UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada
Urban Music Minute
WELCOME
Well, it’s been a little while, folks, and we’ve gone through an extreme makeover. But I’m pleased to announce that the new UMAC is finally here. And, we are UNITED!
I’m Carol Allen, your resident Entertainment Guru & UMAC Special Co-Coordinator, Communications, giving you the goods on our brand new look.
We are going to be all up in your business with our Urban Music Minute. Plus, we’ll keep you connected on all of the social networks. You can expect to find out the latest industry news covering everything from r&b, rap & reggae to jazz, gospel and more, right across the country. Info on the hottest up and coming artists, upcoming events, industry showcases and music reviews will be right at your fingertips.
In case you didn’t know, we’ve got a brand new site. Check it out at http://www.umacunited.com. And we’re getting our social networking on, too:
http://www.myspace.com/umacunited
http://www.facebook.com/people/Thelonious-Monk/1062992562
http://twitter.com/UMACUnited
Be sure to check those sites out regularly for updates, exclusive interviews and contests. For all of you budding artists, watch out for calls for submissions and your chance to perform at upcoming events. And, of course, if you’ve got an event coming up, let us know about it.
UMAC is here for YOU! Get active, get involved, get VISA (READ: universally accepted), GET UMAC! Sign up now at http://www.umacunited.com
That’s all for now folks!
Carol A. Allen
AND NOW A WORD OR TWO FROM… 
When the Day is Dark, The Supreme Being gives us Light;
When We are Weak, He gives us Might;
When We Need to Touch the Sky, He gives us Flight
But when We get Too Fly, The Most High gives us Plight…
In Life, we rarely get anything we cannot handle. The past couple years reinventing UMAC has been a labor of love & a labor of labor. Plight is a polite way to say this has been hard as hell. I wanted to try to do it alone, but even the strongest of us need help, so I got on my Queen Latifah & started thinking of U.N.I.T.Y. Long story short, UMAC’s Back! The Association is flying its new flag with the help of some great people & our strategic partnerships.
Partnerships… They are fragile things at best in business & even more so in the urban community. There are entities at work in Canada who encourage young artists to collaborate & work together to make a bigger, better Canadian urban music scene. But how hypocritical are we to push that agenda on the urban music practitioners when most of the facilitating artist advocacy bodies don’t work together, though claiming the same aims & ends? Agents of change cannibalizing the efforts of one another supports the “Crab In A Bucket” adage, whether directly or indirectly, intentional or otherwise. UMAC’s out to smash that mentality!
Life is good…Summer’s coming, UMAC has an incredible new website & an even better new Board of Directors, full of professionals vested in seeing Canadian urban music reach the highest of heights & the artists & cultural entrepreneurs develop into leaders in this country & abroad. But…Life could be better and only better with YOUR PARTICIPATION! It is a collective effort. UMAC will do what we can to provide viable opportunities for education & exposure to ensure established, tangible & necessary outlets for you to begin the journey toward success. But, if you don’t drink from the well, then…
Keep In Step, Canada! Forget makin’ it hot! UMAC’s gonna keep it jalapeno…scotch bonnet, whatever! You name; we flame broil it! The choice is yours: BBQ or Mildew?
We want you ALL to be down with the hottest crew in the game not rockin’ a chain, stakeholders & shareholders alike!
Until we meet again…Whisper!
—El Commandant
THE URBAN MUSIC MINUTE
The Urban Music Minute is published by UMAC, The Urban Music Association Of Canada. We always want to hear what’s new and happening, so to share your Canadian urban music story, or events that are going on in your town, please drop us a line at communications@umacunited.com .
If you are a Canadian urban musician and would like to be featured in our newsletter, please send us your request to communications@umacunited.com.
We are currently looking for emerging, up & coming talent from all over Canada to feature on an ongoing basis. Please Note: UMAC cannot promise to feature all requests that are received. We thank you for your understanding in this matter and look forward to working with you!
Visit http://www.umacunited.com for more information about UMAC, The Urban Music Association Of Canada
UMAC NEWS
UMAC SEEKS CANDIDATES FOR AVAILABLE BOARD POSITIONS
Director, Communications
Director, Artist Relations
Working closely with UMAC‘s President, all Board members are expected to:
• Be/become an active member of UMAC;
• Make a three-year commitment to serve as a Board Member.
• Regularly attend Board meetings and important related meetings;
• Make a time commitment to participate actively in committee work;
• Volunteer for and accept assignments relating to his/her portfolio; and
• Participate in fundraising/revenue generation for the organization.
