Refolkus – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this week's episode, Rosalyn chats with Joel Plaskett. Joel takes us deep into the making of his latest album, ‘One Real Reveal’ released in 2024. Drawing from his long and varied career in music, he opens up about the creative journey behind making this record — from songwriting and theme development to the hands-on process of analog recording. Joel shares why analog matters to him, both technically and philosophically, and how it shaped the album’s distinct sound. He also reflects on how he balances discipline and inspiration in the studio, offering a candid look at his approach to making music.

Check out ‘One Real Reveal’, the latest album from Joel Plaskett.

Find Joel Plaskett online:

Website & Upcoming Shows

Instagram

Facebook

Bandcamp

About Joel Plaskett

For over three decades, Joel Plaskett has proven himself a spinning wheel of reinvention. The Nova Scotia songwriter's eclectic body of work reveals a restless and playful spirit, always transforming and expanding. Coast-to-coast and the world 'round, Joel has rocked crowds at clubs, festivals and grand old theatres with longtime Emergency bandmates Dave Marsh and Chris Pennell as well as drawn audiences close with intimate acoustic shows, both solo and with his father, Bill. Then there are the special events that have really allowed Joel to reach the rafters, like headlining Toronto’s Massey Hall with everyone in tow, playing the NAC in Ottawa backed by the national orchestra, and warming up huge stages for artists like The Tragically Hip and Paul McCartney. Joel and the Emergency have also been roundly celebrated within the music industry for their work, racking up awards and nominations from the JUNOs, the Polaris Music Prize, the East Coast Music Awards, Music Nova Scotia, and numerous others. For his latest release, the 4-track project One Real Reveal (2024), Plaskett strips his songwriting down to its raw materials, allowing everything in—all the human touches the tape could pick up.

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If you’re interested in submitting questions for our upcoming episodes, be sure to follow Folk Canada on Instagram where we will be posting our upcoming guests.

Tune in to the latest episodes of the Refolkus Podcast, featuring the latest music releases from Folk Canada members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week's episode, we chat with Elizabeth Rodriguez of OKAN. Elizabeth reflects on the profound impact of her African ancestry on their music and takes us through her journey from classical music to rediscovering her roots in Cuban music and improvisation. She talks about the role of music in driving social change and how her personal experiences inspire her songwriting. Elizabeth also opens up about the challenges of parenting while pursuing a career in the music industry, highlighting the importance of belief, adaptability, and having a solid support system to navigate the ups and downs.

Find OKAN online:

Website & Upcoming Shows

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

Bandcamp

About OKAN

Charged with the profound power of their African ancestry. OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. Fusing these Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms, OKAN delivers songs about immigration, resistance and joy in Spanish, Yoruba and Spanglish. Hot off their Tiny Desk NPR Alt Latino debut and a tour supporting Grammy-winners Rodrigo y Gabriela, OKAN’s recent release Okantomi was awarded the 2024 Juno Award and included in NPR Alt Latino, Le Monde, and CBC Music’s “Best of 2023” lists. OKAN is co-led by Cuban-born Grammy & Latin-Grammy nominees: violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and her wife, percussionist & vocalist Magdelys Savigne. 

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If you’re interested in submitting questions for our upcoming episodes, be sure to follow Folk Canada on Instagram where we will be posting our upcoming guests.

Tune in to the latest episodes of the Refolkus Podcast, featuring the latest music releases from Folk Canada members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Robyn Stewart, the Executive Director of Women in Music Canada.

Robyn delves into the crucial topics of equity within the music industry, providing a thoughtful analysis of the current landscape and sharing her views on both the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all, and the various ways to overcome barriers.

Robyn also discusses the significant research study ‘’Share the Air: A Study of Gender Representation on Canadian Radio (2013 - 2023)’’ that sheds light on representation across all radio formats and the role radio plays in shaping gender representation and diversity within the music industry.

In addition, Robyn shares valuable information about Women in Music Canada and the programs they offer for both artists and industry workers.

Read ‘‘Share the Air: A Study of Gender Representation on Canadian Radio (2013 - 2023)’’ research study here.

Join the Women in Music Canada Directory and receive the latest news, updates and event information.

Check out ‘’Balancing Act’’, a national initiative that aims to increase equality, accessibility, and employment opportunities in Canada for artists and cultural workers with caring responsibilities.

