SoMa Forum
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SoMa Forum 〰️
Music BC Presents: SoMa Forum
Dates: Friday, March 20th & Saturday, March 21st, 2026
Locations:
📍 Chill x Studios (2270 Manitoba St)
📍 The Birdhouse (44 W 4th Ave)
The music doesn’t stop when the lights go up… This year, we are thrilled to debut SoMa Forum - a new space for the conversations that move our industry forward, running in tandem with SoMa Fest. Built to bridge the gap between the stage and the business, the Forum offers tactical, real-time insights designed to elevate your professional toolkit, whether you’re an artist or an industry veteran.
SoMa Forum brings the industry to you, with experts joining us from across Canada and around the globe. Across two days of programming, expect high-impact conversations from visionary leaders redefining the scene, alongside interactive workshops, and more. This is where the BC music community connects to turn inspiration into sustainable success.
Opening Ceremony with Xwechtaal Dennis Joseph
Location: The Birdhouse
Time: 10:00 - 10:30 AM
About:
Join us for the official SoMa Fest Opening Ceremony!
Xwechtaal Dennis Joseph is an Elder Statesman from the Squamish Nation where he served on Chiefs and Council for 28 years and work there for 40. He is the first Indigenous person in Canada to be appointed via legislature to a Police Board at West Vancouver. A volunteer co-founder of Squamish Nation Peacekeepers he retired after 25 years. An accomplished musician he and his group Bitterly Divine have opened stages for Billy Idol, The Killers He is also a 5 time National Lacrosse Champion including MVP.
Friday, March 20, 2026 Programming
On Brand or Off Key?
Location: The Birdhouse
Time: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers:
Natasha Dion - SEVEN Studios Media
Negele Hospedales - by Hospey
About: In the modern music industry, your brand often speaks before your music even plays. This high-speed, interactive session invites artists and industry professionals to put their marketing assets under the microscope. Join two of Canada’s leading branding experts, Natasha Dion and Negele Hospedales, as they select submissions from the audience for a "live audit." Each selected participant will engage with our experts about their vision, followed by a deep dive into their visual identity storytelling, content and tactics. These live conversations will help ALL attendees identify what’s hitting the mark, what’s creating friction, and how to build a cohesive identity that resonates with fans and industry pros alike.
“Did You Read the Brief?” Sync Selections Demystified
Location: The Birdhouse
Time: 12:15 - 1:45 PM
Speakers:
Kim Temple (moderator) - High Priestess Publishing
Natasha Duprey - Must Be Nice Productions
Heather Gardner - Vapor Music
Cody Partridge - Pear Tree Music Supervision
About: Go behind the scenes of the sync process to see what it actually takes to land the placement. In this interactive session, we bridge the gap between the artist's upload and the supervisor’s ears. Using a series of archived "mystery briefs," panel attendees will have the opportunity to submit their best work under real-world conditions*. We’ll listen to the selected submissions live, compare them against the original creative briefs, and hear the "why" behind the selection. From metadata must-haves to that elusive "sonic magic," learn exactly how supervisors filter through the noise to find the perfect track. * Please Note: Not all attendee submissions will be selected.
Presented in partnership with the Guild of Music Supervisors.
The Business of Being an Artist
Location: Chill x Studio
Time: 10:45 - 11:30 AM
Speakers:
Jenn Barker (moderator) - Fairground Management
Kultar Chohan - Keep Clarity
Joy Warmann - Secretly Group
Akeem Herbert - Coalition Music
About: In 2026, artistic independence doesn’t just mean releasing music yourself - it means running a company. Artist development extends far beyond songwriting and stage presence. This session explores the modern pillars of building a career: creative clarity, financial strategy, rights management, audience development, data-informed decision making, and intentional team building. Our panelists will share what signals readiness, the mistakes they see repeatedly, and what separates hobbyists from long-term careers. Drawing from A&R, management, analytics, and curation, they’ll offer real-world examples of what infrastructure actually looks like behind the scenes. This is a conversation for artists who want to move from momentum to infrastructure, and for new managers and industry professionals helping shape the next generation of talent, without a label safety net.
Decoding the Data with Chartmetric
Location: Chill x Studio
Time: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Speakers:
Dom Randazzo - Chartmetric
About: In an era where "data is the new A&R," knowing how to read the numbers is the difference between a viral moment and a sustainable career. Join Dom Randazzo of Chartmetric for a hands-on, deep-dive workshop designed to turn raw analytics into actionable strategy. Whether you are a seasoned power user or don’t even have an account yet, this session is for you. Bring your laptop and get ready to explore the global music landscape - from identifying untapped geographic markets to understanding cross-platform audience behavior. You’ll walk away with a tangible toolkit of the metrics that actually matter and a clear roadmap for leveraging data to build long-term independence and success in the modern industry.