Benefits of Board membership include:
• Hands-on, practical, strategic Board training;
• Building a stronger profile and influence within Canada’s music industry;
• Opportunity to build relationships for ongoing professional development and business opportunities; and
• Providing a valuable contribution to the development of Canada’s urban entertainment scene!
In order to be eligible to vote, individuals must be a member of UMAC in good standing. The annual membership fee is $50 (plus GST = $53.50).
Spread the word and play your part in helping the continued growth of your national music association!
Director, Communications:
The Director, Communications is responsible for managing the Association’s communications and publicity needs. Duties in this portfolio include:
• Writing press releases
• Acting as a spokesperson for the Association
• Aiding formulation of the Association’s official responses to industry policy and
advocacy
• Building and managing the Association’s media contact list; and
• Assisting in overseeing content development & continuity for the Association’s
web site, social networking pages and bi-weekly e-newsletter, Urban Music
Minute.
Director, Artist Relations:
The Director, Artist Relations is responsible for direct communication with any & all potential & aspiring urban music artists who wish to find a foundation of success through the Association. Duties in this portolio include:
• Liasing with urban musicians from across Canada, critiquing their material &
advising them on steps to improve as an artist, per necessity.
• Overseeing all urban artist-related functions at conferences, workshops,
seminars & showcases involving the Association
• Creating innovative strategies as to how the Association can better exposure &
develop the unique talents of urban artists in Canada
If your experience and ambitions reflect the above qualifications and skills, please forward a covering email detailing why you’re best for the position, a headshot photo and bio / resume / CV to umacgoturb@gmail.com cc: will@umacunited.com & katrina@umacunited.com , quoting the applicable position in the subject header line.
THE UMAC MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IS ON!
Dear Members,
I know I haven’t touched base with you in a minute but first off I want to thank all of you who took the time to complete our UMAC Membership Survey! For those who have not, if you would be so kind as to fill it out for us here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=0AxWoZymMcbBTi2qfuXXhg_3d_3d , we’d be deeply appreciative.
Your input was amazing and invaluable to the future of UMACUnited. We’ve taken your feedback very seriously and want to ensure that our new UNITED look will both impress and include YOU, our valued members.
Please ensure also that if you have not joined the lone music industry service provider in Canada at www.umacunited.com, there’s no time like the present & we look forward to having you be a part of something great with us!
As always, feel free to contact me at membership@umacunited.com with any questions, concerns or feedback.
When U MAC, We Mac!!!
Dwayne Dixon & The Membership Team at UMACUnited
CALLING ALL URBAN ARTISTS: UMAC WANTS U!
In 2007, 2 of the very first performers to make it to the final 3 of UMAC’s Urban X-Posure were Young Drizzy, ya man Drake & Isis of ThunderHeist! Look at them now! The Association is not resting on its laurels & either should you! Back again is Urban X-Posure, bigger, stronger & better than ever!
UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada, creates a partnership with Nettwerk Music Group to bring you Urban X-Posure: Triple Threat. Call for submissions begins Monday, June 1, 2009 & ends 12:00am, Monday, June 15, 2009, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Upcoming and emerging artists nationwide will have the chance to exhibit their talent to industry heavyweights and consumers at large. The winner of Urban X-Posure will have the opportunity to sign a digital singles deal with Nettwerk Music Group and embark on a cross country Canadian tour.
Be sure to take part in Urban X-Posure by sending in one mp3, a photo, a short 100-word bio and your contact information, as well as a $25 submissions / processing fee for non-UMAC member solo artists & $50 for non-UMAC groups to uxsubmissions@umacunited.com for an opportunity to compete in the national competition. Urban X-Posure: Triple Threat offers free submissions to current UMAC members.
Payment can be made by PayPal & e-banking Interact only. Those who absolutely need to send hard copy submissions, inclusive of applicable payment via money order, can do so at UMAC, 675 King Street West, Suite 210, Toronto, M5V 1M9.
UX takes place on Saturday July 4, 2009 inside Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Toronto.
You Can’t Complain If You’re Not In The Game!!!
UMAC & NXNE PRESENT “PLEASE LISTEN TO MY DEMO!”
Domestic & International Music Industry Movers, Shakers & Heavyweighters will listen & critique a sampling of urban artist music submissions at the 2009 North By Northeast Music Conference (NXNE), June 20, 2009 from 3-4:30pm at The Hyatt Regency Hotel, 370 King Street West (King & Peter), Toronto.
Enhancing the experience, random members of the audience will either be asked to / or will volunteer their opinions on the tracks played during this session.
