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Celebrity Interviews, Keynote Speakers and other conference events.

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Some reflections on Canadian Music Week 2013

I decided to spend some cash and head out to Canadian Music Week to make some new friends, and support Jung People and Jenny each had 2 showcases.

My reactions are mixed to the event. For me, Jung People, and Jenny, the trip was worth the trouble. We are all in the right stage of our careers to be making these sorts of major trips and to be getting something out of it. Both bands are in their mid-20s with a resume of musical experience behind them and support from either a label and/or the general public/media. For Jung People we made some potential partnerships, and they were shortlisted in the Toronto Sun for the festival. For Jenny, it was the perfect introduction to Toronto as the next big Punk band in Canada and the crowd response was perfect, and probably the best show we've ever had.

I don't regret attending as I learned a lot and met the right people to advance my career, and strengthened previous relationships.

However, while at Canadian Music Week I witnessed countless bands who had spent several hundred dollars each to make the trek to Toronto only to get a free festival wristband and play to 30 people (or less in some circumstances). My advice to bands applying to festivals is to know what you are in for, and to determine whether you as a band are mature and ready enough for these events because it is generally not worth it as a "one-off" event if you are a new band with a limited audience/appeal especially if your showcase is at a little known or a very small venue.

While the conference was educational, there are lots of opportunities in Alberta from Alberta Music Industry Association for workshops/panels, and I highly recommend "All You Need To Know About the Music Business" by Donald Passman (basically an industry bible). If you are new to the industry, I recommend reading, learning from your peers, and asking questions from local industry when the time is appropriate. It isn't worth several thousand dollars to attend Canadian Music Week if you have no buzz or ability to draw an audience or industry to your showcase.

More thoughts on Canadian Music Week 2013 to come...

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We made it into the pool at The Marriott a few days ago with The Noble Thiefs. If you havent heard them yet, you must check it out. These two songs are brand new and you are going to want to pick up the 7inch.