Take a look behind the curtain, and learn what life in the music industry looks like in 2024. Join us for an insightful panel discussion led by our Sound Artist in Residence, Sam Lynch, where local artists, producers, and music professionals share their personal journeys in the industry. Hear firsthand about the challenges, successes, and unique paths that they’ve navigated.
This event is made possible thanks to a generous bequest in support of music at the Library from the estate of Robert Leslie Welsh, through the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation.
Guest panelists include:
Amanda Sum:
Amanda Sum is a performer and creator who dances between music and theatre. Her latest EP, does it make me naive if i’ve never been part of something where i’ve meant more to them than they did to me?, was released in June 2024, accompanied by a short film featuring 13 directors, due later this year. Her music video, Different Than Before (2022), garnered a JUNO nomination and won the SXSW Music Video Jury Award (2023). As Theatre Replacement’s COLLIDER Artist, Amanda created New Age Attitudes: Live in Concert, which premiered in 2023 and will continue to tour in 2025. Amanda is currently working on her next full-length record, and is developing its accompanying experimental theatre show. https://www.amandasum.com
Kentya Kurban:
Kentya Kurban is a soul artist and community champion with over six years of experience in music administration, event planning, and production. Originally from Saskatchewan, she moved to Vancouver in 2016 for school and has been deeply involved in the industry ever since. As the Community Engagement Coordinator at Music BC for the past four years, Kentya has supported hundreds of community and educational events, focusing on mentorship and career pathways for under-represented groups. She also serves as the regional chair for Advance Music Canada, empowering Vancouver’s Black professionals through networking and job opportunities. https://musicbc.org/about-music-bc/our-team/
David Vertesi:
A multi-faceted contributor to Canadian Art and Music for the last 20 years, David Vertesi’s passion to create and collaborate has been the driving force behind a diverse and impactful career as an artist, performer, industry professional and community organizer. He is a music producer (Haley Blais, Said The Whale), a touring musician (Shad, Dear Rouge), and a founding member of the Juno-nominated band Hey Ocean!. In 2011, Vertesi co-founded #SingItFwd, a Saint James Music Academy fundraiser, raising $225,000 for the school over six years. He also co-founded Vancouver Mural Festival, serving as Executive Director from 2016-2021. http://www.davidvertesi.com
Sam Lynch:
Sam Lynch is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, musician, and producer. Her work explores existence, isolation, and introspection with striking profundity and clarity. Sam’s debut LP, Little Disappearance, released via Winnipeg label Birthday Cake Records, propelled her onto some of the country venues and festival stages, appearing in headlining roles and in support of artists such as Men I Trust, Andy Shauf, and Faye Webster. Sam’s songwriting contributions have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the 2022 Western Canadian Music Award for “Songwriter of the Year.” Sam’s highly anticipated sophomore LP, Outline, is scheduled for release in Fall 2024. https://www.samlynchmusic.com