Refolkus

Welcome back to season 2 of ReFolkUs. We have a very exciting season ahead where we chat to artists and music industry professionals about building sustainable careers as creative workers, with a focus on folk.

This week’s episode is a recording of a live listening party and conversation with folk legend Sylvia Tyson that took place at this year’s Folk Music Ontario Conference. We chat to Sylvia all about her new album, ‘At The End Of The Day’, her writing process, the inspiration behind the lyrics and get a preview of some of her new songs.

Sylvia Tyson’s new album At The End Of The Day was released on November 3, 2023, three weeks after this was recorded, on Stony Plain Records.

Buy or stream the album here

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Sylvia Tyson, known as Canada's ‘folk-country music matriarch’, emerged as an internationally respected songwriter during the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene. Originally from Chatham, Ontario, she moved to Toronto at 18, gaining acclaim for her polished alto voice and forming the influential folk duo Ian & Sylvia with Ian Tyson .The duo led the singer-songwriter movement from 1961 to 1975, releasing 13 albums and achieving commercial success. Sylvia's breakthrough songwriting included the hit "You Were on My Mind," covered by numerous artists. The album Great Speckled Bird has long been recognized as pioneering the genre of country-rock. After the duo's era, she embarked on a solo career, releasing albums like "Woman's World" and contributing to Quartette. Tyson's impact extends to her roles in various music organizations, and she is honored in the Canadian Music and Country Music Halls of Fame, the Order of Canada, and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

ReFolkUs is back with a special pre-conference drop, where we will be releasing four episodes prior to the Folk Music Ontario Conference being held in London, Ontario on October 12th-15th.

In this week’s episode, we chat to Melanie Brulée, the Executive Director of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC). Melanie shares her recommendations and what to expect when attending a music conference which include how to prepare for your showcase, how to take care of your physical and mental well-being prior to and during the conference and some post-conference tips. 

If you are new to conferencing or looking for some hot tips about getting the most out of your experience, this episode is for you. 

Follow the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition online:

Website

Social Media @ottawamic

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Melanie Brulée is an award-winning Franco-Ontarian artist, community leader, and mental health advocate born and raised in Cornwall Ontario. While her musical journey began busking on the streets of Australia, she now embodies multiple facets of the arts sector, taking a step away from the stage to amplify the music industry's underrepresented voice as the new executive director at the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC). In addition to years of performing and touring, Melanie has worked as a consultant, mentor, booking and PR agent, and radio promoter for Indigenous artists. Her passion for collaboration and advocacy has led her to initiate numerous projects including founding a women-led collective of songwriters, fundraising and speaking on behalf of mental health organizations, and developing youth workshops on songwriting and self-confidence. In her work as a dynamic organizer and facilitator, Melanie’s purpose is to connect, unite, and empower the communities around her.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

ReFolkUs is back with a special pre-conference drop, where we will be releasing four episodes prior to the Folk Music Ontario Conference being held in London, Ontario on October 12th-15th.

Named after Estelle Klein, a long-time advocate of Canadian Folk music and one of the initial founders of the Folk festival scene, the Estelle Klein Award honours the work of an individual or group that has made significant contributions to Ontario’s folk music community. For the first time in 2023, the Estelle Klein Award has been divided into two separate areas of recognition - The Community Builder Award, and The Lifetime Achievement Award. 

In this week’s episode, we chat to Erin Benjamin, who is the 2023 recipient of the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award. Erin takes us back to the early days of her career as both a musician and a performing artist and dives into the story of how she became the very first Executive Director of Folk Music Ontario (originally called OCFF). We also chat to Erin about the incredibly important work that she is currently doing with the Canadian Live Music Association and her priorities and hopes for the next 5 years of her career.

Erin is a champion for the live music industry; our festivals, venues and live music workers. Congratulations to Erin Benjamin on winning the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award.

Follow Erin Benjamin and the Canadian Live Music Association online:

Website

Social Media @canadian_live

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An award-winning community builder and driving force in Canadian Association leadership, Erin Benjamin has worked in the music industry for over 25 years. Originally a touring and recording artist and then as executive director of both Folk Music Ontario (2001) and the Canadian Arts Presenting Association (2008), today Erin continues her work as the first and only President & CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association (since its founding in 2014). An unflagging champion for the live music sector, particularly during COVID-19, she currently serves as a board member for the Ottawa Board of Trade, the United Way Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Film Office. Over the years she has served a wide variety of organizations as a board member including The Unison Fund, Folk Alliance International, the Songwriters Association of Canada, the National Arts Centre’s Creation Fund, RBC Ottawa Bluesfest and others. She is the proud recipient of several awards including the Jackie Washington Award (NLFB, 1998), Ontario 150 Award (2017), the United Way’s Community Ambassador Award (2019), Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s Resiliency Award (2021), and the Spirit of Folk Award (FAI, 2022), and the Estelle Klein Award (FMO, 2023) all in recognition of her service to community. Erin lives in a vibrant downtown neighbourhood with her amazing kids and perfect pandemic puppy and can often be found on the golf course in the pursuit of happiness. 

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

ReFolkUs is back with a special pre-conference drop, where we will be releasing four episodes prior to the Folk Music Ontario Conference being held in London, Ontario on October 12th-15th.

Named after Estelle Klein, a long-time advocate of Canadian Folk music and one of the initial founders of the Folk festival scene, the Estelle Klein Award honours the work of an individual or group that has made significant contributions to Ontario’s folk music community. For the first time in 2023, the Estelle Klein Award has been divided into two separate areas of recognition - The Community Builder Award, and The Lifetime Achievement Award. 

In this week’s episode, we chat to Treasa Levasseur, this year's recipient of the Estelle Klein Community Builder Award. Treasa’s name is synonymous with community. When she puts her creative heart into a project, around her grows a fellowship of artists, students, and dreamers, inspired by her effusive joy, thoughtful curation, and intentional programming. 

In this interview, Treasa dives into the role and impact that music has had on her life from a young age, her very first folk music conference experience, the importance of having integrity and intention in music programming and some wise words about the love, strength and friendship that the folk community holds.

Congratulations to Treasa Levasseur on the Estelle Klein Community Builder Award.

Follow Treasa online:

Website

Social Media @treasalevasseur

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Treasa Levasseur is a busy creative who wears many hats with enthusiasm. She is a JUNO-nominated songwriter, a seasoned sideperson and has self-released 4 albums over the course of her career as a front person. These days she is finding fresh inspiration in her work as a community music facilitator, program administrator and arts educator, as well as being an in demand MC and pop-up choir leader. 

Treasa helmed the Developing Artist Program at Folk Music Ontario for 6 years and recently completed a six year stint at Folk Alliance International. Elle est une fierte Franco-Ontarienne, and a proud Hamiltonian, and believes strongly in the power of personal expression as an agent of positive change.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

ReFolkUs is back with a special pre-conference drop, where we will be releasing four episodes prior to the Folk Music Ontario Conference being held in London, Ontario on October 12th-15th.

One-on-one meetings, also known as pitch meetings or speed meetings, are a dedicated time for two people to meet - at Folk Music Ontario, we call them ‘Lightning Talks’. They take place online pre-conference and participants are given the chance to connect with industry experts and other conference attendees before the event begins.

In this week’s episode, we chat to Valerie Denn about her workshop ‘Pitch Craft’ and how to get the most out of these lightning talks. Valerie explains how folks can best represent themselves in these meetings, what materials to bring, how to be memorable and stand out from the crowd, and guides listeners through some do’s and don'ts.

Follow Valerie online:

Facebook

Website

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Valerie is very active in the World Music/Roots/Americana/ community as an agent and a manager. She is passionate about her artists and especially adept at helping her clients with export development and building global careers. Val served for four years on the Board of Directors for Folk Alliance International where she also served a term as President. Val teaches and partners with other industry events to lead workshops/panels for the enrichment of the creative/artistic process.

She has been a mentor at SXSW, Mundial Montreal, WOMEX, Folk Music Canada, ECMA’s and participated on numerous panels at industry events. She currently is on the board as interim President of Folk Music Canada and a board member of the Live Music Society- which gives grants to small venues in the US.  Val is the Canadian Ambassador for The House of Songs based in Austin, Texas. This organization matches songwriters globally for co-writing experiences and has residencies in Austin, Bentonville, AR,  New York City, and opening new “houses” in Nordic countries.

In her spare time, she is an organic farmer and potter with her husband of 41 years in Nova Scotia Canada.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week’s episode of ReFolkUs, we dive into the world of wellness for musicians, with special guest Anna Ruddick, a renowned bassist, and passionate advocate for musicians' mental, physical, and financial well-being. 

