Describe your background and industry experience, and explain how it will help you contribute to the SOCAN Board of Directors?
Described as “one of the most compelling acts Canada has to offer” (Time magazine), Sarah Slean is a 4-time JUNO nominated songwriter, CSA-winning composer, and 2-time Gemini-nominated performer, with 30 years of broad experience in music. Signed to Atlantic/Warner in the late 90’s, she has since released 11 albums in more than 10 countries, performed with nearly every major orchestra in Canada and toured Europe, the U.S., and Scandinavia, opening for such artists as Rufus Wainwright, Alanis Morissette, Andrew Bird, Feist, Ariane Moffatt, and Bryan Ferry, including a feature performance at the original TED Global in Edinburgh. Recent commissions include National Arts Centre Orchestra, Stratford Festival, Against the Grain Theatre, Iris Trio, Elora Singers, and Hannaford Brass.
I bring the perspective of a multi-faceted artist who has also experienced a decade of navigating the business as a self-managed, self-published, master-rights owner. I work and enjoy fruitful connections across genres and disciplines. My registered works with SOCAN include songs, co-writes, film cues, classical compositions, dance commissions, TV synchs, and music for theatre. I believe that uniting these communities will be absolutely essential to securing the viability of the arts in Canada. SOCAN should be the symbol of this unity and its fierce protector. Aside from my lifelong experience as a creative artist, I have served as a Board member (SOCAN, FACTOR, MROC), mentor and teacher (York, U of T) and I completed the York University Certificate in Entertainment Law. I am eager to continue contributing to the sustainability of Canadian culture by serving another term at SOCAN. More importantly, I am not beholden to a label or large corporation – I speak for independent creators who are often kept out of high-stakes music industry discussions.
In your opinion, what issues will be most important to SOCAN members over the next three years?
I think the most crucial issue facing SOCAN members is AI, modernizing legislation to meet the current technological landscape, and maintaining a united front with all relevant stakeholders against the erosion of copyright. I have witnessed, in real time, the staggering impact of the digital revolution – how it opened up new opportunities, but also massively weakened IP rights, and the traceability of royalty streams generated by those rights. In an increasingly complex digital space, metadata and traceable registration systems are more crucial than ever before. As an artist who was able to build a sustainable living from my own intellectual property, I am passionate about ensuring that future generations of Canadian artists can do the same.