ReFolkUs: Recent Episodes
Folk Music Ontario
Introducing ReFolkUs. A new podcast by Folk Music Ontario, for folk artists and music industry professionals who want to learn how to make money, find their creative community, and stay grounded and healthy in this intensely stressful but heart-centred industry.
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:
Website
____________________
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.
______________
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.
____________________
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:
______________
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
YouTube
Bandcamp
Patreon
______________
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