MEET THE PANELISTS

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ADAMS Philip, SK Arts

Bio pending

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Belle Plaine, Artist

Belle Plaine is the stage name of Melanie Berglund, a singer/songwriter based in Regina SK. Belle has toured her brand of Roots music through Canada and the United States, as well as Europe and the UK. She has a formal education in classical voice, jazz & contemporary music, as well as studio recording techniques. Official showcases include AmericanaFest and Folk Alliance International, with awards and nominations from the WCMAs and the Saskatchewan Music Awards. Her music has been favourably reviewed by Rolling Stone, No Depression and Exclaim. She is currently writing the follow-up to her 2018 album Malice, Mercy, Grief + Wrath, while also delivering a weekly subscriber-supported newsletter called Belle Plaine’s Weather Report.

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DONNELLY Marian, Creative City Centre / Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Marian Donnelly, MBA Regional Director for Western Canada, Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. CEO/Founder, Creative City Centre Inc. Marian has been working in the creative industries since 1975. Between 1976 and 1996, Marian worked as an artist manager, concert and festival producer, music publisher and tour manager in Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver. In 1996, she returned to Regina to work as Executive Director of SaskMusic. In 2002, she worked as a Cultural Industries Consultant to the Province of Saskatchewan, and was then hired as the General Manager of the Globe Theatre from 2003-2005. In 2006, Marian returned to school and earned her MBA. She also renovated a heritage building in Regina's downtown, which opened in 2011 as the Creative City Centre. The CCC is home to artist studios, a visual art gallery and small performance venue called the Hague Gallery. Since May 2011, the CCC has presented 150-200 shows per year at this vibrant but intimate little venue. With the pandemic lockdown, the CCC has transitioned from performance venue to production studio. Marian has mentored hundreds of young artists and entrepreneurs over the years, and is passionate about the arts as a vehicle for reconciliation and learning between cultures.

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EAGLESPEAKER Forrest, Artist The North Sound

Award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Forrest Eaglespeaker is no stranger to overcoming adversity. Defying the odds and paving his own path, Eaglespeaker has used music as a vehicle to break the cycle of addiction and trauma that he was born into and consumed by. "Music was the only thing I ever felt any good at, and it turns out there's more to me than that," Eaglespeaker says. "But no one ever bet on me, so I never bet on myself."

 

Finding true confidence and love for himself in sobriety, Eaglespeaker shares his melodic narratives in the musical duo The North Sound with his partner Nevada Freistadt. Loss, grief, addiction, despair and living in chaos are just a few of the themes found in Eaglespeaker's writing and performances. The message of hope and connection is at the core of Eaglespeaker's art, and he aims to share it with those who need it. "Music is a language we all speak," Eaglespeaker says. "Whether it's traditional or contemporary, or as a creator or listener, we all feel rhythm and melody. We all want to connect, and we all have a story."

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FORRESTER Stacey, Good Night Out Vancouver

Stacey Forrester (she/her) is the education director of Good Night Out Vancouver. Stacey is a former community health nurse and community planner and consultant, with a passion for creating safer, more equitable arts and culture communities. For the last 10 years Stacey has directed the Harm Reduction program for Bass Coast Music Festival. This includes training over 100 volunteers every year, running a 24-hour education and sanctuary space, and implementing drug testing services, including the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technology. The harm reduction program at Bass Coast is renowned across North America for its progressive approach to harm reduction.

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GOODWYN Amber, Regina Folk Festival

Amber is the Artistic Director of the Regina Folk Festival and a multidisciplinary artist with active performance, film and video, writing and music practices. Amber holds a BFA in Film Production (with distinction) from Concordia University as well as a Creative Arts DEC from Dawson College with a certificate in Humanistic Education.  Additionally, Amber has worked extensively in community radio, has also served on various non-profit boards of directors and committees, and has been an adjudicator on various juries for funding and national and provincial music awards.

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HEAD Rhonda, Artist

Multi award-winning Mezzo Soprano Rhonda Head is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba.  Rhonda is a 13-time international music award winner. She writes her lyrics in her Indigenous Cree Language and composes her melodies based off the landscape in her home reserve of Opaskwayak. Rhonda is also a SOCAN board member. 

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HOLNESS Justin, Artist Jah’kota

Jah'kota is an Afro-Indigenous artist and entrepreneur. His father is from Kingston Jamaica and his mother is Nakota from Ocean Man First Nation, part of the Treaty 4 territory. His grandmother was the first Nakota language teacher at the First Nation University of Canada. He was born and raised in Winnipeg and now lives full-time in the Očeti Šagowin territory. 

 

Jahkota made history being the first Indigenous hip-hop artist to drop a verse in the Senate of Canada. He has reached number one on the Indigenous Music Countdown for his album WOKE which was also nominated for Best Rap Hip Hop Album for the Indigenous Music Awards. He was nominated in the "Social Voice" category at the 2021 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards and more recently, his track "Welcome to the Matriarch" was nominated for a 2022 Native American Music Award. 

 

Jahkota strives to increase financial literacy and maintain self-determination. 

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JEGEDE-IKPEN, Oghenerukevwe "Rooky", Artist Rooky Jegede / SaskMusic

Born Oghenerukevwe Jegede-Ikpen, Rooky is a multi-talented, Nigerian-born artiste, songwriter and photographer. Aside from creating and performing music with his Regina-based band “The Bad Hvbits”, Rooky is the graphic editor/photographer for the University of Regina's campus newspaper "The Carillon." He holds a degree in Adult Education in English and Literature and is currently pursuing a second degree in Human Justice at the University of Regina in addition to working at SaskMusic. He is very passionate about discovering, making and listening to music and creating visual imagery; he sees them as a medium of expression and a way for people to connect with one another regardless of background or race. 

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KENNY Steve, Traverse Music

Steve Kenny is an artist manager and co-founder of Traverse Music, representing Indie/Folk/Roots artists from all across Canada. With experience on stages, at soundboards, and behind management desks, he brings in-depth industry knowledge and a comprehensive set of skills to cover every aspect of an artist's career. His passion is helping artists shape their career vision and create a framework for how to succeed by finding a sustainable and authentic career model that works for them.

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KLYPAK Kaelen, Artist June Trasher / SaskMusic

Kaelen received his Arts and Entertainment Management Diploma from Capilano University in North Vancouver and now resides in Saskatoon as the Export Manager for SaskMusic. He manages the export and professional development of Saskatchewan music industry individuals. Kaelen has been actively involved in the Canadian music industry for the past 20 years as a musician, manager, production manager, promoter, and running his own music publishing company. He is now back as an artist with his latest synth-based project, June Thrasher. He is also a jury member for various music organizations and sits on numerous cultural boards including co-director of the Derek Bachman Foundation and recently, the 2020 JUNOs Host Committee.

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LEMBERG Troy, CFUV

Troy Lemberg (he/him) is the current Music Director at CFUV 101.9 FM in Victoria BC. He has held this role for the past 6 years and is one of the longest-running full-time MDs in the campus/community radio sector in Canada. He has been involved with community radio since appearing on his friend's show in 2005 and volunteering himself to get his own show starting in 2007. He has also served on CFUV's Board of Directors. His work as a Music Director involves him greatly in getting artists to other stations, booking a weekly free music series every summer and getting the chance to speak on panels at Sled Island, National Campus & Community Radio Conferences and SXSW. Outside of CFUV, Troy is a local promoter in Victoria BC for the last 15 years, booking over 150 shows with his personal The Action Index Presents moniker, Vancouver Island Hardcore Punk Society, and helping curate nights for small Victoria festivals like Animal Productions' GOAT fest, and an evening of Pretty Good Not Bad.

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MCARTHUR Dale, Artist Dale Mac 

Dale McArthur (aka Dale Mac) is a songwriter/producer from the White Bear First Nations. He's a SaskMusic Board and Indigenous Advisory founder; arts ally; and former Indigenous police officer. He has first-hand life experience as an Indigenous artist of 20 years. Dale has spent time as a liaison and Indigenous voice on different boards, juries, and festival committees such as RSO Indigenous Advisory, Forward Currents Festival, BuffaloFest, Sask Culture Days, City of Regina’s National Peoples Day, and Sakewewak Storytellers Festival. Dale is a strong supporter of local music and local arts agencies such as art galleries, live venues, local festivals, and local radio stations. Dale’s own music career has produced a handful of albums, music education through Berklee College of Music, live performances in Nashville, at the Banff Arts Centre, and many festivals. The storytelling in his lyrics and driving music are both backed by his soulful and energetic guitars. Whether performing acoustic performances in intimate venues, amp-driven blues, or rock-based stage shows, Dale’s guitar writing is also the energy behind his range of songwriting. He has two releases under his belt and a third on the way that engages his language, culture, and more of his guitar-driven storytelling.  

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Dale continues to produce his own upcoming blues/rock/roots music and offers guidance to emerging Indigenous artists across Turtle Island by sharing his experiences and encouragement. 

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MERILÄINEN Marc, Meriläinen Music Inc.

Toronto-based Indigenous singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and all-around visionary, Marc Merilainen, better known as Nadjiwan has been transforming the sound of Indigenous music by blending traditional with modern from the very beginning of his music career, and his prodigious output has been recognized by many, including numerous award nominations and accolades.

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Marc has over 30 years of experience actively working in the music industry.  In addition to writing & producing acts, Marc has also promoted and produced various live shows & events including Planet IndigenUs at Harbourfront Centre & the Original People, Original Songs concert series. In 2019 he and his wife Laura started Merilainen Music Inc., a record label and recording studio serving all artists, while also specializing in serving the Indigenous Artist community.

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PALEY Grant, Midnight Agency

A veteran of the Canadian music industry with 22+ years of experience, Grant has experienced the love of music as both an award-winning artist and agent. His journey into a life of music began on stage as the frontman & DJ of the electrifying Moses Mayes. After a decade of touring, he transitioned behind the scenes as a music agent and he's never looked back. Following 12 years at Paquin Artists Agency where he developed his own unique roster of live and electronic acts, he left in 2020 to co-found Midnight Agency. Today under the Midnight banner he represents an award-winning roster of clients in Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.

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PETSCHE Shawn, Trickle Down Music

Shawn Petsche's split life as festival manager for the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival for over 10 years, guitar player for Calgary rock & roll bands Napalmpom and Self-Cut Bangs, and ex-life as visual arts and marketing coordinator for the Pop Montréal International Music Festival suggests he'd somehow found a way to do what he loves. He's currently launching Trickle Down Music, a free initiative to help emerging acts have better success in releasing their records independently.

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POWERS Shauna, CBC Saskatchewan

Shauna hosts SASKATCHEWAN WEEKEND on 102.5FM in Regina, 94.1FM in Saskatoon and 540AM across the province. Throughout her entire life, Shauna has been a naturally curious person. Friendly and compassionate, her unique approach to conversation provides her listeners with deeper insight into the lives of her guests. Whether it’s about the challenges they’ve overcome or the joys they’ve experienced, her guests always feel comfortable sharing intimate details about their lives in a safe and supportive environment.

 

 

Shauna has been part of the CBC family for two decades, starting with CBC Music in Vancouver and returning to her roots in Regina, where she worked as a Music Producer for over a decade. Since making the move to weekend mornings, Shauna has loved connecting with Saskatchewan people through words, stories and laughter while continuing to let her passion for music shine through.

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PRPICH Lisa, Creative Saskatchewan

As an On-Air Announcer and Music Director for various major and secondary market radio stations in Western Canada, Lisa spent 14 years developing relationships and learning how to promote those with talent. From there, Lisa moved to the Yorkton Film Festival and honed her skills in event management, programming and artist liaising, followed by a few years working in the film and television industry. To keep her toes in music during that time, Lisa provided publicity and radio-tracking services for several Regina recording artists, and performed consulting work for local venues and music industry initiatives. In 2012, Lisa joined SaskMusic as a Project Coordinator, where she helped plan workshops and export activities, and administer communications. Lisa then joined Creative Saskatchewan in 2014 as a Program Officer where she administers grant programs and is a point of contact for applicants seeking support not only in music (which she oversees), but for all industries served by the agency, such as book publishing, craft and visual arts, digital media, live performing arts, and film and television. A fan of everything from indie Canadian, to vintage UK, to southern rock and honky-tonk, Lisa spends her free time collecting vinyl and cheering on all with musical talent because she freely admits that she has absolutely none. She recently received her certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University.

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RUBAINE Gabrielle, ADVANCE / MMF Canada / Rubaine Consulting

Gabrielle is an agent of change. As a performing artist who has opened for acts like Mos Def & Snoop Dog, she still found support lacking for Black female hip-hop artists, like herself. This became the catalyst for embarking on a career path on the business side of the industry. She's since managed Remix Project alumnae, Honee Haye, acted as Marketing Director of #BigTicket - a curated monthly showcase for the hip hop community show showcasing artists like Junior-T and Haviah Mighty, and worked at FACTOR in a variety of roles all focusing on outreach and diversity - implementing initiatives that continue to this day.

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SAHLU Katie

Katie Sahlu is a Canadian Hot 100 songwriter with an honours diploma in Entertainment Business Management from Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production. She has worked with various recording labels and agencies while based in Toronto. She has served as a JUNO Awards judge and has been a FACTOR Juror for a number of years. With a focus on urban music, she enjoys dedicating time to consult with artists to help with grants, marketing, songwriting/beat selection, etc. and has recently relocated back to her home province of Saskatchewan.

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SCANDRETT Amanda, Educator / Girls Rock Regina

Amanda Scandrett is a Regina-based artist, arts educator, and therapist. She holds a BEd in Arts Education and MEd in Educational Psychology. Amanda is a Sessional Lecturer with the University of Regina in Arts Education and runs a private practice specializing in trauma therapy through the arts and meditation. With 20 years of non-profit experience, Amanda is passionate about engaging in the arts through community, social justice, and personal empowerment. She is a co-founder of Girls Rock Regina and has more than a decade of experience as a touring and recording musician. She has performed around the world, including performances at the Vancouver Olympics, SXSW, Liverpool Sound City & Edgefest and has released multiple recordings with Library Voices and ROM DOS.

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STEVENS Kate, Artist / CKUA

One of Calgary's finest vocalists and songwriters, Kate Stevens uses her songs to be unapologetic and her best self. Together with her band, Kate has established an emotive soul and R&B sound riddled with jazz harmonies that cause listeners to get lost in the highs and lows of relationships in the 21st century. Kate's storytelling abilities and sultry voice are capable of single-handedly transporting listeners to the moment where they first make eye contact with a potential significant other, and evoking the emotions that cause your palms to sweat and your heart race. Her most recent releases, "Comfortable" and "Love Me" are prime examples of her story-telling abilities in action.

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Kate has been able to make the most of her opportunities locally, winning numerous awards for her songwriting, and performances at venues such as the National Music Centre, and the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Currently, she uses her platforms as a performer and radio host CKUA to empower and mentor other upcoming musicians locally and across the radio airwaves.

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TRESP Jörg, DevilDuck Records

Jörg has been part of this weird music industry for almost 30 years now and established his own label DevilDuck Records in 2004. Before that he worked for different labels such as edel, Sub Pop and Sony Music but spent most of his "dependent" life at Warner Music Germany as "head of Rock". At DevilDuck he has worked a lot with Western Canadian artists such as The Dead South, Gunner & Smith, Close Talker, Yes We Mystic, Shred Kelly and others, and always loves helping to develop artist careers. He has also started doing management again under the name DanCan and is still teaching "music business" for BIMM (British & Irish Institute for Modern Music) in Hamburg.

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VALIAHO Ben, DJ Verbal / SaskMusic

Radio Strategies, Campus & College (moderator)

Ben got his start in the industry as a producer and volunteer host at 91.3FM CJTR Regina Community Radio over fifteen years ago, and still hosts two radio shows at Regina Community Radio today. Ben was also involved on the Community Radio Board of Directors for eight years in various capacities including President and was honoured to receive the "Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2020 from the station. His commitment to music continued within the halls of the University of Regina where he enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Masters Program with a focus on live performance. While attending the university, Ben was also Research Assistant at the Interactive Media & Performances Labs, teaching workshops and hosting community hours for those who wanted to learn how to make electronic music, scratch records, or record. Ben has been a turntablist for over fifteen years and hosts DJ nights in Regina, some video game Twitch streaming, old skool Games Workshop fan, as well as DJing a number of events in and around Regina as part of the duo 2Beats.

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Please note the following panelist is no longer to join us, with regrets:

MARCIAL Dwayne, CEO Muzik Iz the Motive Entertainment

​Artist Manager/Sync Agent/Booking Agent/DJ/Producer/Promoter: Dwayne (DJ $lim) Marcial is an award-winning artist manager at Musik Iz The Motive Entertainment based in Saint John, NB. He is equipped to do many different things in the industry from management, promotion & marketing, sync placements, talent bookings, and artist development. Dwayne is a graduate of NBCC from the Radio Studies program and TV & Video Production program with an extensive background working in both fields. Marcial has worked in all departments in radio and for companies such as Stingray, MBS, Bell, and Pattison. In TV and film, he has worked at NBC Studios, Rogers TV, and on classic indie films like Blue Hill Avenue.

 

Dwayne’s music company currently manages two artists and three producers on its roster. Its clients' music has been heard on VICE, CBC and Crave TV. Recent personal highlights include Leonty 2020 Leo Awards Nominee/Best Music Score for 20th Century Fox Short Film Alien Ore,  2022 winner of Music Industry Professional of the Year and five-time Music NB nominee for Music Industry Professional. (@realdjslim on IG, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube)

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