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MUSIC BC LAUNCHES PHOENIX TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Building a Robust Contemporary Music Sector in British Columbia
with Tailored Professional Development

Vancouver, BC - With support from Creative BC, FACTOR, Ryan Beedie and Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, Music BC Industry Association is pleased to announce the launch of the PHOENIX Training & Professional Development Program as part of Music BC’s How-To Series.
 
The PHOENIX program was developed to help BC music industry professionals navigate the ever-changing music industry landscape with its evolving business models, income streams and priorities. The program is designed for time-poor, mid-career music professionals, who want to optimize their business models for growth, offering participants the opportunity to work with experienced mentors and advisors. A board of industry experts will review and select the small group of PHOENIX 2017 participants. See below for information on how to apply.

Based on a successful program operating in Australia and New Zealand, PHOENIX will incorporate two residential workshops with the first workshop taking place near Vancouver from August 13-16, 2017. Six music and business advisers, including Terry McBride from Nettwerk, will work with participants on their leadership skills and business models. A blended teaching approach incorporating face to face and self-directed learning will be used. The objective of the program is to encourage participants to consider the development of new business models and income streams and develop their business as a stable, sustainable and growing enterprise.

“PHOENIX is a progressive and very effective professional development program,” said Music BC Executive Director, Alex Grigg.  “The program challenges participants and gets them to rethink the way they work. A similar program has had great results in Australia and New Zealand. Alumni there report that it not only changes their businesses for the better, but their lives as well.” 

“I’ve been a mentor on the program in Australia and I can tell you that it really does change lives,” added Terry McBride.  “I’m looking forward to now offering this great opportunity here.”
 
"We are pleased to be a part of the PHOENIX program,” said Dr. Andrew Gemino from Beedie School of Business - SFU. “We look forward to working with Music BC on this exciting project to help advance BC’s music industry beyond our borders.”

PHOENIX will provide participants with practical business guidance. It will include a comprehensive review of the different business models found in the contemporary music sector, as well as deep analysis of each business model brought to the lab. Advisers and mentors are drawn from both the music industry and the business world, to give participants a range of perspectives on possibilities and ways forward. The work becomes more personalized for each participant as the workshops progress. Psychology sessions are incorporated to give participants tools for working more efficiently and achieving better work/life balance. Resilience, time and behavioral management are also topics that will be covered in the program.
 
The PHOENIX application form and guidelines are available from Music BC’s website: www.musicbc.org. The application deadline is: June 2nd, 2017.

# # #

Overview: 
The PHOENIX program is based on an Australian program designed and delivered by strategy consultant Mariel Beros. It has made a substantial positive impact on the business acumen and skill levels of Australian music industry participants, while also building professionalism in the sector.

Culturally Canada, Australia and New Zealand share similar characteristics, as do their contemporary music industries. They have similar industry strengths and challenges, having an exceptional pool of talented artists but small domestic markets which can limit their reach. To succeed in this new era of constant disruptive technological and social change where music fans are moving from ownership to access, music industry professionals need to adopt a growth mindset. Strong business and interpersonal skills are now essential.

About Music BC: www.musicbc.org
Music BC is a not for profit association serving the for profit and nonprofit music industry, including artists from all genres, industry professionals, service providers, studios, promoters, venues, festivals, producers, agents, managers and educational institutions. Music BC is a member based organization that provides the industry at large with information on the state of the industry, trends, funding & educational programs and resources.

 About Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University: www.beedie.sfu.ca
Since the creation of Canada's first Executive MBA in 1968, the Beedie School of Business has championed lifelong learning, productive change and the need to be innovative as we deliver research and teaching that makes an impact. We are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and have received the EQUIS Quality award from the European Federation for Management Development (EFMD). AACSB and EFMD are globally recognized accrediting agencies for business schools. Less than 1% of business schools worldwide have earned both of these accreditations.
 
Undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. programs demonstrate a spirit of innovation, flexibility and relevance.  Supported by extensive partnerships with public, private and not-for-profit organizations, our goal is to produce broadly educated, enterprising and socially responsible managers capable of making lasting contributions to their communities.

The Beedie School of Business operates on all three SFU campuses, with:

  • over 3,800 undergraduate (BBA students) in Burnaby and Surrey
  • over 700 MBA and graduate students at the Segal Graduate School and at the Surrey Campus
  • non-credit programs at the director, executive and management-levels
  • a thriving Ph.D.program
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Tuesday 05.02.17
Posted by Jen Fritz
 

ROCOCODE TO RELEASE YOUNG ONES EP ON JUNE 16 VIA MARQUIS

LYRIC VIDEO FOR SUBLIME SYNTH PALETTE "BRUTAL" OUT NOW

"Equal parts sophisticated, uptown, polished, pop princess and downtown, grunge prince"
-
Interview Magazine

“Rococode are an absolute gem"
- Noisey

Vancouver, BC - Vancouver’s Rococode is Andrew Braun and Laura Smith, who infuse their hook-filled songs with lush synth textures and duet vocals, resulting in an infectious sound that Andrew calls, "a marriage of our contrasting personalities.” The Young Ones EP highlights this musical chemistry by fusing Braun’s exploratory tendencies with Smith’s razor-sharp pop sensibilities. Rococode will release the Young Ones EP on June 16 via Marquis Artists.

The EP’s rich synth palette and exotic aura is on full display in the lyric video for "Brutal", which juxtaposes sublimely ascending vocals with darkly buzzing synth bass and knotty rhythms. Laura’s airy tone floats over the heaviest track on the record, trying to cope with inner turmoil and stay grounded in the midst of chaotic times in the outside world. 

The band says, “In the end it’s about trying to be a good person in a tough time.”

Enjoy / Share “Brutal” Lyric Video:
https://youtu.be/6n73uckZGAI

The Young Ones EP’s six tracks were composed largely during a collaborative songwriting retreat in Los Angeles. “We wrote songs in kind of a hip-hop way, using samples as opposed to a chord progression or a riff. We were writing around a vibe or a hook or a sound,” says Smith. Co-producers Caleb Shreve (Phantogram, Bear Hands, Tegan and Sara) and Jon Siebels (Eve 6, Switchfoot, Dreamers) helped to nurture the band’s catchiest inclinations.

Following the L.A. session, the duo fleshed out the arrangements during a residency at the National Music Centre (NMC) in Calgary. They were given access to the NMC’s extensive collection of vintage synths, which Braun excitedly describes as “the most ridiculous collection of instruments ever assembled.” Back in Vancouver, they polished off Young Ones at Monarch Studios.

Standout single “Is It Real” sets acoustic strums against euphoric, pitch-bent synths, while swaggering title cut “Young Ones” centers on an unforgettable wordless chorus. The fuzzy low end of “A Love That You Will Never Know” is dark and menacing, but the cloudburst chorus is pure sunshine.

“Young Ones is about trying to maintain a youthful feeling throughout your adult life,” Smith says. “It’s about trying to keep things light in the midst of so much heaviness.” Whether on album or during ecstatic live performances, this is Rococode’s ultimate goal: to find escape in music and make their way out of the darkness. 

Young Ones EP Track List
1 - Young Ones
2 - Why Do I
3 - Is It Real
4 - Brutal
5 - A Love That You Will Never Know
6 - Can’t Get Enough

http://rococode.com
https://www.facebook.com/Rococode
https://twitter.com/rococode
https://www.instagram.com/rococode

 

# # #

Friday 04.07.17
Posted by Jen Fritz
 

The Silence Factory Hit The Road For a Cross-Canada Tour in April + May!


