The Jim Cressman Podcast

Dave Faber is a Christian, a husband and a father of 4. He grew up in the back of mountainous Mission, BC with 6 siblings, his mom (Shirley) and dad (Fred).  At the age of 15 his dad bought him a Ludwig drum set on the promise that he would practice everyday and would only play Christian music. That $1,000 drum set was a big deal coming from a low income household in the early 90’s. So, Dave did his best to stick with his promise. When Dave turned 16 he was ready to do anything to start a band so he cold called his buddy from elementary school Colin Friesen. Colin told Dave that he already had his cousin Nate playing drums. Dave immediately said, “Is there any openings in the band? I just want to be in a band!” Colin’s response was, “We need a singer.” And that is how Dave started singing, writing, and performing live. The band with Dave, Colin Friesen, Nathan Rempel and Jared Bulat (called “Toadl Jids”) gigged for a few years but broke up soon after their 2nd album. Being the extremely talented musician that Colin Friesen was (and is), Dave continued to Jam with him but Colin was such an amazing drummer that he became Dave’s drummer for Dave’s second band “SEED”.  SEED won several battle of the bands, recorded 2 full length cd’s and played many live shows including the Gorge Amphitheater for Creationfest. By the time marriages and children started to intertwine with band life the band fell apart. However, Dave still wasn’t finished. Using the break up as “fuel for the fire”, Dave hunted down Nickelbacks producer Joey Moi, who, at that time, produced the biggest song in the world, “This Is How You Remind Me”. Dave started working with Joey and they started recording Faber Drives 1st album "Seven Second Surgery". Dave hand picked the band, which, included drummer Ray “Red” Bull (Dave’s 17 year old brother inlaw), Dave Hinsley and Jeremy “Krikit” Liddle. The band started touring relentlessly and opening for bands like Simple Plan, Sum 41 and Nickelback  Faber Drive has had Gold and Platinum singles (When I’m With You, Tongue Tied, Get Up and Dance) as well as 2 Juno nominations and is still releasing music. Isaiah Faber (Daves first born) was born in 1999 and started jamming with his dad on his first cheap plastic drumset at the age of 2 in their family living room. It’s important to mention that they didn’t have a TV in their basement suite for the 1st 10 years of Isaiah’s life. Isaiah went on to play drums for another 12 years and then slowly transitioned to lots of songwriting and beatmaking. Eventually, he surpassed his dad with his project “ Powfu ”.  Powfu’s worldwide smash “death bed” has now gone Platinum in 25 countries and accumulated over 3 Billion combined streams. Dave is Powfu’s manager.   Dave has 3 other children, Patience Faber, Faith Faber and (David) Dayton Faber. Patience has a project called “Sleeping”. Sleeping has been featured on many Powfu songs as well as some Faber Drive songs. Dave also manages Sleeping. Faith Faber has just graduated high school with “honor roll” grades and loves to cook/bake. Dayton Faber is a Pool playing hustler and also loves to fingerboard. Dave's wife Ricarda has been nothing short of an amazing wife, mother and friend. Ricarda decorates weddings and has been a massive reason why the Faber's have had such an amazing life. Raising their family in a Christian household with Christian values has kept their family together even through the craziest storms.  John 3:16  Dave still loves to write, produce and release music with his children whenever he can. Check the links below to hear the latest   Powfu   -         https://spoti.fi/3pOA79C  Sleeping   -     https://spoti.fi/3znxHSu  Faber Drive -  https://spoti.fi/3zkgxoQ

Sarah Burke is a programmer, host and storyteller.  She currently manages the Canadian music department at SiriusXM, overseeing the content and programming for fourteen Canadian music channels across several genres of music. She hosts various radio shows, including her weekly Sunday Service on SiriusXM’s North Americana and swing shifts at CIND-FM, Toronto’s New Alternative, Indie88.

ABOUT WOMEN IN MEDIA

The Women in Media Podcast looks to examine the powerhouse of women in media; from the music and entertainment industry to broadcast, sports and everything in between. Host Sarah Burke explores the collective challenges women face in a male-dominated industry through thoughtful discussion, influential guests and personal stories surrounding topics like bullying, motherhood, diversity and inclusivity. This isn’t a place to gossip or tear down men; the spirit of the podcast is to inspire and empower while finding productive ways to encourage mentorship and community.

Todd Jordan is Vice President of Paquin Artists Agency. Joining the team in 2001, Todd has represented a diverse roster of artists, including iconic performer Buffy Sainte-Marie, award-winning country act Corb Lund, world-music titans Afro Celt Sound System, and prestigious dance company, Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, among many others.

Todd has been an integral part in establishing Paquin Artists Agency's reputation as a premiere booking agency, representing over 150 acts globally. Under the direction of Todd and President Julien Paquin, Paquin Artists Agency has been honoured as Agency of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards for 11 years in a row. Todd has also received three nominations for Agent of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

Among his many accomplishments, Todd has worked to develop and expand Paquin Artists Agency's business ventures in Asia. Constantly travelling to countries around the world in pursuit of new talent, Todd has discovered and signed many ground-breaking world-music artists to tour in North America, such as Calypso Rose, LA-33, Dulsori, Manou Gallo, Peatbog Faeries, and more.

Todd has also lent his expertise to Manitoba's music community, sitting on the Manitoba Music Board from 2006 to 2012.

A Nashville native, Steve Lassiter got his start in the music business as a production assistant at Sound Seventy Productions in 1977 at the age of 19 while finishing a Recording Industry Management degree at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). After graduation, he pursued the agency business and held positions with ICS, Variety Artists Group (in Minneapolis), and Headline International before settling in at William Morris Agency, where he earned his VP stripes and became a stockholder.

Lassiter left William Morris in 1997 and started at APA Nashville in July of 1998. While at APA, he became Partner / Sr VP and then Co-Head of Worldwide Music, representing artists Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, Crystal Gayle, Lee Greenwood, Little Texas, Kansas, Jackyl, The Gatlin Brothers, and many others. After 36 years in the corporate agency world, Lassiter pivoted to launching Reliant Talent Agency with former APA associates in January 2021. Reliant’s diverse artist roster includes talent representing Americana, Comedy, Country, Rock, Jazz, and more. Some of the artists they represent are Travis Tritt, Kenny Loggins, Everclear, Rodney Carrington, Phil Vassar, Yacht Rock Revue, Take 6, Average White Band, Sister Hazel, and more (here).

He serves on the boards of National Association of Talent Directors (NATD) and Academy of Country Music (ACM), and formerly served on the IEBA and TJ Martell Foundation Boards. He also served as an adjunct professor at MTSU and Entertainment Director for the Tennessee State Harley Owners Group. He is a current member of the ACM, CMA, IEBA, Recording Academy, and the IAFE. He was awarded Talent Director of the Year from NATD in 2005, was named to the MTSU Wall of Fame in 2005, was the recipient of the NATD Honors Award in 2015 along with being named to Billboard's Nashville Power 100 and Variety’s Power Players lists in 2017.

Clifton, Fraser, and Victor of The Tenors have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful songs, outstanding harmonies, and undeniable charm. Reimagining iconic hits and blending classical music, contemporary pop, classic rock, and folk, the award-winning and multi-Platinum selling group have achieved international success, performing thousands of live shows and hundreds of national and international TV appearances on five continents.   The Tenors have graced the stages of many prominent theatres, symphony halls, festivals, and arenas worldwide. They have performed for the last four Presidents of the United States, at the White House Christmas Tree Lighting, for the world leaders at the G20 Summit, and for Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at Windsor Castle. The group have also had the honour of sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Celine Dion, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Sarah McLachlan, Sting, Justin Bieber, Andrea Bocelli, Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson, and David Foster.

The Tea Party, the multi-Platinum selling, multi-Juno Award nominated trio consisting of singer/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Jeff Martin, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Stuart Chatwood and drummer/percussionist Jeff Burrows has returned with Sunshower, a collection of five new songs that once again showcase their mastery of light and shade, and why they continue to occupy a unique place within the ever-changing musical landscape.

Set for release on Nov. 26, 2021 through Coalition Music, Sunshower serves as a companion piece to the 2019 EP Black River, presenting a message of hope in the face of the most challenging year we as a society have endured so far in the 21st century. Together, the EPs will comprise the eventual full-length album Blood Moon Rising, officially marking the latest chapter in The Tea Party’s on-going saga.