Metrics That Matter: A Data Case Study
Location: Chill x Studio
Time: 1:00 - 1:45 PM
Speakers:
Emma Kimbell - Nettwerk Music Group
About: We all have access to more data than ever, but knowing what it actually means (and what to do with it) is the hard part. This session breaks down how artists and their teams can use streaming and audience insights to make smarter decisions and grow intentionally. We’ll look at real examples of how to interpret the numbers, spot opportunities, and turn insights into a clear plan, whether that’s refining your release strategy, focusing your marketing, choosing where to tour, or understanding who your audience really is. This session will share case studies from local and global artists at Nettwerk Music Group to show how data can support creative careers in practical, realistic ways. Together, we’ll answer: How do we take stats and turn them into strategy?
Info Session with FACTOR
Location: Chill x Studio
Time: 1:45 - 2:30 PM
Speakers:
Emma Barnett - Program Administrator
Amanda Lewis - Program Manager
About: Building a sustainable career in music requires more than just talent—it requires resources. FACTOR Canada invites you to an info session dedicated to the "how-to" of music funding. We’ll discuss our commitment to the Canadian-owned music sector and walk through the support available for managers, publishers, and creators alike. Discover how to leverage our programs to connect your music with the world.
Beyond the Drop: Rethinking Success in Electronic Music
Location: The Birdhouse
Time: 2:00 - 2:45 PM
Speakers:
Daniel Turcotte (moderator) - Monstercat
Jordan Hutchinson - Westwood Recordings
zensei ゼンセ - Artist / DLN Sounds
Christine Diamantopoulos - District
SABAI - Artist
About: British Columbia has quietly become a global force in electronic music — home to the breakout artists, touring headliners, and independent labels shaping modern dance culture. The common thread is not geography, but philosophy. While dance music is often framed as competitive, hit-driven, and trend-chasing, the artists and labels building lasting impact are doing something different: they're building together. This panel highlights real journeys spanning 15 years from label executives, artist-entrepreneurs, and multi-faceted creative professionals. From Gene (Sabai) evolution from label staffer to artist entrepreneur, to Dillon’s (p/k/a Zensei, Eminence, Soulji) rise from bedroom producer to multi-faceted artist and film composer, to Westwood’s rise from an artist imprint to festival brand — each story demonstrates that building sustainable success takes time, and looks different for everyone.
Presented in Partnership with Monstercat.
Saturday, March 21, 2026 Programming
Whose Song Is It Anyway? Copyright, Consent, and Creativity in the Age of AI
Location: Chill x Studio
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Speakers:
Kei Baritugo (moderator) - Montreal AI Ethics Institute
Amanda Silvera - Society for Original Biometric Identity Rights
David Morin - Musician
Asia Mattu - Voice Actor / ACTRA Member
About: As AI-generated tracks flood streaming platforms and deepfakes imitate famous voices, the music industry faces complex legal and ethical questions. This session unpacks intellectual property challenges, explores consent and data use, and discusses how policy is evolving to protect the rights of creatives.
Lifespan of Release
Location: The Birdhouse
Time: 9:45 - 10:30 AM
Speakers:
Amanda Powell (moderator) - 604 Records
Lexani Talionis - Nettwerk Music Group
Job Smit - Mattan Records
Sophie McKinnon - Victory Pool
Aaron Meola - DISCO
Presented in partnership with CIMA.
About: In an era where the "drop" is just the beginning, understanding the full trajectory of a record is essential for any independent artist. The Lifespan of a Release breaks down the three critical phases of a rollout: the strategic buildup, the momentum of the launch, and the long-tail sustainability of the music. We’ll explore how goals shift when moving from singles to full bodies of work, and compare the "DIY vs. Label" experience in today’s evolving climate. Attendees will walk away with a tangible roadmap for navigating streaming shifts and building an impact that lasts.
