ReFolkUs
Folk Music Ontario
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Introducing ReFolkUs, a new podcast by Folk Music Ontario, where we talk to artists and music industry professionals about building sustainable careers as creative workers, with a focus on folk.
Available episodes
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2 days ago
Transcending Cultural Boundaries with Just Prince
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 strategies for overcoming self-doubt and discusses his recent achievement of winning the 2023 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award for his song 'Kamli'.
Listen to 'Kamli'
Listen to the Hariharan Ghazal in a blues scale
Find Just Prince on social media:
Instagram
Youtube
Website
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Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Just Prince, is known for seamlessly blending Western and Eastern sounds into a harmonious tapestry. With a captivating style that defies genre constraints, his music weaves elements of folk, rock, blues, and Hindustani classical music into a mesmerizing experience.
Just Prince's evocative compositions take listeners on a sonic journey, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with the soul. Through his innovative approach, he crafts a musical landscape that bridges worlds with the intention of humility and togetherness.
At this year's 2023 Ontario Folk Music Awards, Just Prince took home the Colleen Peterson award presented by the Ontario Arts Council which honors an emerging professional singer-songwriter.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
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Nov 29, 2023
Reimagining A More Sustainable Music Industry with Barbra Lica
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 personal and collective level.
Buy/Stream Barbra Lica’s new Christmas single ‘On Christmas Eve’ here.
Follow Barbra Lica on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
Website
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JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter-producer Barbra Lica is a seasoned act on the North American club and festival circuits. She has performed everywhere, from New York City’s legendary Birdland to Toronto’s prestigious Koerner Hall. She has also headlined at festivals around the world including Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Tokyo International Jazz Festival, Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival, and Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, and opened for the likes of Christian McBride, Pat Metheny, Bob Dorough, and Terence Blanchard. Her 2018 album, You’re Fine, marked the first introduction of Folk and Americana elements to her repertoire and amassed over 6 million streams to date on Spotify. More recently, her first self-produced EP, Imposter Syndrome (2022), garnered her two 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations in the categories of Single of the Year (In 40 Years) and Solo Artist of the Year. The album single, The Ghost of Me, took home the 2023 Ontario Folk Music Awards CMRRA Song of the Year prize. In addition to writing for herself, Barbra has written cuts for such artists as jazz crooner Matt Dusk(Entertainment One/Universal), rising J-Pop singer Harumi (Sony Music Japan), and Taiwanese pop recording artist, Morrison Ma (Universal Music Group/X Entertainment). She is also the co-founder and arranger (with Anders Azzopardi), as well as lead vocalist for the Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
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Nov 22, 2023
Advice From An Entertainment Lawyer with Byron Pascoe
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 and advisor to help navigate the complex landscape of the music and entertainment business.
For more about Byron and Edwards Creative Law, visit: www.edwardslaw.ca
Follow Edwards Creative Law:
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin
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As an Entertainment Lawyer, Byron has an understanding of creative businesses, and how to provide value to creative clients. He has produced television and is active in various film, television and digital production communities, which helps to ensure he adds value to producer clients.
One of his main areas of focus is music law, working with recording artists, producers, composers, managers, music service businesses, and festivals. He is involved in the music scene and focuses on professional development, to help creators understand the business of their craft. He was also awarded the Impact Award at the inaugural Ottawa Music Awards.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
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Nov 15, 2023
A Live Listening Party & Conversation with Sylvia Tyson
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 Folk Music Ontario Conference. We chat to Sylvia all about her new album, ‘At The End Of The Day’, her writing process, the inspiration behind the lyrics and get a preview of some of her new songs.
Sylvia Tyson’s new album At The End Of The Day was released on November 3, 2023, three weeks after this was recorded, on Stony Plain Records.
Buy or stream the album here
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Sylvia Tyson, known as Canada's ‘folk-country music matriarch’, emerged as an internationally respected songwriter during the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene. Originally from Chatham, Ontario, she moved to Toronto at 18, gaining acclaim for her polished alto voice and forming the influential folk duo Ian & Sylvia with Ian Tyson .The duo led the singer-songwriter movement from 1961 to 1975, releasing 13 albums and achieving commercial success. Sylvia's breakthrough songwriting included the hit "You Were on My Mind," covered by numerous artists. The album Great Speckled Bird has long been recognized as pioneering the genre of country-rock. After the duo's era, she embarked on a solo career, releasing albums like "Woman's World" and contributing to Quartette. Tyson's impact extends to her roles in various music organizations, and she is honored in the Canadian Music and Country Music Halls of Fame, the Order of Canada, and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
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Oct 11, 2023
How to Conference with Melanie Brulée
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 what to expect when attending a music conference which include how to prepare for your showcase, how to take care of your physical and mental well-being prior to and during the conference and some post-conference tips.