PANELISTS:
Farley Flex, former Canadian Idol judge & Canadian music icon
JJ “JENI” McKenzie, Air Personality, Flow 93.5FM-Toronto
Will Strickland, President, UMAC
Famous, 2009 Juno & MMVA-Nominated Rap Artist
Empire Isis, Artist & Host, The Gangstress Chronicles, Musique Plus
MODERATOR:
DJ Mel Boogie, Host, Droppin’ Dimez, CKLN 88.1 FM-Toronto
As an added bonus, UMAC is able to offer an NXNE Priority Pass, normally priced at
$150, YOURS, now for the ultra low price of $50!!!
“What does this so-called ‘NXNE Priority Pass’ get me?”, you ask?
- Gets you in ahead of the crowds, with priority access to all NXNE showcases, films, celebrity interviews, and conference sessions.
- Priority access to NXNE showcases
- Priority access to all NXNE celebrity interviews & conference sessions
- Priority access to all NXNE film screenings
- Complimentary NXNE delegate bag
NOTE: Pass holders are guaranteed admission before wristband holders and the
general public, but access is always subject to venue capacity.
TO BUY AN NXNE PRIORITY PASS, PLEASE CLICK HERE:
https://secure.gettickets.ca/?event=14879&language=en-ca
Please remember to enter your organization’s coupon code 9114 on the Purchase page!
For more info: http://www.nxne.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdIn6p3bF-w
GIVE MONEY & MAKE CHANGE!: UMAC SUPPORTS THE REMIX PROJECT
Toronto’s urban arts community includes a growing number of artists and young entrepreneurs who are running their own businesses as promoters, emcees, djs, managers, filmmakers, graphic and fashion designers, visual artists, producers and more. Getting started in business can be a complex process. What opportunities are there for creative entrepreneurship? These opportunities are being threatened by the loss of more than half of the funding & the home of Toronto’s Remix Project, one of the leaders in urban youth empowerment in the country.
Join UMAC in helping keep alive a viable & valuable element in the development of urban cultural workers when we support The Remix Project’s Give Money, Make Change Initiative, Circa Nightclub, Toronto, Thursday, June 11, 2009.
For more info: http://www.theremixproject.ca/
UMAC & RISE HIGH ENTERTAINMENT INVITE YOU TO “NO STRINGS ATTACHED”
Comedian Gilson Lubin takes to the stage after a two year hiatus. After winning a Canadian Comedy Award and making a splash at the prestigious Just For Laughs festival in Montreal, where he landed a development deal with Spike TV, Gilson returns to familiar territory.
The St. Lucian born comic, often described as ‘”off-kilter”, has picked up right where he left off after a two year stint on MTV Canada. He recently appeared on HBO’s Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam. The experience ranks as one of the highlights Gilson’s career, for the Def Comedy Jam has helped launch careers such as Wanda Sykes, Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock, to name a few. Considering his fast paced career, it is opportunities like opening for Chappelle and meeting Bill Cosby that inspire him. He also credits Canadian comedians Kenny Robinson, Russell Peters, Shaun Majumder amongst others as his inspiration.
The show is at Second City, 51 Mercer Street, Toronto.
Featured comedians include:
Rodney Ramsey
John Steinberg
Kevin Herod
Gilson Lubin
For more info: www.gilsonlubin.com
TOUCH THE SKY! UMAC PRESIDENT WILL STRICKLAND HOSTS CHARITY FUNDRAISER FOR SKY’S THE LIMIT!
UMAC & Sky’s The Limit Youth Organization invites you to an evening of celebration, food and fun Tuesday, June 23rd, from 6:00PM – 9:00PM at Canyon Creek, 156 Front Street West, Toronto. Tickets are only $30.
Come support a worthy cause! Proceeds will be used to purchase computers for under-resourced youth. Great music by one of Canada’s best DJ’s, Agile & great prizes will be available!
Call (416) 350-8888 to reserve your ticket today!
INDUSTRY NEWS
ATTENTION: ONTARIO MEDIA DEVELOMENT CORPORATION (OMDC) CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR TWO ARTIST FUNDING PROGRAMS
The OMDC recently held a joint info session about two funding programs that UMAC encourages any & all urban music cultural entrepreneurs to attend & figure out how to collect a bit of the provolone for their projects. Funds highlighted in this session are the OMDC Music Fund & the OMDC Export Fund.
1. OMDC EXPORT FUND – MUSIC
Deadline for application: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by 5pm
*NEW for 2009*
Music publishers and artist management firms may now apply to this Fund.
