ABOUT US
Established in 1996, UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada, serves as the lone music industry service provider for urban music in Canada & the work of Canadian urban artists. UMAC offers professional development services to help music industry workers succeed as cultural entrepreneurs. Through its programs and services, UMAC assists practitioners in the music industry to build sustainable, export-ready careers & find some modicum of success in a musical landscape in Canada not necessarily designed for urban music achievement.
UMAC is the voice of Canada's urban music industry. It is a member-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to building the domestic and international profile of Canadian urban music*.
UMAC offers professional development workshops, networking events and artist showcases to its members and stakeholders. By utilizing its relationships with industry and government decision-makers, UMAC is also a strong and active advocate for positive, progressive and beneficial policies, policy reform & directives for Canada’s urban music industry.
Toronto-based UMAC’s national scope is facilitated via regional representatives in major urban centers, partnerships with provincial music industry associations & governmental funding & support organizations across Canada. These, as well as other peripheral but vital relationships, aid UMAC to serve as a national resource and central point of contact for members of the entertainment industry and other stakeholders who wish to tap into the urban music community.
*Definition of Urban Music: Urban is a diverse musical format rooted in the rich traditions of African musical expression. Urban music encompasses African-influenced genres including Soul/R&B, Rap, Dance, Reggae, Continental African, Latin, Soca, Jazz, Blues and Gospel.
SERVICES
Information
Members have access to a wealth of information pertaining to all aspects of the music industry locally, nationally and internationally. UMAC is happy to answer questions and meet with members to discuss their work.
Education
UMAC will continue to provide a wealth of experience & professional resources from contact directories to books for its members to become educated in any & all facets of music. UMAC hosts workshops featuring industry pros from Canada & international destinations alike, informal discussions with successful local artists and industry professionals, as well as one-on-one training with our staff. UMAC provides consultation on funding applications, assistance on career development and many opportunities to learn about the business of music.
Communication
UMAC publishes an e-newsletter, the Urban Music Minute, to keep its membership informed about the Canadian urban music industry. UMAC also utilizes social networking sites such as MySpace, Twitter, YouTube & Facebook to engage the community as well.
The e-newsletter includes segments such as:
• AND NOW A WORD OR TWO FROM…: Editorial
• UMAC NEWS
• INDUSTRY NEWS
• NEWEST/LATEST: Recent urban music releases from Canada & abroad
• INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Interview highlighting a mover/shaker/tastemaker in the Canadian urban music scene
• WHAT’S GOOD?!?: Promotional events listings
• DA GOODS!!!: Prizing & giveaways to concerts, parties, movies & other promotions
UMAC has also established strategic partnerships with Hip Hop Canada (www.hiphopcanada.com), Fusicology (www.fusicology.com), in addition to other local, provincial & international partners, to further expand the reach of the Canadian urban music scene domestically & abroad as part of our viral strategy. Similar mutually beneficial cross promotional liaisons with highly visible stakeholders in jazz, reggae, gospel, r&b/soul & other applicable genres are currently being struck as well.
Advocacy & Representation
Aboriginal & Francophone Music Development
Industry Development
Utilizing a multitude of evangelical vehicles to trumpet the quality & viability of urban music on the overall Canadian landscape, UMAC showcase the Canadian urban music scene to stakeholders and industry professionals around the world. We forge relationships between Canada's urban music scene and the people who can help develop export-ready musicians and music for the world to embrace.
Association Development