Local Roots, Global Reach: Scaling From Hometown to Headliner
Location: The Birdhouse
Time: 10:45 - 11:30 AM
Speakers:
Lori Ethier (moderator) - M For Montreal
Mulu Tesfu - POP Montreal
Michael Dawson - BreakOut West
Anika Nagy - Sziget Festival
Joe Frampton - Midnight Mango
About: The leap from local Canadian stages to the international festival circuit requires more than just a passport; it requires a specialized strategy. This panel dives into the mechanics of "export readiness," examining the critical differences between a standard festival play and high-stakes export events. We will pull back the curtain on what international talent buyers actually look for in 2026 - from the specific data points that prove your music "travels" to the professional team needed to support a cross-border career. This session explores the nuance of performing for industry delegates versus your hometown fans, and how to manage the financial realities of international touring without losing your mind. Whether you are booking independently or working with an agent, join us to learn how to bridge the gap between being a local favorite and a global contender while maintaining the community that started it all.
Embracing Neurodivergence in the Music Industry
Location: Chill X Studio
Time: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Presented By: Rupert Hudson - Counsellor & Musician
About: Why do so many of the most creative people in music also struggle to feel well within the industry itself? Join us for an in-depth and compassionate exploration of neurodivergence and mental health in the music industry, led by Vancouver-based artist and therapist Rupert Hudson, who specializes in working with neurodivergent clients and performs in the local band Orchid Orchestra.
The Balancing Act: Snotty Nose Rez Kids on Life and Art
Location: The Birdhouse
Time: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Speakers:
Darren "Young D" Metz
Quinton "Yung Trybez" Nyce
Moderated by Jenny Lea
About: How do you keep your career moving without letting it consume you? For Snotty Nose Rez Kids, the journey to the global stage has been fueled by a relentless drive - but the true work happens behind the scenes. In this candid keynote, Yung Trybez and Young D explore the delicate art of the 'industry balancing act,' particularly when it comes to leading such a heavy touring schedule year after year. They'll dive into what they've learned from clocking over 400 shows and how to stay grounded during the process. Moderated by Jenny Lea, they'll dive into the reality of protecting their mental well-being while managing the weight of public expectations, the necessity of defining success on your own terms, and the vital importance of staying connected to family and community.
SOCAN 101: Maximize Your Revenue
Location: Chill x Studio
Time: 12:45 - 1:30 PM
Speakers:
Coralie Hummel - Account Executive, Membership
Phil Laffin - Account Executive
About: Music Creators/Publishers: Maximize your SOCAN revenue. This 30-minute session will include a brief introduction to SOCAN’s new member portal (launched January 27). The educational focus will be on steps to register your songs and submit the set list for your live music performances. 15-minute Q&A to follow.
Info Session with Creative BC
Location: Chill x Studio
Time: 1:45 - 2:30 PM
Speakers:
Joseph Bardsley - Analyst, Music Programs
Lu Slone – Coordinator, Music Programs
About: Creative BC has launched two funding programs for systemically excluded artists and businesses across British Columbia. Join Creative BC staff for an in-person Info Session at SoMa Forum to learn about these programs. Get all the details about eligibility, examples of past successful projects, and the application process. The Demo Recording program supports new and emerging artists from systemically excluded groups living in B.C. to engage in sound recording and mentorship with local music producers. Artists and producers can apply together for $2,000 to cover 100% of recording expenses for one to two songs. The Business Foundations program invests in growing businesses in B.C.’s music ecosystem to expand and develop networks, capacity, and infrastructure. Entrepreneurs and companies can apply for $2,000 - $10,000 to support business operations, funding up to 100% of eligible expenses.
These programs are supported by the Province of BC's Amplify BC fund. Applications will be accepted for both programs until March 25, 2026.
The Multi-Hyphenate Career
Location: The Birdhouse
Time: 1:00 - 1:45 PM
Speakers:
Kristina Lao (moderator) - Kristina Lao Entertainment
Mizzy Mejia - TALA Music & Consulting
Alex Sannie - Manitoba Music
Suzette Amaya - SAMAYA Entertainment
About: This panel brings together professionals who wear multiple hats across the industry, blending skills, roles, and perspectives that don’t always fit into a single job title. Each panelist has built a career by exploring more than one lane, balancing creative, technical, and entrepreneurial work and proving that success doesn’t have to be linear. The conversation will explore how embracing a multi-disciplinary approach can open doors, create resilience, and empower people to design careers that evolve with their interests and opportunities. Especially for entrepreneurs, this panel highlights how versatility can be a strength, not a limitation.
Other Participating Companies
Ciara O'Neill - MRG Live
David Prowse - The Rickshaw
Jeff Ojeda - Phase Entertainment Group
Kassandra Guagliardi - Timbre Events
Peter Carruthers - Play MPE / Pop Machine
Rob Wright - The Feldman Agency
Sam Chadwick - Macklam Feldman Management
Stephen Franke - Blue Heron Music / Phillips Backyard Festival
Valerie Biggin - The Song Rep
