If you’re a musician based in Ontario, you may have heard about MusicOntario over the last year or so. The Toronto-based organization was created in October 2012 to help artists and music companies reach their professional, creative, and personal goals. MusicOntario has made efforts to take the show on the road to provide workshops and networking events throughout the province.
On December 12th at Hub Ottawa, they are bringing together a panel of musicians, labels and industry folk to discuss the all important question: “How can I make a living making music?”
Panelists include:
- Rodney Murphy – SOCAN
- Michi Waddell – ACTRA RACS
- Jon Bartlett – Kelp Records
- Cole Stephenson – PledgeMusic
- Rolf Klausener – The Acorn / Arboretum
MusicOntario’s Executive Director Scott Honsberger tells us more about the event and more broadly, how MusicOntario can support Ottawa and Ontario’s evolving music scene.
Apt613: What is MusicOntario’s mandate? There seems to be many benefits for a musician or band to become a member of MusicOntario, what would you say is the greatest one?
Scott Honsberger: Our mandate is to help artists and music companies reach their professional, creative, and personal goals through providing programs, services, information, resources, and support. There are lots of tangible benefits to becoming a member (members rate to workshops, discounts at businesses/conferences such as NXNE and Lacquer Channel mastering, directory listing, etc), but I think the greatest benefits are the intangible ones that come with being part of an association of professional peers.
I’ll also say that like any member-based industry association, you get out of your membership what you put into it. We’ve already provided numerous opportunities for our members, and it’s all because they took proactive steps to not only join the association, but take advantage of our services.
Apt613: Who should attend the December 12th event?
SH: Clearly, the music industry has changed immensely over the past 15 years, so now more than ever, artists need to diversify the ways in which they make money. If you’re an artist, or you work with artists, and you want to learn more about the various revenue streams available to you, this event is for you.
Apt613: Without giving away too much of what’s to be learned at the session, can you give us one successful example of a rising Canadian artists that was able to monetize his work in an original way?
SH: PledgeMusic is a great direct-to-fan engagement platform, so Cole (who’s on the panel and works with pledge) can give some examples at the event on how to use it creatively. But I LOVE what The Balconies did with their Pledge campaign, holding a private bowling party for those who bought the album on presale at a certain price point. Pretty creative, lots of fun, and it definitely helped them reach their goal!
Apt613: Aside from hearing the stories from panelists, how can attendees benefit from the session?
SH: I try to speak to as many attendees as possible after the event, and the ones who get the most out of them are ALWAYS the ones who ask questions. Our events are also GREAT ways to expand your network and meet people who you may go on to work with (or maybe even for), so if you’re planning on coming, bring some business cards, or at least plan to be a bit social.
Apt613: Part of your job as Executive Director of MusicOntario is likely staying aware of the evolving music scenes in every part of the province. How do you see Ottawa’s scene? What would you say is the greatest need for the community to continue flourishing?
SH: We conducted a research study called Sound Off! – Ontario over the past year, which looked at this very issue on a community by community basis. While we’re still wrapping up the full report (which will be made available to the public), the top three issues facing the Ottawa community were the need for more mid-sized venues programming live original music, the lack of an alt weekly magazine, and a sense that the community needs a platform to be able to connect on a regular basis. We can’t solve all of these issues on our own, but we can certainly play a role as we continue to grow.
Apt613: Is there an Ottawa liaison bands can speak to when you guys are not in town?
Not yet, but we’re looking at a few ways to maintain a presence in Ottawa and other cities… so stay tuned!
MusicOntario’s “Money!! Making a living making music” takes place Thursday, December 12th at Hub Ottawa (71 Bank St., 6th floor). $5 for MusicOntario Members; $10 for non-members.
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