AMPLIFY by ADVANCE: Recent Episodes
ADVANCE
In our weekly podcast series 'AMPLIFY', we talk to Canada's most notable Black music professionals about what it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry—from starting out to breaking through.
Each themed episode seamlessly transitions from one story to the next, exploring facets of the industry through a compilation of powerful conversations, stories, life lessons and experiences.
Guiding our listeners and the diverse cast of Black music professionals is singer, actress, writer and broadcaster - Jemeni, who narrates the series.
Together, they share the secrets of making success in the entertainment industry accessible to all.
Sometimes, no is the most powerful thing you can hear.
From rejected pitches to career-altering mentorships, our guests bare it all. Join Brandon Gonez, Hillary Leblanc, Director X, Jester, Marika Siewert, Twysted Miyake-Mugler, Weyni Mengesha, Gail Case, Dalton Higgins, and Carla Beauvais as they reveal how they turned their biggest challenges into their greatest strengths. Get inspired to craft your own comeback story!
About AMPLIFY
The music industry is a complex and convoluted maze, but we're here to help you navigate it! In this visual podcast ‘AMPLIFY,’ we talk to Canada's most notable Black entertainment professionals about what it takes to succeed in the industry—from starting out to breaking through.
Guiding our listeners and the diverse cast of Black entertainment professionals are narrators, Tera Beljo and Adrian Wallace. Together, they share the secrets of making success in the entertainment industry accessible to all.
Crew/Credits: Keziah Myers – Executive Producer
Shane LaTouche – Project Manager / Producer
Tera Beljo – Producer / Co-Narrator
Adrian Wallace – Co-Narrator
Alison Copeland – Content Writer
Vero Media – Production Crew
Jay Glavany – Office Coordinator
Oko Shio – Production Accountant
Miro Oballa – Legal
Randy Phipps – Publicist
Dianne Victor – Marketing Coordinator
Tristan Laughton – Graphic Designer
Doc Jones – Theme Music Producer
Stephen Bambo – Photographer
Jelissa Matthew – Hair/Makeup
Danielle Barbeau – Location Manager (Toronto)
Filmed at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP (TOML) Law Offices
Original Concept by: David "Click" Cox
Can you have a career in entertainment?
AMPLIFY is the podcast you need about the entertainment industry. Season 3 kicks off with a raw and unfiltered look at what it truly means to chase your dreams in Canada's entertainment industry. Join this star-studded lineup of industry heavyweights and rising talents: Media mogul Brandon Gonez, journalist Hillary Leblanc, filmmaker Director X, DJ Jester, artist Marika Siewert, ballroom artist Twysted Miyake-Mugler, artistic director Weyni Mengesha, music industry executive Gail Case, PR professional Dalton Higgins, and social entrepreneur Carla Beauvais, to learn how they turned their passion into paychecks.
About AMPLIFY
The music industry is a complex and convoluted maze, but we're here to help you navigate it! In this visual podcast ‘AMPLIFY,’ we talk to Canada's most notable Black entertainment professionals about what it takes to succeed in the industry—from starting out to breaking through.
Guiding our listeners and the diverse cast of Black entertainment professionals are narrators, Tera Beljo and Adrian Wallace.
Together, they share the secrets of making success in the entertainment industry accessible to all.
Crew/Credits: Keziah Myers – Executive Producer
Shane LaTouche – Project Manager / Producer
Tera Beljo – Producer / Co-Narrator
Adrian Wallace – Co-Narrator
Alison Copeland – Content Writer
Vero Media – Production Crew
Jay Glavany – Office Coordinator
Oko Shio – Production Accountant
Miro Oballa – Legal
Randy Phipps – Publicist
Dianne Victor – Marketing Coordinator
Tristan Laughton – Graphic Designer
Doc Jones – Theme Music Producer
Stephen Bambo – Photographer
Jelissa Matthew – Hair/Makeup
Danielle Barbeau – Location Manager (Toronto)
Filmed at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP (TOML) Law Offices
Original Concept by: David "Click" Cox
In this episode, we kick back with Vivian Barclay, the Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music Canada and one of the founding partners of ADVANCE.
She has an impressive career spanning over 25 years, working with a diverse roster of incredibly talented songwriters, including Jully Black, Machel Montano, Classified, and Brad Rempel of High Valley.
She also sits on the boards of Music Publishers Canada, SOCAN, and Phemphat Entertainment Group, the producers of the all-female Honey Jam Showcase.
