Event Information

CIMA will be programming an Artist Development Day @ NXNE 2024: Empowering Independent Artists for Success, a two-day event designed to elevate your music career during North by Northeast (NXNE). Taking place on June 13th and 14th, this event is open to all NXNE attendees and CIMA members who are passionate about honing their craft and navigating the music industry.

THURSDAY:  

3:00 pm Session 1: BUDGETING - MANAGING YOUR INCOME STREAMS

4:00 pm Session 2: ARTIST MARKETING AT ANY BUDGET 

5:15pm: End 

Session 1:  BUDGETING - MANAGING YOUR INCOME STREAMS

Speakers: Joe Bartok (This Is The Deal, Inc., Durham College)

As an artist, managing your finances can be a daunting task. In addition to being your own boss, since you’re getting money from a variety of sources, (such as merch sales, gig tickets, royalties, and so on) being a full-time musician almost always means that your income is going to be classified as self-employment income. The million-dollar question is: how can you manage your money when you’re an artist and largely rely on the gig economy? Effective financial management can make or break an artist’s career, as it ensures that their earnings are maximized, expenses are controlled, and long-term financial goals are achieved. This comprehensive session will delve into the key principles and strategies of financial management specifically tailored for musicians. 

About Joe Bartok:

Joe Bartok is an accounting professional who has been practicing for 23 years. He is the founder and CEO of two Toronto-based firms, Relax Accounting & Tax Inc. and This is the Deal Inc. Joe completed a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (B.Acc, with honours), from Brock University in 1997, followed by a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA, specializing in Arts, Media and Entertainment Administration) from the Schulich School of Business (at York University) in 2006. Prior to opening Relax and TITD, Joe spent 6+ years in finance roles at several prominent independent and major Canadian record labels. Joe also has five years as a part-time instructor, teaching music business accounting at several Toronto-based schools. He is also a songwriter and musician, running a small indie distributor called Be One Music.

Session 2: ARTIST MARKETING AT ANY BUDGET 

Speaker: Omar Lodge ( When I Grow Up Management) 

Big budget, small budget - yes, size matters, but it shouldn't limit your ability to execute an effective marketing campaign. Artists at every level have to learn how to use the tools in their toolbox to make a maximum impact. Hear from music marketing expert, Omar Lodge, about building a targeted approach to marketing spend, asset creation, social strategy, and bringing in brand and media partners to contribute to your campaign. He will share insight on where you should be focusing your energy, and ultimately, how to do the most with whatever you have (which oftentimes isn't a lot).

About Omar Lodge:

What do you get when you put an ex-banker and DJ with an entrepreneurial spirit together: a passionate visionary with the skill set to get things done! Omar is a results-driven professional with broad experience in the development, marketing, and management of artists. Working primarily with emerging artists as an Artist Manager, Omar has had the opportunity to do and be involved in various aspects of the business working across various genres including Folk, Finger-Style, EDM, Hip-Hop, Afrobeats and Country. As a seasoned grant writer, Omar has successfully secured more than 2.5 million dollars in provincial and federal artist funding in Canada.
 

FRIDAY

3:00 pm Session 1: Contract Law - 101 (Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP) 

4:00 pm Session 2: Getting paid - The importance of Musical Work Registration. CMRRA in conversation with Peer Music.

5:00-6:00 pm: Mixer

 

Session 1: Contract Law 101 - Unlock The Power of Contracts w/ Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP 

Dive into the big, bad legal landscape as it pertains to artists and music professionals, from contracts to safeguarding your creative assets. Join us as we dive into the crucial aspects of contract negotiation and management, designed for creators, performers, and business professionals alike. No matter what stage you are in your career, this event will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complex world of contracts confidently and effectively.

About Adrian Barnardo: 

Adrian Barnardo is an associate at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP. He joined the firm as a summer student in 2015 and articled with the firm in 2016-2017. He was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2017. Adrian is a graduate of California State University (B.A. in Political Science & Government) and Osgoode Hall Law School (J.D.). He practices generally in the area of entertainment and media law.

Prior to pursuing his legal studies, Adrian attended Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA, where he studied in the percussion program. He spent the following 10 years performing throughout the U.S. & Canada in various Los Angeles based bands. In his spare time, Adrian continues to play the drums, while also pursing his newfound interest in drum restoration.

About Shayna Jan

Shayna Jan is an associate at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP. Shayna joined the firm as a summer student in 2021 and articled with the firm in 2022-2023. She was admitted to the Ontario bar in 2023 and now practices generally in the areas of entertainment and media law.

Prior to obtaining her J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School, Shayna attended the University of Toronto, where she graduated summa cum laude. While in law school, Shayna acted as President of the Osgoode Fashion Law Society and also participated in the Intellectual Property Law and Technology Intensive, where she had the opportunity to intern at the Globe and Mail. In addition to this experience, Shayna has worked with music non-profits, talent agencies, and legal clinics, where she acted for influencers, musicians, artists, writers, actors, directors, and other creatives. She has a wide variety of experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts in the entertainment context.

Session 2: Getting paid: The importance of Musical Work Registration. CMRRA in conversation with Peer Music.

Get paid for your mechanical royalties! What does that mean? Join Marianne Anderson, Publisher Relations Manager at Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA) in conversation with Rachael Clark, Head of Music Administration at peermusic. Discover why musical work registration is crucial for Publishers and Self-Published Songwriters to ensure you are paid. Gain organizational tips, career advice and explore the symbiotic relationship between Collective Management Organizations (CMO) and Publishers.

 

Speakers:

Marianne Anderson, Publisher Relations Manager at CMRRA

Marianne is the Publisher Relations Manager at the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA), a SoundExchange company. Marianne joined CMRRA in 1996 as a Royalty Administrator shortly after graduating from two Music Industry Arts programs and an Office Administration program at Fanshawe College. Shortly thereafter, she was promoted to the role of Supervisor of Royalty Inquiries and Distribution. With the advent of online/digital licensing in Canada in 2004, Marianne became the first Supervisor of Online and Tariff Licensing at CMRRA. Marianne’s nuanced understanding of both digital and tariff licensing and royalty processing and distribution, combined with a passion for building relationships, sharing knowledge, and helping music publishers and self-published songwriters navigate the complex world of reproduction rights, naturally led Marianne to her current role.

Rachel Clark, Head of Music Administration at peermusic

Rachael Clark, Head of Administration at peermusic Canada. Prior to joining peermusic in 2016 as Copyright & Office Administrator, Rachael worked at CMRRA in the Membership Services & Copyright departments. She is the relationship manager for SOCAN, CMRRA, and major & independent labels. She sits on the Music Publishers Canada NxtGen committee. Rachael specializes in copyright management & royalties, and has been instrumental in the Canadian implementation of such important sub-publisher catalogues as: Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, Wise Music, and Big Machine Music.