Pictured: Tour Manager Drew Ochran, Carlos Pineda, Haviah Mighty, Andrew Thompson

Carlos Pineda and Andrew Thompson are the duo leading MCMXVI INC., a Toronto-based artist management and cultural agency. To succeed without a label requires a powerhouse team behind you, and Haviah Mighty has made impressive inroads as an independent rapper including a prestigious Polaris Prize win, multiple Juno nominations and festival gigs throughout the continent. “Trendsetter,” her 2023 collaboration with Connor Price, went Gold in Canada – a rare achievement for a collab between two indie artists.

Pineda, founder and CEO, is a Canadian-Latino executive, has worked with major artists including Kardinal Offishall. With over a decade in music, nightlife, and brand strategy, Vice President Andrew Thompson, a.k.a. Drew Smoothy, brings a lifestyle-forward vision to MCMXVI INC. Their roster now includes KTOE and BEDRM, who have produced hits by Drake and Jack Harlow, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion and more. They also work with rising artist John Fellner and has helped shepherd the career of Emanuel, a Motown/Universal signee co-signed by Idris Elba.

The key to breaking Canadian artists, they say, is “likability, talent, work ethic, consistency and teamwork – plus involving the right partners.” Both are known for ventures outside of music as well, with Pineda partnering on the now-closed Toronto hotspot Regulars Bar and Thompson working on cultural programming at spots like the 1 Hotel and brand sponsorships with professional athletes in the city. Together, they are creating an atmosphere where music, culture and global influence cut through the industry’s noise.