In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Amie Therrien, the Executive Director of Music Managers Forum Canada (MMF Canada). In this episode, Amie shares her journey as a music manager, exploring what drew her to the profession and the unique challenges it entails. She delves into the key roles and responsibilities of a manager, offering ins…

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Leonard Podolak, the Co-Artistic/Executive Director of Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous, Canada’s pioneering house concert circuit. In this episode, Leonard delves into the origins of Home Routes, sharing how the concept came to life. He explores the unique charm of house concerts, highlighting their abi…

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Tom Coxworth, producer and DJ of the ‘Folk Routes’ radio show on CKUA Radio in Calgary. Tom shares his expertise on conducting interviews, emphasizing the importance of preparation, building rapport, and genuinely connecting with artists. He discusses what makes a successful interview from both the a…

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Daniel Desjarlais. Daniel delves into the origins of the Sakawinow Music Festival, sharing the inspiration behind its creation and the story behind its name. He also discusses his process for curating the lineup and his passionate commitment to showcasing and uplifting local talent. Additionally, Dan…

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Terry O’Brien, a key figure in the UK folk scene. Terry offers an in-depth overview of the current folk music landscape in the UK, highlighting the many folk festivals and renowned folk clubs there. She delves into the English Folk Expo and outlines the many opportunities this conference presents for…

Today, we are excited to release the second episode of our series, ‘On the Air’, where we delve into the fascinating world of radio. This week, we chat to Kwende Kefentse, the Executive Director of CKCU-FM. Kwende shares his passion for radio and the ways in which it connects and builds community. He also discusses the history of CKCU and shares hi…

In this week's episode, we sit down with grant writer and funding strategist, Samantha Matusoff. Samantha shares her extensive knowledge of securing grants for artists and songwriters, detailing the various opportunities available at both the provincial and national levels. She also provides practical advice on the best approaches when applying for…

Today, we are releasing the first episode in our series, ‘On the Air’, where we explore the wonderful world of radio. In this week's episode, we chat with Art Menius about the specialized field of folk radio promotion. Art provides valuable insights on the state of folk radio and discusses the vital role that radio still plays in the music industry…

In this week's episode, we chat with folk artist and herbalist, Sarah Jane Scouten. Sarah Jane shares her philosophy on how musicians can achieve career longevity by prioritizing their health and discusses the benefits of using various herbs to help alleviate the mental and physical pressures of being on the road. She also provides tips and recomme…

In this week's episode, we chat with Liana White, the Executive Director of the Canadian National Office of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, otherwise known as the CFM. Liana provides an in-depth overview of US immigration and visas, focusing specifically on the requirements for Canadian musicians looking to wor…

Welcome back to the third season of ReFolkUs. In this week's episode, we chat with Jennifer Roe, the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International. Jennifer dives into all things Folk Alliance, sharing insights about the organization's history, growth, and exciting plans for the future. She also discusses their annual conference, highlighting w…

Today, we are releasing the sixth episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we speak with Samir Baijal, the Artistic Director of Hillside Festival on Guelph Lake Island in Guelph, Ontario. Samir chats about his process of booking both the l…

Today on ReFolkUs, we chat to Shakura S’Aida. Shakura goes into depth on how she navigates having hard conversations within both a personal and business context and offers advice on helpful ways of resolving differences in order to move forward. Shakura explains the importance of honesty and having realistic expectations during challenging discussi…

Today, we are releasing the fifth episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to Doug Cox, the Artistic Director of Vancouver Island MusicFest in the Comox Valley in Courtenay, BC. Doug discusses the format of this campground festival…

Today on ReFolkUs, we chat to Luke Wallace. Luke touches on the ways in which he incorporates climate justice into his music by inspiring others through messages of hope, unity, and power. Luke also discusses his belief in initiating change collectively rather than individual thinking and addresses his perspective on how the music industry and arti…

Today, we are releasing the fourth episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to Louis Robitaille, the Artistic Director of Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Louis …

Today on ReFolkUs, we chat to Aysanabee. We discuss the incredible trajectory of his career — from his roots as a journalist to a fulltime music artist. He also delves into how he became the first artist signed to Ishkōdé Records, reflects on his experience performing at the 2023 Juno Awards and discusses why he feels every musician should be atten…

Today, we are releasing the third episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to James Keelaghan, the Artistic Director of Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival in Owen Sound, Ontario. James chats to us about what he looks for when pro…

