Refolkus

Today we have the honour of sitting down with the multi-talented singer-songwriter, Julian Taylor to explore the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to build resilience and achieve artistic growth. 

Julian's career has been a testament to the power of perseverance. From his early days as a fully DIY musician to his current status as a celebrated artist, Julian has weathered the storms of rejection, industry changes, and personal setbacks with unwavering determination. 

During this episode, Julian opens up about the defining moments that tested his resilience, from critical career choices to creative breakthroughs. He shares his experiences of navigating the ever-shifting music industry, including invaluable advice on maintaining mental and emotional well-being in an industry that can often be unpredictable and demanding. 

Join us for this inspiring episode as Julian Taylor shares his personal journey of resilience, imparting wisdom that will undoubtedly leave you motivated and equipped to face any challenge that comes your way in the pursuit of a fulfilling and enduring music career.

About Julian Taylor

After 25 years in music, building an unimpeachable reputation as a truly independent artist and entrepreneur, Julian Taylor now owns his legacy. From the formative rock of Staggered Crossing to the genre fusion of Julian Taylor Band, and now his revered work as a solo singer-songwriter, Julian owns the right to it all and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. 

It’s rare in this era to see an artist build slowly and reach a new level of widespread acclaim two decades into their career. But Julian’s ethos, work ethic, and artistry has always had a timeless quality to it. And so, he’s built things slowly in a DIY fashion, withstanding highs and lows along the way, ultimately reaching the peak of his powers with his latest solo work. Fans and critics have noticed, granting Julian the Solo Artist of the Year honour at the Canadian Folk Music Awards (and nomination in the English Songwriter category), plus two Juno Award nominations in 2021, as well as a Polaris Music Prize nomination.

Follow Julian on Social Media: 

Website

Julian Taylor’s Jukebox

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

As creatives, we often feel more comfortable telling other people’s stories rather than our own. What facts should you include? How do you ensure you sound humble, articulate and interesting without seeming egotistical?

Just like any art form, there’s a combination of art and science that goes into writing your bio, and our guest, No Depression editor Hilary Saunders, has mastered the combination through years as a journalist and editor for one of the world's most well-respected music publications.

Listen in as we demystify the process of how to uncover the lede in your personal story, to assemble a bio that is compelling, and 100% you. 

About Hilary Saunders

Hilary Saunders is the Managing Editor at No Depression, the leading source for roots music since 1995. She manages the quarterly print publication, where she strives to highlight under-represented voices in this niche musical community. As Managing Editor, she also serves as the liaison for the publication’s nonprofit publisher, the 501(c)(3) FreshGrass Foundation.

With more than 10 years accruing journalistic bylines and two-and-a-half years in arts administration, Hilary is well-versed in writing and editing features, marketing copy, social media posts, business plans, artist biographies, style guides, and pretty much any other product you can creatively conjure using words.

Hilary is a proud alumna of The U, member of the National Press Club and Society of Professional Journalists — NYC Chapter, and un-ironic believer that rock and roll can save the world.

Follow Hilary on Social Media: 

No Depression

Website

Instagram

Twitter

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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

It’s a fallacy to believe that if you love to perform, that you won’t get nervous… Or that if you’re working in your passion, that you won’t feel anxiety.

The truth is actually anything but, and musicians and artists, like any humans, can feel stressed before, during and after performances (i.e. at any time in life!).

But don’t let the truth about stress get you down. The path forward to creating greater calm can be easier than you think - and Cindy Doire, registered psychotherapist, is here to show you the way. 

Discover powerful breathing techniques that can ground you in the present moment, and bring you back into your body. Experience the empowerment of regaining control over your anxiety, and add another tool in your toolbox for mental health and wellness. 

Take a deep breath and tune in now!

About Cindy Doire

Cindy is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying), a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), a somatic coach, and an award-winning singer/songwriter. As a therapist, teacher, artist, and coach, she embraces how different every day and every moment is, and she allows the flow direction to come from the here-and-now. The journey is never linear, and it looks different for everyone; embracing individuality and the complexity of each person is essential.

Follow Cindy on Social Media: 

Website

Instagram

YouTube

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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 Chopp (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

Folk has been described as music  “by the people, for the people” but does that include all people?

In today’s episode, we chat with Folk Recovery Executive Producer, Kejo Buchanan, who walks us through their thoughts of how the future of folk is being defined by Artists and Community. 

We chat about the different ways in which gatekeepers still prevail in this genre, and celebrate the ways in which we can be more inclusive and forward thinking.

Tune in to find out how you can learn from your own journey, as we embark on a renewed quest to ‘find your Folk’.

As a bonus, you’ll bear witness to host Rosalyn Dennett coming up with the phrase “Folk around and find out”. T-shirt anyone?

About Kejo Buchanan

Kejo Buchanan is a knowledge sharer and creative, invested as a Librarian at the Toronto Reference Library Arts Department, they host the show Jali Journey that curates folk acoustic sound through community radio at CJRU.ca, and is the Executive Producer for FolkRecovery.org.

Follow Kejo on Social Media: 

Folk Recovery

Instagram

Full LinkTree

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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

With free social media platforms easily accesible to everybody, what are the advantages to keeping a website up and running?

Today, we talk with Bandzoogle's Learning and Development Coordinator, Joseph Longo to analyse the digital landscape, and how to optimize your online calling cards. Learn tips on designing your website, how to properly market yourself online, and ways to harness online tools to start generating income through your site.

About Bandzoogle:
Website
Blog

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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

A Banjoist's Guide To Marketing with Chris Coole

What if we told you that to be successful in marketing your music, you did not have to be on social media?  So many musicians struggle to keep up with the content creation process, but what if it wasn’t completely necessary?  

In today’s episode, we talk with Chris Coole, and discuss how he has successfully run marketing for his business with nothing but an email list for almost 3 decades.

Listen in as Chris describes how he built a thriving email list and why he only decided to join social media in February of 2020.

Learn how to leverage these insights to create a successful marketing plan for your music business.

About Chris Coole

Since falling in love with the sound of folk and early country music at the age of seventeen, you could loosely divide Chris Coole’s 30-year career as a full-time musician into three eras – ten years as a Toronto street and subway busker; ten years playing bluegrass residencies around Toronto’s bar scene; and ten years touring internationally; both solo and with the likes of The Lonesome Ace Stringband, The David Francey Band, and The Foggy Hogtown Boys. 

Throughout this musical journey, Chris has perhaps become best known as being one of the leading purveyors of the modern clawhammer-style banjo. He has developed a highly personal style that has often been described as instantly recognizable.

This unique voice on the instrument has not gone unnoticed by his fellow musicians and has led to playing as a collaborator (Ivan Rosenberg, Erynn Marshall, Arnie Naiman), sideman (Jim Cuddy, Natalie McMaster, Justin Rutledge, John Reischman, Sylvia Tyson), or producer (The Slocan Ramblers, David Francey)  on over 200 recordings. 

Follow Chris on Social Media: 

Chris Coole Website

Instagram

Youtube

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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

Learning a new instrument can be a daunting task for anyone, especially when it’s an instrument that isn’t seen regularly in the Western World.

Our guest today, Sophie Lukacs did just that in her early twenties when she was first exposed to the kora.

After studying with various teachers in Burkina Faso, Paris and Mali she got out of her comfort zone and started improvising during performances. This unlocked a new level of creativity and opened musical doors she didn’t know were there.

For anyone who has ever wanted to dive into new musical exploration (or for anyone who has taken the plunge and has felt like a fish out of water), this is an episode for you to feel both inspired and seen, through Sophie’s story.

About Sophie Lukacs

Hailing from Montreal by way of Budapest, Hungary, Sophie Lukacs is a kora player, singer and composer. Trained on the violin in classical music from a young age, a chance trip to Burkina Faso in her early twenties completely changed her musical direction, and her life. It's there she discovered the kora: a 21-stringed harp-lute from the Mandingue empire. She began lessons shortly after, and travelled to Paris for a master class with kora legend Toumani Diabaté. When he invited her to study with him in Bamako, Mali, she packed her bags and never looked back. Sophie spent seven years in Mali (learning fluent Bambara along the way), studying with kora masters Toumani Diabaté, Ballake Sissokos' family, and two years with the Ensemble Instrumentale du Mali.

Watch the Performance Video Here

Follow Sophie:
Official Website

Youtube 

Instagram 

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

Have you ever thought about what it takes to get started in the ever-expanding world of live-streaming?

In this mini episode, successful Twitch streamer, Danielle Allard, joins us to give a quick rundown on how you can easily start to test the waters of live streaming too!

Listen in as she highlights the basic requirements needed to get started, as well as some tips to get you off on the right foot!

If you’ve been putting off getting started in live streaming, this is your sign that it’s time! Connect with new fans, strengthen relationships with existing fans, and truly discover yourself as a performer and artist.

About Danielle Allard

Danielle Allard is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Twitch Partner. This Ottawa artist has toured Germany, Portugal and much of Canada but also performs 3 times a week for an international audience as a music streamer.

Featured in the New York Times for her livestreams, her festival appearances include features at Ottawa Bluesfest, Jazz Fest and a main stage appearance at City Folk Festival. 

She has 3 studio releases and 5 projects in the making. Her 2022 release called INVADER is a concept album accompanied by a 6 video series.

Follow Danielle

Twitch

Patreon

Youtube 

Instagram 

Twitter

Facebook 

Discord

Bandcamp

Spotify

Apple

Amazon

______________

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

“The show must go on!” 

That was Danielle Allard’s thinking when the pandemic suspended all of her live in-person performances for the foreseeable future. 

Wanting to continue to perform, write and grow, Danielle turned to Twitch, where she began to build an online audience by live streaming her writing and recording sessions.

Now, she has a Twitch community of almost 20K followers who tune in to her three, weekly live streams, which allow them to join in on her studio sessions, and encourage her to keep growing as an artist and a performer. 

In this episode, Danielle speaks about the reality of live events being shut down and having to quickly pivot in a time of uncertainty. She discusses how she grappled with imposter syndrome and self-doubt while paving a new path in the streaming world, and how the community she built helped her to truly grow. 

About Danielle Allard

Danielle Allard is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Twitch Partner. This Ottawa artist has toured Germany, Portugal and much of Canada but also performs 3 times a week for an international audience as a music streamer.

Featured in the New York Times for her livestreams, her festival appearances include features at Ottawa Bluesfest, Jazz Fest and a main stage appearance at City Folk Festival. 

She has 3 studio releases and 5 projects in the making. Her latest release called INVADER is a concept album accompanied by a 6 video series.

Follow Danielle:

Twitch

Patreon

Youtube 

Instagram 

Twitter

Facebook 

Discord

Bandcamp

Spotify

Apple

Amazon

______________

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

Whether it’s through lyrics that resonate, musicality that moves emotionally, or stage performances that build incredible memories, building a connection with their audience is an artist’s highest aim.

After all, music has a special place in the human experience. Once you’ve formed a connection - a memory - tied to music, just hearing that song can bring you back to that special time and place. 

Music is truly transcendent.

However, if you’re the one creating and performing it, how do you imbue it with meaning for the listener?

After five decades of writing, recording and performing, Fred Penner is a master of creating connection with audiences both young and young at heart. 

In this episode, Fred shares the story of his career, and lessons he’s learned about how artists can see their role as creators and curators of experiences, and build a meaningful legacy along the way.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself travelling back in time to your own childhood (or even adulthood!) memories of Fred’s music, as we speak to the man and the legend himself.

About Fred Penner

At an early childhood education conference, acclaimed family entertainer, singer/songwriter, composer, actor, writer, author, TV host and keynote speaker Fred Penner delivered a simple, yet powerful message. “Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child.” With more than 40 years of commitment to the Canadian music industry Fred has shared his talents with multiple generations. 

Fred is a four time Juno award recipient and starred in13 seasons (nearly 1000 episodes) of the hit CBC TV series Fred Penner’s Place. Over these decades, Fred has toured extensively across North America and created 13 albums of music for his legions of fans. His visibility has allowed him the privilege and joy of using his voice as a spokesperson for World Vision, UNICEF, UNESCO, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, and countless other organizations working with children on our planet.

This seasoned performer’s ability to blend his considerable talents has garnered critical acclaim and a host of awards, including the Order of Canada, Order of Manitoba and induction into the Western Canadian music Hall of Fame.

Follow Fred on Social Media

Official Website

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter

Apply to Showcase at the 2023 Folk Music Ontario Conference - OCTOBER 12-15, LONDON, ON

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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