Music Publishers Canada is thrilled to unveil the 10 participants of its Women in the Studio National Accelerator 2021, which advances the career development of talented producer-songwriters from across Canada.
First launched regionally in 2019 and expanded nationally in 2020, the Women in the Studio program offers women, gender fluid, non-binary and gender non-conforming participants a series of curated workshops, educational sessions, and networking opportunities with music industry leaders. Music Publishers Canada is committed to helping right the imbalance in the industry that exists for these producers, and supporting a creative community that will keep growing each year.
The Accelerator is designed to provide the cohort with opportunities for skills development and networking that they may otherwise be unable to access. Participants will gain valuable insights from mentors and industry experts for the duration of the program starting with virtual sessions in June through to January 2022. The program will focus on topics including technical skills, financial literacy, music business skills, and branding and will offer opportunities for creative collaborations. Each producer, as a condition of acceptance, has also agreed to explore volunteer opportunities in their own community.
“On behalf of Music Publishers Canada, I am excited to welcome these ten exceptional producers into our 2021 Accelerator. Thanks to our partners, we are able to grow the program to help advance the careers of women, gender fluid, non-binary and gender non-conforming producers in an industry where they often face more barriers than their male colleagues,” says Margaret McGuffin, Music Publishers Canada Chief Executive Officer. “I would also like to thank the many volunteers who contribute their time and energy to make this program a reality.”
The Music Publisher’s Canada 2021 Women in the Studio National Accelerator Participants:
• Ava Kay – Toronto, ON
• DJ Killa-Jewel (Julie Fainer) – Montreal, QC
• Elisa Pangsaeng – Vancouver, BC
• Lana Winterhalt – Winnipeg, MB
• Mour (Cassandra Zingone) – Toronto, ON
• OBUXUM (Muxubo Mohamed) – Toronto, ON
• Sadé Awele (Folasade Akinbami) – Vancouver, BC
• Sarah MacDougall – London, ON
• Sierra Noble – Winnipeg, MB
• Steph Copeland – Toronto, ON
The Women in the Studio National Accelerator is presented by Music Publishers Canada, and generously supported by the RBC Emerging Artist Project, FACTOR/Government of Canada, and Ontario Creates. With this incredible support, Music Publishers Canada was excited to expand the program from eight participants in 2020 to 10 participants in 2021.
“During these evolving times, RBC continues to be guided by our purpose of helping our clients thrive and our communities prosper,” said Valerie Chort, Vice-President, Corporate Citizenship & Sustainability, RBC. “Emerging artists across Canada are inspiring us with their creativity, resilience, and commitment to their craft in the face of immense challenges. We are proud to partner with the Music Publishers Canada to advance women in the music industry – and continue providing all artists with the right support, where it’s needed most.”
Past Music Publishers Canada Women in the Studio participants have leveraged their experience in the program to further their careers with publishing deals, co-writing and producing sessions, sync placements, and opportunities to score for film and television.
