Overview: Noah James Shebib, known as "40," will be delivering the keynote speech at IMSTA FESTA Toronto. "40" is a versatile figure in the music industry, wearing multiple hats as a record producer, songwriter, record executive, and former child actor. He works closely with the renowned Canadian rapper Drake, serving as the producer for all of Drake's albums. Together with Drake, Shebib co-founded the OVO Sound label, playing a pivotal role in its establishment. He boasts an impressive tally of 18 Grammy Award nominations, securing two prestigious wins. Beyond his work with Drake, Shebib has lent his production talents to an array of A-list artists, including Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Action Bronson, and Jamie Foxx.

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Overview: Eli Brown is a multi-platinum producer hailing from Brampton, Ontario who has solidified his position as one of the industry's most sought-after producers. He is widely known for his work on Drake's chart-topping track "Drew a Picasso" and "In The Bible" featuring Lil Durk and Giveon, as well as his collaboration with Chris Brown and Young Thug on the hit song "Big Slimes" featuring Gunna and Lil Durk.

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Overview: In this discussion you'll get an overview of what SOCAN does as Canada's largest music rights organization and the role it plays within the larger music industry and ecosystem. SOCAN represents the rights of music creators and publishers for the composition (music and lyrics), so if you're a songwriter, composer, or producer this discussion is for you. Learn the difference between performing and reproduction rights, and how to receive the money you've rightfully earned for your hard work. When you're a member of SOCAN, you enjoy many benefits, including access to helpful resources and funding opportunities, and support from SOCAN's Creative and Membership teams. As a member of SOCAN you are joining a talented network of songwriters, producers, composers, and music publishers, like Drake, The Weeknd, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé and more than 175,000 creators and professionals just like you, working to build a career with your extraordinary creative craft. As SOCAN’s Creative Executive based in Toronto,

Presenter: Houtan Hodania assists SOCAN’s incredibly talented and business-savvy members benefit from expanded opportunities such as collaboration, employing industry contacts, talent-assessment, career-development, and people-connecting skills. Prior to SOCAN, Houtan was heavily involved in the live music space in Vancouver as a DJ and event producer, helping put on countless live music concerts and events in Vancouver. Through his time in the live music industry Houtan was able to land a role with SOCAN and has now been with the company for nearly 3 years.

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Overview: Do you want to improve the sound of your home recorded vocals? Join veteran producer Douglas Romanow for an in-depth look at microphone tricks, vocal tuning and processing, including tools from FabFilter, Antares and Celemony. Douglas Romanow is a Canadian Record Producer, Mixer and Songwriter, with production studios in both Toronto and Nashville. His projects have taken him all over the world, writing and producing in Berlin, Stockholm, Los Angeles and Capetown. He has also been a Musical Director and keyboardist for the Canadian Country Music Association since 2011. Doug is an experienced engineer, recording artists including Justin Bieber, Johnny Reid, Chantal Kreviazuk, Divine Brown, Tyga and Nexus Percussion. As a producer, Doug has over 300 album and single credits. He is currently producing records for Sam Hatmaker, Don Amero, OUDi, Mikalyn Hay, Kinnie Starr, Rebecca Rain, ARADIA, Angela Chambers and Nicole Rayy.

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Overview: This master class will focus on improving musical production and mix quality using the philosophy used in film, TV, and video games to field record original sounds for sound design. A long tradition in visual media sound design is to avoid using stock sounds and record the world around us to create the foundation of many of the sound effects and sound design we hear in the movies, shows, and video games we love. Synthetic layers are often added for depth and character, especially in SCIFI, but rarely are they used as the bedrock of sound design. Using this philosophy in music production allows for very unique sounds, increased mix quality, more interesting productions, and provides producers a distinguished sound and depth not easily found when only using stock samples and synth patches. This master class will cover the philosophies used in visual media, what gear is needed (at ranging price points), and examples of how these recordings can be implemented in the music production process.

Daniel Mansour, owner of KAYVE AUDIO is a professional producer, sound designer, film composer and mixing/mastering engineer. With releases on acclaimed labels like deadmau5’s mau5trap and mixing and mastering on Juno nominated albums, he has built a strong name for himself in the industry. Specializing in complex MIDI productions and detailed sound design, Mansour has featured work for audio giants like Sound Ideas, recording and designing sounds for their massive sound packs, as well as designing his own sound packs for various other companies and websites. Daniel is also the Director and Head Engineer at a studio within a youth shelter in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), helping at-risk youth with recording, production, and mixing/mastering by offering sessions and private lessons for those who need it most. Mansour’s expertise lies in computer-based productions, MIDI environments, synthesizers, and audio manipulation. His skills extend into mixing and mastering, technically enhancing and sonically improving the works of others, as well as his own. Loving every aspect of audio and sound, he has a hand in many avenues within the industry.

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Overview: After years of dramatic change, where is the music industry today and more importantly, where is it going?

Presenter: John Harris is the president of Harris Institute, an internationally recognized leader in music industry education, He managed artists for 25 years, created a school that educates industry leaders, established international post-secondary partnerships, developed the first Canadian written musical mounted on Broadway, built the world’s largest sound system and created national support for Metronome: Canada’s Music City.

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Overview: In this master class, Toronto Hip Hop producer, Bavaro, will demonstrate the art of drum arrangement in hip hop tracks, emphasizing the nuances of groove and rhythm. Essential insights will be shared regarding the identification of diverse drum sounds and the pivotal role of sound selection in crafting hip hop percussion. The importance of simplicity will be underscored, along with guidance on distinguishing professional beats from amateur ones. Given the vast array of hip hop sounds, Bavaro will elucidate strategies for tailoring each sample or melody to match the desired vibe. Collaborative ventures with fellow producers will also be discussed, accompanied by Bavaro's personal tricks and tips acquired over time to enhance beat mixing, recognizing its profound significance in the music production process.

Presenter: Bavaro is a Persian Music Producer hailing from Toronto, Canada. His journey into the world of music commenced with his fascination for drumming. For three years, Bavaro immersed in the rhythms of the drums, only to later embark on a transformational path into the realm of DJing. Two years of professional DJing ensued, cultivating a deep-seated passion for music creation. This newfound passion led Bavaro to experiment with music production which ignited an unstoppable creative spark. Much of Bavaro's musical ability was self-taught, but formal education came into play with a year-long stint at Metalworks for Music Production. Collaboration with Toronto-based rapper CasperTNG and Duvy marked the inception of a fruitful partnership, yielding hit tracks. Today, Bavaro's artistry extends to working alongside renowned artists like NorthsideBenji, Smiley, and various prominent figures within the Toronto rap scene. This success has opened doors to greater opportunities, including notable placements with artists such as Vory, Lil Tjay, and French Montana.

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Overview: In this master class, the owner of Lacquer Channel Mastering and senior mastering engineer, Noah Mintz, will guide you through the concepts and techniques involved in the final stage of music production. This stage is crucial for achieving a polished and professional sound. Noah will help you understand what mastering is and what it is not, and why it is so important. He will also cover topics such as a typical setup, equipment, the listening environment, audio file formats and quality, preparing your mix for mastering, and much more.

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Overview: In this masterclass, industry veteran Clint Ward takes you through "Twelve Reality Checks" of today's music industry.

Having spent over half a decade unravelling changes in the industry, Clint has curated a series of observations and insights that describe the brutal challenges and the opportunities and freedoms inherent in today's wide-open music industry. Even with the headwinds of lean royalty opportunities and Big Label ownership of 70% of the revenue, thousands of courageous indie or small label artists are leveraging the new "streaming era" to their advantage. The "Twelve Reality Checks" detail the challenges and then share the menu list of strategies and tactics almost every artist uses to overcome them.

This masterclass will help you understand and navigate today's music industry, learn from what others are doing and maximize your chances of making a living from their music. It's not about selling units anymore! "Rock Star Money" is rare, but "Art Money" is attainable! Authenticity is your brand, and being prolific is the industry!

These Twelve Reality Checks are not new or revolutionary But they illustrate how thousands of artists make it work in today's challenging industry.

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Overview: In this interview, we delve into the world of AI-driven music composition, mentorship, and voice cloning with a true innovator in the field. Our guest, Illmind has been a pioneer in harnessing the power of AI MIDI plugins to spark creativity since 2015. Join us as we uncover the profound impact AI tools have on the music industry, from the rapid generation of melody ideas to mentoring aspiring musicians. The conversation will also include an exciting turn as we explore the realm of AI voice cloning's potential in music production. Discover how Illmind leverages this technology to create original songs, seamlessly transforming a vocalist's voice into that of artists like Rihanna, opening up exciting avenues for pitching songs to both established and up-and-coming musicians. Finally, Illmind will be sharing insights about his newly developed AI clone ChatBot, known as "BlapGPT." This innovative creation has been meticulously trained using a wide array of sources, including his interviews, podcasts, videos, the books he has immersed himself in, and even his favorite music. The primary purpose of BlapGPT is to serve as a mentor for aspiring musicians.

Ramon "!llmind" Ibanga Jr. is a 2x Grammy Winning/10x Grammy Nominated multi-platinum music producer who's worked with artists such as Kanye West, J Cole, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce & Jay-Z, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Romeo Santos, Lin Manuel Miranda (Hamilton + Moana) 2 Chainz & many more. He is the founder of "Blap-Kits", a series of "beat-making" tools available for music producers which eventually helped pioneer the now multi-million dollar per year "drum kit & sound pack" industry. As a consistent advocate and voice in the music production world, his weekly podcast "Illmind Put The Loop On" boasted a die-hard music producer driven following, including industry special guests such as Boi-1da, Murda Beatz, Ryan Leslie, Russ, Brian Michael Cox and many more. He is also known for traveling to various cities, bringing together up-coming music creators in "secret studio locations" to network, vibe, play music & engage in their creative community. In 2021, Illmind introduced a new side to his business by engaging with WEB3. He released the first ever "sample pack NFT" which sold for 4.5 ETH ($9,000 at the time) and sent a shockwave in the industry, built a metaverse recording studio (for VR meet ups) and launched his coveted pfp project Squad Of Knights NFT, boasting collectors/members such as Gary Vee, Rob Markman, Altcoin Daily and many web2/web3 industry vets.

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Overview: Richard Chycki is a multi-platinum mixer and engineer whose clients include such rock royalty as Rush, Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Skillet, Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, Pink and many more. Known for his pioneering mix work in multichannel audio, music icons Rush entrusted Chycki to remix the multi-million selling 2112, their career pinnacle Moving Pictures, as well as A Farewell To Kings, Hemispheres, Signals, Snakes & Arrows and Fly By Night in 5.1 surround, as well as mixing Moving Pictures in Dolby Atmos. Furthermore, Chicki mixed several releases for Evanescence and The Tragically Hip. While rock acts Dream Theater, Skillet, Simple Plan and Our Lady Peace had also tapped his surround mix talents, other genres have caught word, most notably for DVD releases with P. Diddy/ Tyrese/Shaggy and Sean Paul.

Join this master class with Richard Chycki, a multi-platinum mixer and engineer, as he delves into his mix approach. Discover his workflow, methods, and the tools he employs to craft chart-topping hits. Gain insights into honing your mixing skills, with practical advice and exercises that yield outstanding results in your own mixes. Explore innovative techniques and approaches that elevate your mixes, delivering a captivating and immersive listening experience.

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Overview: Join veteran producer Douglas Romanow on a whirlwind writing/production journey as he and a vocal topliner write and produce a pop hit right in front of your eyes. Douglas Romanow is a Canadian Record Producer, Mixer and Songwriter, with production studios in both Toronto and Nashville. His projects have taken him all over the world, writing and producing in Berlin, Stockholm, Los Angeles and Capetown. He has also been a Musical Director and keyboardist for the Canadian Country Music Association since 2011.

Doug is an experienced engineer, recording artists including Justin Bieber, Johnny Reid, Chantal Kreviazuk, Divine Brown, Tyga and Nexus Percussion. As a producer, Doug has over 300 album and single credits. He is currently producing records for Sam Hatmaker, Don Amero, OUDi, Mikalyn Hay, Kinnie Starr, Rebecca Rain, ARADIA, Angela Chambers and Nicole Rayy.

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Overview: As an independent musician it is important to understand the landscape of music licensing in Canada. Joinhttps://www.eventbrite.ca/e/739312933887?aff=oddtdtcreator of Metalworks Institute to gain an understanding of the players in the Canadian music licensing landscape; including CMRRA, Connect Music Licensing, SOCAN, and Re:SOUND. This session will help you to develop an understanding of the music royalty ecosystem in Canada and make sure that you know all the royalty streams available to you as an independent artist/music creator.

Presenter: Melissa Johnston is a music business professional with over thirteen years of experience in music publishing, specializing in mechanical licensing and royalty processing. She joined the team at Metalworks Institute in 2019 as an instructor and has since taken on the role of Student Success Manager. After graduating from Durham College’s Entertainment Administration program in 2006, she began her career at CMRRA helping the industry make the transition from physical media to the age of streaming. At the CMRRA, Melissa was able to hone her skills in client management while growing and managing a team of people responsible for the accurate licensing and processing of royalties. Melissa quickly rose through the ranks at the CMRRA and dealt directly with the largest music publishers, major and independent record labels, while interacting with senior management and helping develop a new licensing platform. Melissa combines her passion for music with a deep understanding of the business side of the industry and the nuances of not only being successful in the industry, but how to navigate the many facets of the industry to thrive.

