Music Publishers Canada (MPC)’s Women in the Studio National Accelerator is looking to address the gender imbalance behind the scenes of the music industry in Canada and has named the participants in their new Women In The Studio program.
The program aims to foster professional growth and advancement of talented producer-songwriters from across Canada. The Women in the Studio National Accelerator is presented by Music Publishers Canada, supported by RBC Foundation, FACTOR/Government of Canada and Ontario Creates and sponsored by Cassels and Compass Rose.
Here are the officially announced names for this year’s program, according to Billboard: Alysha Brilla from Toronto, Cat Hiltz from Vancouver, Charmie from Toronto, Jinting (Jinting Zhao) from Edmonton, JoJo Worthington from Montreal, and Samantha Selci from Toronto.
You can read all about the participants right here.
The Accelerator will run virtually from June to December and will include creative collaborations and an in-person residency week in Toronto in August focusing on topics including technical skills, financial literacy, music business skills and branding, and the participants are also committed to exploring and participating in volunteer opportunities within their own communities as well.
Music Publishers Canada CEO Margaret McGuffin said that “with the help of our program partners and industry network, we are looking forward to breaking down some of the barriers that exist for this group of talented producers and give them the support they need to enter the next phase of their careers.”
Meg Symsyk, President and CEO of FACTOR, added that “only 6% of the songs you hear are produced by women. FACTOR will continue funding the vital Women In The Studio program until this figure achieves parity.”
Karen Thorne-Stone, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Creates said that “empowering women in music production not only contributes to a more inclusive industry but also makes good business sense and ensures that Ontario remains a vibrant hub for musical talent and creativity. ”