SaskMusic

SaskMusic is excited to announce our Fall 2015

Skills Lab Series

• Write a Killer Bio & One Sheet - September
• Sharpen Your Social Media Strategy - October
• Create Viral Video Content - November

Held at SaskMusic, Saskatoon (202-226 20th St West) and Regina (1831 College Ave.) offices
All Skills Labs events are free for SaskMusic members, or $20 each for non-members. All participants must pre-register.

For more information or to register: 1-800-347-0676 or info@saskmusic.org

SaskMusic’s Skills Lab Series focuses on developing the fundamental tools that artists and music professionals need to build their careers. We tackle one specific topic each session in a friendly, hands-on learning environment. It’s an opportunity to learn or practice business skills that are key to the ever-changing music industry, in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere where we can offer peer-to-peer mentorship and networking.

Write a Killer Bio & One Sheet, with Craig Silliphant
Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 pm in Saskatoon
Saturday, September 26, 2:00 pm in Regina

Summing up yourself and your music in 500 words or less sounds like an easy task, but any musician who has stared down that blank page knows otherwise. If you have ever wondered how to write a bio without sounding like a strange corporate version of yourself, have trouble deciding which of your many accomplishments to fit on your one sheet, or if the thought of reducing your entire catalogue of music to a few simple words makes your head spin, then this session is for you. Learn how to put your best foot forward in these crucial marketing tools through a hands-on critique, analyzing examples, and gaining advice on how to overcome writer’s block.

Craig Silliphant is a Saskatoon-based writer, critic, advertising strategist, and broadcaster. He is Creative Director at Rawlco Radio, Rawlco Transit, and Rawlco Digital, and he lives in Saskatoon with his wife and son. His work appears in places like Planet S Magazine, Prairie Dog Magazine, Ominocity, The National Post, BeatRoute, and on CBC, CTV, Rawlco Radio, and CFCR Community Radio. His book Exile Off Main Street, about the Saskatoon music scene, was a self-published local best seller. He is also editor of pop culture website http://thefeedbacksociety.com. Craig wrote countless music videos for CMT and MuchMusic and was writer and co-producer of the award-winning Global Television documentary, Stolen Sisters, about missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada. He is a Polaris Music Prize and JUNO Award juror. He has been a musician since he was a teenager and a prolific booster of the Saskatchewan music scene, both writing about music and also working with musicians on their press kits and promotional materials. His mom thinks he’s cool. His wife doesn’t.

Sharpen Your Social Media Strategy, with Taron Cochrane
Monday, October 26, 7:00 pm in Saskatoon - NEARLY FULL
Tuesday, October 27, 7:00 pm in Regina - FULL
NO WALK-UPS

(We'll look at a repeat date in the future)

In the age of digital content, it’s easy to feel like a small fish in a big ‘net. How do you make sure not only that your content is being seen, but that your fans are engaging with it and helping to tell your story? We’ll be focusing on strategies that work for the main platforms used by bands: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as going over other tools to look into such as MailChimp, Google Analytics, SoundCloud, and BandCamp. Learn the tools to successfully reach the audience you’re after, and build a loyal following of true fans.

Taron Cochrane is a strong and recognizable advocate for the local music industry. From more than 100 appearances on national news and local media (print and radio/TV), former Creative Marketing & Promotions Manager for the Regina Symphony Orchestra, and social media correspondent with Breakout West, the 2013 JUNO Awards, MOSAIC, Telemiracle, and Gateway Music Festival, Taron showcases what can be achieved through passion, motivation, and community involvement. He also works as a freelance writer for the Regina Leader-Post, is a sought-after public speaker and MC for events such as the Regina Folk Festival and Regina Downtown Summer Concert series, a regular FACTOR and WCMA juror, judge for many local talent shows, and a passionate local advocate for Music Heals Canada and various music therapy initiatives. Named a member of the CBC Future 40, Taron is known for his social media expertise, recognized as ‘2nd Best Twitter feed’ in Regina by Prairie Dog Magazine in 2013 & 2014, and the ‘4th Best Facebook Friend’ in 2014.

Create Viral Video Content, with Andrei Feheregyhazi
Monday, November 16, 7:00 pm in Regina
Tuesday, November 17, 7:00 pm in Saskatoon
NO WALK-UPS PLEASE, SPACE IS LIMITED

Video content has never been more integral to a successful marketing plan, as more and more music fans are discovering new bands through platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and other streaming video services. This session will assist you in telling your music’s story cheaply and effectively, whether through music videos or tour vlogs. We’ll discuss recommendations for which tools to invest in, how to do-it-yourself using a cell phone, and tips on working effectively with a videographer, if you choose to go that route.

Andrei Feheregyhazi received his BFA from the University of Saskatchewan. His first video, “Captain Yield,” was featured prominently on CBC’s ZED. Residing in Japan from 2004-2006, Andrei honed his painting and sculpting skills, having several shows in Tokyo. Upon returning to Canada, he put together art show “The Formula,” which went on to garner national attention from CBC’s The Current and other national radio programs. In 2007, he co-wrote and directed short film “Eugene”, which toured several international film festivals. He then went on to work as a cinematographer and editor on the multi Gemini-winning documentary series, “Hell on Hooves.” In 2009 Andrei began a working relationship with Joseph Gordon Levitt and HitRECord with his first animated short film, “Anglerpod,” made completely out of cardboard. Since then he fully focused on animation, and has created several highly-regarded animated music videos for both local and international acts, including a Western Canadian Music Award nomination for Music Video of the Year for Calgary’s Woodpigeon. Andrei’s film work has been featured on major Japanese network TokyoMX Television. Presently, he continues to work with Joseph Gordon Levitt for the U.S. television series HitRECord.