On the podcast this week, Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Michael Raine is joined by Andre Kaden Black, who has a multi-faceted career as a producer, songwriter, musician, artist development, creative director, and more. With two decades of experience in the music industry, Andre has written for indie and major labels across Canada, Asia, and the United States, including Sony/ATV, Warner, EMI, Atlantic Records, Curve Music, 21 Entertainment, and Arista/BMG. He has also toured extensively across North America and Asia with artists such as Alicia Keys, One Republic, and Jason Mraz. Andre has been featured in Professional Sound Magazine, Canadian Musician, and has been invited to numerous major music conferences including Canadian Music Week, NXNE, The Shot, and Toronto's Indie Week, as a performer, panelist, and judge. In this wide-ranging conversation, Andre talks about what he learned as a songwriter during his years in Nashville, and compares that style of songwriting with his work as a pop topline writer. Andre and Mike also discuss artist development, creativity and work ethic, royalties and rights, and more.

Canadian Musician Podcast

Andre Kaden Black on Songwriting, Artist Development & Building a Modern Career in Music

When you have someone who’s had a remarkable life and career, and they’re also a fantastic storyteller and fountain of wisdom, it’s make for a fun conversation. That’s we have for you this week! Orin Isaacs is maybe best known for being the musical director of Canada’s longest running late night traditional talk/variety show, Open Mike with Mike Bullard, and since then he has become the country's most in-demand TV composer. If you’ve watched cable TV in Canada in the last two decades, you’ve certainly heard his work on shows like Big Brother Canada, Amazing Race Canada, Canadian Idol, The Launch, The Juno Awards, and many, many more. As a bandleader and musical director, Orin has worked with such superstars as Mariah Carey, George Clinton, Tom Jones, and Anne Murray. He’s also received a Harry Jerome Award for professional excellence, an Urban Music Industry Special Achievement Award, The Reel Black Award, and others.

Orin Isaacs: The Man Defining the Sound of Canadian TV

Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Mike Raine is bringing you two wonderful conversations this week! First up, he chats with Juno-nominated alternative pop/electronic artist iamhill. She’s a fascinating young artist whose work and insights span the world of music, tech, and business. She discusses writing and recording, her latest single “Side D,” the value of streaming playlists, and making visualizers for her latest music. Plus, her and Mike also get into a wider conversation about AI, NFTs, and more tech-oriented subjects, and her work during the pandemic for a digital rights technology company called Pex. After that, Mike shares a conversation he originally had for one of Canadian Musician’s sister magazines with maybe the world’s most famous concert lighting designer, Tom Kenny. His is a remarkable story, going from humble origins in Dublin through a meteoric rise to designing shows for musical legends (David Bowie, The Who, Eric Clapton, etc.) and massive TV audiences (NHL playoffs, MTV Video Music Awards, etc.). And it all began when he was barely into his teens and got asked to help out on some shows for a new local band called U2…

iamhill on music, tech & more + BONUS chat with famed concert lighting designer Tom Kenny (David Bowie, The Who, MTV)

First on the podcast this week, Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Mike Raine catches up with Robyn Stewart (4:00), the executive director and CEO of BreakOut West and the Western Canadian Music Alliance. Robyn fills us in on the plans for the upcoming (now online) edition of BreakOut West, and she also discusses some of the changes she’s seen in the industry during her half-decade in her current role. As well, we bring you a fantastic conversation Billy Talent’s Ian D’Sa (30:35) about recording, producing, and guitars, which was first heard on the new Professional Sound Podcast (www.professionalsoundpodcast.com). The podcast is hosted by NWC Assistant Editor Andrew Leyenhorst, who himself is an accomplished producer and engineer.

BreakOut West CEO Robyn Stewart + BONUS chat with Billy Talent’s Ian D’Sa from the Professional Sound Podcast

First up on the podcast this week,Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Mike Raine welcomes back artist manager Steve Kenny (4:40). Steve is the co-founder of Traverse Music Management and he keeps an honest and insightful blog for indie musicians called The Ascender (www.traversemusicmanagement.ca/theascender). Mike and Steve chat about how managers themselves have been financially impacted by the pandemic, why he’s testing out a new project-based business model for artist management, putting more power back in the artist’s hands, and what a sustainable and happy artist career looks like today. Then, after his chat with Steve, Mike shares a short conversation he had for Professional Sound magazine with MCC Recording Studio Owner Dave Temple (42:15). Calgary-based MCC was recently named Recording Studio of the Year for the third time at the 2021 Canadian Country Music Awards. Dave explains how MCC has made itself into a destination for artists; and about navigating the challenges facing high-end, urban recording studio prior to the pandemic; how they’ve weathered the storm of COVID restrictions; the importance of “vibe” is making a studio successful; investing in new gear; and more.

Steve Kenny on Project-Based Artist Management, Developing Happy Careers & More; PLUS, MCC Recording Studio Owner Dave Temple

It’s common knowledge that vinyl sales have been steadily rising for the last decade or so, with 2021 being another record year for vinyl in Canada with 1.1 million records sold. And it isn’t just boomers buying another copy of Abbey Road. Current artists of all genres are learning that vinyl is a reliable revenue stream and that there is high demand for it among young superfans. But does it makes financial sense for independent, emerging artists to sell their new music on vinyl? And, if so, what are the upfront costs, production timelines, personal time commitment, profit margins, and so on associated with it? Those are the questions Mike digs into this week across a pair of interviews. First, Mike chat about selling vinyl with artist manager Liam Killeen (5:25), who represents major indie artists like Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker (USS) and The Tea Party. Next, Mike chats with Taishi Fukuyama (37:10), the co-founder of Qrates, a vinyl crowdfunding platform and end-to-end solution for artists and labels that need short run and on-demand vinyl. If you’re an indie artist, or work with indie artists, and have thought about selling vinyl, this is the show for you.

Does Selling Vinyl Make Financial Sense for Independent Artists?

On the podcast this week, Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Michael Raine chats with Godmode Co-Founder Talya Elitzer from her home base in Los Angeles. Founded by Talya and Nick Sylvester in 2017, Godmode is behind high-taste breakouts such as JPEGMAFIA, Channel Tres, and Yaeji, and their Los Angeles-based headquarters has been a secret creative hub for artists and producers like Lil Nas X, James Blake, Take A Daytrip, Aluna, Omer Fedi, Grimes, SG Lewis, Noname, Rodaidh McDonald, and more. In this wide-ranging conversation, Talya discusses her years working in A&R in the traditional record label system, which she likens to venture capitalism, and how that inspired her to take new strategic approach to working with artists at Godmode. She then explains her process for identifying talent and ambition, strategizing, career development, artist marketing, and more.

Godmode’s Talya Elitzer on A&R, Artist Marketing & the Changing Music Industry

For this last episode of 2021, Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Mike Raine shares a special keynote interview with Martin Atkins that was originally livestreamed in November during Indie Week 2021. Atkins’ three decades in the music business spans across genres, borders, and industries. Having experience in nearly every aspect of record production and promotion has given him a unique perspective not only on where the music industry is currently, but where it is going in the future. As a drummer, he known for being a member of Johnny Rotten’s Public Image Limited in the late’70s and ‘80s, and then for managing and playing with Killing Joke and touring with Ministry. In 1990, while on tour with Ministry, he formed his own band, Pigface. He also worked with Nine Inch Nails, performing on the Grammy award winning “Wish” and appearing in the “Head like a Hole” video. Martin began working on the business side of music in 1988 when he formed Invisible Records and then Mattress Factory Studios in 1996. Atkins wrote his book Tour:Smart in 2007 and has since spoken around the world at major industry conferences, universities, and organizations. Atkins currently teaches at Millikin University in Decatur, IL and acts as the Music Business Program Coordinator, leading courses on Touring, Advanced Entrepreneurship, Artist and Event Management, and Online Marketing. Needless to say, the stories and advice Atkins can offer to independent artists are endless, and this is a conversation really worth hearing!

Live from Indie Week with Martin Atkins

On the podcast this week, Mike’s hears the stories and lessons of Geoff Kulawick’s life in the music industry. He’s the founder and president of Linus Entertainment, which now has exclusive control of a catalogue of over 2,000 albums, with the overwhelming majority by Canadian artists. Linus is also the parent company to Spring Hill Music, Stony Plain Records, and True North Records, which makes it one of the powerful players in roots music in Canada, representing artists like Buffy Sainte-Marie, Matt Andersen, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn, Fred Penner, Craig Cardiff, and so many more. Here, Geoff recounts his entry into the music business, why he opted to launch his own label just as Napster was decimating the industry, his philosophy on doing business and working with artists, and a whole lot more. Then, for the second interview today, Mike happens to chat with someone from the Stony Plain Records roster. That is, Mike McDonald of alt-country pioneers Jr. Gone Wild. He and his old friends are back with the first album of new material from Jr. Gone Wild in 25 years. McDonald chats about how the industry has changed, how the band naturally found its then-unique sound that combines folk, punk, and country; growing up as friends and artists; and more.

Geoff Kulawick, the Head Honcho of Canadian Roots Music; PLUS the Return of Alt-Country Pioneers Jr. Gone Wild

First up on the podcast this week, Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Michael Raine chats with music journalist and author David McPherson about the subject of his latest book – the legendary Toronto venue, Massey Hall. David shares stories and anecdotes from the book, his own memories from Massey Hall, and more. Then, Mike chats with independent singer-songwriter John Muirhead about how he funded his debut LP, Traveller, by playing backyard concerts and building a following on TikTok. John also discusses the album's inspiration and creation, the lessons he’s learned that could help other indie artists, and more.

Stories from the Legendary Massey Hall & John Muirhead on Funding His Debut LP with Curbside Concerts

On this week’s episode, Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Mike Raine shares two fun and fascinating conversations, which are also quite different. So, first up, Mike chats with 604 Records Founder Jonathan Simkin alongside one of his young and rising stars, pop singer-songwriting Molly Annelle. Jonathan signed Molly to 604 when she was just 14-years-old and they recount the unlikely way that it happened. Molly, who is now 18 and studying the music industry at Ryerson University on top of releasing a new album, tells her story and what it has been like learning and navigating the industry at such a young age, and being mentored by other artists who’ve been through it before. By talking about Molly’s journey in music, she and Jonathan both share a lot of insights into the music business, the label/artist relationship, growing up and evolving creatively, and a lot more. Then, Mike’s second conversation today is with one Toronto’s favourite sons of R&B, Sean Jones. After weathering a serious health scare that threatened to ruin his singing career, he came back better than ever with his new album, Weekend Lover. The album sees Sean return to his first musical love, ‘90s R&B. Of course, he first became known as a member of the Juno-winning ‘90s R&B group, In Essence. Since going solo, be built very loyal following with his beloved, must-see residency at Toronto’s Casa Loma with the show ‘Soul in the City.’ He’s also done a musical campaign with West Jet, launched a success acting career on the side, and balances it all with parenthood. So, we know you’ll love this wide-ranging and insightful conversation.

604 Records Founder Jonathan Simkin with Rising Pop Artist Molly Annelle; PLUS, R&B Star Sean Jones

First up this week, Mike chats with the three guys – drummer Adam Tune, keyboardist David Matisse, and turntablist Jr. Flo – who make up Juno-winning electronic group Keys N Krates. They guys discuss the making of their latest album, Original Classic, and then tell the story of how they found each other and how their music has evolved over the last decade. Mike also gets them to dig into their creative and recording process to find out how their unique sound gets crafted. The second interview this week is with City TV’s Music & Sports Reporter, Lindsay Dunn. If, like Mike, you’re as big a sports fan as you are a music fan, then this one is a fun change of pace! Within Canadian broadcast media, Lindsay may have the greatest job because there is no one else who gets to combine these two beats. She explains how she ended up covering both music and sports, and gets into how she picks her stories, and compares interviewing athletes versus musicians. Lindsay also offers advice for artists on giving a good broadcast interview, and she discusses her experiences with sexism and how it differs between the music and sports industries. Of course, there's also some Leafs, Blue Jays, and Raptors talk!

Making the Sound of Keys N Krates, PLUS Music & Sports Reporter Lindsay Dunn

On this week’s podcast, Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Michael Raine is joined by acclaimed folk/soul singer-songwriter AHI (pronounced “eye”). His latest album, Prospect, is collecting great reviews, and in this conversation, he shares his interesting and enlightening journey to being a professional artist, which didn’t really begin until he was in his thirties. But now the Toronto-based songwriter is signed to the top roots-focused label in the U.S., Thirty Tigers (Sturgil Simpson, Jason Isbell, Avett Brothers), . AHI recounts the incredible series of events that led to his NPR Tiny Desk performance and then Thirty Tigers Founder David Macias signing him almost instantly. AHI also discusses the pros and cons of finding success in music at a relatively later age. AHI is full of wisdom and he shares it in this episode.

All Eyes on AHI: His Unique & Remarkable Journey

On the podcast this week, Canadian Musician Editor-in-Chief Mike Raine chats with indie musician and industry expert Ari Herstand about making DIY music videos. Ari is a Los Angeles-based musician and the author of the Amazon best-selling book, “How to Make It in the Music Business,” as well as the founder of Ari’s Take Academy, which teaches immediately applicable tools and strategies with direct pathways to success for indie artists. In the conversation, borrowing from Ari’s own experiences making DIY music videos, he and Mike chat about the role of music video’s in today’s entertainment and music culture, practical tips for saving money on lighting/props/locations/etc. while still making high-quality content, and how that video content can be used in multiple places and ways. As you’ll hear, Ari isn’t just thinking about music videos on YouTube, but also how that content can be used for visual canvases on Spotify, Instagram Reels and IGTV, TikTok videos, fan engagement, and more. Ari also notes the commonly overlooked things that can ruin even a big-budget video.

How to Make High-Quality DIY Music Videos (& What's the Point of a Music Video, Anyway?)

On the podcast this week, Mike is thrilled to be chatting with SATE, who is one of the most captivating and interesting blues/punk/rock artists to come out of Canada in some time. Her new album, The Fool, is now out and she gets into the writing process behind it, and also discusses the therapeutic nature of songwriting, punk’s roots in the blues, how she doesn’t quite fit with any specific music scene, being a Black woman in rock, and a lot more. As well, she speaks openly and warmly about her mother’s influence on her life and career. Her late mother, if course, is the legendary Salome Bey, who is known as “Canada’s first lady of the blues.”

The Many Sides of SATE, Canada’s Reigning Blues-Punk-Rock Queen

Hosts Andrew King and Mike Raine bring you the latest from the Canadian music industry. Listen to in-depth interviews with artists, industry experts & more. Produced by Canadian Musician Magazine - www.canadianmusician.com. Sponsored by Bandzoogle - www.bandzoogle.com. Listen and subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Podcasts, and Spotify. For more information contact us at cmpodcast@nwcworld.com.

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Canadian Musician Podcast

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