NEWS: UMAC Announces New Board Members and Advisors!
UMAC Announces New Board Members and Advisors
Urban Music Association of Canada Welcomes New Faces for 2010
Urban Music Association of Canada Welcomes New Faces for 2010
For Immediate Release
December 7th, 2009
Toronto – UMAC is pleased to announce that it has added two new faces to its list of Board Members. Derek Brin has accepted the position of Director of Artist Relations, while Melissa “DJ MelBoogie” Langley, has accepted the role of Director of Communications. Of the two new Board Members, UMAC President Will Strickland says: “Derek and Mel represent two of our best and brightest lights, shining prominently on Canadian urban music and this industry as a whole. UMAC is proud to have them on the squad and looks forward to growing and creating great things with them both!” Other recent changes in the Board include the departures of Katrina Lopes, former Vice President, and Miro Oballa, former Business Affairs Director. The two will remain active with the organization in advisory positions.
A producer and song writer who has worked with international artists, Derek Brin’s long list of accomplishments make him a prime choice for the role of Director of Artist Relations. He is the epitome of preparing Canadian artists to become ‘export-ready’, and has already worked with and mentored Canadian artists such as Massari, Syrai, and Dru. He has collaborated with Ne-Yo, Guy Roche, Diane Warren and Canadian Idols Kalan Porter & Ryan Malcolm, and co-wrote a song with R&B crooner Jaheim for his last album, which entered #1 on the Billboard Charts. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of UMAC – a Canadian organization actually affecting change”, says Brin. “I look forward to being a part of the process and throwing a few ideas in the mix that I know are effective with other organizations outside of Canada and little things that helped my career in some way.”
Melissa “DJ MelBoogie” Langley wears several hats in Canada’s urban music landscape. As a DJ, her roots are deeply embedded in college radio, formerly at CHRY 105.5FM, and currently at CKLN 88.1FM, where she’s the co-host/co-DJ for Droppin’ Dimez Radio, Canada’s only all-female hip hop show. Also a Freelance Writer and Publicist, Mel has had the opportunity to interview some of music’s finest artists including Common, KRS-One, and Flo’etry, and has done PR for a variety of artists and events, from Jully Black to Caribana. Through working with one of the largest urban DJ pools in the country, Mel has collaborated with DJs, music labels, producers and independent artists on an international level. She was recently named one of Toronto’s Most Inspiring Women in the Creative Arts by Luminato’s Mille Femmes Project. “For years, UMAC has been the voice of the national urban music community,” says Melissa. ” I’m ecstatic to become an active part of this organization, particularly at this stage of development for urban music in Canada.”
In addition, an open UMAC Board Officer’s role was filled with the addition of Peter Chiapetta as the new Coordinator, Viral Marketing and Development. “I’m very grateful and excited at this opportunity,” says Peter. “UMAC has always been at the forefront when it comes to developing and promoting our homegrown talent. For years, Canada has been home to some of the most talented artists, producers, performers, and songwriters. I look forward to being a part of, as well as contributing to, UMAC’s tradition and commitment to Canada’s urban music scene; working alongside the rest of the board, local artists and our members.”
About UMAC:
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. For more information check out the UMAC website at: http://www.umacunited.com
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Media Contact:
Melissa Langley
UMAC, Director of Communications
t. 416.436.6352
e. melboogiemedia@sympatico.ca
w. www.umacunited.com
UMAC, Director of Communications
t. 416.436.6352
e. melboogiemedia@sympatico.ca
w. www.umacunited.com
Big ups Mel Boogie!!!
Comment by Moni Love — December 8, 2009 @ 12:21 am