Who We Are
The Team
Sandy Graham
Cashbox Canada
Sandy Graham currently splits her time between appearing globally on panels in various countries, focusing on awareness of equality, ageism, mentoring and guiding artists through strategies in their careers.
Sandy’s tireless fight for gender equality and ageism has garnered her The King Charles 11 Coronation Medal 2025, a prestigious award for a long and historied career in the music industry.
Sandy’s career began as the second female Music Director in radio in Canadian history, as well as one of the first women to be hired to work as a National Promotion Representative at RCA Records.
She has owned various music venues in her career, including the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern and Route 66 and produced shows for The Tall Ships, Starlight Foundation, Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, Variety Village, Earth Day 2021 with Tom Jackson.
Also a certified choreographer, Sandy worked with Atlantis Films as a dance instructor and choreographer (Robocop, Almost Grown, Maniac Mansions-SCTV, David Chase/Sopranos, Joe Flaherty) and continues to teach dance to this day.
Still active in the mentoring part of her career, she is one of the forces behind EMG Collectives, working with a global network to focus on promoting and providing strategies and guidance to legendary and indie artists.
Almost ten years ago, Sandy took a contract as a panelist in Newfoundland, and Bara Jonson and Free took a chance coming to Canada to perform at the same festival. That is where their musical journey and friendship began. The years of working with Malin Osth and Jonas Tancred (Bara Jonson and Free, Lilla By Festivalen) has now grown into a partnership resulting in a performance stage named the Canada Barn at Lilla By Festivalen. This has now resulted in the newest musical journey with the launching of “North2North – The Artist Gateway Between Canada and Sweden” project, with an artist competition which will result in artists travelling for performances in both countries in 2026.
“I am so grateful to now embark on yet another musical journey, this time working with such a team of experts at EMG Collectives, to launch the inaugural competition of N2N – The Artist Gateway Between Canada and Sweden.”
The Team
Ashley Andrews
Business Consultant | Manager
Known for her reputation for delivering high-quality results, Ashley Andrews is a highly diligent business manager committed to growth and success. She is passionate about learning, knowledge, and family and is driven to always better herself and achieve her personal and professional goals.
Inspired by the words,” Those who say they can, and those who say they can’t – both are usually right,” Ashley is determined to live the positive side of life and make things work. She knows no limit and believes that without risk, there is no reward, without struggle, no progress. She sees the big picture as well as a path to get there.
Ashley is business oriented and has spent the last five years creating new partnerships and mergers with successful companies. With a knack for results and in pursuit of excellence, she has managed million-dollar companies for 15 years, constantly driving success. Besides her professional achievements, Ashley understands the personal side of the business as well and is determined to bridge the gap between music and business. With an MBA, her educational background helped her develop sharp business acumen and excellent problem-solving skills.
With over ten years of direct and indirect interaction with artists in the music world, Ashley knows the potential artists hold and the challenges they face when utilizing their talents and turning them into business ideas. She is determined to guide, advise, and educate them, effectively empowering them to make prudent decisions, expand their financial portfolios and create generational wealth through their talents and gifts. For her, nothing is more gratifying than seeing the smile on their faces after a successful process.
In the last year, Ashley has been in high demand as a panelist and a speaker on the international scene and was invited to come participate at SPIKE The Bulgarian Festival (Plovdiv, Bulgaria), Norrkoping Music Days (Norrkoping, Sweden) Kristiansand Music Days (Kristianstad, Sweden) and Future Echoes (Norrkoping, Sweden) and as well was part of the EMG Collectives Team who produced the Canadian/Swedish networking event at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Plans to be part of major events both in Europe and Canada in 2026 are already in the pre-production phases.
Inspired by her love of business management and family and friends who are gifted musicians, Ashley strives to support the development of long-lasting careers for musicians in the next phase of her career. She is excited and honored to be part of their success story, as she helps them adopt out-of-the-box thinking that will turn their innovative ideas into reality.
“I’m excited to be one of the adjudicators for N2North – The Artist Gateway and to be with a music community that shares my passion for empowering artists, fostering collaborations, and building a stronger, and a more unified global music network.”
The Team
Eric Alper
Media and Public Relations | The Eric Alper
When it comes to PR and ‘names in the news’ regarding the music and entertainment industry, one name comes up as a true authority, time after time.
Eric Alper. Yes…That Eric Alper.
