Hitmakerz Record Label Welcomes New CEO, Sarah Elaine McLay 🎵
Photo by Myriam Sevigny (@mi.photogrphy on Instagram).
“To me, music is about expression, identity, and connection. It is a beautiful way to create conversation, share culture, bring people together, and spark change”.
Meet Sarah Elaine McLay, a 24-year-old creative professional who has worked with Hitmakerz since January 2021.
McLay will be taking over as the new CEO of Hitmakerz effective April 2023, replacing founding CEO, Thor Simonsen, who has recently become the Executive Director of Nunavut Music, a new non-profit music industry association for the territory.
Fascinated by music since childhood, McLay has extensive experience in talent and event management. She has also worked in other areas of the music industry, including artist development, performance, production, music business, and behind the scenes. McLay recently organized the inaugural Arctic Music Conference and Arctic Music Awards.
“I have been fortunate to grow with Hitmakerz and I am beyond grateful to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer this spring! Having the opportunity to work directly with artists every day and help bring creative ideas to fruition is very fulfilling,” said McLay. “It has been a life changing experience developing not only professional relationships, but also friendships with the talented people I have the privilege of working with at the label. It is my goal to serve artists and carry-on the mission that inspired Hitmakerz in the first place, when Thor Simonsen started the label with the amazing, late Kelly Fraser”.
In 2020, McLay graduated with distinction from Toronto Metropolitan University with a BA in Creative Industries (Music Industry and Acting/Dance modules), with a Business Specialization and Minor in Music & Culture. She has received multiple awards, was recognized in The Creative School "Top 5", and will be featured alongside Hitmakerz artist Shauna Seeteenak in an upcoming book, Bloom Canada, written by Beka Shane Denter and published by Heritage House Publishing (scheduled for release in Fall 2024).
McLay has a strong interest in mental health advocacy, gender equality, and climate justice. She is passionate about advancing women, Indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups in the creative industries.
“I was very interested in the relationship between music and culture during my studies and I have been lucky to work with both Indigenous and Latino communities throughout my career so far,” said McLay. “I have immense respect and admiration for diverse cultures around the world. I am on a life-long journey of listening, learning, and building relationships.”
With women representing only 14% of CEO, chairs, and presidents in the music industry (USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative), McLay is a trailblazer who is helping to pave the path for other women.
“As a young female executive in a male dominated industry, being underestimated by people who don’t know me is a big challenge,” said McLay.
She cites the women around her as some of her biggest inspirations.
“Coming from generations of strong women, I have so much gratitude for my Mom, who raised me as a single parent and helped me become the woman I am today – she continues to be my biggest supporter,” said McLay. “I am also so inspired and humbled to work with the incredible women at Hitmakerz and am honoured to take on this leadership role.”
Her ability to bring out the best in artists and staff speaks to her philosophy of promoting community and harmony.
“I hope to foster an inclusive, family-first environment at Hitmakerz, with an emphasis on wellness, growing, and supporting one another,” said McLay. “With this responsibility, I will do everything I can to amplify the voices of my teammates and work towards making their dreams a reality.”
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For more information, please contact hello@hitmakerz.com or Sarah directly at 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