Refolkus

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 and advice for Canadian artists looking to enter the UK market, including strategic tips on booking and promoting a successful tour there.

Join Sound Roots Connect, a brand new platform offering artists information and education on different areas of the music industry.

Find English Folk Expo online:

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Website

Find Manchester Folk Festival online:

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Website

Find Playpen Agency online:

Website

About Terry O’Brien

Terry is the founder and a director of Arts Council England NPO, Sound Roots, which runs the annual national showcase English Folk Expo (EFEx), Manchester Folk Festival and supports the English folk scene year round. Terry has also run Playpen Agency for over twenty years, representing a host of award-winning artists including Grace Petrie, Spiers & Boden, Daoirí Farrell and more.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

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 over the years.

Find Kwende online:

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Find CKCU-FM online:

Website

Instagram

Get involved with CKCU by volunteering or donating.

About Kwende Kefentse

Kwende Kefentse is the Executive Director of CKCU-FM. His 20+ year career bridges the worlds of creative practice, cultural industries, and civic leadership / city building. In his former job as Cultural Industries Development Officer for the City of Ottawa he led the development of Ottawa's Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage, and Culture (2013-2018) and the Ottawa Music Strategy (2018-2020), among other critical city-wide cultural initiatives. He serves on the Boards of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, Ottawa Film Office, and Carleton University Art Gallery and the Washington D.C.-based Music Policy Forum (Emeritus). As DJ Memetic of the TIMEKODE collective his productions have received critical acclaim from international outlets like Vice Thump, Radio Nova, and Wax Poetics. He has been requested as an opening performer for luminaries like Nas and Barack Obama. Kwende has earned a Masters of Research (MRes) from UCL's Bartlett School of Architecture focussed on the spatial dynamics of cultural production in the music industry. 

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

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 and reveals her top recommendations for crafting a standout funding strategy.

Funding programs recommended in this episode:

Canada Council Explore and Create: Research and Creation

Canada Council Explore and Create: Concept to Realization

FACTOR Juried Sound Recording: Single/EP

FACTOR Juried Sound Recording: Album

Canadian Star Maker Fund - Orion Program

Ontario Arts Council - Music Creation Projects

Ontario Arts Council - Music Recording Projects

Find Samantha online:

Instagram

Website

About Samantha Matusoff 

Samantha Matusoff is a Canadian music industry professional who began her career in rural Quebec 20 years ago booking punk bands. Since then she's worn many hats from journalist Metro News Ottawa, Project Manager at CityFolk Festival, to Funding Manager at Coalition Music to running her own funding business, YouRockRed. Working with Juno and Grammy winners, Samantha has collaborated closely with artists such as Charlotte Cardin, Our Lady Peace, Lido Pimienta, and Aysanabee. As a funding expert who has raised more than $5M, she has spoken at Iceland Airwaves, Canadian Music Week, and mentored numerous emerging artists. Samantha is the CEO of Grantessa Creative & Consulting. She lives in Toronto with her husband and son. 

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

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 records to radio programmers and provides tips for artists on promoting their live shows through local radio.

Download Art Menius’s eBook, ‘The Basics of Promoting Recordings to Folk Radio’ here.

Find Art Menius online:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

About Art Menius

Art Menius operates Art Menius Radio and hosts “The Revolution Starts Now” on WHUP, Hillsborough, NC. Beginning in 1983 on the crew of Fire on the Mountain on The Nashville Network, he has produced concerts, festivals, and conferences and worked as a fundraiser, marketing director, emcee, stage manager, writer, and non-profit executive. The first Executive Director of IBMA (1985-1990), he served as FAI’s initial President in 1990 and Manager (1991-1996). MerleFest’s Associate Director (1997-2007), Menius then served as Executive Director of Appalshop in Whitesburg, KY and The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, NC, before starting Art Menius Radio in January 2015. He published several hundred music reviews, features, and previews over 40 years. He has hosted radio shows on four stations since 2007. In 2007 he received IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award and was inducted the next year into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, whose Trustees he now chairs. Married to bluegrass DJ and photographer Becky Johnson, Dar Williams called him a “true giant of American folk music.”

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This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Our podcast listeners can go to Bandzoogle.com to try it free for 30 days, and use the promo code “refolkus” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.

Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

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 toolkit should include.

Additionally, Sarah Jane talks about her experience as a mentor for the FMO Developing Artist Program and her newly released record, ‘Turn to Gold.’

Buy / Listen to ‘Turn to Gold’

Watch "Willie's Diamond Joe" performed and recorded live at the Folk Music Ontario Conference featuring Jessie Gosling & Nicholas Campbell, who were participants in the Developing Artist Program, as well as their mentor throughout the program Sarah Jane Scouten.

