Speakers

Celena “Pinky” Simms is the founder and CEO of Black Mountain Music & Media, a Canadian music company specializing in international radio promotion and tracking, artist management, development and career support.
For more than a decade, Pinky has built relationships with radio stations, programmers and specialty shows throughout Canada and around the world. Black Mountain’s campaigns combine direct promotion, consistent follow-up and detailed reporting, supported by a curated network of more than 2,000 stations and shows and expanded international distribution relationships.
Her work has supported releases from established and emerging artists, including Gord Bamford, Teagan Littlechief, Dallas Alexander, Garrett Gregory, Josh Stumpf and Ben Klick. Pinky’s approach is rooted in building long-term careers rather than treating each release as a stand-alone moment.
A two-time recipient of the ISSA International Promotion Award in 2022 and 2024, Pinky is also a CARAS/JUNO member and an advocate for independent and Indigenous artists. Through Black Mountain, she has developed strong relationships with Indigenous radio and First Nation artists, helping amplify music from local communities to audiences around the world.
Alongside her work in radio, Pinky manages award-winning Cree and Saulteaux artist Teagan Littlechief and supports artists through strategy, grant development, promotional materials and industry planning.
Known for her direct, relationship-driven approach, Pinky believes successful careers are built one release, one opportunity and one genuine connection at a time.