Tour Includes Showcase @ CMW on April 19th

Toronto, ON - Riding 'High' on the success of their latest single, Windsor rock group The Silence Factory will be packing up the van and hitting the road for a tour across Canada starting on April 1st with a show opening for Ascot Royals and The Sheepdogs. The tour will take the band from coast to coast in April and May and includes a showcase at Canadian Music Week in Toronto on April 19th. See below for the full tour schedule. 

The Silence Factory released their current single 'High' back in January and after 11 weeks on the Canadian active rock chart, they've achieved considerable success at rock radio reaching a peak chart position of #37 this past week. ‘High’ was produced by Juno Award winning and Grammy nominated producer Gavin Brown (3 Days Grace, Billy Talent). The band just finished recording another track with Brown which will be released in early May. 

The Silence Factory formed in 2015 (as Nathan McNevin and The Silence Factory) and they've been playing shows across Canada ever since. The Silence Factory's debut CD, Collection of Thoughts, was released in February 2016 launching their first commercial radio single 'Land'. In June 2016, the band took first place in 97.7 HTZ FM's Rocksearch competition which has launched the careers of many notable acts including Finger Eleven, The Trews, and The Glorious Sons.

The band spent a great deal of time on the road in 2016, playing over 50 shows all across the country and they plan to spend 2017 the same way, continuing to build fans one show at a time. Upon completion of their upcoming cross-Canada Tour, The Silence Factory will play select shows throughout the summer, including opening for Fuel, The Trews, and Our Lady Peace and have plans to record their first full-length studio album this fall. 

'High' is currently available on most digital/streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music/iTunes, and will be released on vinyl as a 7" single this summer. For more info and the most up-to-date tour listings, please visit: thesilencefactory.com

THE SILENCE FACTORY >> CANADIAN TOUR DATES
April 1 - Grimbsy, ON - The Forty Public House (opening for Sheepdogs, Ascot Royals) 
April 6 - Quebec City, PQ - Bar Le Temps Partiel
April 7 - Miramichi, NB - O'Donoghue's Irish Pub
April 8 - Moncton, NB - Plan B Lounge
April 12 – Charlottetown, PEI – Hot Shots Lounge
April 13 - Charlottetown, PEI - Baba's Lounge
April 14 - Halifax, NS - Gus' Pub
April 15 - Sydney, NS - The Governor's Pub and Eatery
April 19 -  Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace (CMW) 
April 21 - Windsor, ON - The Dominion House
May 4 - Sault Sainte Marie, ON - Loplops
May 5 - Thunder Bay, ON - The Foundry Pub
May 6 - Winnipeg, MB - The Garrick Hotel
May 12 - Edmonton, AB - The Needle Vinyl Tavern (early show) 
May 12 - Edmonton, AB - The Forge on Whyte (evening show) 
May 13 - Calgary, AB - Blind Beggar Pub
May 19 - Vancouver, BC - The Roxy Cabaret
May 20 - Kelowna, BC - Fernando's Pub
May 21 -  Nelson, BC - The Royal on Baker
May 25 - Calgary, AB - Distortion
May 26 - Lethbridge, AB - The Slice Bar & Grill
 May 27 - Regina, SK - The Exchange 

The Silence Factory is: Nathan McNevin (guitar/lead vocals), Nathan Schiller  (lead guitar/vocals), and Nick Predhomme (drums)

Website: www.thesilencefactory.com
Twitter: @SilenceFactry
Instagram: @The_Silence_Factory
FB: Facebook.com/TheSilenceFactory

MEDIA TOOLS
WATCH/POST
The Silence Factory's - 'High' video HERE (via YouTube)
STREAM/POST The Silence Factory's - 'High' HERE (via SoundCloud)
CLICK HERE for high-res press photos (Photo Credit: Maximus Photography)

Wednesday 03.29.17
Posted by Jen Fritz
 

MusicBC partners with Upstream MusicFest + Summit!

