MusicOntario Presents The M Sessions
MusicOntario Presents The M Sessions
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM
The Rivoli Upstairs
(334 Queen St W., Toronto, ON)
Join us after the long weekend for our next in-person member event, The M Sessions: Conference Preparedness.
Music industry conferences help build new relationships and discover business opportunities, but knowing how to make the most of them can be just as important as getting in the room.
Join us for a conversation with Rosalyn Dennett, Executive Director of Folk Canada, and Andrea Guernsey, Artist Strategy & Partnerships at Wax Records, who will share practical advice on how to prepare for music industry conferences, make meaningful connections, and turn introductions into opportunities.
The panel will be followed by light refreshments, networking, and live performances from folk artists Skye Wallace and Alyson McNamara.
The M Sessions is where members come together to learn, connect, and discover new music. This is a 19+ event.
SPEAKERS
Rosalyn Dennett - Executive Director, Folk Canada
Rosalyn Dennett serves as Executive Director of Folk Canada, where she brings her extensive experience as an artist and industry professional to present one of Canada’s largest and most diverse conferences, year-round professional development, export initiatives, and sector-wide engagement.
www.folkcanada.com
IG @folk_canada
Andrea Guernsey - Artist Strategy & Partnerships, Wax Records
At the helm of artist promotion for one of Canada’s top indie labels, Wax Records (Universal/Virgin), Andrea Guernsey has spent 15+ years turning fresh Canadian talent into global success stories. From her time at Warner Music Canada, to her foray into music video production, live events and, recently, artist management, Andrea brings a deep understanding of how music connects with audiences. Industry connector, music matchmaker, and all-round champion of art with purpose, Andrea is on a lifelong mission to change the world through music.
IG @onlyandrea
IG @waxrecords
PERFORMERS
Skye Wallace
A voice like a commanding instrument, unflinching lyricism, and a swaggering live show shaped by years on the road: Skye Wallace has earned a reputation as one of Canada's most compelling artists. Moving effortlessly between folk, rock, alternative influences and punk energy, her live show and raw, honest storytelling has won critical acclaim, a devoted fan base, and stages shared with the likes of Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, Tim Barry (AVAIL), Laura Jane Grace (Against Me!), Sam Roberts Band, and more.
‘The Act of Living’ marks Wallace’s latest artistic evolution, offering an exploration of death and its cycles. Produced alongside Hawksley Workman, ‘The Act of Living’ finds Skye fully embracing the grungy, unbridled enthusiasm of her and her band's live performances, inviting listeners on a journey of near-death experiences, dreamworlds, loss, + rebirth.
Skye's newest record is currently in the works, transforming death into life and the messy, beautiful pieces of new parenthood. With Matt Mays at the helm, the work returns to the acoustic rawness and haunting vocals of her early alt-folk material and is set to release in spring 2027, with singles beginning to drop late 2026.
Insta: @skyewallacemusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6BBaTzjSoI3KGH2c5yyCae?si=h7LV-u7pQ7y7TRAtCTbNxw&utm_source=copy-link
Alyson McNamara
2025 was an exciting year for Alyson McNamara - she released her latest album, Wake, on April 18th 2025 out on Birthday Cake Records and hit the festival circuit, performing at JUNOfest, Tiny Lights, and Cultivate, as well as 2026 appearances including Hibernate, Springtide, and Second Summer festivals.
Her songs have been played on SiriusXM's The Verge and North Americana, CBC's Afterdark and Big City, Small World, as well as college radio and multiple well-loved playlists. Alyson's song "Waiting" from her album Let Me Sleep can be heard in episode 402 of Canadian TV series Burden of Truth. You may have also heard her singing a jingle or two on tv, radio, and the web.
Alyson has toured across Canada with JUNO Award-winning band Said The Whale accompanying Dave Monks of Tokyo Police Club (who also co-produced her album, Wake). She has recorded with artists such as Anyway Gang and TWRP, and has performed in supporting acts for Sloan and Gregg Allman. She has accompanied and shared the stage with Canadian trail blazers Catherine MacLellan, Kaia Kater and Sarah MacDougall. Alyson has appeared on Paste Magazine NYC, BTR Live Studio and CBC First Play Live and has recorded with acclaimed producers Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Beck), Gus van Go (Sam Roberts, Whitehorse), and Howard Bilerman (Basia Bulat, U.S Girls). Alyson is currently in the pre-production phase of her next album.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/alysonmcnamara/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@alysonmcnamara2807
Exclaim! Articles:
https://exclaim.ca/artists/alyson_mcnamara
MusicOntario gratefully acknowledges our partners in this programming for making it possible, including Ontario Creates via the Ontario Music Investment Fund, and the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), the Government of Canada (through the Canada Music Fund), and Canada's private radio broadcasters. This event is also presented in partnership with the City of Toronto's Music Office.