The OMDC Export Fund – Music program will provide funding of up to $12,000 to eligible Canadian-owned and-controlled, Ontario-based companies to participate in export development activities that correspond to a strategy for company growth. Funding is capped at 50% of the total costs for all activities.
2. OMDC MUSIC FUND
Deadline for application: Monday, July 13, 2009 by 5pm
*NEW for 2009*
Artist management firms are now eligible to apply to the program.
Consolidated music companies and associated music companies may combine revenues to access funding levels.
Digital projects may be eligible for an additional $10,000 in funding.
The OMDC Music Fund is designed to strengthen independent Ontario-based record companies, music publishers, and artist management firms. The OMDC Music Fund program will provide funding of up to $50,000 plus an additional $10,000 for digital projects to Canadian-owned and-controlled, Ontario-based record companies, music publishers and artist management firms to assist in the growth of these businesses through the creation and implementation of new strategic business and marketing initiatives.
Program guidelines and application forms and other supporting documents can be found on the OMDC website (http://www.omdc.on.ca) under Music> Programs> OMDC Music Fund, or by clicking here: http://www.omdc.on.ca/Page3213.aspx
UMAC also suggests that you take the time to learn more about the Ontario Sound Recording Tax Credit (OSRTC).
For further information on these opportunities and other industry programs, please send an inquiry to programs2@omdc.on.ca or contact:
Matt Hilliard-Forde
Coordinator, Industry Initiatives at:
175 Bloor Street East, South Tower, Suite 501
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R8
Direct phone: 416-642-6632
Main phone: 416-314-6858
Fax: 416-314-6876
www.omdc.on.ca
GET FULLY EXPOSED WITH UMAC AT THE 2009 MMVAs
On June 21, 2009, the intersection of Queen & John in downtown Toronto will be jammed with fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their music superstars at the 2009 Much Music Video Awards.
k-os, Famous, Danny Fernandes, Classified, Kreesha Turner & Kardinal Offishall are all up for the coveted prizes, so support your favourite urban artists & VOTE!
UMAC will see you there!
For more info: http://mmva.muchmusic.com/category/nominees
UMAC SUPPORTS FACTOR OPEN MIC NIGHT!
Have you always wanted to perform in front of someone other than your dog, perhaps a live audience? Or maybe you have but haven’t found that extra-friendly crowd that you can chat with after your gig?
Well…here we are!
The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) will be hosting an Open Mic Night in Windsor, Ontario, Monday June 15th, 2009 at the FM Lounge!
This is your chance to not only meet staff and ask specific questions about FACTOR and its programs but to support your local fellow emerging artists in a non-judgmental environment!
When: Monday June 15th, 2009, 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Where: The FM Lounge
156 Chatham St. West
Windsor, Ontario
Who: Artists of all genres!
Details:
Sign up will be the day of between 6:30 – 7:30pm.
This will be an acoustic Open Mic only.
Due to time constraints each artist will be initially permitted to play one song. Should there be more time at the end of the evening, we will go through the line up top to bottom and allow second performances for as long as time permits.
To be fair to all artists wishing to perform, we request that you only sign up for yourself or one other artist. Multiple signups will not be accepted.
Please make sure you are tuned up and ready to go when your performance is to begin.
The only equipment that will be provided (besides mics and patch cords) is a Casio WK-8000 keyboard (88 Full-Size keys, 32-note polyphony, 894 tones, DSP / Reverb / Chorus / EQ Digital effects, Pitch and modulation wheels & sustain pedal).
To better promote future Open Mics, we may want to use your name and photo in our Annual Report or, on the FACTOR website. In order to do so, we will ask all artists to sign a release form. If you choose not to sign the release form, you are still more than welcome to perform!
Age restrictions may apply, please speak directly to venue personnel.
For further information, please contact:
Krista Culp
Communications Manager
FACTOR
30 Commercial Rd.
Toronto, ON
M4G 1Z4
P: 416-696-2215 x 215
F: 416-696-6857
E: krista.culp@factor.ca
UMAC ASKS: ARE WE NEXT, CANADA?
Three-Strikes Bill Adopted In France
Courtesy of Billboard.biz
The French Senate has adopted the “Creation and Internet” law by 189
votes in favor and 14 against.
The Senate, which passed the law this morning (May 13), did not amend the draft voted by the National Assembly yesterday, opening the way for its rapid implementation into French law.
The law includes the implementing of a three-strikes scheme under which an independent administrative authority, called HADOPI , would be entitled to collect infringers’ data from their Internet Service Providers as requested by artists’ collecting societies, and other organizations representing rights holders, and to ultimately have
their Internet access cut.
“Creative industries everywhere, including music, film, TV and books, are facing a fundamental challenge from the way online piracy is eroding the ability of creators to get rewarded for their work,” said IFPI chairman and CEO John Kennedy in a statement.
“In France the government has understood better than any other country the crisis which is looming if firm action is not taken to address the problem. The new French law takes the right approach and sets an example to the rest of the world. It will introduce sensible, proportionate measures that will have a real impact on piracy while respecting ordinary legitimate Internet users.”
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i641dc7e691e8df8470d0390c5649c2a5
WCMAs & UMAC PARTNER AGAIN TO “HAVE IT YOUR WAY, CANADA!”
As a member driven event, Western Canadian Music Awards staff always loves hearing suggestions on what you would like to see at this year’s WCMA Conference. If there is an industry professional or artist you would like to hear speak at the conference or a topic that you are dying to learn more about, let us know by filling out the Conference Content Survey. All serious suggestions will be added to the current compilation and considered.
The Conference Content form can be filled out at www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca/conferenceform
Note that we will take consideration of any and all serious suggestions sent, but programming depends greatly on the speakers’ availability.
Thank you for your time. We hope to see you in Brandon, Manitoba September 17-20, 2009.
Returning by popular demand is our Gig Gallery installation. We will again cover the conference rooms with posters that Western Canadian artists have used to promote their music. The artwork posted at last year’s Gig Gallery proved to not only light up the drab hotel walls, but were also great conversation starters. Get your posters in to ensure
your band will be the topic of conversation!
To get your work in, go to www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca/conference to get the mail and email information and release form.
Western Canadian Music Awards
Brandon 2009, September 17-20
info@wcmw.ca
UMAC SUPPORTS OTTAWA REGGAE FEST & LOOKS TO PARTNER UP FOR HUGE EVENTS!
For all of you budding reggae artists, June 8th marks the deadline for artist submissions for the Ottawa Reggae Festival. You can download the application form at: http://www.ottawareggaefestival.com
More than 30,000 people from as far as Montreal, Toronto and New York are expected to attend the festival, which was planned as a one-day event but grew to two in its first year. The 2009 event runs three days, from August 21 – 23, 2009 at LeBreton Flats.
FORMER MUCH MUSIC VJ MICHAEL WILLIAMS SERVES NOTICE: “WANT YOUR MUSIC HEARD? GET AT ME!!!”
“If you’re tired of waiting to get 30 seconds of love on the one station in the country that MIGHT play a local artist, reach out to me!”, says industry vet & online radio host Michael Williams, whose current radio show is called “Soul on the Beach”, broadcast on the Beach Network on Monday nights.
“Any artist can send me music and a press kit for my radio shows at greydread@gmail.com . Send them as mp3’s and all that is great will get played! Only send your music if you believe in it and I will always get back to you as we try to keep “Soul in the City”. By the way it (soul) is coming back, so stay tuned!”
For more info: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Williams/73233092613?ref=nf
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: DRAKE – YOUNG MONEY IS GOOD IN ANY CURRENCY!
You know when you’re en fuego in this sport? When everyone from The Are-UH, R. Kelly & Swizz Beatz to Shawn Corey Carter, Jay-Z himself is doing remixes to your current banger that is threatening to make you an international superstar! That is the position UMAC’s 2007 Urban X-Posure Finalist Aubrey “Drake” Graham is in now & UMAC could not be happier for the young emcee/vocalist!
Be on the lookout for the EXCLUSIVE interview regarding his sold out homecoming concert at the Sound Academy in Toronto, the rumour mill swirling around him & many a young pop music starlet, his place in Young Money, working with Lil’ Wayne & more, only here in the Urban Music Minute!
K’NAAN: THE DUSTY FOOT PHILOSOPHER EVOLVES INTO A TROUBADOUR
UMAC’s Vice President, Katrina Lopes, caught up with K’naan to discuss his current album, Troubadour, and some of the milestones on his journey as The Dusty Foot Philosopher. The article is featured in SoundProof Magazine.
K’naan is most commonly described as a “Somali-born rapper.” But the term doesn’t come close to fully encompassing the young man who’s creating a tidal wave in the world of hip hop. To read the full article click here:
http://soundproofmagazine.com/Canada/Features/The_Dusty_Foot_Philosopher_Evolves_Into_A_Troubadour.html
VIDEO LIGHT on: THE JEMPRESS
By Stacey Marie Robinson
UMAC Secretary/Coordinator, Operations
The Canadian Reggae Music Awards recently honoured The Jempress as the 2009 Top Reggae Newcomer (Female) for her self-produced single, “Once to Die”.
Born in Scarborough, raised in Toronto and Jamaica, The Jempress has always been a well-rounded artist. Early participation in a range of activities from drama to dance, figure-skating and athletics formulated her attributes of dedication, hard work and a commitment to perfecting her craft. It is no surprise given that she is also a talented songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist as well.
“I love art—all forms of art, so over the years I’ve made an effort to embrace it wholly”, said Jempress. “I was always singing and compiling lyrics. However, after many ups and downs and realizations, it was only last year that I decided to take it to a level that would surpass ‘passionate hobby’. Now that I have started, my purpose is clear to me and I will not be stopping or slowing down in this musical pursuit”.
Representing Canada through her music is important to Jempress, who appreciates that the support she receives at home will help and inspire her to achieve her goals. She credits artists like k-os, Our Lady Peace, Celine Dion, Humble, and her cousin, reggae artist Linkz, for their unique sounds and blessed voices.
“Being a Canadian has influenced my music. The mosaic lifestyle probably helped make it easier for me to experiment with different styles and genres of music and art on a whole because that’s home to me. My experience of growing up in Canada is embedded in my music.”
The Canadian Reggae Music Award was just the beginning of accolades and recognition for The Jempress in 2009. This summer, she will be performing at the annual Jamaica Day Celebration in Toronto and is also nominated for a Reggae Music Achievement Award in the category of Promising New Artist.
Along with singing, Jempress has also shared her talents with the community through a songwriting workshop called “Strictly My Lyric” that she teaches across Toronto, as well as helping to raise awareness of African-Canadian history through various schools, and within the Tropicana Youth Services community.
“I hope the message [my audience] receives is one of progression. I want women to feel free to express themselves through art without feeling the need to exploit themselves. I want to be a positive and informative force for the youths,” said The Jempress.
“I’m serious about what I’m doing. I’ve set goals and plan to surpass them and appreciate all the love and support I’ve been given so far.”
Stay tuned into the progress of The Jempress, as this inspirational young woman is sure to continue to share her talent on the Canadian urban music and international reggae scenes.
http://www.myspace.com/artofjempress
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/#/pages/The-Jempress/33817863783?sid=dd344a73e14368762f49fb208c1eba34&ref=search
http://www.special-mix.com
RatedNEXT: MELANIE FIONA
Guess what UMAC heard about Melanie Fiona?
One of “Five Artists to Watch in 2009” – Entertainment Weekly
Melanie Fiona has toured with Kanye West on his 2008 European Glow InThe Dark Tour and Kanye has since called her the “next up & coming talent to watch”.
Melanie’s first single, “Give It To Me Right” is Top 25 at 3 radio formats!
Video can be seen on Much Music, MuchMoreMusic, MusiquePlus, Musimax and MTV.ca
She’s been featured in Paper Magazine, Vibe, Nylon, InTouch.com, Seventeen.com and Entertainment Weekly.
Her debut album, The Bridge, will release on Tuesday, June 30, 2009!
And if you don’t know, now you know, Canada!
Check out her website and MySpace page for more information:
www.melaniefiona.com
www.myspace.com/melaniefiona
NEWEST/LATEST: WHAT UMAC’s LISTENING TO NOW & SO SHOULD YOU!
Al B. Sure: Honey I’m Home
Your Mom’s favorite 1980s falsetto crooner is back with his latest sugary sweet offering, Honey I’m Home, poised to make a new generation of ladies gasp, swoon & clutch the pearls!
Eminem: Relapse
Marshall Bruce Mathers returns after a 5 year hiatus to show you how to do this, Son with his fifth full length disc, Relapse! No matter how demented, Eminem’s undeniable lyrical prowess on the mic & his ability to shock & awe us with raw, damn near untouchable subject matter only makes us want more.
Also look out for: Former Canadian Idol runner-up Gary Beals sophomore offering, The Rebirth Of… & multitalented musician/producer Slakah The Beat Child’s debut release, Soul Movements, Vol. 1
WHEN KEEPING IT HOOD GOES HORRIBLY WRONG (THOUGH RIGHTS WERE USED!!!): CHARLES HAMILTON & PITBULL
Charles Hamilton Gets His Eggs Scrambled For Abject & Felonious Stupidity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmmAzVAaKPY
& Pitbull Gets His Fake Timmy TuphGuy Mode On: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeoqStPPEis&feature=related
Any & all comments regarding career killers and lame attempts to revive them can be forwarded to: lostrapcareer@assclown.com
WHAT’S GOOD?!?!?: UMAC EVENT LISTINGS
Former Canadian Idol runner-up Gary Beals is launching his second CD, The Rebirth Of… during his release party in Toronto at Revival.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Revival
783 College Street
Toronto, Ontario
Doors: 7pm
Show: 8pm
19+
Info: www.garybeals.com
Life Movement & The Wildcore present KRS-One’s Stop The Violence Movement Speakers Series & Show. “The Teacha”, KRS-One, will grace the Mega City with his presence over several days of speaking engagements & town hall meetings on the culture of hip hop, culminating in an always exciting show at The Opera House!