Music BC will be partnering with the inaugural Upstream Music Fest + Summit taking place in historic Pioneer Square in Downtown Seattle from May 11-13, 2017.   Music BC will be showcasing BC artists and participating in the summit and other networking events as part of our commitment to support BC artists and industry professionals.  

With funding made possible through FACTOR and The Government of Canada throughGlobal Affairs, BC artists are encouraged to apply to showcase at the Music BC House as part of the inaugural Upstream Music Fest + Summit.

“We have no doubts that the Upstream Music Fest + Summit will do great things for BC’s emerging talent and industry professionals and we are thrilled to be taking part. The Pacific Northwest has a vibrant and historic music scene and we applaud Upstream for recognizing that music has no borders” Alex Grigg, Executive Director Music BC Industry Association.

“Recognizing that music is a true ambassador, The Government of Canada is proud to be able to support the involvement and celebration of Canadian artists at the inaugural Upstream Music Fest + Summit,” James Hill, Consul General of Canada in Seattle. 

“The Pacific Northwest has always benefitted from a vibrant music community, but more than ever this music community deserves more exposure, resources and attention,” said Jeff Vetting, executive director, Upstream Music Fest + Summit.“Upstream is intended to help fill a void, with a festival for music lovers of all ages to discover and support emergent artists – and a summit that brings the industry together for thoughtful conversations around the most pressing issues and opportunities facing artists.” 

Applications and additional information can be found at: (www.do604.com/p/play-upstream) 

Music BC would like to thank the Government of Canada & FACTOR, for their continued support for BC artists and professionals.

About Upstream Music Fest + Summit: 
Upstream Music Fest + Summit is a three-day festival and industry summit celebrating the emerging sound and culture of the Northwest. Founded by philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen, the music festival includes intimate performances and unique collaborations across 25 venues around Pioneer Square and at the Main Stage in CenturyLink Field’s North Plaza. The two-day industry summit gathers artists, influencers and industry experts at WaMu Theater for keynotes and breakout sessions exploring the new music economy. Upstream offers a unique experience that fosters and supports artists at every level of their career, while offering music lovers a weekend of showcases from the Northwest and beyond.  

For more information and tickets visit: http://upstreammusicfest.com

About Music BC: 
Music BC is a not for profit association serving the for profit and non-profit music industry, including artists from all genres, industry professionals, service providers, studios, promoters, venues, festivals, producers, agents, managers and educational institutions. 

Music BC is a member based organization that provides the industry at large with information on the state of the industry, trends, funding & educational programs and resources. 

Music BC provides several services including Training & Development through our How To Series of workshops, panel discussions & seminars with leading industry professionals locally and across the globe.  Live Music Trade Initiatives including domestic and international showcasing opportunities such as Reeperbahn Germany, The Great Escape UK, Canadian Music Week, among others.  

Music BC also provides Touring & Industry Professional Grants in support of touring and other initiatives. Music BC is the voice of the BC Music industry through active advocacy for funding support, tax credits and creator’s rights. Internationally, Music BC advocates on behalf of the industry at international events to promote business and creative opportunities. Music BC, through CCD (Canadian Content Development) funding partnerships with broadcasters, create programs such as the Peak Performance Project & K96 Emerging Artist Program.

 

 

Friday 03.10.17
Posted by Jen Fritz
 

Scotty Hills To Release Nature Girl EP on February 24th

 

WATCH VIDEO PREMIERE OF 'WON'T BE BACK' @ THE SPILL MAGAZINE

"Names like Sam Cooke, Ron Sexsmith, Stevie Wonder, Junior Parker, or even Feist may come to mind occasionally, but Scotty remains effortlessly original." - CKUA Radio  

"..bluesy, neo-soul brilliance augmented by soaring guitar licks and the kind of falsetto harmonies that would make D'Angelo proud." - FFWD Magazine

Vancouver, BC - Vancouver Island based singer-songwriter Scotty Hills is pleased to announce the release a brand new EP, Nature Girl, on Friday, February 24th through his own label Grand Fir Records. And premiering today exclusively at The Spill Magazine is the video for the first single from the EP, 'Won't Be Back'. Directed by Alisa Banks, the video was shot in the Coachella Valley in California over the Christmas 2016 break. Click here to watch the video premiere. 

