In this episode, we sit down with Lisa La Rocca, a dynamic leader in the Canadian music scene, to explore her career across music, event production, and community building. From her early days as an intern to becoming an influential festival organizer and industry advocate, Lisa shares her journey and how she’s carved out her path. This episode is also filled with practical tips for emerging artists including Lisa’s perspective on navigating constant shifts in the industry. We also chat about the vibrant local music scene in Hamilton, Ontario, the host city of the 2026 Folk Canada Conference.

Find Lisa La Rocca on Instagram and be sure to check out her work with Sonic Unyon Records and Supercrawl.

About Lisa La Rocca

Lisa La Rocca is Director of Operations at independent record label and events company Sonic Unyon Records in Hamilton. She founded the Fresh Up R&B Fest in 2022 and leads logistics on other Sonic Unyon produced festivals Supercrawl, Because Beer, Why Not Wine, as well as many other events. Lisa is currently chair of Hamilton’s Music Advisory Team, serves as a board member of the Hamilton-Halton-Brant Regional Tourism Organization and the Downtown Hamilton BIA. She is part of the JUNOs 2026 Host Committee and chairs the Host City Events and Night Economy Sub-Committee. She is a part-time PhD student in the Communication and Culture program at York University with a focus on Popular Music Studies, and holds an M.A. in Communication and New Media from McMaster University.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

Welcome back to the fifth season of Refolkus. In this week's episode, we chat with artist Daniel Lew about how a life-changing hearing loss at 13 reshaped his relationship with music. He discusses his nonlinear approach to songwriting and recording, how self-help literature has influenced his creative mindset, and the ways he’s adapted his live performance to work with his physical limitations. It’s an empowering conversation about turning challenges into creative strengths.

Find Daniel Lew online

Website
Bandcamp

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

About Daniel Lew

13 years ago, Daniel Lew woke from a nightmare to find that he had lost hearing in one ear. This shocking experience re-directed his life and supercharged his love for music. Now, he writes introspective songs that are anchored by folk, and also surf between rock, soul, and hip hop. His melodies shine with honesty, merging soulful vocals with catchy guitar riffs, and groovy rhythms. He aims to sing every song as if it’s the last, and hopes his vibes help make the world a better place. His heartfelt performances have caught the attention of Ed Sheeran, Jacob Collier, and Dan Mangan. He has released 4 albums, received CBC radio play, showcased nationally and internationally, including as an official showcase artist at the Folk Canada Conference in 2025, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Currently, Daniel is delving back into writing and recording with a new album in the works for 2027.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Co-produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week's episode, Rosalyn chats with Jennifer Roe, the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International. They talk in depth about the organization's initiatives, including the Folk+ event and the annual Folk Alliance International Conference. The conversation highlights how conferences serve as vital spaces for networking and mutual support, reinforcing the strength and interconnectedness of the folk music community. They also discuss the current challenges that artists—particularly Canadians—face when it comes to U.S. travel and visas, and explore strategies for navigating the process effectively.

Register to attend Folk+, FAI’s online music conference taking place June 17th - 18th, 2025.
The 2025 FAI Conference will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana from January 21st - 25th, 2026.

Find Folk Alliance International online:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

About Jennifer Roe
Jennifer Roe is the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International (FAI) and the leader of the team and folk music community. Jennifer joined the FAI team in 2013 igniting a passion for folk music. With over a decade of private sector experience, she assumed a pivotal role in leading FAI's staff and contractors and overseeing the day-to-day operations. She plays a key role in orchestrating the international conference. Jennifer's journey began in Washington, DC, where she worked on Capitol Hill for the Majority Leader of the Senate before transitioning to serve on a Presidential campaign. Jennifer channels her political background to advocate for arts and culture at both federal and state levels through her position at FAI. Jennifer is a strong steward of folk music culture and the connections between FAI's members. Her long history with the organization has stabilized operations and funding over her tenure.

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If you’re interested in submitting questions for our upcoming episodes, be sure to follow Folk Canada on Instagram where we will be posting our upcoming guests.

Tune in to the latest episodes of the Refolkus Podcast, featuring the latest music releases from Folk Canada members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn