“You’ve got to be uncomfortable and scared to grow as an artist.” - Esha K.

“The music industry is known for not giving women their dues. This industry should be about supporting each other.” - Esha K.

Welcome to SZN 5 of Go Produce! I’m your Show Host, Big Lou! Our mission is to be the go-to community for Indie Artists looking to kick off or level up their careers and to empower the creative entrepreneur providing them with all the resources they require to reach and exceed their goals. We seek to have all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities - profit off of their passion.

SmArtist Shoutout
Bethany - Jr. Engineer

Show Notes
SmArtists, Esha K is an alternative-rock/indie vocalist and songwriter, influenced by artists like Fleetwood Mac and James Bay. Some notable accomplishments include performing at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, embarking on a self-organized mini-tour of New York City, performing nationally and internationally, and working with GRAMMY-winning producers on her releases. Esha is passionate about using her position as a woman and a person of colour in the music industry to bring a fresh perspective and sound to the alternative rock genre.

Key Questions I Asked
1. What was it like moving from San Francisco to London, UK for music?
2. How do we improve the experience women have in this industry?
3. What have you learned as an Artist Consultant?

Hot Topics
1. Dealing with the haters.
2. Getting out of your head.
3. We are passionate but we are professional.
4. What is your unique selling point?

My Favourite Quote
“It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You can stumble in the marathon and then keep on going.” - Esha K.

We are expected to trip up and make mistakes along the way. For most of us, this is uncharted territory so mistakes are inevitable. It is okay to move a little slower at times to avoid all the mistakes. Take some time to learn about your environment and make strategic decisions.

Connect with Esha K:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Grammy U
• NAMM

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“We want to make sure the artists are being paid when their music is played.” - Quentin

“The only constant in the music industry is change.” - Quentin

Welcome to SZN 5 of Go Produce! I’m your Show Host, Big Lou! Our mission is to be the go-to community for Indie Artists looking to kick off or level up their careers and to empower the creative entrepreneur providing them with all the resources they require to reach and exceed their goals. We seek to have all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities - profit off of their passion.

SmArtist Shoutout
Jellifish - Musician, Artist, & Engineer

Show Notes
SmArtists, Quentin Burgess is Music Canada’s Director of Communications, where he is responsible for developing and overseeing the organization’s communications and marketing strategies and for managing Music Canada's online development projects. Quentin has a technical background in music, previously working as a live sound technician in London, Ontario, as well as at sea onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. He is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts and Audio Post Production programs and is a member of the Canadian Music Therapy Fund’s Board of Directors.

Key Questions I Asked
1. How do artists directly benefit from the work done at Music Canada?
2. What has been your greatest challenge with this work?
3. What are Music Cities?

Hot Topics
1. Keeping up with change in the music industry.
2. How record labels decide who they work with.
3. Contract literacy.

My Favourite Quote
“The opportunities in this business go to the people in the room.” - Quentin

It’s not the easiest thing to know which room to be in. That’s why you’ve got to knock on so many doors. I know I’ve used many excuses to not approach people and it has only affected me negatively. Talk to people. Be friendly. Listen to what other people have to say and grow with them. Being present and being kind will help you find those opportunities that you are looking for.

Connect with Quentin Burgess:

• Music Therapy Fund
• The Mastering of a Music City
• Music Canada
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

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“In the two years, I probably spent 75-80% of my time working on my craft.” - Chynna

“Always practice more than you think you need to.” - Chynna

Welcome to SZN 5 of Go Produce! I’m your Show Host, Big Lou! Our mission is to be the go-to community for Indie Artists looking to kick off or level up their careers and to empower the creative entrepreneur providing them with all the resources they require to reach and exceed their goals. We seek to have all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities - profit off of their passion.

SmArtist Shoutout
Katie - Music Fan

Show Notes
SmArtists, Chynna Lewis is a Taiwanese-Canadian Pop/R&B singer-songwriter and producer based in Toronto. Originally from Taiwan, Chynna moved to Canada at the age of ten. In university, Chynna discovered her love for Soul and R&B music while fronting a Motown band called “The Touch”. Chynna has had the honour of supporting and learning from artists and producers such as Ed Sheeran, Jessie Reyez, Charlotte Day Wilson, Matthew Burnett, and Jully Black. After a decade of supporting other artists, Chynna is now embarking on her journey as a solo artist.

Key Questions I Asked
1. What kind of goals do you set for yourself at the beginning of your career? How about a few years in? How did your goals change?
2. What is your most challenging venue experience? What made it challenging? How did you handle it?
3. What is your release strategy with this EP?

Hot Topics
1. Making yourself vulnerable.
2. Eliminating your ego.
3. Breaking past your limiting beliefs.
4. Abuse in the music industry.

My Favourite Quote
“You can hear something 1000 times but you may not learn it until you’re ready.” - Chynna

It never hurts to repeat those wise words to yourself and those around you. We may hear each other but we aren’t always listening. Sometimes the intended message slips and we continue to live our lives in the dark until the message comes back around to lighten our load. By being aware of this, we can become better listeners and better learners.

Connect with Chynna Lewis:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube

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