Since releasing its major-label debut album Splendor Solis in 1993, The Tea Party has come to be regarded as one of the world’s most innovative rock bands, with a sound that incorporates everything from traditional instrumentation from around the world, to cutting-edge digital technology.

Now, after more than 30 years as a band, The Tea Party is ready to open a new chapter in its saga, a story that remains rooted in the goal to create new, ambitious, and thought provoking music.

Country music singer-songwriter Kelly Prescott has officially released her single “Trailer Trashed” on all DSPs. The playful track has already earned the soulful artist a coveted spot as a finalist at SiriusXM’s Top of the Country. She will hit the stage as part of the Top of the Country showcase on November 26th at the 2021 Canadian Country Music Awards Week. Fans can watch the video for “Trailer Trashed” here, and stream and download it here.

Of “Trailer Trashed,” Kelly says “It's been a really tough year and a half and the last thing I wanted to do was write more sad music. I'm a big fan of tongue in cheek country and challenging gender norms. Women don't usually sneak too many cheesy pickup lines in a song so we thought it would be funny to do so.”

The release of this track marks the first at Kelly’s new home of Warner Music Canada. “Kelly’s an incredible songwriter who has a remarkable musical lineage. She has such an impressive voice, and I’ve long been inspired by her unbridled ‘say-anything’ lyrical style," says Ron Lopata, Vice President of A&R for Warner Music Canada.

In addition to the release of “Trailer Trashed,” Kelly has announced that she will be joining Alan Doyle on a slate of tour dates this fall. The shows run from November 9 through to November 28, and will bring Kelly through Halifax, Ottawa, London and Toronto to name just a few. See below for the full listing, or visit kellyprescottmusic.com for tickets.

Kelly Prescott comes by her music in the most honest way possible, as a third generation singer/songwriter on both sides of her family. Kelly and her family made their Grand Ole Opry debut as guests of Terri Clark in 2018. The past year has been a whirlwind for singer-songwriter Kelly Prescott since the release of her acclaimed EP “Love Wins.” The self-penned six song collection draws straight from her own heart, and just earned Prescott her first ever CCMA Award nomination for “Roots Album of the Year” and two CMAO nominations for “Album of the Year” and “Roots Artist of the Year.” She has toured all over North America with such acts as Alan Doyle, Kyle Cook (Matchbox 20) Terri Clark, Dallas Smith, Jim Cuddy, Colin James, Dean Brody, her former band The Claytones and performing as Emmylou Harris in the theatrical production of Grievous Angel: The Legend of Gram Parsons.

RJ Curtis is a 41-year Country radio/Music Row executive whose career has impacted nearly every aspect of the format. His resume features 30 years in major market radio (Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Antonio) where he served as Program Director, Operations Manager, Music Director, and on-air talent for iconic radio brands such as KNIX/Phoenix, KCYY/San Antonio and KZLA/Los Angeles, as well as the nationally syndicated “After Midnite” show. Curtis later spent 13 years providing insight, analysis and commentary on the Country music industry while writing and reporting for Radio & Records Magazine, Billboard, Country Aircheck, and All Access Music Group. His experience includes time in the record industry, too, with Arista Nashville, as Dir./Regional Promotion. A 20-year CRB Board member and the organization’s past President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer, Curtis transitioned to his current role as CRB Executive Director in 2018. He is a past member of the ACM and CMA, board of directors, and has served on the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Radio Advisory Board since 2015.

Samantha Pickard brings an international outlook to Strut and a vast understanding of the North American and Australian music and entertainment industries. As a thirty-two-year entertainment industry-veteran she contributes a diverse skill set through her years working as a retail buyer, artist manager, promotions and event manager, GM of an entertainment publishing company, in addition to her 15 years leading the public relations, marketing and event team at Strut Entertainment.

The road to Canada began when Samantha took on a three-year role in Radio Promotions at Sydney based, Australian music industry trade magazine, The Music Network (TMN). When TMN partnered with Quebec-based music industry heavyweight, Donald Tarlton (aka Donald K Donald), to launch a Canadian version of TMN, The Canadian Music Network (CMN) in 2001, Samantha landed the role of General Manager and relocated to Toronto.

Over a five-year span, CMN’s in-house publishing arm took on the publication of the JUNO Award and Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards programs. In that time, Samantha also established the Canadian Entertainment Magazine to service the home entertainment business, the Canadian Entertainment Network Awards as well as an independent event-planning firm, Splash Event Management.

Over fifteen years ago Samantha re-launched Splash under the name Strut Entertainment, with an eye to offering a degree of personal attention and customized service other, larger companies couldn’t. Event planning is still part of the suite of services Strut provides but owing to the vast network of contacts Samantha has developed in the corporate world and entertainment industry, public relations, social media, marketing, and influencer services – for clients in the entertainment, music, and lifestyle industries – are the driving force of the business.

Samantha has executed hundreds of public relations campaigns and events including G'Day Toronto for Tourism Australia, the Rolling Stones 50 Years Tour, Walk Off The Earth, the Taylor Swift Speak Now and RED campaigns, Lauv, Commander Chris Hadfield, The Weeknd, Rush, Hanson, Marianas Trench, Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, Finneas, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jungle, Girl In Red, Jimmie Allen., Howie D and Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys), Fossil, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, The Trews, Dita Von Teese, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, The Glorious Sons, Dan Mangan, The Tea Party, Blue Man Group, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, numerous campaigns for Warner Bros Canada, Gaiam, Universal Music Canada, CIMA, Anthem Entertainment Group, The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), New Balance Canada and Jabra.

A former board member of CARAS (The JUNO Awards) and executive board member of CMAO, Samantha is also a sought-after guest speaker and mentor and has working with companies including Toronto’s Centennial College, The SOCAN Foundation, Canadian Public Relations Society, MetalWorks, Music Publishers Canada, Rotmans Commerce Women in Business and for the Urban Music Association, she is also a long-term mentor for Canadas’ Music incubator and founder of Strut Social.

A pioneer of the Australian music industry, Michael Chugg or Chuggi as he is affectionately known, has garnered a reputation both locally and internationally as one of the country’s most prominent music promoters, and is a name synonymous with some of biggest tours to have come through Australia and New Zealand over the past 50 years.

Chugg’s foray into the music industry began in his hometown of Launceston, Tasmania in 1962, where he cut his teeth from the age of 15 running dances and managing bands until he relocated to Melbourne in 1969. In 1979 together with Michael Gudinski and Phil Jacobsen, Chugg co-founded the Frontier Touring Company. Their first tours were with Squeeze and The Police, with Frontier going on to become the biggest promoter in Australia at the time, touring the likes of Frank Sinatra, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and more.

In 2000, Chugg went out on his own to launch Michael Chugg Entertainment, which later became Chugg Entertainment. Over the past twenty years, the company has toured over 600 Australian and international artists, making Chugg one of the most prominent and respected promoters not only in Australia, but also around the world.

The numerous industry accolades that Michael Chugg has picked up over the years are testament to his incredible impact on the Australian music industry; he has been named as Pollstar’s International Promoter of the Year four times, has twice picked up the Best Promoter gong at the International Live Music Conference, received the prestigious ARIA Icon Award in 2019, and has a multitude of Billboard Awards, Helpmann Awards, Country Music Awards, Musexpo Awards and many more under his belt. In June 1998, Michael was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia on the Queen’s birthday, in recognition of his contribution to the Australian music industry and his philanthropic involvement with various charities.

Chugg’s philanthropic undertakings are extensive; he has been heavily involved in developing and co-promoting some of the country’s biggest charity events to date, launching Wave Aid (2005), Live Earth (2007) and Sound Relief (2009), which raised millions of dollars toward respective charities. He was a Board Member of the Prince of Wales Children’s Foundation, Support Act Ltd and F.A.C.E. (Entertainment for Australian Armed Forces), and sat on the NSW Arts Advisory Council Board. Additionally, Chugg is a trustee of the Golden Stave Foundation committee, which has over the years raised millions for the Paraquad Association, Camperdown Children’s Hospital, the Shepard Centre, Nordoff Robbins and the Starlight Foundation.