Find Sarah Jane Scouten online:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

About Sarah Jane Scouten

Sarah Jane Scouten is a Canadian folk and Americana songwriter. Her songs pay their respects to 60s and 70s country songwriters Willie Nelson, John Prine, Bobby Gentry and weave in British folk revival elements with a continuous thread leading back to her roots in bluegrass and old time music. After a transformative four years, training as a herbalist in southwest Scotland, Sarah Jane has released her fifth album Turned to Gold (Light Organ Records). Sarah Jane offers a new depth and solidity as a songwriter. With producer Johnny Payne's (The Shilohs) gift for modern vintage arrangement, this is destined to be your next favourite road trip album.

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This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Our podcast listeners can go to Bandzoogle.com to try it free for 30 days, and use the promo code “refolkus” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.

Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett
Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett
Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin
Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
Artwork by Jaymie Karn

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 scenarios to clarify when a visa is necessary and offers detailed guidance to address common questions.

Find the CFM online:

Facebook

Website

About Liana White

Liana is 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.

In addition to her position with the CFM, Liana chairs the Board of Women in Music Canada and is a member of the Canadian Labour Congress Women's Caucus.

In these roles, Liana has been serving the interests of professional musicians and labour for well over 25 years. In her capacity as CFM Executive Director, Liana is involved in every aspect of the union's operations, some of which includes lobbying for copyright reform, negotiating agreements benefiting musicians, and mentoring musicians in all aspects of their career.

Through her work with the CLC, Liana has served as an advocate of general labor interests for all Canadians for over 10 years, lobbying in support of national pharma care and affordable childcare, with a concentrated focus on women's rights on the global scale

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This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Our podcast listeners can go to Bandzoogle.com to try it free for 30 days, and use the promo code “refolkus” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.

Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

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, Quebec unique. Additionally, Jennifer introduces FOLK+, an online music conference featuring expert panels, networking opportunities, showcases, and more.

FOLK+ is taking place from June 5-6th, 2024. Registration is still open throughout the event here.

Official Showcase applications are open for the 2025 Folk Alliance International Conference in Montreal, QC. Apply here

Find Folk Alliance online:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Website

About Jennifer Roe

Jennifer Roe is the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International (FAI) and the leader of the team and folk music community. Jennifer joined the FAI team in 2013 igniting a passion for folk music. With over a decade of private sector experience, she assumed a pivotal role in leading FAI's staff and contractors and overseeing the day-to-day operations. She plays a key role in orchestrating the international conference. Jennifer's journey began in Washington, DC, where she worked on Capitol Hill for the Majority Leader of the Senate before transitioning to serve on a Presidential campaign. Jennifer channels her political background to advocate for arts and culture at both federal and state levels through her position at FAI. Jennifer is a strong steward of folk music culture and the connections between FAI's members. Her long history with the organization has stabilized operations and funding over her tenure.

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This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Our podcast listeners can go to Bandzoogle.com to try it free for 30 days, and use the promo code “refolkus” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.

Catch the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast with music from some of our special guests now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

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 fostering community through the festival. He also delves into how Hillside serves as a model for a 'green festival' — designed to minimize its environmental impact after the event ends.

Find Hillside Festival online:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

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Samir (Sam) Baijal has been the artistic director at the Hillside Festival since 1998. He also programs entertainment at the University of Guelph where he has worked for 30 years. His favourite activity is going to concerts. 

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

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 embracing disagreements and engaging in discourse to explore differing opinions.

Find Shakura S’Aida online:

Instagram

Facebook

Website

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Shakura S’Aida is an award winning performer who has traveled the globe for more than two decades connecting and inspiring audiences with her powerful vocals. An undeniable talent and an outspoken advocate for human rights and racial equality, her artistic work reflects that which impacts and connects us all. Love, conflict, community, life and death. A central figure in Toronto's music scene, the Brooklyn born, Swiss raised entertainer has garnered not only an international recording and touring career, but has shined on the theater stage as star and creator of the four woman tribute to Nina Simone, The Nina Project, and in roles on screen, including as Lena, member of the beloved Jazza Gals in the acclaimed series Schitt's Creek. Her latest album, Hold On To Love, was nominated for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the 2023 Juno Awards and won Album of the Year at the 2023 Ontario Folk Music Awards.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

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 explains his process of booking artists for the festival each year and dives into why he looks for artists that want to engage with the festival in more ways than just playing their set on stage.

Find Vancouver Island MusicFest online:

Facebook

Website

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Doug Cox is a Vancouver Island-based Musician, Producer, Instructor and event organizer with 42 years in the Music Industry. He is the long-standing producer (28 years) of Vancouver Island MusicFest. In 2017, Doug was inducted into the BC Music Hall of Fame as an industry Pioneer. In 2018, he guested on a Grammy Nominated album by San Antonio's Los Texmaniacs and in 2019, produced a Juno nominated album (Trad. Roots Album of the Year)  for April Verch in Nashville. He is also busy producing projects from his studio on Vancouver island. Recently, Doug has agreed to take on acting as Theatre manager/Artistic Director for Courtenay's Iconic Old Church Theatre. Doug is a catalyst among musicians and organizers for many fascinating collaborations. He believes in the power of music and community. 

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn