Dine Alone Records is one of Canada’s most influential indie record labels, and it celebrated its landmark 20th anniversary this year. As vice president of the label, Heather Crane oversees label operations, artist strategy and release planning. It was her own anniversary this year, celebrating 15 years with the label — there for many of the label’s biggest years as it transformed from its early days as an outgrowth of St. Catharines, Ontario bands Alexisonfire and City and Colour to now include a large roster from Jimmy Eat World, Purity Ring, The Dirty Nil and many more — not to mention offices in Toronto, L.A. and Nashville.

Dine Alone reports that under Crane’s leadership, the label’s catalogue has surpassed one billion global streams and achieved a 25% year-over-year increase in streaming revenue, with multiple artists landing placements on Canadian rock and alternative radio charts. She continues to champion independent music while shaping the next chapter of the industry. As many young execs are taking risks and helping shape, she says it’s opening the door for creativity outside the major label system. “What motivates me most is the energy and innovation coming from a new generation of artists and executives who are redefining what independent success looks like,” she says.