Navigating the intricate landscape of a creative career can be a daunting task for anyone, but musicians face unique circumstances that demand a specialized approach. Anna’s extensive experience as a professional musician and dedication to supporting her peers draws from her wealth of knowledge to offer invaluable advice and strategies for artists aiming to create long lasting and sustainable careers. 

She sheds light on the significance of setting realistic financial goals, managing taxes as a musician, and planning for long-term financial stability. Furthermore, Anna highlights the essential role of organizations like the Unison Fund in supporting musicians during challenging times. She discusses the resources and assistance available through the Unison Fund, emphasizing its mission to provide emergency financial relief, counseling, and healthcare support to musicians in need. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

The Unison Fund

Work In Culture

Togetherall

Follow Anna online:

Instagram

Website

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Anna Ruddick is a graduate of McGill university’s Jazz Performance program and postgraduate studies in Arts Administration and Cultural Management at Humber College. In her young career, Anna has risen to become one of the most in-demand and versatile bassists in Canada. She has performed on more than fifty studio albums spanning across many genres. Some of her notable recording work includes Randy Bachman’s power trio album ‘Heavy Blues’ (2015), Bry Webb’s critically acclaimed studio album ‘Free Will’ (2014) and live album ‘Live at Massey Hall’ (2015), Paul Reddick’s 2017 Juno Award winning album ‘Ride The One’ (2016) and Lee Harvey Osmond’s 2020 Juno Award winning album “Mohawk” (2019). 

In addition to her session work, Anna has performed live and toured with a who’s-who of Canadian and international artists, most notably City and Colour, Fefe Dobson, Amanda Rheaume, Erin Costelo, and Ian Blurton’s quartet Future Now. After over a decade as a full-time working musician, Anna is passionate about advocating for the financial and emotional wellbeing of Canadian Music Industry workers and has been working with The Unison Fund, Canada’s Music Charity since 2020, as Manager of Industry Relations.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)

Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage

In this episode Rosalyn sits down with Ben Whiteley, a talented bassist and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto. Ben comes from a family of professional musicians and has an impressive career performing with renowned artists such as Basia Bulat, Julia Jacklin, and Sarah Harmer. He has also made appearances on NPR's Tiny Desk concerts and various international festivals. 

Ben dives into his musical journey, starting from his early experiences as a teenager in a rock band to his first paid gig at the Rivoli in Toronto. Ben shares how his father, Ken Whiteley, played a crucial role in his development as a musician and how performing with him helped him find his own path as a side player. They discuss the importance of being present on stage and the joy that comes from making music together. 

Ben shares valuable insights on embracing mistakes and finding the balance between precision and spontaneity in live performances. He also reflects on the role of entertainment in music and the responsibility of bringing joy and connection to the audience. 

The conversation takes an interesting turn as they explore Ben's additional roles as a tour manager for artists like Basia Bulat and the Weather Station. He explains how diversifying his responsibilities as a musician has helped him support artists in a more comprehensive way while navigating the challenges of touring. 

Join Rosalyn and Ben in this insightful episode as they uncover the intricacies of a musician's life and the various roles they play on and off the stage.

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Ben Whiteley is a Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist. Born into a family of professional musicians, he developed his musical sensibilities at a young age. By 18, he was performing regularly with his father, Canadian roots artist and producer, Ken Whiteley. Since then, Ben has recorded and performed internationally with revered artists including Basia Bulat, Julia Jacklin, The Weather Station, Sarah Harmer, Hannah Georgas, Tim Baker, Fred Penner and Raffi. He has performed on multiple Juno award-winning and Polaris shortlist records and has preformed on NPR’s Tiny Desk, Jools Holland, Jimmy Kimmel, Austin City Limits, KEXP, Q on CBC, and most major international folk and rock festivals.

Follow Ben on Social Media: 

Instagram

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)

Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage

In this episode, Rosalyn sits down with Saskia Tomkins, as they discuss the invitations for vulnerability that can come with the highs and lows of living in a post-pandemic age.

Tune in, as they consider concepts of self-discovery, creative expression, and having the courage to take the lead in sharing your story; as Saskia also offers listeners her reflections on how she navigates the connection between music, identity, and culture.

In this episode we are thrilled to premiere the live video “Farewell to Music” performed by Saskia Tomkins. The track was recorded live off the floor at the 2022 Folk Music Ontario Conference. 

Link to “Saskia Tomkins - Farewell to Music” live video 

Link to “Saskia Tomkins + Mixed Museum” 

About Saskia Tomkins

Saskia Tomkins is a master musician, educator, a composer, and multi-instrumentalist, performing on violin, viola, cello and Nyckelharpa. 

UK born, she is classically trained with a folk background and a B.A.hons. in Jazz Music. As an All-Britain Champion Irish Fiddler, in 2022, she also received an award for services to Irish Music in Canada.

Saskia was the official Artist in Residence, in 2022, with Folk Alliance International, and is currently Artist in Residence with British-based organization The Mixed Museum - which works to preserve and share the social history of racial mixing in Britain of Black and ethnic minorities for future generations.

Over the years, Saskia has worked with many musicians, including: The Chieftains, Sultans of String, Jabbour, MEDUSA, and many other fabulous acts along with her husband Steáfán Hannigan and son Oisín Hannigan.

Follow Saskia on Social Media: 

Website

Tik Tok

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

Bandcamp

Patreon

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)

Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage

Late night gigs. Recording Sessions. Touring. The erratic schedules of working musicians make work-life balance a tough thing to achieve. Add a partner and a growing child to the mix, and finding that balance gets even tougher!

In this episode, Rosalyn sits down with Moonfruits Alex Millaire and Kaitlin Milroy, as they share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned while balancing the demands of a music career with the responsibilities of raising a family.

From the challenges of finding childcare to the importance of fostering a supportive community, Moonfruits candidly share their strategies for maintaining a harmonious balance between their roles as artists and parents. 

This episode also delves into the broader landscape of parenting in the music industry, touching on topics such as work-life integration, self-care, and the need for flexibility and adaptability. 

Whether you're a musician, a parent, or simply interested in the intersection of art and family life, this conversation is sure to resonate deeply and provide valuable insights for listeners of all backgrounds.

About Moonfruits

Moonfruits craft contemporary folk that addresses our collective humanity with heart, wit, and wonder. Led by partners Alex Millaire and Kaitlin Milroy, Moonfruits pen songs in both French and English, reflecting their bilingual lived experience in their hometown of Ottawa.

The band harmonizes over assiduous arrangements of guitar, banjo, chord organ, and glockenspiel, weaving song-worlds that rouse and serenade in equal measure. Theirs is the music of open-minded dreamers and diligent doers, music that confronts dehumanizing capitalism and environmental catastrophe with a rousing message of solidarity.

Moonfruits have gone from serenading market-goers as buskers in Ontario and Europe to connecting with audiences in prestigious listening rooms (National Arts Centre, Place des Arts) and festivals (Philadelphia Folk Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest, Festival of Small Halls Ontario). Since the release of their début full-

length concept album Ste-Quequepart (2017), they have garnered Stingray Rising Star, SOCAN, and Trille Or awards and toured their transportive live show across Canada, the US, France, Belgium, and Germany.

Moonfruits’ anticipated sophomore album, Salt (Oct 2022), is a lushly orchestrated 12-song suite that explores what it means to the band to live, dream, and raise a child in an era of climate change and deepening socio-economic inequality.

Watch 'Salt"  
Recorded live at the Folk Music Ontario Conference 2022

Follow Moonfruits on Social Media: 

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

Bandcamp

Spotify

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)

Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage

Embracing your Entreprenurial Self with Jenny Whiteley

Today we sit down with multiple JUNO Award-winning folk singer Jenny Whiteley, to explore her unique journey growing up in a “working-musician” family, to coming into her own as an entrepreneur within the music industry. Now, Jenny is running a successful series of music camps, along with continuing to write and perform. Join us as we discover how Jenny has embraced her entrepreneurial spirit to create a thriving career. 

About Jenny Whiteley

Jenny Whiteley grew up in a musical family in Toronto, Ontario. Her father and uncle, Chris and Ken Whiteley, started playing music together in their teens, and went on to form the popular Original Sloth Band in the heyday of Toronto folk.  As "the kids" Jenny and her brother Dan were always along for the fun at festivals and concerts, soaking up all the sounds and influences of folk, old time and blues.

Jenny has been inspired in her latest project to channel her early influences and musical life - her brand new recording “The Original Jenny Whiteley” includes several originals “in the style” of early jazz, jug band and old time music.  There are also some of Jenny`s live “hits” here, including In The Pines and Stealin`.  The recording sessions were all done live off the floor at H. Chris Brown`s Wolfe Island Post Office Studio, with producer-musician Sam Allison and Teillard Frost (Sheesham and Lotus).

Old School Camp

Follow Jenny on Social Media: 

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Fraser (Murdoch Entertainment)

Recorded by Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage