Backstage Pass: Data & Digital Marketing Mini Conference

ANDREA AGUILAR | With almost a decade of experience in the music industry, Andrea is a dynamic expert in global marketing, strategy, and data analytics. As the founder of A-Squared Creative, she has orchestrated successful campaigns for renowned clients, including eOne Music, Arts & Crafts, Serena Ryder, Jonathan Roy, and Alicia Moffet to name a few. Currently, she leads global strategy and business development for one of Canada’s top independent labels. Driven by a passion for blending technology with creativity, Andrea is committed to creating innovative revenue streams and transformative opportunities for artists and music companies.

CIARAN SCANLON | Ciaran (pronounced like “Kieran”) is a Music Marketer, Creative Strategist, and Data Analyst. As the Marketing Officer at Signal Noise Music, Ciaran has worked with both indie artists releasing their first single to major labels and charting artists. As a Music Marketer Ciaran works directly with artists, management, label teams, and promoters to create campaigns that include fan prospecting, single & album releases, tour ticket sales, and physical sales. Involved at every level of these campaigns, Ciaran has had great success at identifying the right audiences to create and nurture fans, strategizing & testing which ad creatives convert, selling out tours, and moving merch. Signal Noise and Ciaran believe we’re moving from the “music business” to the “audience business” and pride themselves on developing marketing strategies that connect with real listeners along with a reporting system that shows how your marketing budget is really making an impact on your career & development.

ANDREA SHIPKA | Starting as an artist and songwriter, Andrea’s deep-seated passion led her to pursue a degree in Recording and Production, a milestone she successfully achieved in 2021. Throughout her academic endeavours, she gained valuable experience by actively participating in festivals and concerts, volunteering her time, and eventually securing a contract roles as a production representative for F7, MRG, and Live Nation. Amidst this path, Andrea discovered a new love for neoclassical and instrumental music. This passion led her to team up with David Shoults and Brandon Cathcart, to establish enjou. While this venture continues to grow, Andrea continues to fully embrace the freelance world and the vibrant Canadian live music scene, working in various realms of production, photography, graphic design, recording, and songwriting.

BRANDON CATHCART | Originally trained as a mechanical engineer, Brandon discovered his true passion in the world of music. Transitioning from a successful five-year career in forensic engineering, he co-founded enjou (fka Little Symphony Records) alongside his friends David and Andrea. Brandon’s keen interest in software development has been key in enjou’s success. He develops data-driven playlisting tools for the label, leveraging his understanding of music marketing and the digital music landscape. As a cofounder, audio engineer, and software developer, he continues to explore innovative ways to navigate and contribute to the dynamic world of music.

JESS MARSH | A driving force behind Neon Moon Records, Jess Marsh  has dedicated her career to developing artists and building sustainable music careers. With over a decade of comprehensive industry experience, Jess initially showcased her expertise as an artist manager (JAM Mgmt), guiding talents from humble songwriting stages to international touring acts. Her current focus lies in extending her support to a burgeoning roster of artists under Neon Moon Records.
Her impactful efforts with JAM Mgmt led to a nomination for “Impact in Artist Development” at the 2019 Western Canadian Music Industry Awards. A strong believer in ongoing education, Jess has completed programs such as Canada’s Music Incubator Artist Management Program (2018), PASSPORT: Music Export Summit (2019), and PHOENIX Music Executive Development Program (2021). A MacEwan University alumna, she now teaches Managing in the Music Industry and remains a sought-after mentor.

NICH DAVIES | Nich Davies is a Canadian record producer, multi-instrumentalist, composer and creative entrepreneur. Since 2011 Nich has played in bands , taking him on tours of Canada, United States and Europe.  He has become an in-demand live and session drummer having performed with artists such as Mick Flannery & Susan O’Neil, Mariel Buckley, Joe Nolan, Paul Cournoyer, and John Stowell.
Nich was put on the map as an internationally recognized record producer with the release of VISSIA’s ‘With Pleasure’ in April 2021.  With Pleasure received broad international praise including several 8/10 reviews by the likes of Exclaim! (Canada), Maverick Magazine (UK) and NEXT Magazine (Canada). Speaking about With Pleasure UK’s Culture Fly  said “we’re hooked”, Canada’s Eat North called it  “truly unique”, UK’s Noctis “insightful and refreshing”, USA’s Great Dark Wonder described it as “phenomenal”, and Indie-Music said it’s “near perfect”.
 Nich has active relationships with several Canadian funding bodies including FACTOR, AFA, Canada Council for the Arts and Alberta Media Fund.  Hurry Hard is affiliated with CIMA, CMI, MMF, SOCAN, SOCAN RR, Connect Music Licensing, FUGA, AMPED and Alberta Music.

DEMPSEY BOLTON | Dempsey’s music is influenced by his modern-day heroes such as Zanski, Dominic Fike and Jack Garratt as well as the legends he grew up with, namely Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Originally very interested in lush, dark and brooding productions and drawing inspiration from other works of art via painter Mark Rothko and writer Philip K. Dick, Dempsey has recently discovered a fascination with simplicity. His current direction is aimed towards eliciting emotion and creating a vibe with sparser arrangements, letting the complexity lie in the writing and the harmony.
While in school at University of Alberta finishing up a degree in Astrophysics, Dempsey began producing demos in his free time between classes. After graduating, he decided to forgo his Master’s Degree and began working on music full time. With his debut release “What About You” Dempsey garnered significant attention from curators and publications, landing on multiple Spotify editorial playlists including New Music Friday Canada and receiving glowing reviews from bloggers and journalists alike:​
Dempsey is currently working on his sophomore album set to release in May 2025, a self-produced project that starkly contrasts the lyrics and music; the album deals with the dangers of staying silent while in crisis and letting one’s mental health go unchecked while delivering upbeat, nostalgic, summery vibes in its production.