Find Women in Music Canada online:
Instagram

Facebook
Website

About Robyn Stewart

Robyn Stewart is a 22-year music industry veteran, accomplished organization and event director, currently the Executive Director of Women in Music Canada. Robyn is passionate about the creative process and the role culture plays in communities. Her experience reaches all areas of event management and talent buying, with her strongest skills lying in financial management, complex logistics, government relations and fund development, and partner relationship building. She has worked with budgets in excess of $3 million, always meeting and exceeding the expectations of clients and colleagues. Among the projects she is most proud of; Executive Director of Western Canadian Music Alliance, and Entertainment Buyer; PanAmerican Games 2015, and Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2010, which allowed her to support developing artists and engage in passion projects including working towards gender parity in the music industry on an international level. Robyn is incredibly driven by her work supporting artists to showcase and develop business in international markets, and has spoken at events in Estonia, Sweden, Australia, UK and more. Robyn holds board positions on the Polaris Music Prize (National Vice-Chair), and Heart and Stroke Foundation (Manitoba). 

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with David Landreth, Co-Founder and COO of Birthday Cake Records, a Winnipeg-based record label, music publishing, and artist management company.

David shares the story behind Birthday Cake Records and how the label came to be. He discusses the labels unique approach to discovering and signing new artists and how they work with those artists to dial in their vision in preparation for an album release. For artists on the hunt for a label, David also offers invaluable advice on what to consider, emphasizing the significance of finding a label with a culture that matches your own values and goals. Additionally, he breaks down the essentials of artist/label contracts, touching on key aspects like advancements, and royalties.

Find Birthday Cake Records online:
Instagram
Website

About David Landreth

Dave Landreth is one half of prairie roots rockers, The Bros. Landreth. They're two-time JUNO winners and Grammy-winning songwriters — their song, Made Up Mind, was covered by Bonnie Raitt in 2022, going on to spend 12 weeks at #1 on the Americana charts and taking the Grammy for Best Americana Performance in 2023. They've toured extensively from 2013 and are currently working on their fourth album, due sometime in 2025. Together with his brother Joe and manager Stu Anderson, Dave founded Birthday Cake Records, a Winnipeg-based record label, music publishing, and artist management company. Birthday Cake collaborates with a diverse range of talented artists, including Begonia, Leith Ross, Field Guide, The Be Good Tanyas, and lots more!

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Amie Therrien, the Executive Director of Music Managers Forum Canada (MMF Canada).

In this episode, Amie shares her journey as a music manager, exploring what drew her to the profession and the unique challenges it entails. She delves into the key roles and responsibilities of a manager, offering insights into commission structures, contracts, and how to effectively support artists with their music careers. Amie also highlights the invaluable resources provided by MMF Canada, which assist both managers and self-managed artists. 

Become a member of MMF Canada and visit the free resources page and the curated Industry News Round-Up.

Find MMF Canada online:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
Website

About Amie Therrien

As the Executive Director of MMF Canada, Amie Therrien leads the team that supports managers and self-managed artists with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities as well as advocating on their behalf to the government and the community at large. Prior to MMF Canada, Amie was the owner of Balsam Pier Music, an artist management and development company where she worked primarily with folk, roots, and Americana artists. She has worked for Coalition Music and Folk Alliance International, has served on the boards of Folk Music Ontario and MMF Canada, and is an alumna of the Artist Manager Program with Canada's Music Incubator. Amie is a Métis woman based in Toronto, a part-time runner, a kayaker, a meditator, a beading artist, and a recovering civil engineer. 

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Leonard Podolak, the Co-Artistic/Executive Director of Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous, Canada’s pioneering house concert circuit.

In this episode, Leonard delves into the origins of Home Routes, sharing how the concept came to life. He explores the unique charm of house concerts, highlighting their ability to provide artists with intimate access to audiences and how they bring incredible music to culturally underserved communities. Leonard also gives us a glimpse into what it's like to host a show through Home Routes as well as the experience from the artist's perspective. Additionally, he discusses the organization's pivot during the pandemic and what is on the horizon for the future of Home Routes.

Interested in hosting a show through Home Routes? Fill out the form here.
Apply to perform on a Home Routes tour here.

Find Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous online:

Instagram

Website

About Leonard Podolak

Leonard Podolak has been working in the folk music business since 1995. With his bands, Scruj MacDuhk and The Duhks, he is a 5 time Juno and 2 time Grammy nominee, taking home each trophy once. He is known for his melodic but very rhythmic style of playing clawhammer banjo. Since 2016 he has been the Co-Executive Director of Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous, Canada’s pioneering House Concert Circuit. This organization is a part of a group of Organizations founded by his parents, the late Mitch Podolak and Ava Kobrinsky. These include The West End Cultural Centre, The Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, and the Folk Festivals in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and The Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso NS. Leonard along with Co-ED/AD Cathy Crawford, who is also the operations manager of the mission folk festival  are bringing new energy with the aim of taking Home Routes out of the woodwork and into the mainstream. 

