In this session, we will explore the opportunities for exporting your music through creative collaboration, whether you're an artist, songwriter, or producer. Gain first-hand insights on how our panelists have successfully expanded their networks and careers by working creatively with others.

This Export session will feature in-depth discussions and extensive Q&A on strategies for exporting your music beyond the East Coast of Canada. Topics will include live performance, label and distribution channels, and effective management practices.

Richard Dunn 

Richard Dunn’s impact on the music and entertainment industry is one that cannot be underrated. For over 20 years Dunn has expertly crafted himself as a force and mogul.  By combining his creativity and business expertise, his curriculum vitae is one that rivals the best in the industry.  In 1998, Dunn co-founded Groovement Inc., an artist management and event production company that focused on the soul scene. Groovement served as a resident promotion arm for the Ying Yang Café, as well as the launching pad for the career of four-time Grammy winning vocalist India Arie. Riding off the success of his first attempt at artist management, he then partnered with Michael McQuary (co-founder of Mindspring) to start Brash Music in 2004.  Brash Music served as an indie label whose roster included the likes of ColdPlay, PJ Morton, Aaron Shust and Anthony David. Two years later, Dunn and his partners teamed up to revitalize the historic Underground Atlanta by opening a live music venue Sugarhill and Club Motion.

Today he serves as the COO of The Atlanta Voice Newspaper, one of Atlanta’s oldest African-American newspapers founded by his grandfather J.Lowell Ware in 1966.  His business savvy and affiliations has positioned him to serve on multiple boards and partner with notable institutions. Richard also serves as a Professor at Georgia State University where he teaches Touring and Concert Management. His accomplishments in entertainment continue as he most recently served as Film/TV & Brand Sync A&R for United Masters. Richard Dunn chooses to measure success by his own standards. Over the years, he’s grown to appreciate the value of longevity, relevance, and the respect of his peers in such a widely competitive industry.

Keziah Myers

Keziah Myers believes in the skills and uniqueness of this country and knows that there is so much talent yet to be discovered. Currently as the Executive Director of ADVANCE – Canada’s Black Music Business Collective, Keziah’s main role is to advocate for the betterment, upliftment, and retention of Black Talent within the music industry. Leading this organization, Keziah focuses on changing processes, creating opportunities, and providing resources to ADVANCE members, and music industry organizations. Prior to ADVANCE, Keziah led music licensing initiatives at Entandem, and the A&R Operations at SOCAN, where she was instrumental in ensuring diverse hiring, updating internal systems, improving operations, and enabling all offices to better serve 150 000 members. Beyond this, Keziah has held positions in Label Operations Management and Publicity. She has also sat on Entertainment & Music Organization Boards, adjudicated as part of FACTOR and JUNO juries, and is a regular guest presenter for Art-Focused programs, colleges, universities and high schools.

As a part of a major music movement in Canada, Keziah has taken opportunities to stay involved, advise, volunteer, educate, and advocate. Her passion for people has afforded her the opportunity to be able to live on 3 continents and travel to over 30 countries. Keziah has worked with countless artists and music creators. Along the way she has worked with Drake, Maroon 5, Kim Davis, DSVN, Boi 1da, and many more.

Dr. Kreative

Malakhi RL Eason II the Chief Executive Officer of Eason Kreative Agency brings more than 15 years of arts administration experience to the Festival. Originally from Boston, Eason was most recently Programming Manager at Omaha Performing Arts, where he curated the expansive Jazz on the Green Series, ranging from intimate cabaret performances to outdoor concerts featuring artists like Ladama, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Kim Waters, Sammy Miller and the Congregation, and Marcos y Sabor. Eason was formerly a background singer for touring artists while living in Los Angeles, CA.

A graduate of University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT, Eason earned a Masters of Arts in Leadership from Grace University and is working on a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, Eason has also served in many positions that convey his passion for service and youth mentorship; he encourages young people to find their passions.

Eason is an active member of numerous organizations, including the Lincoln, NE, Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc; Lambda Pi Eta (National Honors Society); and the NAACP.