Today on ReFolkUs, we chat to Janice Jo Lee about the interplay between identity and creativity. Janice discusses how her Korean identity informs the narrative of her creative expression, and how music and art that is rooted in personal identity evoke both empathy and connection. Janice also fills us in on her latest album, Ancestor Song and discus…

Today, we are releasing the second episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to Carly McFadden, the Artistic Director of Folk On The Rocks Music Festival in the Northwest Territories. Carly chats to us about what the experience is l…

We're excited to kick off the first episode in a series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to Kerry Clarke, the Artistic Director behind the renowned Calgary Folk Festival and its winter counterpart, Block Heater. Kerry walks us through her proces…

This week on ReFolkUs, we chat with Just Prince about his musical influences from both Eastern classical and Western music. Through his superb musicianship and artistry, he weaves these influences together to create a distinctive sound that is uniquely his own. Just Prince also discusses his ambitions for the future as a music artist, his strategie…

In this week’s episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Barbra Lica about the urgent need for a more sustainable music industry. Focusing on the value artists bring and the importance of prioritizing joy in music-making, Barbra offers a unique perspective on the hurdles confronting artists within the industry and ideas for overcoming them on both a person…

In this week’s episode of ReFolkUs, we chat to entertainment lawyer Byron Pascoe, a partner at Edwards Creative Law, about the world of entertainment law and the important role a lawyer plays in a musician or creative worker's career. We delve into negotiating contracts, knowing your rights, and how the right lawyer will serve as both an advocate a…

Welcome back to season 2 of ReFolkUs. We have a very exciting season ahead where we chat to artists and music industry professionals about building sustainable careers as creative workers, with a focus on folk. This week’s episode is a recording of a live listening party and conversation with folk legend Sylvia Tyson that took place at this year’s …

ReFolkUs is back with a special pre-conference drop, where we will be releasing four episodes prior to the Folk Music Ontario Conference being held in London, Ontario on October 12th-15th. In this week’s episode, we chat to Melanie Brulée, the Executive Director of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC). Melanie shares her recommendations and w…

ReFolkUs is back with a special pre-conference drop, where we will be releasing four episodes prior to the Folk Music Ontario Conference being held in London, Ontario on October 12th-15th. Named after Estelle Klein, a long-time advocate of Canadian Folk music and one of the initial founders of the Folk festival scene, the Estelle Klein Award honour…

ReFolkUs is back with a special pre-conference drop, where we will be releasing four episodes prior to the Folk Music Ontario Conference being held in London, Ontario on October 12th-15th. Named after Estelle Klein, a long-time advocate of Canadian Folk music and one of the initial founders of the Folk festival scene, the Estelle Klein Award honour…

ReFolkUs is back with a special pre-conference drop, where we will be releasing four episodes prior to the Folk Music Ontario Conference being held in London, Ontario on October 12th-15th. One-on-one meetings, also known as pitch meetings or speed meetings, are a dedicated time for two people to meet - at Folk Music Ontario, we call them ‘Lightning…

In this week’s episode of ReFolkUs, we dive into the world of wellness for musicians, with special guest Anna Ruddick, a renowned bassist, and passionate advocate for musicians' mental, physical, and financial well-being. Navigating the intricate landscape of a creative career can be a daunting task for anyone, but musicians face unique circumstanc…

In this episode Rosalyn sits down with Ben Whiteley, a talented bassist and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto. Ben comes from a family of professional musicians and has an impressive career performing with renowned artists such as Basia Bulat, Julia Jacklin, and Sarah Harmer. He has also made appearances on NPR's Tiny Desk concerts and various int…

In this episode, Rosalyn sits down with Saskia Tomkins, as they discuss the invitations for vulnerability that can come with the highs and lows of living in a post-pandemic age. Tune in, as they consider concepts of self-discovery, creative expression, and having the courage to take the lead in sharing your story; as Saskia also offers listeners he…

Late night gigs. Recording Sessions. Touring. The erratic schedules of working musicians make work-life balance a tough thing to achieve. Add a partner and a growing child to the mix, and finding that balance gets even tougher! In this episode, Rosalyn sits down with Moonfruits Alex Millaire and Kaitlin Milroy, as they share their experiences, insi…

Embracing your Entreprenurial Self with Jenny Whiteley Today we sit down with multiple JUNO Award-winning folk singer Jenny Whiteley, to explore her unique journey growing up in a “working-musician” family, to coming into her own as an entrepreneur within the music industry. Now, Jenny is running a successful series of music camps, along with conti…

