Guest Speakers
Our Guest Speakers are industry leaders, trailblazing artists, and creative innovators with years of real-world experience. Each brings unique expertise, offering valuable insights into the ever-evolving music industry. Through inspiring talks, interactive panels, and personalized mentorship opportunities, they’ll share the tools, strategies, and stories that have shaped their careers. Get ready to learn from the best and elevate your creative journey.
Zeboria Peters, RUSUR
Zeboria Peters
Zeboria is an award-winning artist splitting his time between Montreal and Toronto to pursue his next creative career path in Film and TV. Most notably, Zeboria is the first black male K-pop artist in history which makes his role as Rook in BBC's Gangnam Project all the more special. Other works featuring Zeboria include Cyerpunk 2077 and Beyblade Burst Surge. Zeboria's mission in life is to demonstrate how much is possible when you truly believe in yourself and continue to break boundaries in the K-pop industry.
Jan. 12, 2025 | "Building a Fanbase From Scratch"
Making your dreams a reality is easier said than done. Most times it feels like you’re left putting the pieces together when every celebrity seems to be an overnight success. That was exactly what I had to do on my journey through the entertainment industry in pursuit to make my mark. I started as an aspiring singer in a boyband, became an award-winning songwriter, made history, adopted a new career as a professional actor, and I’m still just getting started.
Blazing your own trail is never easy, so join me as I share my roadmap of what to expect on your journey Starting From Scratch.
Offerings
Private Mentorship Session
Zeboria Peters is offering Private Mentorship Sessions to Music Elevation participants in the areas of:
- International Music Markets
- Artist Branding
- Career Development
- TV/Film Industry Collaboration
Kris Krüg, Future Proof Creatives
Kris Krüg
Kris Krüg (KK) is a techartist, quasi-sage, and cyberpunk anti-hero from the future, exploring the wild frontiers where AI meets human creativity. As founder of Future Proof Creatives and the FATALE Festival, he's spent decades helping artists and creators navigate technological revolutions while keeping their souls intact. When not teaching AI to write poetry or building creative communities, he's usually found experimenting with the latest tech tools, advocating for ethical AI, or plotting the next renaissance from his studio in Vancouver's east side.
Feb. 9, 2025 | "Welcome to the Remix Age: AI as your Creative Co-Pilot"
Explore the wild world of AI music tools, from voice cloning to beat generation, and learn to integrate them into your creative practice without losing your artistic voice. We'll cut through the hype and fear, focusing on practical ways to use AI for collaboration and innovation in your art. Real talk, real examples, and real takeaways—no corporate fluff, just actionable insights for artists.
Offerings
Private Mentorship Session
Kris Krüg is offering Private Mentorship Sessions to Music Elevation participants in the areas of:
- AI & Human Creativity
- Tech-Driven Art & Innovation
- Creative Community Building
- Ethical AI Advocacy
- Future-Focused Artistic Strategy
Jay Malinowski, Bedouin Soundclash
Jay Malinowski
Jay Malinowski, the beating heart of Bedouin Soundclash, sings like he’s fighting gravity - his voice raw, worn, and beautiful, carrying hits like When the Night Feels My Song into the bones of listeners everywhere. He doesn’t just play music; he wrestles it into something true, something alive.
Jay has made records with made records with Darryl Jenifer (Bad Brains), Philly House legend King Britt, Diplo, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Frank Turner, and The Interrupters to name a few and has published an illustrated novella, via HarperCollins, called "Skulls & Bones".
Instagram | Website
Mar. 9, 2025 | "Defining Your Creative Identity in a Sea of Content"
Join Jay Malinowski for an exploration of personal brand and the journey toward establishing your own creative language in an increasingly larger sea of content. From the initial stages of music creation to the final, “real” stage.
Offerings
Private Mentorship Session
Jay Malinowski is offering Private Mentorship Sessions to Music Elevation participants in the areas of:
- Brand Identity
- Navigating Music Industry
- Songwriting
- Genre Fusion
Dane Roberts, SKA & Reggae Fest
Dane Roberts
Dane Roberts is the founder of the Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society and creator of the Victoria Ska Festival, leading the event since 2000. With over two decades of experience producing music events, he has played a key role in shaping Vancouver Island’s live music scene.
He previously ran Enigmatica Entertainment, producing concerts and cultural events for 15 years, and hosted "Pepperpot – Victoria’s Hypest Caribbean Radio" on CFUV 101.9FM for over 20 years.
Dane earned a B.A. in Education from the University of Victoria and worked as an event planner and youth worker with several local community organizations. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to cultural celebration and community-driven music production.
April 6, 2025 | "Booking Success: Getting Your Music on Stages"
Join Dane Roberts, founder of the Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society and producer of the iconic Victoria Ska Festival, as he shares insights on booking bands that create lasting cultural impact. Drawing from decades of experience, Dane will explore how artists who foster strong local communities can extend their influence to new audiences through touring and collaboration. Discover how intentional booking can spark meaningful connections and strengthen music ecosystems everywhere.
