Loewen Kurt

Describe your background and industry experience, and explain how it will help you contribute to the SOCAN Board of Directors?

For 19 years, I’ve worked at the grassroots level of Canada’s music industry as a songwriter, performer, publisher, grant writer, manager, and festival organizer. I have spent many years touring nationally and internationally, navigating the complexities of live performance, royalties, and rights management. Beyond touring, my catalogue continues to generate royalties from multiple international sources, giving me firsthand experience with the systems that govern artist compensation both domestically and abroad. 

My work within nonprofit arts organizations has focused on resource management, financial oversight, and ensuring artists receive fair compensation. I have extensive experience handling the logistics and resources that keep community-driven music organizations running efficiently and sustainably. I understand how not-for-profits balance financial limitations with the need to support creative work, and I bring a practical, artist-centred approach to problem-solving in these spaces. 

I work with the Tofino Jazz Festival and the Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society, contributing to their fundraising and operations respectively. I previously served on the board of the Abbottsfield Music Program in Edmonton, which provided free lessons and instruments to underserved youth. I am currently on the board for the annual grassroots festival, Dunn Folkin’ Around. 

SOCAN is strongest when it listens to and serves the needs of its members. As a board member, I will push for greater transparency in the mechanisms that serve the membership, better support for independent musicians, and policies that protect artists’ long-term rights and earnings. My goal is to make sure SOCAN evolves with the realities of today’s music creators. 

In your opinion, what issues will be most important to SOCAN members over the next three years?

1. Fair and Transparent Royalty Distribution—Members need clarity on how royalties are calculated and distributed, especially with streaming.  

2. Simplifying Live Performance Reporting—Many artists struggle to report shows and claim royalties. Develop more user-friendly tools or encourage venues and promoters to assist with set list submissions. 

3. Adapting to the Streaming Economy—Streaming dominates music consumption, yet payouts remain low. SOCAN must advocate for stronger policies to ensure fair compensation for creators. 

4. Supporting Independent and Emerging Artists—Many SOCAN members rely on grants, royalties, and sync placements. Expanding accessible resources is vital to sustaining artists at all levels. 

5. Advocating for Music Creators’ Rights—With ongoing changes in copyright law and licensing, SOCAN must actively protect creators and push for fairer agreements. 

6. Expanding International Royalties—Many members earn royalties abroad. Strengthening SOCAN’s partnerships with international PROs will help ensure full and timely payments.