This is for one very good reason – he’s living a life-long passion by promoting the music industry for one reason – he loves it. The love that Eric has for music is in his blood. His grandfather, Al, opened the doors of the iconic Grossman’s Tavern, Toronto’s first licensed blues bar, in 1943. It is hailed as the city’s longest-running live music venue. As a young boy Eric understood that the love of live music and the essential socializing that goes with it, is universal. It became an obsession of his own, furthered along by working in record stores, fostering a deep, boundary-free love affair with all genres of music. Self-described as a “fan first”, Eric’s observation that people live to consume music was further cemented by attending countless live shows. Here was one young music junkie who realized he had build his career connecting people to the joy of music in all its forms.
For the past 25+ years, Eric Alper has been at the forefront of the Canadian entertainment industry – making the Public in Public Relations his business. His enthusiasm, encyclopedic knowledge of the past and present have made him the go-to for music in Canada. He is also host of one of the top-rated SiriusXM shows “ThatEricAlper”. With over one million followers, friends and connections across his social media platforms, it’s clear to understand why he has been named a “must follow” by Billboard, Paste and National Post among others.
He has been a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 155 JUNO Award nominated-albums (and 14 in 2023), including 43 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, and 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums, and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.
Eric quite naturally gravitated towards the “relations” part of Public Relations. He has built his career upon the quality of the relationships that he has nurtured over the years – creating them, cultivating and maintaining them, growing each of them – and keeping them. Eric knows how to promote his artists, because behind every good PR person is the fact that he works with his clients on a continuous basis, deepening the relationship with each and every show, release and project. Artists are storytellers and Eric tells their stories. He does this with the skills of a seasoned PR storyteller, powered by his unbridled enthusiasm for music and the relationship that he holds with each artist. That’s where the magic comes in. Anybody can work with somebody once. That Eric Alper knows what he’s doing and has the client roster to prove it.
Past and present clients include Ringo Starr, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, Bob Geldof, Pete Seeger, Jerry Garcia, Monty Python, Randy Bachman, Nickelback, Sinead O’Connor, Steve Miller, The Smashing Pumpkins, Little Big Town, Black Label Society, Natalie MacMaster, DJ Khaled, Carole King, Jimmy Webb, Harmonium, Billy Ray Cyrus, Curt Smith, Rita MacNeil, Dr. John, Dwight Yoakam, Fred Eaglesmith, Joey Alexander, Ani DiFranco, Harry Shearer, Dan Zanes, Opeth, Cradle Of Filth, Jordan Knight, Chickenfoot, Bush, Duran Duran, Jeff Dunham, A-Trak, Judy Collins, Ashanti, Supersuckers, Joan Baez, Slash, Andy Kim, Robert Palmer, Rival Sons, Denise Donlon, Men Without Hats, Sean McCann, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Alex Chilton, The Drifters, Colin James, Kathy Valentine, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Pussy Riot, Steve Gorman (Black Crowes), Lori Cullen, Murray McLauchlan, MonkeyJunk, Lee Aaron, Jane Bunnett, Jason Blaine, Dan Talevski, Gloryhound, Steve Vai, Big Sugar, Jesse Winchester, Liona Boyd, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Joan Armatrading, Wanda Jackson, Amy Ray, Jake Clemons, Kevin McDonald, Matt Andersen, John Prine, Jesse Cook, Of Montreal, Kris Kristofferson, Eva Avila, Snoop Dogg, Robert Munsch, Bilal, J. Dilla, Allman Brothers, Ben E. King, Fred Penner, Sue Foley, Kenny Shields and Streetheart, Sesame Street, Xzibit, The Wiggles, Bill Wyman, Sass Jordan, Midge Ure, Sasha & Digweed, Jimmy Rankin, Light Of Day Canada, Speech from Arrested Development, Paul Reddick, Alpha Blondy, Unearth, Kiran Ahluwalia, Public Enemy, Joe Budden, Mobb Deep, Sly and Robbie, Taking Back Sunday, Ziggy Marley, Underworld, The Wild, Quasimoto, Barney Bentall, Yesterdays New Quintet, Mayer Hawthorne, Lunch At Allen’s, Kensington Market Jazz Festival, The Cadillac Lounge in Toronto, Crystal Shawanda, The Mission UK, Cracker, Holly Cole, Jeremy Hotz, Daniel O’Donnell, Madvillain, Frank Black, BadBadNotGood, Diana Panton, KRS-One, Aloe Blacc, Pete Rock, 54-40, Bonnie Bramlett, Janis Ian, 98 Degrees, Sundy Best, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Paul Oakenfold, Jake Miller, Solomon Burke, Devin Townsend, J Rocc, The Black Angels, Megadeth, Carl Cox, DJ Dan, Barbara Cook, David Archuleta, Downchild Blues Band, John Zorn, Leeroy Stagger, Ghostface Killah, DJ Drama, Slaughterhouse, Shooter Jennings, Everclear, Cormega, Andre Rieu, Dearly Beloved, Carole Pope, The Standstills, Diemonds, Secret Broadcast, Die Mannequin, Steve Earle, Dillinger Escape Plan, Raekwon, Matt Dusk, High On Fire, Slum Village, Christina Martin, Indian City, Autorickshaw, Bif Naked, Carl Dixon, Ori Dagan, The Smithereens, Carol Welsman, Bruce Cockburn, Hatebreed, Streetlight Manifesto, The Mahones, The Game, Thursday, Eric Bibb, Mick Fleetwood, The Prodigy, Third World, Duke Robillard, Heather Bambrick, Michael Kaeshammer, Jay Douglas, Max Parker, Myles Goodwyn, The Spoons, Madlib, Dio, Deborah Cox, Honeymoon Suite, Ian Anderson, Kim Mitchell, Pop Evil, In Flames, Amy Helm, Barbra Lica, Polina Grace, Maestro Fresh Wes, Katharine McPhee, Lorraine Segato, Tom Wilson, Ministry, Miss Emily, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Ray J, RJD2, Jurassic 5, DJ Z-Trip, Alchemist, The Kings, Chali 2NA, Steven Van Zandt, Gino Vannelli, The Boxer Rebellion, The Irish Rovers, King Crimson, Jean-Michel Jarre, Michel Petrucciani, Steve Hackett, Mastodon, All Time Low, Madness, The Cult, Jim Jones, Tom Russell, The Guess Who, Turbonegro, Charlatans UK, Master P, Asking Alexandra, The Trews, Los Lobos, Steve Forbert, Jesus Jones, Howard Tate, Electronic, Freddy Cole, Stereolab, Tim Booth, The Nylons, Christine McVie, RZA, The English Beat, Porcupine Tree, MF Doom and hundreds more.
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From basic strategies to major campaigns; from bio construction to news launches; from press conferences to all-out social media blitzes – Eric Alper is a true veteran who applies all the advantages of his seasoned professional experience to his clients on a daily basis. Otherwise, you’ll find him – literally – out there where the music is. Because that’s where he loves to be.
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“I am looking forward to being an adjudicator on the North2North competition, and hearing some great, new music from our wonderful country – Canada. This is all about building musical bridges between our countries and this competition is truly going to be The Gateway For Artists Between Canada and Sweden.”
The Team
Vance Mckenzie
VanceWorldMedia
VanceWorldMedia is a state-of-the-art video & recording studio. Created by Juno Nominated Artist Vance Mckenzie, the studio consists of a green infinity wall for use with virtual production/green screen production, as well as doubling as a large event space. The facility also contains multiple studio rooms for audio recording and video editing.
Vance World Media offers a range of services from audio recording/production to film and visual effects. The production house includes a 17 ft x 12 ft cyclorama green screen, along with stage lighting and in house production team/equipment. Video editing suite located on site.
The studio includes 2 audio recording studios, running Logic Pro X and Pro Tools 12. In house producers/musicians are on premise, along with all equipment to track vocalists to full bands. We have added super LED wall 15 X 10 feet 1.5 million pixels for commercials film podcast photography instant results.
“Music is my life, Audio Recording has been my identity and passion for more than several years,” The past twenty years I have worked in the world of commercial musical productions, recording studios, performing venues and now with a special focus on postproduction audio. I am a highly experienced musician and producer of original compositions, soundscapes and scores for TV and film space rental video photography @ VanceWorldMedia.”
“I am excited about being part of the North2North competition, and joining forces with some of the top industry people to create opportunities for Canadian artists to experience a global reach for their music. North2North – The Artist Between Canada and Sweden!”
The Team
Ryan Farley
Grant Writer
Ryan Farley is the founder of Hubris Entertainment, a company with a mission to help Canadian musicians increase their revenue streams and their understanding of the music industry. Ryan got his start in the music business in Edmonton in 2014 as tour manager for a cross country tour with the now platinum artist Merkules, and he saw so much of the great talent this country has to offer. This is when he set his sights on grant writing and sync licensing to help Canadian artists at large.
In his years of writing grants and consulting, Ryan has worn many hats and worked on countless projects on the business side of the music industry. Helping musicians overcome the many hurdles that come with trying to make a living with their music is always bringing new challenges and opportunities. Ryan’s entrepreneurial mindset has brought rapid growth to his business and the partnerships he’s established. Currently, Ryan is a part of an LA-based Sync Agency and Music Supervision team where he works with indie musicians across North America.
“I am humbled and grateful to be participating as an adjudicator with the North2North competition as well as having an impact while collaborating with so many music Industry veterans while creating the window of opportunity for Canadian artists to perform in Sweden – North2North The Artists Gateway to Canada and Sweden.”
The Team
Malin Östh
Lilla by Festivalen
Malin Östh has been part of the music industry for decades, as a performer, producer, and co-founder of Lilla By Festivalen, a hybrid family festival now entering its sixth year.
She began performing and touring at the age of 18 and has never stopped since. In addition to leading her own jazz band, Malin Östh Band, which has been active for more than eight years, Malin is also one half of the award-winning duo Bara Jonson and Free (BjF) together with Jonas Tancred. The duo has released three full-length albums, two of them on vinyl and developed their own genre, Crockpop.
BjF has performed internationally, including at MIDEM, Summerfest’s Uline Warehouse stage, and during Indie Week Toronto, where they were nominated for Best Emerging Artist in 2019. They were also selected as INES Talent in both 2020 and 2021.
Malin has been instrumental in building cultural bridges between Sweden and Canada, a collaboration that has continued to grow through the creation of Lilla By Festivalen in her hometown of Rinkaby. Since 2021, the festival has evolved into a hybrid event; part festival, part industry showcase, featuring international artists and panels. In 2023, the team expanded its initiatives with Kristianstad Music Days and the creation of Kanadaladan (The Canadian Barn), a permanent event/festival venue that celebrates the Swedish-Canadian connection.
Beyond performance and production, Malin brings extensive experience in logistics, planning, artist development, and creative project management. Through EMG Collectives, she continues to support artists and creative professionals in realizing their visions.
“Being an artist myself, I know what it takes to stay true to your craft, keeping the passion, creativity and tenacity alive. I am dedicated to listening to the submissions and artists who are participating in North2North, The Artist Gateway Between Canada and Sweden
The Team
Jonas Tancred
Lilla by Festivalen
Jonas Tancred Jonas Tancred has been part of the music industry for decades as a performer, producer and co-founder of Lilla By Festivalen, a growing cultural event in southern Sweden that combines community, sustainability and international collaboration.
As one half of the internationally touring duo Bara Jonson and Free together with Malin Östh, Jonas has performed on major stages including MIDEM in Cannes, Summerfest’s Uline Warehouse Stage in Milwaukee, and Indie Week Toronto, where the duo was nominated for Best Emerging Artist in 2019.
Bara Jonson and Free has released three full-length albums, two of them on vinyl, and created their own genre, “Crockpop,” blending heartfelt storytelling with an energetic and cinematic sound.
Recognized by The Atlantic as a pioneer in digital performance, Jonas has long been exploring new ways of connecting technology and creativity to expand what independent music can be.
Before fully dedicating himself to music, he worked as CEO and senior recruiter in executive search, experience that honed his ability to recognize leadership, authenticity and creative potential, qualities that now guide his work as mentor and adjudicator.
Through Lilla By Festivalen and EMG Collectives Jonas continues to build bridges between artists and audiences, helping others find their voice and create sustainable paths in today’s music landscape.
“Having had extensive experience in all sides of the creative process, from songwriting, production, and the promotional logistics, I know the creative side of the artist as well as what is needed to launch a career and aim to make it sustainable. As an artist myself, I am humbled and honoured to be able to adjudicate the artist submissions for North2North, the Artist Gateway between Canada and Sweden.”
The Team
Lisa Hartt
Singer | Songwriter
With decades of experience in the music industry, Lisa Hartt continues to write and perform with a clarity and emotional depth that resonates across generations.
Juno-nominated Lisa Hartt is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose work spans, folk, rock, spiritual and pop genres. A recipient of the Cashbox Legacy Award, she is known for her powerful vocals and poetic songwriting. Hartt’s latest work includes the EP Arrival (2023), The Night I Learned to Dance (2024) and her newly released albumHiraeth (2025). Lisa has performed at festivals and Embassies across Europe and continues to advocate for mental health and supporting ageism through her music.
Lisa understands the passion of songwriting, recording and releasing original music and has a plethora of information she can share with the artists entering the competition for North2North as she has experienced it all. Her empathy, knowledge and professional and business acumen is an asset for this venture.
With decades of experience in the music industry, Lisa Hartt continues to write and perform with a clarity and emotional depth that resonates across generations.
“I’m honoured to serve as an adjudicator for the North2North competition. My experience appearing for three years at Lilla By Festivalen in Sweden was deeply inspiring — connecting with artists and collaborators from across the North reaffirmed the power of music to bridge cultures. That experience led to a lasting creative partnership with a Swedish composer, with whom I co-wrote my most recent EP.”