Posted On: Jul. 6, 2018
Fourth Group of Conference Speakers Announced
from left: Phylicia Chong, Nigel Jenkins, Amanda Schweers, Allan Reid
A music licensing creative handling projects in the UK and across Europe; an east coast-based lawyer, artist manager and label owner; a Vancouver-based agent; and a industry veteran who has spent 25 years at major and indie labels in Canada, are the fourth round of speakers for BreakOut West 2018.
Based in London, Phylicia Chong is a Music Licensing Creative for Secret Road Music Services, handling projects in the UK and across Europe. Phylicia works with music supervisors, directors, producers, trailer houses, and advertising agencies to find the perfect piece of music to help realise their creative vision.
Secret Road is a music licensing, publishing, label and management company headquartered in Los Angeles, that has placed songs across a wide range of brand campaigns including Lexus, Coca-Cola, Special K, Google and Adidas. Additionally, Secret Road artists have been featured in highly-rated television shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Girls, Pretty Little Liars and Masters of None.
Nigel P. Jenkins is a graduate of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, with a Certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. Nigel is an artist manager and record label owner based in Steady Brook, NL. Through his company, Laughing Heart Music/LHM Records, Nigel has worked with Classified, Heather Rankin, Ben Caplan, Hillsburn, The Lytics, and many other artists as a manager, label owner, and consultant. Nigel was nominated for the 2017 East Coast Music Award for Artist Manager of the Year, and the 2016 Nova Scotia Music Week Award for Artist Manager of the Year.
After a stint working on events, Amanda Schweers got her start in the music industry working in an executive role for, Music BC. In 2009, Amanda joined the TFA team in Vancouver, where after working many years alongside Agent Rob Wright, she was promoted to be an Agent. Amanda also co-owns Amazing Factory Productions, a Vancouver-based film company, which along with the band We Are The City, produced the award-winning feature film, Violent. Amanda has always been a passionate advocate of the BC music community, and continues her efforts consulting artists & industry members to help further their careers.
Allan Reid is a passionate supporter of Canadian music. Having been in the industry for over 30 years, he holds an essential voice as the President & CEO of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), The JUNO Awards, MusiCounts and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
CARAS' mandate is to preserve and enhance Canadian artists and their music and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. In 2016, Allan's dedication to artist development was the driving force behind the creation and success of the Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class.
Prior to taking on his role at CARAS in 2014, Allan served as the Executive Director for MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity from 2012-2014. MusiCounts has awarded over $10 million worth of musical instruments to more than 800 schools and communities from coast to coast.
Allan spent 25 years of his career at major and independent labels in Canada as the head of A&R, and was instrumental in the careers of many of today’s top Canadian artists careers. including Jann Arden, Sam Roberts Band, Sarah Harmer and The Tragically Hip to name a few.
After a career spent cultivating and supporting artists in Canada, Allan is honoured to be at the helm of Canada’s Music Awards as President & CEO of CARAS/The JUNO Awards and MusiCounts.