Dans cet épisode, Stephane Moraille, avocate spécialisée en droit du divertissement et artiste internationale, nous explique comment elle a laissé son empreinte dans l'industrie du divertissement pendant plus de 20 ans.
Récipiendaire de nombreuses distinctions dans l'industrie de la musique et ayant participé à des programmes dirigés par le ministre de la Culture et des Communications du Québec, au sein de la célèbre équipe du programme Phoenix Music Executive Development, Stéphane est aujourd'hui directeur de CCOV et membre du Conseil des arts du Canada.
Touche-à-tout. Maître en droit.
Dans cet épisode, nous nous entretenons avec Pascal LeCourtois, un professionnel accompli qui a fait ses preuves dans l'obtention de résultats tangibles dans le cadre de projets créatifs de toutes tailles.
Pascal a joué un rôle crucial en facilitant des partenariats fructueux entre de grandes sociétés de spiritueux comme Bacardi, Romeo Gin, Charton Hobbs, et le monde de la culture.
Son dévouement à la construction de partenariats significatifs continue de conduire au succès dans toutes les entreprises qu'il entreprend.
In this episode, we talk to Olivier Vander-Zaag, a government relations professional, who’s making waves at Music Canada as the Director of Regulatory Affairs and as Advocacy Chair for ADVANCE.
The former Rwanda refugee began his Canadian journey on a potato farm, where he nurtured a passion for playing the guitar and saxophone.
Although his career sights led him down a political path, he soon found his way back to music in more ways than one.
In this episode, we chat with the multi-talented Morgan James, also known as MJ.
With more than a decade of experience in radio broadcasting, MJ has made a name for herself as a versatile radio presenter across various genres, from Hip Hop and R&B to soul. She is now the Host of Pure Country Radio.
A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, she’ll leave you with a renewed sense of motivation, to pursue your dreams and prioritize self-care.
Dans cet épisode, nous nous entretenons avec Marieme Ndiaye.
Pionnière de la scène hip-hop québécoise, Marieme s'est fait les dents dans le milieu dès l'adolescence, aux côtés de son frère, le rappeur et historien Webster
Au fil des ans, Marieme partage son temps entre la production, l'animation télé, le studio et la scène. Artiste sénégalo-québécoise, Marieme brille pour sa culture, en mettant toujours fièrement en avant ce qu'elle est,
C'est-à-dire une métisse issue d'un quartier populaire à qui l'on confie la mission de représenter la culture urbaine et les jeunes issus des communautés culturelles.
In this episode, we sit down with Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter, Lord Quest.
From co-producing 2Chainz's "Vlad TV" to working with Kelly Rowland, Jordin Sparks, Schoolboy Q, and many more, Quest's discography is a testament to his immense talent and skill.
Having previously been a part of the Warner Music Canada A&R team, Quest now serves as Creative Executive of Black Music at SOCAN,
In this episode, we get up close and personal with Canada’s Queen of R&B soul, Jully Black.
From her humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in the industry, Jully shares her experience and insights on what it takes to excel as a singer, songwriter, and actress.
With a career spanning over multiple decades, she’s worked with some of the biggest names in music, including, Nas, Saukrates, Choclair, Kardinal Offishall, Destiny’s Child, and Sean Paul.
And she shows no sign of slowing down.
In this episode, Choreographer, Creative Director, and TV personality - Hollywood Jade, shares his unfiltered, raw, and emotional story.
As well as supporting artists on stage like Nelly Furtado, Divine Brown, and Rihanna. He has been featured as a dancer in movies like Save the Last Dance 2 and the blockbuster hit Hairspray. And is the resident choreographer and guest judge for Canada’s Drag Race.
He reminds himself daily that: “If you stay ready, you never have to get ready."
Dans cet épisode, nous nous entretenons avec le Guadeloupéen Dylan Bonfils
De son initiation précoce à la musique jazz par son père, à son engagement en faveur de la culture, en encourageant l'inclusion par le biais de la sensibilisation au 2SLGBTQ+, de l'autonomisation des femmes, des initiatives en faveur de la diversité, et en dissipant les mythes de l'industrie pour les nouveaux arrivants.
Aujourd'hui, chez Multicolore, il canalise son amour pour la musique dans le rythme des événements et la coordination des dynamiques de bureau.
In this episode, we talk to Carey Riley, who currently holds the position of Director of Marketing at Sony Music Canada.
This Toronto music professional has worked on successful campaigns for: Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, Kayne West, Future, Tyler Shaw, and many more.
Carey was also a Brand and Partnership Manager at UMC and Island Def Jam, and an artist manager for 4Korners and IRS.
