New music industry event series launching in Ottawa
Tickets are available now for Fusion’s premiere “Beatmakers + Songwriters” event
A brand new event series for music creators is launching in Ottawa in May 2023. Fusion is designed to support and develop music creators from Ottawa by bringing together diverse industry experts to lead insightful conversations and hands-on activities.
Fusion’s name stems from the series’ goal to combine sectors of the music industry that may not otherwise mix. Each event’s primary focus will be on two areas of the industry.
“The goal of Fusion is to help Ottawa become an international music centre by investing in the city’s diverse artists,” said Sarah Elaine McLay, CEO of Hitmakerz and one of the event organizers. “It is about bringing together different people across the music industry to create exciting new collaborations, or ‘fusions’ of ideas that are innovative and original.”
Because Fusion aims to combine different areas of the music industry, artists and creators from across fields – from singers, to performers, to beatmakers – are encouraged to attend.
Every Fusion event will feature a filled schedule of activities, including speakers, workshops, hands-on activities, networking, and professional development opportunities. These will be led by high-profile Ottawa-based industry professionals. Some unique features of Fusion include the fireside chat-style discussions with speakers, which will allow for more intimate conversations between guests and attendees, and the photo station, where participants can take headshots for their portfolio.
Fusion is a collaboration between the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, Hitmakerz, and Edwards Creative Law.
The pilot event is set to take place on Thursday, May 25, 2023. “Beatmakers + Songwriters” will include a fireside chat with MaCMuwsA and Christian Guzmán Ramos, who will also lead an activity and Q&A session.
MaCMuwsA is a visionary artist based in Ottawa with skills in photography, videography, graphic design, and website development. He is the co-founder of the creative agency, HEAVYZEB LIFESTYLE, which specializes in music, marketing, and merchandise. As a musician, he recently released the R&B song, “MESSAGE TO THE WORLD,” which he wrote, recorded, and produced.
Guzmán Ramos is a musician, educator, and producer who has been based in Ottawa since 2012. He has been heavily involved in Ottawa’s music industry scene, participating in the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, the Ottawa Music Development Fund, and the Ottawa Ableton User Group. He teaches various instruments, leads band ensembles, and is an instructor at Carleton University.
MaCMuwsA and Guzmán Ramos will also be available for short one-on-one networking sessions with participants. They will be joined by entertainment lawyer, Byron Pascoe of Edward’s Creative Law, as well as industry professionals with experience in music production, social media, and music business.
The event is located at the Coworkly office in Vanier – just minutes east from Downtown Ottawa. Please note that there is unfortunately no elevator in the Coworkly building. Doors open at 5:30 P.M. for mingling and snacks, with the first event activity starting at 7 P.M.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops to use during the interactive exercise and to download the free trial of Ableton prior to arriving. In addition, there will be multiple fun prizes available to win at the event, courtesy of Ableton!
“We hope this pilot project of Fusion will be the first of many upcoming events that will help build community in Ottawa's music scene and provide a fun, welcoming environment for people to learn and be creative,” said McLay.
Admission is $10 and tickets must be purchased on Eventbrite prior to attending. Pizza, snacks, and beverages will be provided at the event. Please contact sarah@hitmakerz.com if you are unable to pay the admission fee, but would still like to attend.
Tickets for “Beatmakers + Songwriters” are available now.
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For more information, please contact sarah@hitmakerz.com.
About Hitmakerz
Founded in 2016, Hitmakerz is a full-service record label that specializes in creating world-class Indigenous and multicultural music. The company has offices in Iqaluit, Ottawa, and Toronto, and is a social enterprise that aims to create sustainable careers for artists while empowering them to share their stories and strengthen their culture. www.hitmakerz.com