Music City News: A New Music Incubator is Coming to Toronto

There continues to be much talk of various efforts to turn Toronto into an internationally-known “music city.” Several initiatives are moving simultaneously (I’m involved in at least two) and although there’s a staggering amount of work to be done, everyone believes that the long-term goals are very, very achievable.

Here’s a sign of progress: a music incubator will move into the Yonge-Dundas Square area next month. From the press release:

Toronto’s new Music Incubator will be setting up shop steps away from legendary musical landmarks, the Downtown Yonge BIA announced today. The incubator will start with a 2,000 square foot pop-up space in a heritage building at 21 Dundas Square.

“This is a perfect location – geographically and historically,” said Downtown Yonge BIA Executive Director Mark Garner. “For generations Yonge and Dundas has been a music destination – from shopping at Sam the Record Man to hearing live music at Friar’s and The Nickelodeon, which today are the Hard Rock Café. Now it will be a launch pad for the next generation of emerging artists and managers.”

 The new incubator location will be operational as of November 3, starting with the launch of Artist Manager, a professional development program for emerging artist managers, in partnership with Canada’s Music Incubator and Coalition Music.

“We are excited about having a presence at 21 Dundas Square along with all of the opportunities and possibilities that come with working in the heart of Downtown Yonge,” said Vel Omazic, Executive Director of Canada’s Music Incubator.

 Supported by the City of Toronto, the music incubator on the southern side of Yonge-Dundas Square is the first step toward the Downtown Yonge BIA’s plan to create a permanent urban music incubator providing mentorship, professional development, studio space, education, networking and collaboration for emerging artists, managers, producers and industry professionals.

Good. Nice momentum. Let’s keep going.