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Overview: Powered by the Battle of the Beatmakers, the IMSTA FESTA Beat Battle is an electrifying music competition where 8 Producers engage in an intense tournament-style showdown across three rounds. In the first round, featuring all 8 talented producers, the stakes are high as they go head-to-head, each delivering their best beats in a Best of 3 format. As the battle progresses, the field narrows down to the Final 4 Producers in the second round, where only the very best beat will secure victory in a single face-off. The climax of the event unfolds in the third and final round, where the last two producers stand toe-to-toe, putting their finest beat forward for the ultimate showdown.

Judges: The IMSTA FESTA Beat Battle will be hosted by KLFTN (Battle of the Beat Makers) and judged by Mellenius (Tone Mason), who is a GRAMMY-Nominated Producer (Drake, Jay-Z, Tory Lanez, Rick Ross, 50 Cent, Ice Cube); Y-Not (SoundSmith) - Super Producer (J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, Jeezy, The LOX, Rakim); and Eli Brown, who is multi-platinum producer widely known for his work on Drake's chart-topping track "Drew a Picasso" and "In The Bible" featuring Lil Durk and Giveon. DJ of the day will be NORTH ENGLISH. Competing producers will be DJ BRITAIN, THE CHMST, WARREN WILLIAMS, CHIPPEWA, SIOUX, PRODBYJAM, TJAM, NX6HT JONES, A1.

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Overview: Writing a great song is a primary creative goal of most artists and songwriters worldwide. Getting the beat perfect is only one step. Getting the lyrics and melody just right is another step. Then – does it have a memorable hook? Does the style and production match the story? Is it engaging to listen from beginning to end?

In this panel, the Judges will preview the top songs from the online submissions and the chosen wild card selections from the preview sessions at the show.

The panel will discuss each song's merits, giving expert feedback. This master class is a fantastic opportunity to get insight into song structure, melody, lyrics, hook creation, production, general songsmith skills, and more.

After the live preview, the Judges will pick the Top Three Finalists!

It's live, interactive, and a valuable learning experience for everyone who attends. If you are interested in Songwriting and production, attend this event!

Our esteemed judges are Clint Ward (moderator), Ted Sevdalis, Eddie Bullen, Rosanne Baker Thornley, and Rob Wells.

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Overview: Join Grammy nominated, JUNO Award-winning, multi-platinum selling producer and instrumentalist Akeel Henry and SOCAN Creative Executive Lord Quest for a beat-making masterclass. Get a look into the creative process, the software and plug-ins used, and tips on how to take your production game to the next level. Whether you’re an aspiring beat-maker or an industry professional, this “Cookin’ Beats” panel shows you an exclusive insider perspective on the craft.

Akeel Henry is a multi-talented, Grammy-nominated, JUNO award-winning producer and instrumentalist from Toronto. Having grown up playing in the church, Henry quickly became a piano virtuoso. Mentored by Babyface and trained by Noah “40” Shebib of OVO Sound, he’s steadily been making a name for himself, producing records such as Giveon's "For Tonight," Jazmine Sullivan's "Hurt Me So Good," John Legend's "Splash" (feat Ty Dolla $ign & Jhene Aiko), WizKid's "Steady," among others. He’s toured with Daniel Caesar and executive produces buzzing Canadian R&B act LOONY. "Cookin Beats" will be moderated by none other than LordQuest, a Grammy nominated record producer and songwriter from Toronto, Canada. He co-produced 2Chainz “Vlad TV”, and has worked with the likes of Kelly Rowland “The Kelly Rowland Edition EP”, Jordin Sparks “Unknown” & “Red Sangria”, Juice Wrld “Run”, Schoolboy Q”Blind Threats”, SiR “Thats Why I Love You”(feat Sabrina Claudio) and Arin Ray “F*ck Ya’ll & Zzz”. His discography inclusive of Isaiah Rashad, Bosco, G-Unit, Alex Aiono, Jozzy, Joyner Lucas, Dom Kennedy, etc is ever growing. He was previously apart of the Warner Music Canada A&R team overseeing their hiphop and RnB Talent and has since joined Socan as creative Executive of Black music.

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