The Canadian Artist Expo

The Canadian Artist Expo has a magnificent panel filled with major movers and shakers in the music industry. All of whom have been selected to show you the ins and outs of having a successful music career. We are sure you have heard their names before but wait till you learn more about their impressive bios that make them who they are today and qualify them to share their expertise with you on July 10th.

Carrie Mullings

Affectionally known as Mumma Canada due to her popular radio show Rebel Vibez on Vibe105, Carrie Mullings is a music expert and has been in the industry for nearly two decades. She is the founder of Rebel Vibez Enterprize as well as the founder and executive producer of the Rebel Vibez radio show. So, if anyone has a good eye for the ever-evolving trends in the music industry it is Mumma Canada! She uses her platform to highlight Canadian reggae music and to promote up-and-coming artists through radio play and interviews. In 2015, she founded Stages Canada, a touring platform that showcases Canadian musical talent across Canada and the world. Stages Canada provides mentorship, workshops and the expertise needed for artists to gain an audience and experience through audio and visual elements. 

Robert (Bob) Swire 

Bob Swire was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to Chicago to pursue his plans to study architecture.  While he was in college, he wanted to bring the music that he was used to hearing in Jamaica to Chicago. So, he began playing reggae music at parties and nightclubs, which eventually led to him becoming a popular DJ. Soon after, he began promoting shows with artists such as Byron Lee, Ernie Smith, and Carlene Davis. As well as booking acts such as Third World, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh, Judy Mowatt, Pablo Moses, and U-Roy.  In 1979, Bob started hosting a Reggae radio show called Java at WLNR.  This opened more doors for him as he began managing local reggae band New Era and booked them to perform at the Wild Hare Club in Chicago. The performance was so successful that he influenced them to turn the club into a live reggae club and became the exclusive booking agent for Wild Hare. Swire also has experience managing artists like Judy Mowatt, Bushman and is currently managing the up-and-coming reggae artist Héda Rose. 

FACTOR

FACTOR - which stands for the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings, is a public/private partnership that supports the production of sound recordings and helps make recordings from Canadian music companies available to a larger audience. A representative will be on the panel to share funding opportunities available to Canadian musicians through FACTOR. The platform supports Canadian recording artists, songwriters, artist managers, record labels, music publishers, distributors, and event producers through numerous programs.  This is a great resource for Canadian artists looking to grow, as they provide support for artists and music entrepreneurs to progress into the international arena. This is a must-attend session for any artist who is serious about their career!