Describe your background and industry experience, and explain how it will help you contribute to the SOCAN Board of Directors?
As a seasoned advocate and industry leader, my extensive experience uniquely positions me to significantly contribute to the SOCAN Board of Directors. Allow me to elaborate:
Board Leadership
I’ve served on the Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC) board for over 16 years, holding roles as director, president, and I am currently past president. This tenure has honed my understanding of the intricate and urgent issues facing songwriters in today’s digital landscape.
Global Advocacy
As a founding director of Fair Trade Music International (FTMI) and current co-chair of Music Creators North America (MCNA), I’ve championed the rights of Canadian and US creators across borders. As a MCNA representative, I’ve travelled to International Council of Music Creators (CIAM) events in cities like Budapest, Tokyo, New York and Rome advocating for meaningful change.
Policy Influence
I’ve testified before numerous parliamentary committees in Ottawa, advocating for fair compensation and robust copyright reform. Most recently, I stood before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), representing songwriters, composers, and publishers in the wake of Bill C-11 (Online Streaming Act) .
Revenue Stewardship
Having interfaced extensively with SOCAN management and directors through my roles at the SAC and MCNA, I recognize the pivotal financial role SOCAN plays in the livelihoods of its members.
Creative Artistry
Beyond my governance acumen, I am an active professional award-winning songwriter, A/V composer, producer, session and touring musician. My firsthand experience in the creative process fuels my passion for protecting the rights of fellow creators.
In summary, my governance acumen, unwavering advocacy, and global perspective position me to drive positive change within SOCAN.
In your opinion, what issues will be most important to SOCAN members over the next three years?
In my view, the next few years will be pivotal for SOCAN members as we navigate critical industry and technological shifts. Here’s why:
- Technological Transformation
- From the proliferation of file sharing in the early 2000s, to the recent wide adoption of streaming, songwriters and composers have been profoundly and often negatively impacted by these digital disruptions. Ensuring fair compensation for creators in the digital age is paramount.
- Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- AI-driven music creation and distribution are on the rise. As creators, we must engage with this evolution. SOCAN must lead discussions on how AI-generated works intersect with copyright, royalties, and artistic integrity.
- Compensation Clarity
- Determining fair compensation when our works are used remains a priority. SOCAN’s role in advocating for transparent payment structures is crucial to the future of our community and the music economy.
- In summary, if elected I would continue to champion equitable streaming revenues, monitor AI developments, while also serving SOCAN to maintain and protect traditional and legacy revenue distributions.