Refolkus

In this week's episode, we chat with James McKie and Stefan Read of Pressgang Mutiny, a Toronto-based sea shanty group. James and Stefan discuss the resurgence of sea shanties, their cultural significance, and the evolving landscape of traditional and folk music. They also reflect on navigating trends in traditional music while remaining authentic to their roots. James and Stefan also share a litt...

In this week's episode, we chat with Spencer Shewen, the Artistic Director of the Mariposa Folk Festival. Spencer takes us through his journey into the music festival scene, sharing his experiences with both Riverfest Elora and the legendary Mariposa Folk Festival. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at programming the Mariposa festival lineup, sharing his perspectives on how folk music encompasses...

In this week's episode, we chat with Andrew Cash, President and CEO of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA).  Rosalyn and Andrew discuss CIMA’s role in advocating for the Canadian independent music sector and the impact of Bill C-11. They also dive into the current political landscape affecting artists, emphasizing the importance of supporting Canadian artists and the need for a stabl...

Welcome back to the fourth season of Refolkus. In this week's episode, we chat with Michelle Allman-Esdaille, owner and sync agent at The Hook and Co, The Hook Sync Group and Sustainable Creative Living.  In this episode, Rosalyn and Michelle discuss the intricacies of sync and licensing in music. They chat about the roles of music supervisors and sync agents, the process of getting a song license...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Julie Schryer and Pat O’Gorman, the Founders and Artistic Directors of AlgomaTrad and the recipients of the 2024 Estelle Klein Community Builder Award.  Hear about their incredible work with AlgomaTrad and its journey from a small initiative to a thriving community, built through the sharing, learning, and celebration of music, dance, art, and herit...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Kaeley Jade. We dive into her incredible journey from gigging at just 9 years old to becoming a recording and performing artist. She reflects on how attending industry conferences opened her eyes to the business side of music, shaping her path as an independent, DIY artist.  Kaeley also takes us behind the scenes of her work in theatre, including wr...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Jorge Requena Ramos, Artistic Director of the West End Cultural Centre (WECC). Jorge takes us through the rich history and community impact of the WECC as a key venue for music and culture, hosting diverse performances and fostering connections through the arts. Jorge also discusses the WECC’s strong commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression, wh...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with singer-songwriter Begonia. Begonia shares her unique approach to songwriting, revealing the inspiration behind her lyrics and how she translates her emotions into music. She also offers insights about how she nurtures her creativity both on and off the road and explains the routines and practices that keep her inspired, even amidst the demands of to...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Robyn Stewart, the Executive Director of Women in Music Canada. Robyn delves into the crucial topics of equity within the music industry, providing a thoughtful analysis of the current landscape and sharing her views on both the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all, and the various ways to overcome barriers. Robyn also discusses the signi...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with David Landreth, Co-Founder and COO of Birthday Cake Records, a Winnipeg-based record label, music publishing, and artist management company. David shares the story behind Birthday Cake Records and how the label came to be. He discusses the labels unique approach to discovering and signing new artists and how they work with those artists to dial in t...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Amie Therrien, the Executive Director of Music Managers Forum Canada (MMF Canada). In this episode, Amie shares her journey as a music manager, exploring what drew her to the profession and the unique challenges it entails. She delves into the key roles and responsibilities of a manager, offering insights into commission structures, contracts, and h...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Leonard Podolak, the Co-Artistic/Executive Director of Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous, Canada’s pioneering house concert circuit. In this episode, Leonard delves into the origins of Home Routes, sharing how the concept came to life. He explores the unique charm of house concerts, highlighting their ability to provide artists with intimate access to au...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Tom Coxworth, producer and DJ of the ‘Folk Routes’ radio show on CKUA Radio in Calgary. Tom shares his expertise on conducting interviews, emphasizing the importance of preparation, building rapport, and genuinely connecting with artists. He discusses what makes a successful interview from both the artist's and interviewer's perspectives, highlighti...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Daniel Desjarlais. Daniel delves into the origins of the Sakawinow Music Festival, sharing the inspiration behind its creation and the story behind its name. He also discusses his process for curating the lineup and his passionate commitment to showcasing and uplifting local talent. Additionally, Daniel chats about his background in finance and culi...

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Terry O’Brien, a key figure in the UK folk scene. Terry offers an in-depth overview of the current folk music landscape in the UK, highlighting the many folk festivals and renowned folk clubs there. She delves into the English Folk Expo and outlines the many opportunities this conference presents for artists. Terry also provides valuable insights an...

Today, we are excited to release the second episode of our series, ‘On the Air’, where we delve into the fascinating world of radio. This week, we chat to Kwende Kefentse, the Executive Director of CKCU-FM. Kwende shares his passion for radio and the ways in which it connects and builds community. He also discusses the history of CKCU and shares his thoughts on how radio has changed and evolved ov...

In this week's episode, we sit down with grant writer and funding strategist, Samantha Matusoff.  Samantha shares her extensive knowledge of securing grants for artists and songwriters, detailing the various opportunities available at both the provincial and national levels. She also provides practical advice on the best approaches when applying for these grants to increase the chances of success...

Today, we are releasing the first episode in our series, ‘On the Air’, where we explore the wonderful world of radio. In this week's episode, we chat with Art Menius about the specialized field of folk radio promotion. Art provides valuable insights on the state of folk radio and discusses the vital role that radio still plays in the music industry today. He also shares his process of promoting re...

In this week's episode, we chat with folk artist and herbalist, Sarah Jane Scouten. Sarah Jane shares her philosophy on how musicians can achieve career longevity by prioritizing their health and discusses the benefits of using various herbs to help alleviate the mental and physical pressures of being on the road. She also provides tips and recommendations for what a touring musician's herbal tool...

In this week's episode, we chat with Liana White, the Executive Director of the Canadian National Office of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, otherwise known as the CFM. Liana provides an in-depth overview of US immigration and visas, focusing specifically on the requirements for Canadian musicians looking to work and perform in the US. She explores various scen...

Welcome back to the third season of ReFolkUs. In this week's episode, we chat with Jennifer Roe, the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International. Jennifer dives into all things Folk Alliance, sharing insights about the organization's history, growth, and exciting plans for the future. She also discusses their annual conference, highlighting what makes next year's 2025 event in Montreal, Queb...

Today, we are releasing the sixth episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we speak with Samir Baijal, the Artistic Director of Hillside Festival on Guelph Lake Island in Guelph, Ontario. Samir chats about his process of booking both the lineup and the workshops and the importance of fost...

Today on ReFolkUs, we chat to Shakura S’Aida. Shakura goes into depth on how she navigates having hard conversations within both a personal and business context and offers advice on helpful ways of resolving differences in order to move forward. Shakura explains the importance of honesty and having realistic expectations during challenging discussions - while also highlighting the importance of em...

Today, we are releasing the fifth episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to Doug Cox, the Artistic Director of Vancouver Island MusicFest in the Comox Valley in Courtenay, BC. Doug discusses the format of this campground festival, which includes six distinct stages. He also expl...

Today on ReFolkUs, we chat to Luke Wallace. Luke touches on the ways in which he incorporates climate justice into his music by inspiring others through messages of hope, unity, and power. Luke also discusses his belief in initiating change collectively rather than individual thinking and addresses his perspective on how the music industry and artists can respond to the climate emergencies that we...