She believes if you work hard and surround yourself in your passion, you’ll find your rhythm and love what you do.
In this episode, we delve into the mind of a remarkable individual, who’s shaping the world of music and culture.
Beni Johnson is the Ghana-born, Calgary-raised Creative Director, Momentum Maker, and visionary behind the groundbreaking 10 at 10 Music and Culture platform, which amplifies opportunities for Hip-Hop and R&B artists in Alberta.
His insights are nothing short of essential for anyone wanting to make their mark in the Canadian Music Industry.
Se remémorer de ses accomplissements amène à reconnaître le travail assidu que requiert une carrière en arts et l’héritage qui en sera légué.
Dans cet épisode du balado d’Amplify, la discussion porte sur les réussites, les conseils et le leg du chorégraphe Steve Bolton, l’animatrice Barbara Laurenstin, le DJ/ co-fondateur d’Ausgang Malick Touré et l’artiste en arts visuels, Moridja Kitenge.
Trouver sa voie est sans aucun doute le travail d’une vie, et débuter une carrière dans le monde des arts vient avec son lot de défis. Quand les obstacles se présentent, de nombreux facteurs influencent le pas vers la gloire.
Dans cet épisode du balado d’Amplify, la discussion porte sur les débuts, les enjeux et les nuances qui ont forgé le chorégraphe Steve Bolton, l’animatrice Barbara Laurenstin, le DJ/ co-fondateur d’Ausgang Malick Touré et l’artiste en arts visuels, Moridja Kitenge.
It has been an incredible season thus far and as we have wrapped up our English episodes, we will take a special look back at a ‘behind the scenes’ look at who were some of the people involved in putting this initiative together.
In this special episode of the Amplify podcast, we hear from some of the people who were responsible for this amazing podcast and hear from them what Amplify and ADVANCE means to them.
Reflecting on what you've learned is essential for making forward movements. And that goes for any career. When you know why things happened the way they did and what you can do to change your future, you're halfway there.
In this episode of the Amplify podcast, we reflect on the past and plan for the future with media personality Jesse Jones, entrepreneurs Ebonnie Rowe and Jermayne Clayton, artists DJ 4KORNERS and DJ Lissa Monet, and publicists Randy Phipps and Jamelia Campbell.
You can't always control how you're perceived, and you can't always control the circumstances that come your way. But you can control how you show up in the world, and that's where it all begins.
In this episode of the Amplify podcast, we define success in an industry that can make you feel unwelcome with media personality Jesse Jones, entrepreneurs Ebonnie Rowe and Jermayne Clayton, artists DJ 4KORNERS and DJ Lissa Monet.
Career stability is hard to come by in any field, but the risk is even greater in the entertainment industry. In the battle for attention, longevity, and coin, your decisions will be the best weapon in your arsenal.
In this episode of the Amplify podcast, we discuss making tough choices while remaining true to who you are with media personality Jesse Jones, entrepreneurs Ebonnie Rowe and Jermayne Clayton, artists DJ 4KORNERS and DJ Lissa Monet, and publicists Randy Phipps and Jamelia Campbell.
It takes a village to make waves in the vast and daunting entertainment industry. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, mentorship is critical to bringing your vision to life.
In this episode of the Amplify podcast, we discover how previous experiences of challenges and disappointment can be transformed into something good and positive. When our speakers strive to create better opportunities for others, they relized that everything around them became better too. Listen as media personality Jesse Jones, entrepreneurs Ebonnie Rowe and Jermayne Clayton, artists DJ 4KORNERS and DJ Lissa Monet, and publicists Randy Phipps and Jamelia Campbell share these impactful moments.
You know what they say: if you're not pushing forward, you're falling behind. So, how do you find your drive in a music industry that can be so unforgiving? And where do you get the strength to keep going when everything seems to be working against you?
In this episode of the Amplify podcast, we discover the sources of drive for media personality Jesse Jones, entrepreneurs Ebonnie Rowe and Jermayne Clayton, artists DJ 4KORNERS and DJ Lissa Monet, and publicists Randy Phipps and Jamelia Campbell.
It's no secret that Canada's music industry is a highly competitive and complex one. But as a marginalized individual, you have to work twice as hard to get your foot in the door and prove that you deserve to be there.
In this episode of the AMPLIFY podcast, we discover how media personality Jesse Jones, entrepreneurs Ebonnie Rowe and Jermayne Clayton, artists DJ 4KORNERS and DJ Lissa Monet, and publicists Randy Phipps and Jamelia Campbell got their start and got real about following their dreams.