Left To Right: Stevie Connor, Anne Connor, Kae Shelby, Jo Louks.
The Folk Music Ontario (FMO) Conference, running from October 3-6, 2024, in Mississauga, Ontario, is set to bring together artists, music lovers, and industry professionals for a long weekend of collaboration, networking, and performance. Since its inception as the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals in 1986, FMO has grown into Canada's largest annual conference dedicated to folk, roots, and traditional music. This year’s conference promises to be another exciting gathering, with showcases, professional development sessions, and networking opportunities for both emerging and established artists.
At The Sound Café, we are thrilled to be a part of this much-anticipated event. As a global music platform publishing in English, French, and Spanish, we pride ourselves on our ability to connect readers with the stories and sounds of artists from all corners of the world. Our readership spans continents, and our mission is to offer artists, regardless of their genre or origin, a stage to showcase their talent. With a team of four members attending the conference, The Sound Café is ready to experience and highlight the best of what the FMO Conference has to offer.
A Platform for Global Music and Diversity
The Sound Café has become known for celebrating a wide range of musical genres, from folk and roots to blues, Americana, and Celtic music. Our goal is to provide a space for artists to share their stories, sounds, and experiences with a diverse, global audience. What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity, not only through the types of music we feature but also in the languages we publish.
By offering content in English, French, and Spanish, The Sound Café reaches a broad international audience. This multilingual approach allows us to spotlight artists from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, ensuring their stories are accessible to music lovers everywhere. In a world where music knows no boundaries, The Sound Café acts as a bridge between artists and listeners, showcasing the rich diversity of sounds that folk, roots, and traditional music have to offer.
At the FMO Conference, we are particularly excited to discover artists from around the world and share their stories with our readers. Whether it’s a Québécois singer-songwriter, a Latin American folk duo, or an Indigenous artist from Canada’s northern territories, The Sound Café aims to amplify their voices and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive global music scene.
The Folk Music Ontario Conference: A Meeting Point for Talent and Tradition
Since 1986, the FMO Conference has been a vital part of the Canadian music industry, providing artists with a platform to showcase their talent and offering career development opportunities through workshops, panels, and one-on-one mentoring. The event is more than just a festival—it is a place where emerging talent can meet seasoned professionals, network with industry leaders, and learn from their peers.
This year’s conference offers a rich lineup of events that cater to artists at any stage of their career, from newcomers to those who are export-ready. With showcases, peer sessions, and professional development panels, the FMO Conference offers something for everyone in the folk music community.
For The Sound Café, this conference is an opportunity to dive deep into the world of folk music, discover new voices, and connect with artists and industry professionals. Our team is especially excited to attend the official showcases and evening performances, where we will get a firsthand look at the incredible talent emerging from Canada and beyond.
Celebrating Music with a Global Audience
As a publication with a worldwide readership, The Sound Café serves as a showcase for global music. We have built a strong following in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Latin America, and our readers come to us for in-depth artist interviews, album reviews, and insights into the world of folk, roots, and traditional music.
One of the things that set The Sound Café apart is our focus on storytelling. We believe that music is not just about the notes and melodies; it’s about the stories behind the songs. That’s why we take the time to get to know the artists we feature, exploring their cultural roots, personal journeys, and the inspirations that shape their music.
In our coverage of the FMO Conference, we plan to bring those stories to life for our readers. Whether it’s through interviews with artists, reviews of live performances, or features on the conference’s professional development sessions, The Sound Café is committed to delivering engaging and insightful content to our global audience.
Showcasing Diversity and Talent at FMO 2024
One of the most exciting aspects of the Folk Music Ontario Conference is the incredible diversity of talent on display. Over the years, FMO has built a reputation as a place where artists from all walks of life can come together, share their music, and build meaningful connections with one another. The conference is a celebration of cultural diversity, bringing together Indigenous artists, immigrant musicians, and artists from across Canada and the world.
At The Sound Café, we are passionate about highlighting this diversity. Our platform has always been a space where underrepresented voices can be heard, and the FMO Conference is a perfect opportunity to showcase that commitment. We look forward to discovering artists from a wide range of backgrounds and sharing their stories with our readers in English, French, and Spanish.
We also recognize the importance of inclusivity in the music industry. As the world becomes more connected, it’s essential that all voices are given a platform to be heard. At the FMO Conference, we are excited to attend panels and workshops focused on inclusivity and diversity in the music industry, learning from experts and artists who are leading the charge in creating a more equitable and accessible music community.
Building Connections and Looking Ahead
The Folk Music Ontario Conference is more than just a series of showcases and panels—it’s a place where relationships are formed, collaborations are sparked, and careers are built. For The Sound Café, attending the FMO Conference is not just about listening to great music (though we’re certainly looking forward to that!); it’s about building connections with artists, industry professionals, and other media outlets.
Throughout the conference, we plan to engage with the folk music community, learn from our peers, and form new partnerships that will help us continue to grow as a platform for global music. We are excited to connect with artists, presenters, and industry leaders, learning more about the trends and challenges facing the folk music world today.
Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the future of folk music. The genre is constantly evolving, blending traditional sounds with modern influences, and we believe that The Sound Café has a vital role to play in helping to shape that future. By continuing to publish in multiple languages, showcasing diverse voices, and celebrating the stories behind the music, we aim to remain a leading platform for artists and music lovers alike.
Meet Us at FMO: The Sound Café Team in Mississauga
As we gear up for the 2024 Folk Music Ontario Conference, The Sound Café team is excited to be on the ground, taking in as much music as we can and meeting the incredible people who make up this vibrant community. With four team members attending the conference, we’ll be covering official showcases, evening performances, and professional development sessions, all while representing The Sound Café’s commitment to global music.
So, if you’re attending the conference, be sure to say hi! We’ll be the ones proudly wearing our Sound Café T-shirts, excited to connect with artists and fellow music lovers. Whether you’re an artist looking for coverage, a presenter seeking to showcase talent, or a fellow media professional eager to collaborate, we would love to meet you and chat about the future of folk music.
At The Sound Café, we believe that music has the power to bring people together. No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, or what kind of music you love, there’s something for everyone at the Folk Music Ontario Conference—and we can’t wait to be a part of it.
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Stevie Connor, a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, is renowned for his versatility across various domains within the industry. Initially destined for football, Stevie's heart found its true calling in music. His multifaceted journey has seen him excel as a musician, composer, recording artist, journalist, and internet radio pioneer.
In 2012, Stevie laid the foundation for Blues and Roots Radio, an online platform that quickly became a global stage for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and Celtic music. His visionary leadership propelled the platform to international acclaim. Not content with just one venture, Stevie expanded his influence in 2020 by founding The Sound Cafe Magazine, a multilingual platform dedicated to artist interviews, album reviews, and music news.
Stevie's impact extends beyond these platforms. His discerning ear and industry acumen have presented opportunities to be selected as a juror for national awards such as the JUNO Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Maple Blues Awards. Through his tireless efforts, he has earned a solid reputation within the music community, garnering respect from peers and artists alike.
Despite his extensive responsibilities, Stevie remains deeply connected to his roots, both musically and geographically. He continues to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the music world, ensuring his influence resonates far beyond any single platform. Stevie's enduring passion and commitment to music make him a true luminary in the industry.
Stevie is currently writing a book about his life in music called, 'The Long Road To Flin Flon'.
Stevie is a verified journalist on the global PR platform, Muck Rack.
Muck Rack's First Featured Journalist of 2023
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