Offerings
Private Mentorship Session
Dane Roberts is offering Private Mentorship Sessions to Music Elevation participants in the areas of:
- Festival Management
- Artist Development
- Music Promotion
- Community Engagement
- Non-Profit Leadership
Jen Fritz, Fritz Media
Jen Fritz
Jen Fritz is the founder of Fritz Media, a leading music publicity and digital marketing firm based in Vancouver, BC. With over a decade of experience in the Canadian music industry, she has built a reputation for creating innovative and effective promotional campaigns for artists across the country. Passionate about supporting independent musicians, Jen specializes in music publicity, social media strategy, and digital marketing, helping artists amplify their voices and reach new audiences.
May 4, 2025 | "Effective Social Media Strategies"
Learn how to craft powerful social media strategies that drive real results for your music career. In this session, Jen Fritz will share actionable tactics for building your online presence, growing your fanbase, and boosting engagement. Discover how to create compelling content, navigate key platforms, and use digital marketing tools to amplify your music and connect with your audience like never before.
Offerings
Private Mentorship Session
Jen Fritz is offering Private Mentorship Sessions to Music Elevation participants in the areas of:
- Music Publicity
- Digital Marketing
- Media Relations
- Social Media
Piers Henwood, Amelia Artists
Piers Henwood
Piers Henwood, co-founder of Amelia Artists, has guided the careers of artists like Tegan and Sara, Bedouin Soundclash, and The Funk Hunters, earning Gold records, JUNO Awards, and Grammy and Academy Award nominations. In 2018, he launched Amelia Recordings to support emerging artists. As a musician, Piers toured internationally with Jets Overhead and now creates with Astrocolor, winners of Instrumental Artist of the Year at the 2022 Western Canadian Music Awards.
June 1, 2025 | "Demystifying the Music Industry"
Learn how to craft powerful social media strategies that drive real results for your music career. In this session, Jen Fritz will share actionable tactics for building your online presence, growing your fanbase, and boosting engagement. Discover how to create compelling content, navigate key platforms, and use digital marketing tools to amplify your music and connect with your audience like never before.
Offerings
Private Mentorship Session
Piers Henwood is offering Private Mentorship Sessions to Music Elevation participants in the areas of:
- Artist Management
- Music Production
- Music Business
- Touring
- Career Development
Colleen Dauncey, Twitch Partner
Colleen Dauncey
Colleen Dauncey is a Canadian singer-songwriter and live-streaming artist who has built a thriving music career on Twitch. Known for her soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting, she has cultivated a dedicated global fanbase through consistent live performances and interactive content. Beyond streaming, Colleen is an accomplished composer and lyricist whose work has been featured in award-winning musicals and television soundtracks. Her innovative approach to connecting with fans and generating income through live streaming has made her a respected voice in the independent music community.
July 6, 2025 | "Make Streaming Pay: Because Spotify Sure Won’t"
Streaming doesn’t have to mean pennies per play. Join Colleen Dauncey as she shares how she turned live streaming on Twitch into a full-time music career. From building a loyal fanbase to maximizing viewer support and creating memorable live experiences, Colleen offers practical strategies for musicians looking to earn real income through live streaming. Learn how to transform your online performances into a sustainable revenue source while connecting with fans in meaningful ways.
Offerings
Private Mentorship Session
Colleen Dauncey is offering Private Mentorship Sessions to Music Elevation participants in the areas of:
- Live Streaming (Twitch)
- Songwriting
- Music Composition
- Fan Engagement
- Independent Music Business
Ron Thaler, Producer
Ron Thaler
Ron “Blondie Boy” Thaler is a Grammy-winning producer, drummer, and music industry veteran with over 450 recording credits and 11 #1 Billboard hits. He has collaborated with global icons such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Willie Nelson, and his work has been streamed over 43 billion times. Ron’s career spans music production, artist development, and sound design for film, TV, and gaming, including the Capcom franchise Dead Rising 4. He leads several music ventures, including RTP, RTType Music, and SoundSphere® Immersive, pushing the boundaries of modern music production and spatial sound technology.
Aug 3, 2025 | "How to make your song not suck: Advice for producers and songwriters"
What separates a forgettable track from a hit that sticks? In this no-nonsense session, Grammy-winning producer and music industry powerhouse Ron “Blondie Boy” Thaler breaks down the essential elements of songwriting and production that make songs stand out. From crafting killer hooks to sharpening your arrangement and sonic identity, Ron will share real-world techniques and industry secrets earned from working with top artists. Whether you’re producing your first track or refining your next release, this lecture will help you take your music from “meh” to memorable.
Offerings
Private Mentorship Session
Ron Thaler is offering Private Mentorship Sessions to Music Elevation participants in the areas of:
- Music Production
- Spatial Sound
- Music Business
- Artist Development
- Audio Innovation