June 9-12, 2009
Multiple Venues
Toronto, Ontario
Info(Speakers Series): thelifemovement@gmail.com
Info(Concert): Jace at 416.886.5057
Opera Diva Measha Brueggergosman takes over Toronto’s Roy Thompson Hall for three big nights, June 10, 11 and 13. Get your culture on & head over an inspiring performance by one of Canada’s most valued treasures.
June 10,11,13, 2009
Roy Thompson Hall
60 Simcoe Street
Toronto, Ontario
Info: http://www.roythompson.com
Soul Stirrer Slakah the Beatchild is launching Soul Movement, Vol. 1, at his CD Release Party at Revival.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Revival
783 College Street
Toronto, Ontario
Info: http://www.myspace.com/slakahthebeatchild
Join General and special invited guests to celebrate the release of his new video, “Blind Spot”! Giveaways from Born Hungry Enterprises all night long. Check out the video for “Blind Spot” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sLJvBJT_tM
COMING ATTRACTIONS
General opening for:
Royce Da 5’9, July 5, 2009 at Big Sexy, Oshawa, Ontario
For $20 advance tickets, email bornhungry@rogers.com
Jadakiss during the BET / Def Jam Caribana Party, August 1, 2009 at Koolhaus, Toronto, Ontario
For $30 advance tickets, email bornhungry@rogers.com
Friday June 12, 2009
Seven Lounge
224 Richmond St. West
Toronto, Ontario
Info : bornhungry@rogers.com for $10 guest list
Enjoy a little “Jazz at The Drake” featuring award-winning vocalist Liberty Silver, Juno Awards jazz aficionado Eddie Bullen and his teenage son, Quincy Bullen, a highly acclaimed pianist. Proceeds of this event go to the York-Westview Partnership and the Y.A.A.A.C.E.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Drake Hotel
1150 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario
Info: http://www.eddiebullen.com.
Gilson Lubin stars in “No Strings Attached”. Tickets on sale now. Many tickets have been reserved, so contact immediately & if you need help securing tickets without a credit card, email gilson@gilsonlubin.com .
Friday, June 19, 2009
Second City
51 Mercer Street
Toronto, Ontario
Doors: 10:15pm
Show: 11pm
Damage: Advance tickets $15 and $20 at door
Info: 416.343.0011 or (toll free) 1.800.263.4485 / www.gilsonlubin.com
This year’s NXNE conference is full of great events, including:
Celebrity Interview: Fab 5 Freddy Interviews GZA, founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan
Arguably hip hop’s most important group, Wu-Tang Clan brought the New York rap scene to worldwide attention. Explore their rise to fame with GZA as he sits down with American hip hop historian and former graffiti artist Fab 5 Freddy, Saturday June 20, 2009, 1:00-2:30pm.
UMAC’s Demo Derby: Please Listen To My Demo, featuring longtime industry vet Farley Flex, UMAC President Will Strickland & Montreal-based pop star, Empire Isis, who will be filming the session for her Musique Plus television show, The Gangstress Chronicles, jumps off immediately after Fab & The GZA are done from 3-4:30pm.
The Cool Kids get on their alt-hip hop grizzly Sunday, June 21 at Yonge-Dundas Square!
Make sure you check it all out!
June 17-21, 2009
Hyatt Regency Toronto
370 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario
Info: www.nxne.com
Ontario Place is getting a taste of Africa with the launch of The First Annual Toronto African Film and Music Festival, showcasing the works of African filmmakers and musicians.
June 19-21, 2009
Ontario Place
955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Toronto, Ontario
Info: http://torontoafricanfilmmusicfest.com
Toronto’s Pride Week is loaded with some big performances on the bill. R&B divas Deborah Cox and Divine Brown, as well as nu-jazz /soul singer / songwriter Esthero and rocker Carole Pope are all scheduled to take part in Toronto’s celebration of independent sexual freedom & choice.
