SOCAN Foundation Offers Equity Program For Female Producers

By External Source

The SOCAN Foundation has unveiled an Equity X Production Mentorship Program for new music producers, developed as a result of research by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative that identified a significant disparity between the number of men and women working in the field.

The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released a report in 2019 that uncovered the fact that only 2.1% of producers who worked on the top 100

Billboard songs from 2012 to 2018 were female. The data showed that for every woman producer, there were 47 males filling the same role.

“The Equity X Production Mentorship Program strives to address the lack of diverse representation among producers,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director of the SOCAN Foundation. “As many as 25 women and gender minorities will be selected to participate in a three-day retreat where they will gain the capabilities and talent to start their journey to becoming a confident and skilled music producer.”

The Foundation program is supported by RBC, Ableton, and Signal Community Forum.

The learning retreat takes place in Toronto on January 9, 10, and 11.

Music producers may perform many vital roles that may include, but are not limited to, gathering ideas and composing the music for the project, proposing changes to the musical work, arranging ideas, mixing, sound design, and managing the production of the work.

“We are proud to support the SOCAN Foundation and have a hand in creating a program that focuses specifically on emerging producers, giving them access to critical education and resources,” said Joanne Gordon, Vice President, Media & Entertainment, RBC Royal Bank. “As a longstanding supporter of the arts, we’re thrilled to be able to continue to bridge the gaps that keep art from coming to life, and this program is a key part of making that happen.”

Participants accepted into the program will receive many benefits, including access to small group and individual production skills training, mentorship from industry leaders, and accommodation and travel support for those accepted from outside Toronto.

Applications to the Equity X Production Mentorship Program are being accepted until December 15.

Visit www.socanfoundation.ca for more information about the program, eligibility guidelines and online application materials.