Today we have the honour of sitting down with the multi-talented singer-songwriter, Julian Taylor to explore the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to build resilience and achieve artistic growth. Julian's career has been a testament to the power of perseverance. From his early days as a fully DIY musician to his current status as a…

As creatives, we often feel more comfortable telling other people’s stories rather than our own. What facts should you include? How do you ensure you sound humble, articulate and interesting without seeming egotistical? Just like any art form, there’s a combination of art and science that goes into writing your bio, and our guest, No Depression edi…

It’s a fallacy to believe that if you love to perform, that you won’t get nervous… Or that if you’re working in your passion, that you won’t feel anxiety. The truth is actually anything but, and musicians and artists, like any humans, can feel stressed before, during and after performances (i.e. at any time in life!). But don’t let the truth about …

Folk has been described as music “by the people, for the people” but does that include all people? In today’s episode, we chat with Folk Recovery Executive Producer, Kejo Buchanan, who walks us through their thoughts of how the future of folk is being defined by Artists and Community. We chat about the different ways in which gatekeepers still prev…

With free social media platforms easily accesible to everybody, what are the advantages to keeping a website up and running? Today, we talk with Bandzoogle's Learning and Development Coordinator, Joseph Longo to analyse the digital landscape, and how to optimize your online calling cards. Learn tips on designing your website, how to properly market…

A Banjoist's Guide To Marketing with Chris Coole What if we told you that to be successful in marketing your music, you did not have to be on social media? So many musicians struggle to keep up with the content creation process, but what if it wasn’t completely necessary? In today’s episode, we talk with Chris Coole, and discuss how he has successf…

Learning a new instrument can be a daunting task for anyone, especially when it’s an instrument that isn’t seen regularly in the Western World. Our guest today, Sophie Lukacs did just that in her early twenties when she was first exposed to the kora. After studying with various teachers in Burkina Faso, Paris and Mali she got out of her comfort zon…

Have you ever thought about what it takes to get started in the ever-expanding world of live-streaming? In this mini episode, successful Twitch streamer, Danielle Allard, joins us to give a quick rundown on how you can easily start to test the waters of live streaming too! Listen in as she highlights the basic requirements needed to get started, as…

“The show must go on!” That was Danielle Allard’s thinking when the pandemic suspended all of her live in-person performances for the foreseeable future. Wanting to continue to perform, write and grow, Danielle turned to Twitch, where she began to build an online audience by live streaming her writing and recording sessions. Now, she has a Twitch c…

Whether it’s through lyrics that resonate, musicality that moves emotionally, or stage performances that build incredible memories, building a connection with their audience is an artist’s highest aim. After all, music has a special place in the human experience. Once you’ve formed a connection - a memory - tied to music, just hearing that song can…

It’s a feeling folks know all too well: the inner dread that sets in as tax season approaches. After all, you got into a creative field for a reason, and the thought of pivoting to accounting and balance sheets can be incredibly daunting. But fear not, sole proprietors, artist entrepreneurs, and creative CEOs; today we are joined by Sondra Gold, CP…

You may not know the term ‘stagecraft’ when you read it, but when you see a musician who takes this term to heart, you can definitely see the results. JUNO-Award winning Angelique Francis, is one of those artists. Her live shows are a thrilling mix of musicianship and choreography, but what goes into the planning of a truly energetic and captivatin…

Two years ago, our guest left a successful career doing what she loved in one of the most sought-after industry jobs: Music Supervision. Why? Burnout. Today, we speak with Dondrea Erauw, the author of Bye Bye Burnout, a newsletter dedicated to providing insight and tips on how to avoid unhealthy work habits, and turn burnout into creativity. Workin…

Artists can experience some of the highest highs and lowest lows while they ride the emotional rollercoaster that comes with life in the music industry, and it can be overwhelming to switch between these vastly different feelings both on and off the stage. While positive and negative periods can be (mostly) out of our control, our guest today, Cind…

Full-disclosure, Kaia and I don’t get to talking about Composing for Film and Television until about 20 minutes into this conversation. We start by discussing the early stages of her career learning clawhammer banjo from the legendary Mitch Podolak, attending various Old-Time music camps in West Virginia, and growing up in Canada’s Folk Festival sc…

Introducing ReFolkUs. A new podcast by Folk Music Ontario, for folk artists and music industry professionals who want to learn how to make money, find their creative community, and stay grounded and healthy in this intensely stressful but heart-centred industry. Each episode, we tap into the most inspirational minds from every corner of the music i…