June 19-28, 2009
Multiple Venues
Toronto, Ontario
Info: http://www.pridetoronto.com
The MuchMusic Building on Toronto’s Queen Street West will turn into mayhem as artists flock in for the annual MuchMusic Video Awards (MMVAs). Alberta rockers Nickelback and Canada’s latest r&b/pop sensation, Danny Fernandes, are both nominated for five awards, while Flow 93.FM rapper/air personality Famous is also a nominee.
Check out the full list at: http://mmva.muchmusic.com/category/nominees.
June 21, 2009
Much Music Building
299 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario
Info: http://mmva.muchmusic.com
One of the most anticipated events of the summer in the T-Dot is the TD Bank Jazz Fest. Devotees & newcomers alike can enjoy the cool stylings from the likes of the legendary Tony Bennett, Brandford Marsalis, Kool & The Gang, Sonny Rollins, Jamie Cullum, Sadao Watanabe & more!
June 22-July 3, 2009
Multiple Venues
Toronto, Ontario
Info: http://www.tojazz.com/Pages/Toronto_Downtown_Jazz_Festival_pgM243.asp
Montreal gets reggaefied with the Montreal International Reggae Festival taking place at Parc Jean-Drapeau! Come feel the vibes!
June 26-28, 2009
Parc Jean-Drapeau
1 Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
Montreal, Quebec
Info: http://www.montrealreggaefest.com
Lookin’ at my Gucci, it’s about that time for the Ice Cream Summer Fest at Molson Amphitheatre! With a lineup featuring Faith Evans, Salt-N-Pepa, Jon B. Shabba Ranks, MC Lyte & a Special Surprise Guest, what more could you want? Get your tickets now!
June 27, 2009
Molson Amphitheatre
909 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Toronto, Ontario
Info: 416.955.1815 / www.icecreamsummerfest.ca
The 2009 Montreal Jazz Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary & features the incomparable Steveland Morris, better known as Stevie Wonder, Dave Brubeck, The Brothers Marsalis, Wynton & Branford & plenty other jazz greats for your listening enjoyment!
June 30-July 12, 2009
Multiple Venues
Montreal, Quebec
Info: http://www.montrealjazzfest.com
UMAC’s ultimate showcase & touring event is a sure shot winner every time! Call for submissions is on NOW & ends June 15, 2009. Enter for your chance to be a part of the incredible event.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Metro Hall
55 John Street
Toronto, Ontario
Doors: 1pm
Start: 2pm
Damage: Free for members or new members who sign up for UMAC membership at the venue, $5 otherwise.
Info: 416.916.2874 / umacgoturb@gmail.com
Small World & Batuki Music present The Return to Toronto of Vieux Farka Toure’: Official Launch Party for Afrofest 2009, presented in association with Music Africa. The famed Mali-based vocalist/guitarist lands in Canada to bless Afrofest, along with an opening set by Afrafranto. It’s a party you don’t want to miss!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Phoenix Concert Theatre @ 9:00 pm / doors 8:00 pm
410 Sherbourne Street
Toronto, Ontario
Doors: 8pm
Show: 9pm
Damage: $25 advance at http://www.smallworldmusic.com / Soundscapes, 572 College Street, Toronto
Info: http://www.vieuxfarkatoure.com / http://www.musicafrica.org / www.myspace.com/batukimusic
DA GOODS!!!
Drizzy Drake Rogers
The 3 people to e-mail contests@umacunited.com with the correct answer to:
Q: What is Drake’s real full name?
will receive a UMAC CD Gift Set, featuring the most recent releases from Jamie Foxx, Ciara & Canada’s own Classified, courtesy of Sony Music / GroundWorks Marketing.
Gilson Lubin
The first person to e-mail contests@umacunited.com with the correct answer to:
Q: For what television network did Gilson Lubin work?
will receive a pair of tickets to his June 19th show at Second City, courtesy of Rise High Entertainment.
KRS-One
The 3 people to e-mail contests@umacunited.com with the correct answer to:
Q: For what does the acronym “KRS-One” stand?
will receive a pair of tickets to the June 12th KRS-One show at the Opera House, courtesy of The Wildcore.
As 2009 ends, we can’t help but reflect on what a whirlwind year it’s been for music. To say this year was full of highs and lows would be a vast understatement. While we all experienced the overwhelmingly gut-wrenching loss of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, sharing in the grief globally, closer to home, we were shocked by the unexpected death of our own royalty, Haydain Neale of JackSoul. In fact, this year will go down in the books for marking the loss of some of music’s most creative, innovative and influential artists, including DJ AM, Roc Raida, Baatin of Slum Village and the legendary Mr. Magic. 
UMACUnited IS The Urban Music Association of Canada 