Scotty Hills got his start at 17, playing drums in the blues clubs of the American Midwest. Before the age of 20, Scotty had opened for Chuck Berry at the Chicago Blues Festival, played the Mutual Musician Foundation in Kansas City, and had shared a bill with the Newborn Brothers in Memphis, Tennessee. From there, Scotty moved to Winnipeg and joined alt-blues band, The Perpetrators. After 2 albums, 2 Western Canadian Music Awards and a Juno Nomination, he ventured on his own and released his debut album Wonderland Urgency in 2008 which he later rereleased as Year of Septembers in 2013. 

On his latest effort, Nature Girl, set to be released on February 24th, Scotty embarked on a 2500 mile train adventure to Detroit. There, he collaborated with #1 selling Motown artists LJ Reynold (The Dramatics) and Tony Green (Tupac, George Clinton, Snoop Dog). He then teamed with mixer Diego Media (Hey Rosetta, David Miles, Joel Plaskett) and four time Grammy Award Winner Tom Coyne (D’Angelo, Adele, Amy Winehouse) for post production. The self produced EP is Scotty’s most soulful and sophisticated work to date, including lush string arrangements, lyrical painting and soaring dynamics that glue his genre-centric tendencies into the development of a unified sound from start to finish. 

The first single from Nature Girl, 'Won't Be Back'', has been described as country meets soul - Willie Nelson meets Aretha Franklin. It’s a song that epitomizes Scotty Hills' overall ‘Northern Soul’ sound with one foot in his prairie roots and one foot in Detroit soul, drawing from city blues and old country/folk. 'Won't Be Back' is a good first taste of the Nature Girl EP which is an eclectic mix of music that is hard to define. 

"I've tried to touch on many genres, without totally subscribing to any of them," says Hills.  "It's a pretty rootsy record, but I'm never satisfied with simply nodding my cap to tradition, nor am I preoccupied with colouring inside industry lines. It's harmonically broad. The melodies and lyrics are subtle and simple.  My goal as an artist, is to make a record that perfectly balances and blends all of my influences, into each song. Nature Girl is a big step in that direction. Listeners will hear a exploring songwriter, taking a deep look into the relationship between human nature and mother nature. 

Nature Girl will be available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services on Friday, February 24th. Scotty Hills will be playing a couple of shows on Vancouver Island around the release of Nature Girl, including a show on release day at Providence Farm in Duncan, BC. Hills will be heading out for a Western Canadian Tour later this spring, full details to be announced soon. For more info please visit: scottyhills.com

SCOTTY HILLS >> UPCOMING TOUR DATES
February 11 - Port Renfrew, BC - 2017 Song & Surf
February 24 - Duncan, BC - Live in the Chapel @ Providence Farm  (get tickets)

SCOTTY HILLS - NATURE GIRL TRACK LISTING
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 24th, 2017 (Grand Fir Records)
1.  Hope You're In Toronto
2.  I Want To Love You
3.  Nature Girl
4.  Won't Be Back
5.  The Answers

FOR MORE INFO: www.scottyhills.com
Twitter: @ScottyHills
Instagram: @ScottyHillsOfficial
FB: Facebook.com/ScottyHillsMusic

MEDIA TOOLS
WATCH/POST Scotty Hills - 'Won't Be Back' Video HERE (via YouTube)
STREAM/POST Scotty Hills - 'Won't Be Back' HERE (via Soundcloud)
CLICK HERE for album art + high-res press photos (Photo Credit: LeAnn Mueller)

 

 

Friday 02.03.17
Posted by Jen Fritz
 
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