MEET THE MENTORS
OMAR LODGE
Artist Manager | When I Grow Up Management
Omar Lodge is a Toronto-based music marketer and creative strategist with nearly a decade of experience working across the major label and independent music landscape. His background spans artist development, marketing, live events, touring and brand partnerships, bringing together creative thinking, cultural insight and data-driven strategy to help artists grow their audiences and careers.
With experience across diverse genres and international markets, Omar has developed a knack for connecting the dots between music, culture and opportunity. Having secured over $2.5 million in artist funding, he brings a practical, collaborative approach to helping artists navigate the business and turn their ambitions into actionable strategies
JESS L'HEURUEX
Live Production & Artists Management | Stampede Entertainment
The variety in Jess’ experiences has allowed her to bridge the gap between artist development, event production, and the broader music industry. Previously, she worked as Entertainment and Production Lead with Stampede Entertainment Incorporated (SEI) overseeing the festival stages at the Calgary Stampede, and as Alberta Music’s Program Manager overseeing professional development and conference showcasing for Alberta artists. She is committed to volunteer work, serving as Vice-President of CMAB for the last two years. Jess’ passion for supporting the growth of the local music scene and giving back to the community continues to shape her work as she dedicates her time to supporting artists who push boundaries and inspire new creative generations.
IAN ST.ARNAUD
Articling Accountant | St.Arnaud Pinsent Steman CPA's
Ian St.Arnaud is an accountant specializing in the arts and culture sector, with over four years of public accounting experience at his family firm, St.Arnaud Pinsent Steman CPAs in Edmonton. An articling CPA student, he also brings nearly a decade of experience as a songwriter, performer, and touring artist.
JINTING ZHAO
Grant Writer, Producer, & Engineer | Co Founder SHE-Q Audio
Jinting Zhao is an Alberta-based producer, audio engineer, songwriter and founder of SHE-Q Audio, a national organization advancing women and gender-diverse producers and engineers through professional development. Drawing on 15 years in public-sector policy leadership alongside an award-winning international music career, she helps emerging creatives strengthen their craft, navigate the industry and turn opportunities into sustainable careers. She also helps individual creatives and arts organizations across Canada navigate funding, policy, strategy, and governance challenges, and sits on the board of the Polaris Music Prize and the West Anthem steering committee.
BYRON PASCOE
Entertainment Lawyer | Edwards Creative Law
Byron Pascoe is an entertainment lawyer and partner with Edwards Creative Law. Byron focuses on music law and works with recording artists, producers, managers, music service businesses and festivals. Before law school, he was a television and new media producer. Based in Ottawa, Byron works with clients across Canada. He’s a member of organizations ranging from Music BC to CARAS, and was awarded the Impact Award at the inaugural Ottawa Music Awards.
TIM HARDY
Publishing, Sync, & Royalties
Tim Hardy has been part of the East Coast music scene since the early 1990s and his devotion to the region's songwriters and artists is second to none.
Tim is the co-owner of Sound of Pop, a multiple ECMA award-winning music publishing & master/sync representation company, operates an independent rights management / music consulting company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia called Aspenway Music and previously worked with SOCAN for over 22 years in Toronto and Halifax.