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Tom Coxworth, producer and DJ of the ‘Folk Routes’ radio show on CKUA Radio in Calgary.

Tom shares his expertise on conducting interviews, emphasizing the importance of preparation, building rapport, and genuinely connecting with artists. He discusses what makes a successful interview from both the artist's and interviewer's perspectives, highlighting active listening, thoughtful questions, and the need for authenticity. 

Tom also delves into the ‘Folk Routes’ radio show, exploring its special connection with the community and how this bond has contributed to the show's longevity and popularity.

Find Folk Routes online:

Facebook

Website

About Tom Coxworth

Tom has been part of the folk and roots music community since 1979. Since his early teens he braved the stormy and murky waters of roadie, artist management, studio producer, tour manager, and even booking agent. He has also worked as columnist, reviewer, interviewer, and as juror for numerous music award categories, and has participated in many Alberta music festivals as organizer, advisor, emcee, and board member. In 2009 he was recognized by the Edmonton Folk Festival with a Special Life Membership. Having survived those many career deviations since 1995 he has been producing Folk Routes for the legendary CKUA Radio Network, each week on Sundays from 11am till 1pm – now going on 30 years.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Daniel Desjarlais.

Daniel delves into the origins of the Sakawinow Music Festival, sharing the inspiration behind its creation and the story behind its name. He also discusses his process for curating the lineup and his passionate commitment to showcasing and uplifting local talent. Additionally, Daniel chats about his background in finance and culinary arts, explaining how these diverse experiences have shaped his approach to planning the festival.

Find Sakawinow Music Festival online:

Instagram

Website

Volunteer at the next Sakawinow Music Festival by filling out this form.

About Daniel Desjarlais

Daniel Desjarlais is a Dunne-za First Nations from West Moberly First Nations. His background is in culinary arts, finance, and business creation and is the owner and founder of Sakawinow Music Festival, and the Chetwynd Folk Festival. Daniel also works with his First Nations band planning community events, meetings and the annual culture celebration, Westmo Days. 

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Terry O’Brien, a key figure in the UK folk scene.

Terry offers an in-depth overview of the current folk music landscape in the UK, highlighting the many folk festivals and renowned folk clubs there. She delves into the English Folk Expo and outlines the many opportunities this conference presents for artists. Terry also provides valuable insights and advice for Canadian artists looking to enter the UK market, including strategic tips on booking and promoting a successful tour there.

Join Sound Roots Connect, a brand new platform offering artists information and education on different areas of the music industry.

Find English Folk Expo online:

Instagram

Website

Find Manchester Folk Festival online:

Instagram

Website

Find Playpen Agency online:

Website

About Terry O’Brien

Terry is the founder and a director of Arts Council England NPO, Sound Roots, which runs the annual national showcase English Folk Expo (EFEx), Manchester Folk Festival and supports the English folk scene year round. Terry has also run Playpen Agency for over twenty years, representing a host of award-winning artists including Grace Petrie, Spiers & Boden, Daoirí Farrell and more.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

Today, we are excited to release the second episode of our series, ‘On the Air’, where we delve into the fascinating world of radio. This week, we chat to Kwende Kefentse, the Executive Director of CKCU-FM.

Kwende shares his passion for radio and the ways in which it connects and builds community. He also discusses the history of CKCU and shares his thoughts on how radio has changed and evolved over the years.

Find Kwende online:

Instagram

Find CKCU-FM online:

Website

Instagram

Get involved with CKCU by volunteering or donating.

About Kwende Kefentse

Kwende Kefentse is the Executive Director of CKCU-FM. His 20+ year career bridges the worlds of creative practice, cultural industries, and civic leadership / city building. In his former job as Cultural Industries Development Officer for the City of Ottawa he led the development of Ottawa's Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage, and Culture (2013-2018) and the Ottawa Music Strategy (2018-2020), among other critical city-wide cultural initiatives. He serves on the Boards of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, Ottawa Film Office, and Carleton University Art Gallery and the Washington D.C.-based Music Policy Forum (Emeritus). As DJ Memetic of the TIMEKODE collective his productions have received critical acclaim from international outlets like Vice Thump, Radio Nova, and Wax Poetics. He has been requested as an opening performer for luminaries like Nas and Barack Obama. Kwende has earned a Masters of Research (MRes) from UCL's Bartlett School of Architecture focussed on the spatial dynamics of cultural production in the music industry. 

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1. 

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn