Music Conferences… They often get a bad rap, mainly because of the expectations of attendees. Smart people will tell you to always do research. Know what the possibilities are and devise a plan to exploit them. I had no time to prepare as it was less than 24 hours before I found out I would be going. Going where you may ask?

Most in the industry have certainly heard of SXSW in Austin, TX or A3C in Atlanta, GA. Yet, are you familiar with Canadian Music Week In Toronto, Canada? It’s celebrating 36 years in the game. It brings together sound recording, new media and broadcast for a jam packed week of events. A combination of panel discussions, exclusive interviews, trade exhibition, awards shows, film and comedy alongside Canada’s biggest new music festival leaves you to wonder what more you could you ask for. ESPECIALLY UNDER A 4 HOUR DRIVE FROM DETROIT!

Diversity is what I loved most about this week. People from all over the globe joined in attendance. One on one meetings with people from Japan, Mexico and Italy. People here were ready to do business, discover new music and learn.  The panels were great and it was interesting to hear the perspectives of executives from another country. If you want to do business in a new country, it may be a good idea to understand how the ecosystem works there right? There was a heavy interest on publishing which is one of the main revenue streams for a person in this business as a artist, producer, or label. A Spotify master class, how to turn followers into buyers, Blockchain Music, the power of the playlist, there was something to learn about every hour of the day.

Learning new skills and gaining information that can put you ahead of your competitors is always good. But there is something to be said about relationships. This industry as with most is built on the power of your relationships. Once in a lifetime opportunities often come from a simple relationship. I got to meet and hear some great people while in Toronto. Early in our time we met up with IRINI. A German born singer songwriter with Greek roots traveled to London where she is currently based to perfect her craft. DJ Speed had to run her set for her first performance at Canadian Music Week so she came by the spot to go over her show for the upcoming day. While rehearsing a natural bond formed and before you knew it she was apart of the gang for the rest of the stay. Her feel good single “6 In the Morning” is doing exceptionally well on streaming services and her 40 minute set was great on energy and brought you further into the singer songwriter named IRINI.

UNCLE P & IRINI

Moe (HipHopCanada.com) and DJ Speed (Detroit Digital)

Real ones connect quickly. Especially when on unfamiliar turf, game recognize game. When we were told we needed to connect with Liroy from Poland it was a chance to build another relationship. Liroy is one of the first true EMCEES from Poland. Not only is he a beast on the mic this man has taken his fame all the way to becoming a politician with aims of presidency in the next 5 years. Changing long standing laws in his country that often target the young and less fortunate LIROY is for the people! A new generation has begun in his country. A very smart man, but from the streets, we had a great time kicking it in Toronto. He has hit stages with the likes of Wu Tang Clan and the legend Ice T. My big WOW moment came with him while outside one of the many venues hit during the week. We are outside talking and a guy walks up and his face looks like he just saw Jesus Christ. He said something to Liroy in a language i didn’t understand and the guy went crazy! Ran back in the club and brought out 3 more friends. They asked him to say something. Liroy did and they went crazy again. “What is going on here” I’m thinking. Liroy goes on to tell me they were amazed at his speech. Like the culture in Canada is watered down and he was AUTHENTIC!!! They started talking about music so long i figured I’d let him kick it with his fans from way across the ocean. You never know how your music can affect people and travel to places unknown now in the digital era. LIROY HAS MY VOTE FOR PRESIDENT!!!

Uncle P with LIROY

I saw so much talent at shows going on all over Toronto after the conferences shut down at 6PM. Got to take in some dope Hip Hop at Nocturne. Canadian hip hop legend Saukrates headlined a show and did not disappoint. You can tell a seasoned pro by their ability to interact and control the crowd. Fortunato, Daniel Son and Fordy North also delivered strong performances throughout the night. Another great event hosted by ROBBIE G.

Now although my forte is HIP HOP I am a fan of great MUSIC regardless the genre. That said let me tell you about the Lo Down Brass Band out of Chicago. I felt like I got hit by the Pied Piper! There I was at the venue, sitting at the bar on the left, while on the other side of a long wall was the restaurant. Being here for music I wondered where performances were taking place. Sitting in the lounge area we hear horns playing from the back. Some more open and BAM you got some guys in a single file line playing Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba and Saxophone. I also can’t forget the drummer/percussionist. They played a funky joint and slowly walked thru our side of the room to turn the corner and enter the restaurant side, than back down. The sound was amazing as everyone followed them back thru the doors of the performance venue part of the club. Hitting the stage  with the LDB, MC Brilla Camp was the resident mic controller for this party! Nothing like the live experience with real musicians. Can’t wait to get these guys in Detroit Soon.

Lo Down Brass Band

Had a great time at the OMDC/KEYCHANGE CMW showcase. Amazing talent from around the globe featured in a super dope venue called the Super Wonder Gallery. I enjoyed great live performances from Aphrose, Joisin, Suzi Wu, Praises and the very entertaining HAN HAN. Keychange is a pioneering European initiative which empowers women to transform the future of music and encourages festivals to achieve a 50/50 gender balance by 2022. An agency of the Government of Ontario, (OMDC) Ontario Media Development Corporation supports the province’s creative economy by providing innovative programs, services and funding for the film & television; book & magazine publishing; interactive digital media & music industries. One thing I found very cool about Canada is the government support for the Arts.

HAN HAN 

Great eats at the barbecue put on by Flying Colors. Can’t go wrong working around downtown Toronto in the middle of the day for some beer and Que. I definitely can’t forget to mention KAYO! Got a chance to see him perform his new album “Winter in St. Lucia“. It was my first time being exposed to him but I must say he gave an excellent performance. The talent was plentiful in the city of Toronto for Canadian Music Week. Nothing like the live music experience.

Uncle P and KAYO

I had a incredible time during Canadian Music Week. It was extremely productive, the opportunities to have sit downs with festival promoters from around the globe was very insightful. Meeting actual people on the Music Sync side of the business was very educational. I can’t stress enough the importance of getting out to these types of events and to build real relationships instead of expecting to get picked up like a needle in the haystack. Special thanks to Kathy who helped the team have a very productive time at Canadian Music Week. After a few random conversations with some volunteers (Yes I talk to EVERYBODY) I learned how important and instrumental you are in making this week go from behind the scenes.

We plan on going back next year and hope to bring a large delegation from Detroit.

Uncle P

CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK