Canadian Urban Music Conference

The first annual Canadian Urban Music Conference (CUMC) presented by Z103.5 will be held on September 21-22, 2012 in Toronto. This conference will provide the general public with access to industry leaders through seminars and workshops, and will showcase a selection of up-and-coming acts. The focus of the conference is electronic, dance, hip hop, RnB, reggaeton, latin hip hop, jungle, and DnB music.

On September 21, VIP ticketholders, speakers, and acts will have access to a VIP reception at the Spoke Club. The conference is now accepting submissions for artists to perform at this reception. More details on submitting work are available below.

On September 22 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, seminars will be offered to ticketholders on a variety of topics, each moderated by and featuring leaders in the music industry. These speakers include: Darrell “Delite” Allamby, Ron Allen, Christos “Don Ella” Androutsos, Tré Armstrong, Keith Baker, Vivian Barclay, Catharine Bird, Khalilah Brooks, Kerry Lee Crawford, Ivan Evidente, Robert Fernandez, Noah Finkelstein, Neil Forester, Rinku Ghei, Fraser Hill, Ashley Hinds-Grannum, Darren Johnson, LeRoi Johnson, Marcus Kane, Steven Labadie, Stephane Lecuyer, Katrina Lopes, Jules Lynch, Deirdre Mallehe, Michie Mee, Carmen Murray, Michael Murray, Curtis Patterson, Troy Patterson, Eb Reinbergs, Sean Savage, George Seara, Matt Sims, Mark Spicoluk, and Ayinde “Cylla” Thomas.

That evening, the CUMC will present the “One to Watch Showcase”, a concert featuring a variety of up-and-coming acts performing one song each. The acts include A-Game, Chach, Culture Shock, Devon Tracy, Fito Blanko, Lil JaXe, Lincoln Blache, Linda Luztono, Lucas Teague, Quanche, Queen of Hearts, She King, Shi Wisdom, Zolo, and a performance from dance company, Ambitious Movement. After the showcase at TIFF Bell Lightbox, select DJs will play at an after party at Dazzling. DJs can also submit their music for the chance to perform at this part of the event.

To submit music for the VIP reception or after party, acts must purchase a ticket for the conference at www.canadianurbanmusic.com. Tickets are available in a variety of packages, with special student pricing. Tickets for the unique opportunity to book a one-on-one meeting with an A&R executive from a major record label are also available for purchase.

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available. To inquire about these, see the website or email randi@canadianurbanmusic.com.