If you are new to conferencing or looking for some hot tips about getting the most out of your experience, this episode is for you.
Follow the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition online:
Website
Social Media @ottawamic
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Melanie Brulée is an award-winning Franco-Ontarian artist, community leader, and mental health advocate born and raised in Cornwall Ontario. While her musical journey began busking on the streets of Australia, she now embodies multiple facets of the arts sector, taking a step away from the stage to amplify the music industry's underrepresented voice as the new executive director at the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC). In addition to years of performing and touring, Melanie has worked as a consultant, mentor, booking and PR agent, and radio promoter for Indigenous artists. Her passion for collaboration and advocacy has led her to initiate numerous projects including founding a women-led collective of songwriters, fundraising and speaking on behalf of mental health organizations, and developing youth workshops on songwriting and self-confidence. In her work as a dynamic organizer and facilitator, Melanie’s purpose is to connect, unite, and empower the communities around her.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
playlist_add
Oct 4, 2023
The Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award Winner with Erin Benjamin
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 honours the work of an individual or group that has made significant contributions to Ontario’s folk music community. For the first time in 2023, the Estelle Klein Award has been divided into two separate areas of recognition - The Community Builder Award, and The Lifetime Achievement Award.
In this week’s episode, we chat to Erin Benjamin, who is the 2023 recipient of the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award. Erin takes us back to the early days of her career as both a musician and a performing artist and dives into the story of how she became the very first Executive Director of Folk Music Ontario (originally called OCFF). We also chat to Erin about the incredibly important work that she is currently doing with the Canadian Live Music Association and her priorities and hopes for the next 5 years of her career.
Erin is a champion for the live music industry; our festivals, venues and live music workers. Congratulations to Erin Benjamin on winning the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award.
Follow Erin Benjamin and the Canadian Live Music Association online:
Website
Social Media @canadian_live
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An award-winning community builder and driving force in Canadian Association leadership, Erin Benjamin has worked in the music industry for over 25 years. Originally a touring and recording artist and then as executive director of both Folk Music Ontario (2001) and the Canadian Arts Presenting Association (2008), today Erin continues her work as the first and only President & CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association (since its founding in 2014). An unflagging champion for the live music sector, particularly during COVID-19, she currently serves as a board member for the Ottawa Board of Trade, the United Way Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Film Office. Over the years she has served a wide variety of organizations as a board member including The Unison Fund, Folk Alliance International, the Songwriters Association of Canada, the National Arts Centre’s Creation Fund, RBC Ottawa Bluesfest and others. She is the proud recipient of several awards including the Jackie Washington Award (NLFB, 1998), Ontario 150 Award (2017), the United Way’s Community Ambassador Award (2019), Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s Resiliency Award (2021), and the Spirit of Folk Award (FAI, 2022), and the Estelle Klein Award (FMO, 2023) all in recognition of her service to community. Erin lives in a vibrant downtown neighbourhood with her amazing kids and perfect pandemic puppy and can often be found on the golf course in the pursuit of happiness.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
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Sep 27, 2023
The Estelle Klein Community Builder Award Winner with Treasa Levasseur
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 honours the work of an individual or group that has made significant contributions to Ontario’s folk music community. For the first time in 2023, the Estelle Klein Award has been divided into two separate areas of recognition - The Community Builder Award, and The Lifetime Achievement Award.
In this week’s episode, we chat to Treasa Levasseur, this year's recipient of the Estelle Klein Community Builder Award. Treasa’s name is synonymous with community. When she puts her creative heart into a project, around her grows a fellowship of artists, students, and dreamers, inspired by her effusive joy, thoughtful curation, and intentional programming.
In this interview, Treasa dives into the role and impact that music has had on her life from a young age, her very first folk music conference experience, the importance of having integrity and intention in music programming and some wise words about the love, strength and friendship that the folk community holds.
Congratulations to Treasa Levasseur on the Estelle Klein Community Builder Award.
Follow Treasa online:
Website
Social Media @treasalevasseur
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Treasa Levasseur is a busy creative who wears many hats with enthusiasm. She is a JUNO-nominated songwriter, a seasoned sideperson and has self-released 4 albums over the course of her career as a front person. These days she is finding fresh inspiration in her work as a community music facilitator, program administrator and arts educator, as well as being an in demand MC and pop-up choir leader.
Treasa helmed the Developing Artist Program at Folk Music Ontario for 6 years and recently completed a six year stint at Folk Alliance International. Elle est une fierte Franco-Ontarienne, and a proud Hamiltonian, and believes strongly in the power of personal expression as an agent of positive change.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
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Sep 20, 2023
Pitch Craft with Valerie Denn
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 Talks’. They take place online pre-conference and participants are given the chance to connect with industry experts and other conference attendees before the event begins.
In this week’s episode, we chat to Valerie Denn about her workshop ‘Pitch Craft’ and how to get the most out of these lightning talks. Valerie explains how folks can best represent themselves in these meetings, what materials to bring, how to be memorable and stand out from the crowd, and guides listeners through some do’s and don'ts.
Follow Valerie online:
Facebook
Website
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Valerie is very active in the World Music/Roots/Americana/ community as an agent and a manager. She is passionate about her artists and especially adept at helping her clients with export development and building global careers. Val served for four years on the Board of Directors for Folk Alliance International where she also served a term as President. Val teaches and partners with other industry events to lead workshops/panels for the enrichment of the creative/artistic process.
She has been a mentor at SXSW, Mundial Montreal, WOMEX, Folk Music Canada, ECMA’s and participated on numerous panels at industry events. She currently is on the board as interim President of Folk Music Canada and a board member of the Live Music Society- which gives grants to small venues in the US. Val is the Canadian Ambassador for The House of Songs based in Austin, Texas. This organization matches songwriters globally for co-writing experiences and has residencies in Austin, Bentonville, AR, New York City, and opening new “houses” in Nordic countries.
In her spare time, she is an organic farmer and potter with her husband of 41 years in Nova Scotia Canada.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
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Jun 21, 2023
Sustaining a Healthy Career with Anna Ruddick
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 circumstances that demand a specialized approach. Anna’s extensive experience as a professional musician and dedication to supporting her peers draws from her wealth of knowledge to offer invaluable advice and strategies for artists aiming to create long lasting and sustainable careers.
She sheds light on the significance of setting realistic financial goals, managing taxes as a musician, and planning for long-term financial stability. Furthermore, Anna highlights the essential role of organizations like the Unison Fund in supporting musicians during challenging times. She discusses the resources and assistance available through the Unison Fund, emphasizing its mission to provide emergency financial relief, counseling, and healthcare support to musicians in need.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Unison Fund
Work In Culture
Togetherall
Follow Anna online:
Instagram
Website
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Anna Ruddick is a graduate of McGill university’s Jazz Performance program and postgraduate studies in Arts Administration and Cultural Management at Humber College. In her young career, Anna has risen to become one of the most in-demand and versatile bassists in Canada. She has performed on more than fifty studio albums spanning across many genres. Some of her notable recording work includes Randy Bachman’s power trio album ‘Heavy Blues’ (2015), Bry Webb’s critically acclaimed studio album ‘Free Will’ (2014) and live album ‘Live at Massey Hall’ (2015), Paul Reddick’s 2017 Juno Award winning album ‘Ride The One’ (2016) and Lee Harvey Osmond’s 2020 Juno Award winning album “Mohawk” (2019).
In addition to her session work, Anna has performed live and toured with a who’s-who of Canadian and international artists, most notably City and Colour, Fefe Dobson, Amanda Rheaume, Erin Costelo, and Ian Blurton’s quartet Future Now. After over a decade as a full-time working musician, Anna is passionate about advocating for the financial and emotional wellbeing of Canadian Music Industry workers and has been working with The Unison Fund, Canada’s Music Charity since 2020, as Manager of Industry Relations.
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)
Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage
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Jun 14, 2023
Getting the Gig with Ben Whiteley
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 international festivals.
Ben dives into his musical journey, starting from his early experiences as a teenager in a rock band to his first paid gig at the Rivoli in Toronto. Ben shares how his father, Ken Whiteley, played a crucial role in his development as a musician and how performing with him helped him find his own path as a side player. They discuss the importance of being present on stage and the joy that comes from making music together.
Ben shares valuable insights on embracing mistakes and finding the balance between precision and spontaneity in live performances. He also reflects on the role of entertainment in music and the responsibility of bringing joy and connection to the audience.
The conversation takes an interesting turn as they explore Ben's additional roles as a tour manager for artists like Basia Bulat and the Weather Station. He explains how diversifying his responsibilities as a musician has helped him support artists in a more comprehensive way while navigating the challenges of touring.
Join Rosalyn and Ben in this insightful episode as they uncover the intricacies of a musician's life and the various roles they play on and off the stage.
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Ben Whiteley is a Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist. Born into a family of professional musicians, he developed his musical sensibilities at a young age. By 18, he was performing regularly with his father, Canadian roots artist and producer, Ken Whiteley. Since then, Ben has recorded and performed internationally with revered artists including Basia Bulat, Julia Jacklin, The Weather Station, Sarah Harmer, Hannah Georgas, Tim Baker, Fred Penner and Raffi. He has performed on multiple Juno award-winning and Polaris shortlist records and has preformed on NPR’s Tiny Desk, Jools Holland, Jimmy Kimmel, Austin City Limits, KEXP, Q on CBC, and most major international folk and rock festivals.
Follow Ben on Social Media:
Instagram
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)
Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage
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Jun 7, 2023
Creativity through Self Discovery with Saskia Tomkins
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 her reflections on how she navigates the connection between music, identity, and culture.
In this episode we are thrilled to premiere the live video “Farewell to Music” performed by Saskia Tomkins. The track was recorded live off the floor at the 2022 Folk Music Ontario Conference.
Link to “Saskia Tomkins - Farewell to Music” live video
Link to “Saskia Tomkins + Mixed Museum”
About Saskia Tomkins
Saskia Tomkins is a master musician, educator, a composer, and multi-instrumentalist, performing on violin, viola, cello and Nyckelharpa.
UK born, she is classically trained with a folk background and a B.A.hons. in Jazz Music. As an All-Britain Champion Irish Fiddler, in 2022, she also received an award for services to Irish Music in Canada.
Saskia was the official Artist in Residence, in 2022, with Folk Alliance International, and is currently Artist in Residence with British-based organization The Mixed Museum - which works to preserve and share the social history of racial mixing in Britain of Black and ethnic minorities for future generations.
Over the years, Saskia has worked with many musicians, including: The Chieftains, Sultans of String, Jabbour, MEDUSA, and many other fabulous acts along with her husband Steáfán Hannigan and son Oisín Hannigan.
Follow Saskia on Social Media:
Website
Tik Tok
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Bandcamp
Patreon
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)
Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage
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May 31, 2023
Parenting in the Music Industry with Moonfruits
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, insights, and lessons learned while balancing the demands of a music career with the responsibilities of raising a family.
From the challenges of finding childcare to the importance of fostering a supportive community, Moonfruits candidly share their strategies for maintaining a harmonious balance between their roles as artists and parents.
This episode also delves into the broader landscape of parenting in the music industry, touching on topics such as work-life integration, self-care, and the need for flexibility and adaptability.
Whether you're a musician, a parent, or simply interested in the intersection of art and family life, this conv…
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May 24, 2023
Embracing your Entrepreneurial Self with Jenny Whiteley
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 continuing to write and perform. Join us as we discover how Jenny has embraced her entrepreneurial spirit to create a thriving career.
About Jenny Whiteley
Jenny Whiteley grew up in a musical family in Toronto, Ontario. Her father and uncle, Chris and Ken Whiteley, started playing music together in their teens, and went on to form the popular Original Sloth Band in the heyday of Toronto folk. As "the kids" Jenny and her brother Dan were always along for the fun at festivals and concerts, soaking up all the sounds and influences of folk, old time and blues.
Jenny has been inspired in her latest project to channel her early influences and mu…
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May 17, 2023
Building Resiliency with Julian Taylor
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 celebrated artist, Julian has weathered the storms of rejection, industry changes, and personal setbacks with unwavering determination.
During this episode, Julian opens up about the defining moments that tested his resilience, from critical career choices to creative breakthroughs. He shares his experiences of navigating the ever-shifting music industry, including invaluable advice on maintaining mental and emotional well-being in an industry that can often be unpredictable and demanding.
Join us for this inspiring episode as Julian Taylor shares his personal journey of resilience, imparting wisdom that will undoubtedly leave you motivat…
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May 10, 2023
Crafting a Compelling Story with Hilary Saunders
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 editor Hilary Saunders, has mastered the combination through years as a journalist and editor for one of the world's most well-respected music publications.
Listen in as we demystify the process of how to uncover the lede in your personal story, to assemble a bio that is compelling, and 100% you.
About Hilary Saunders
Hilary Saunders is the Managing Editor at No Depression, the leading source for roots music since 1995. She manages the quarterly print publication, where she strives to highlight under-represented voices in this niche musical community. As Managing Editor, she also serves as the liaison for the publication’s nonprofit pu…
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May 5, 2023
BONUS: Breathing Tips To Calm Nerves with Cindy Doire
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 stress get you down. The path forward to creating greater calm can be easier than you think - and Cindy Doire, registered psychotherapist, is here to show you the way.
Discover powerful breathing techniques that can ground you in the present moment, and bring you back into your body. Experience the empowerment of regaining control over your anxiety, and add another tool in your toolbox for mental health and wellness.
Take a deep breath and tune in now!
About Cindy Doire
Cindy is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying), a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), a somatic coach, and an award-winning singer/songwr…
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May 3, 2023
Finding Your Folk with Kejo Buchanan
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 prevail in this genre, and celebrate the ways in which we can be more inclusive and forward thinking.
Tune in to find out how you can learn from your own journey, as we embark on a renewed quest to ‘find your Folk’.
As a bonus, you’ll bear witness to host Rosalyn Dennett coming up with the phrase “Folk around and find out”. T-shirt anyone?
About Kejo Buchanan
Kejo Buchanan is a knowledge sharer and creative, invested as a Librarian at the Toronto Reference Library Arts Department, they host the show Jali Journey that curates folk acoustic sound through community radio at CJRU.ca, and is the Executive Producer for FolkRecover…
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Apr 28, 2023
BONUS: Whats on Your Website? With Joseph Longo
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 yourself online, and ways to harness online tools to start generating income through your site.
About Bandzoogle:
Website
Blog
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)
Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage
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Apr 26, 2023
A Banjoist's Guide To Marketing with Chris Coole
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 successfully run marketing for his business with nothing but an email list for almost 3 decades.
Listen in as Chris describes how he built a thriving email list and why he only decided to join social media in February of 2020.
Learn how to leverage these insights to create a successful marketing plan for your music business.
About Chris Coole
Since falling in love with the sound of folk and early country music at the age of seventeen, you could loosely divide Chris Coole’s 30-year career as a full-time musician into three eras – ten years as a Toronto street and subway busker; ten years playing bluegrass residencies around Toronto’s b…
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Apr 19, 2023
Improvising & Creative Risk Taking with Sophie Lukacs
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 zone and started improvising during performances. This unlocked a new level of creativity and opened musical doors she didn’t know were there.
For anyone who has ever wanted to dive into new musical exploration (or for anyone who has taken the plunge and has felt like a fish out of water), this is an episode for you to feel both inspired and seen, through Sophie’s story.
About Sophie Lukacs
Hailing from Montreal by way of Budapest, Hungary, Sophie Lukacs is a kora player, singer and composer. Trained on the violin in classical music from a young age, a chance trip to Burkina Faso in her early twenties completely changed her musical…
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Apr 14, 2023
BONUS: Live Streaming Tips & TWITCH with Danielle Allard:
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 well as some tips to get you off on the right foot!
If you’ve been putting off getting started in live streaming, this is your sign that it’s time! Connect with new fans, strengthen relationships with existing fans, and truly discover yourself as a performer and artist.
About Danielle Allard
Danielle Allard is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Twitch Partner. This Ottawa artist has toured Germany, Portugal and much of Canada but also performs 3 times a week for an international audience as a music streamer.
Featured in the New York Times for her livestreams, her festival appearances include features at Ottawa Bluesfest…
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Apr 12, 2023
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Danielle Allard
“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 community of almost 20K followers who tune in to her three, weekly live streams, which allow them to join in on her studio sessions, and encourage her to keep growing as an artist and a performer.
In this episode, Danielle speaks about the reality of live events being shut down and having to quickly pivot in a time of uncertainty. She discusses how she grappled with imposter syndrome and self-doubt while paving a new path in the streaming world, and how the community she built helped her to truly grow.
About Danielle Allard
Danielle Allard is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Twitch Partner. This Ottawa artist has tour…
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Apr 5, 2023
Creating Authentic Connections with Fred Penner
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 bring you back to that special time and place.
Music is truly transcendent.
However, if you’re the one creating and performing it, how do you imbue it with meaning for the listener?
After five decades of writing, recording and performing, Fred Penner is a master of creating connection with audiences both young and young at heart.
In this episode, Fred shares the story of his career, and lessons he’s learned about how artists can see their role as creators and curators of experiences, and build a meaningful legacy along the way.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself travelling back in time to your own childhood (or even ad…
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Mar 29, 2023
Financial Health For Artists with Sondra Gold
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, CPA, who breaks down the keys to filing fast and filing well, making it all incredibly easy to understand (can taxes actually be fun?!).
Whether you are just starting out, or well into your career, there are insights and money saving tips that everyone can use. We discuss everything from what you can deduct on your income tax, to when you need to register your business, start collecting and paying HST, and when it’s time to think about incorporating.
Listen in, and get ready to set yourself and your business up for success.
About Sondra Gold
Sondra grew up in a home filled with creativity. When it wasn’t her mom writing or performing…
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Mar 22, 2023
Performing With Confidence with Angelique Francis
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 captivating live show?
This week, as we dive into her career, we also explore what it’s like to work so closely with her family, and the process they undertake to ensure every live performance is not only entertaining, but responsive to each audience.
About Angelique Francis
Angelique Francis is a versatile and exceptionally gifted musician. This multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, multi-genre singer- songwriter/composer has wowed audiences across the globe with her electrifying performances, instrumental abilities and powerful textured vocals.
She is known for her eclectic mix of various musical genres including Folk, Blues, Soul, Roots…
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Mar 15, 2023
Breaking Through Burnout with Dondrea Erauw
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. Working a job in the music industry can be wonderfully fulfilling, but sometimes what seems like success can evolve into wearing too many hats, and working at all hours of the day and night. This episode dogs into how we can identify burnout, and move through it (or hopefully avoid it!), to a healthier work/folk/life balance.
Dondrea has had 10 years' experience as a music supervisor at Instinct Entertainment (founded by Michael Perlmutter). Originally from Caledonia, Ontario, Dondrea had the miraculous opportunity of working on a number of films and television shows such as "Spinning Out" (Netflix) and Canada's iconic series, "Degrassi". She is…
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Mar 8, 2023
Protecting Your Mental Health with Cindy Doire
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, Cindy Doire, is here to share strategies to manage emotional turbulence, and learn to find peace and enjoyment in both the ups and downs of this creative life.
Plus, you’ll hear why Rosalyn is banned from ever performing at a pub in Amsterdam, and an introduction to our new favourite word: “deprestival”.
Cindy is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying), a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), a somatic coach, and an award-winning singer/songwriter. As a therapist, teacher, artist, and coach, she embraces how different every day and every moment is, and she allows the flow direction to come from the here-and-now. The journ…
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Mar 1, 2023
Composing for Film and Television with Kaia Kater
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 scene.
Then, in 2018 after 2 years of extensive touring, Kaia suffered a panic attack mid-show and came to the realization that she needed to make a change. After attending some community classes on how to use Ableton, the freedom of self-producing and composing opened up a new world, and she began to explore opportunities in Film and TV, putting her career on a whole new path.
Fast-forward to today, Kaia has just been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for ‘Best Original Song’ for the series 'The Porter'. She is a Juno Award-nominated and Polaris Prize-longlisted songwriter of Grenadian-Canadian heritage. Her voice and deft songcr…
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Feb 15, 2023
Welcome to ReFolkUs
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 industry and discuss how to build your business, protect your mental and physical health, and ultimately, create a life and a living of your dreams, without burning out.
Hit that subscribe button now, and never miss an episode!
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Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Chopp (Murdoch Entertainment)
Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn
The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the…
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