myspace.com/skyesweetnam
Thank you:
The support of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Culture is gratefully acknowledged.
Thank you to Theatre Orangeville and Taco Time (Orangeville) for their support, and to the Headwaters Arts Music Committee.
