Meet the 2025 music industry leaders and professionals that are joining the team to guide this year’s participants.
Stay tuned for more mentors joining this year.
Steve Bays is a singer, songwriter, producer known for his memorable hooks and electrifying stage presence. As the frontman of ‘Hot Hot Heat,’ he was at the forefront of the 2000s indie-rock explosion, touring globally and cementing his status as a defining voice in modern rock.
Also a four-time Juno Award nominee, Bays is a seasoned producer, engineer, co-writer, videographer and director. Along with his big hair and eccentric taste, Bays is a mad scientist of sorts, with a lengthy resume that bridges the past and future of alternative music.
Recently also stepping into his own spotlight, Bays has launched a new solo chapter of his music career, channeling his restless creativity—melding punchy, hi-fi indie pop with raw, unfiltered energy. Whether he’s jumping between high energy live shows, filming an impromptu video shoot, or conducting an all day and night long studio session, Bays is the kind of artist who tends to feel the most at home when he’s wandering ahead, chasing the feeling of something yet to be named.
David Vertesi is a Vancouver-based producer, mixer, and artist with over 20 years of experience in the music industry. A founding member of Hey Ocean!, he has toured extensively and worked as a session musician and industry professional. From his Western Lake Studio, David has helped shape records that have earned Juno nominations, Polaris Prize recognition, and over 30 million streams.
Working across genres, his artist-first, moment-driven approach is grounded in the belief that great recordings capture who you are right now. Whether it’s raw vocals, lush synths, gritty guitars, infectious grooves, or experimental textures, David is always chasing honesty and creative growth—crafting recordings that resonate deeply and authentically with listeners.
Margaux joined the Entertainment Group at DMCL in February 2011. She specializes in providing accounting, taxation, and business management services to the entertainment industry—with a focus on musicians.
When she’s not at the office, Margaux can be found at festivals, concerts, or her home on Mayne Island.
Lexani Talionis humbly began his career in the lab with a pen and a pad. At the age of 17 he leveraged his talents into a development deal with Universal Music, and spent the ensuing years diligently pursuing his musical aspirations. With a knack for crafting the vision behind the movement, his transition from the artist to business side was a natural progression, starting off with stints on the street-team at Interscope, followed by Warner Music.
Taking a chance opportunity for an internship at Nettwerk Music Group, he started in the mailroom and was quickly promoted into the marketing department. 17 years later, Mr. Talionis has become one of Nettwerk’s executives and sits at the global helm as Managing Director, Instrumental Division for the heralded 40-year-old record label.
Lexani’s primary focus is on managing overall resources, A&R, strategy, and operations for his label division of over 75 artists, to drive profitability in line with Nettwerk’s vision and brand promise. With over two decades of recording industry, creative marketing and executive leadership experience, he has helped build the careers of Diamond and multi-Platinum selling artists such as Passenger, Angus & Julia Stone, SYML, Morgan Page, The Paper Kites, Hollow Coves, Wild Rivers, and many more.
Lyndra has excellent knowledge of the entertainment industry and is committed to properly informing and supporting her clients at every stage of their career. She has been practicing since 2013 and represents clients in music, television, film, radio, publishing, performing arts, fashion and visual arts.
Lyndra is also an experienced adjudicator, having spent 6 years adjudicating matters at Tribunals Ontario. She has conducted over 3000 case conferences, hundreds of procedural motions and has over 30 reported decisions. With a background in litigation and dispute resolution, she is dedicated to assisting parties resolve their conflicts amicably.
Passionate about the arts, Lyndra is very keen to serve the artistic community. Lyndra enjoys sharing her knowledge and is regularly invited to present at professional development sessions and workshops.
Lyndra practices Canada-wide under the National Mobility Agreement. She is fully bilingual and represents clients in both official languages.
Daniel Turcotte is a forward-thinking music industry executive with over a decade of experience spanning across record labels, industry associations, and the nonprofit sector. In his 11 years at Monstercat, he has played a pivotal role in evolving the label from a start-up to one of the most influential dance record labels in the world. Championing a roster of world-renowned artists including Marshmello, Kaskade, DIESEL (Shaquille O’Neal), WHIPPED CREAM, and Sullivan King, Monstercat celebrated more than 350 releases in 2024 across its Uncaged, Instinct, and Silk brands. Beyond recorded music, the label has a regular presence at major festivals like Tomorrowland, Rampage, World DJ Festival, Amsterdam Dance Event, and Miami Music Week, and has strong partnerships with popular games such as Fortnite, Rocket League, Roblox, and Beat Saber. Backed by passionate employees, driven artists, and the dedication of fans worldwide, Monstercat proves that independent labels have the ability to reshape and reimagine the music industry.
Summan Kandola is a documentary filmmaker, producer, and transformational mindfulness coach dedicated to helping individuals break through limiting beliefs and build empowered, intentional lives. Blending her background in media and mindfulness, she supports creatives, high-performers, and growth-seekers in cultivating the mindset, habits, and nervous system resilience to thrive. Her acclaimed work includes the two-time Leo-nominated film “Identity of Wellness” (CBC Gem), which explores the intersection of healing, identity, and collective care. She also created “Monday Motivation” on CBC’s Creator Network, a four-part series offering practical tools for mindful living. Whether behind the camera or in a coaching session, Summan is known for creating brave, grounded spaces where people reconnect to their truth, release old patterns, and step into their fullest expression. Her work bridges self-awareness and creative empowerment—making transformation tangible.
Jay (they/them) is a decorated and trusted sound tech in so-called “Vancouver”. No matter what band is on stage, they are head bopping with their hands on the faders. With over a decade of experience, there’s plenty to be shared with whomever is seeking answers in their journey to comfy and confident live shows.
For more than 20 years, Ryan Worsley has been studiously, methodically, prodigiously, and obsessively honing his craft. Most recently he was nominated by the Juno Awards for Recording Engineer of the Year (2020) but was first recognized by the WCMA’s in 2015 with his first award for Engineer of the Year. He has since won producer of the year twice (2019, 2022).
Ryan’s collaboration with Juno award-winners Dear Rouge (Universal Music Canada) has been particularly fruitful, having produced, written and mixed for their LP’s “Black To Gold” (2015), “PHASES” (2018) and Spirit (2022), resulting in Eive top ten singles on the Canadian Alternative Chart as well as a number one (Fake Fame in 2022). Ryan also produced, co-wrote and mixed Monowhales’ Daytona Bleach, which landed them 4 top 10 singles on Canadian rock radio as well as a Juno Award for Breakout Group Of The Year (2022).
Ryan has worked with artists including Willow, Said The Whale (Arts & Crafts), Hotel Mira (Light Organ), Mathew V (604 Records), The Royal Foundry and Shawn Frank.
Born and raised in Indonesia, a country known for its rich and diverse musical heritage, Jeia blends her cultural roots with experimental textures, off-kilter rhythms, and deep sonic storytelling.
She began her musical career by recording her band demos and DJ-ing in various bars and clubs throughout Indonesia, and started to produce for some of the top artists in the country.
After moving to Toronto in 2017, she tapped in with the city’s best talents through beat battles and local showcases.
Present day, her production credits boast names such as Bryson Tiller, Keke Palmer, Tayla Parx, Curren$y, Beenie Man, and chriseanrock among others, as she continues to collaborate with top-tier talent in the industry.
Driven by her intuitive approach in music production, she believes in creating a safe space for artists and creators to express themselves freely while helping to bring their vision to life.
Brandon William Fletcher works as a filmmaker and photographer running the production studio Faked Potatoes, as well as acting as Production Lead at Definitely Real Agency, both located in so-called Vancouver.
Denise De’ion is a Toronto based Juno Award Winning Producer/Artist/Songwriter. She has worked with artists such as Boi1da, Haviah Mighty, Leila Dey, Phoenix Pagliacci and more. In addition to her work with other artists, she has also released her own musical projects (Peace of My Soul and Last Call). Her music has also been heard in episodes of Ginny and Georgia and Kim’s Convenience and through brand placements with Rogers Sportsnet, Bacardi and Bulleit Whiskey.
“Denise De’ion is a Toronto based Juno Award Winning Producer/Artist/Songwriter. She has worked with artists such as Boi1da, Haviah Mighty, Leila Dey, Phoenix Pagliacci and more. In addition to her work with other artists, she has also released her own musical projects (Peace of My Soul and Last Call). Her music has also been heard in episodes of Ginny and Georgia and Kim’s Convenience and through brand placements with Rogers Sportsnet, Bacardi and Bulleit Whiskey.
Elisa is a Canadian record producer, songwriter, recording, mixing, and mastering engineer at CPS Mastering, a music super-fan and all around studio rat. She is a conduit for ideas with lightening fast skills, an obsessive work ethic, and the ability to intuit the needs of her collaborators. She fosters safe spaces with her prowess, bringing focus and energy to every session.
Colleen Venables, professionally known as CRUSH, is a Canadian record producer, songwriter and instrumentalist. Crush has worked with the likes of Wondagurl, 6Lack, Londoncyr, Sofaygo, Jugger, 88glam, Grace Weber, and Machine Gun Kelly. She has been grammy and juno nominated and produced multi platinum works for Greek Artist “Sicario”. In 2023 she performed live on Jimmy Kimmel and has collaborated in live performances for artists like Lauren Hill, The Who, The Eagles, Sofaygo, Feist.
Carol-Lynne Quinn is a Vocal Coach, Vocologist, Vocal Producer and Artist. Her mandate is to help empower others to find their true, free, colourful and authentic voice in studio, on stage and in life. She is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and has had the pleasure of working with JUNO award-winning, major label, indie and emerging artists. She has toured for over 20 years and understands how training your voice with intentional athletic techniques creates an incredible powerful instrument that will show up for you each night.
She is passionate about combining athletic voice science with soulful connection. Her main focus is empowering singers to find the balance between vocal health, vocal strength and effortless freedom while making sure their voice remains authentically their own. Vocal Soul first comes from the fact that she believes in vocal freedom, in authentic artistry and creating a safe place where you can discover your own beautiful, powerful voice.
She is the vocal coach for the JUNO Master Class, Canada’s Music Incubator, Project Wild, the ARC program and more. Clients include: Mother Mother, Celeigh Cardinal, Preston Pablo, Hotel Mira, MONOWHALES, Louise Burns, Rare Americans, Hailey Benedict, Blonde Diamond, RIELL and more.
Natasha Dion is a Creative Director, Content Strategist, and Artist Manager specializing in music, sports, and culture projects. Her expertise includes video production, creative campaigns, branding, and social media strategy. Throughout her career, Natasha has had the pleasure of working with clients including Rolling Loud, John Legend, Bose, Kevin Hart, Sexyy Red, Anson Seabra, and Elias Pettersson.