Our Story
“The dream is over” is the thought that crossed my mind several times about a career in music. Music is in my blood, but unfortunately never went down the path to see how far I could potentially go. You see, when I was in college, I was led to believe that I had to take make career choice that would provide stability with the prospects of a good job, with a good pay, so I get a good home in the suburbs to raise my kids.
This was the path I was led to choose for the last 15 years, and constantly trying to keep music a part of my being.
In 2010, I figured that if I can’t be a performing artist, then maybe I can try my hand at songwriting. This is when I found out about Taxi – an independent A&R company that I could pitch my songs to, that would either be used as is, or can be pitched to publishers, music libraries, producers and record labels. As I quickly discovered, competition is just as fierce in this area, as it is in the “regular” side of music.
After I year I thought, “Hey, there are means to get to music supervisors and producers myself. And not only that, I have so many friends that have music that would be perfect for this market.” I’ve always been good at negotiating and talking to people too, so maybe I can be the middle man who would pitch my friends’ songs. But then there was the minor detail of who-owns-what and the likelyhood of getting sued if I get it wrong.
It was then I decided to attend Canadian Music Week in the spring of 2012. I needed advice and guidance, but did not have the resources to spend on a music business course. I needed to know how I coul put together a catalogue of songs that I could pitch. Instead of school, CMW was the next best thing: Three days, a boat-load of music and artists, but more importantly a learning ground, complete with mentors. It was also here where I saw the power of putting on a great stage show, the connections that can be made with new fans, and give them a memorable experience that they can leave with.
So I met with the music supervisors at CMW, with not much in hand. I knew I had to come back the following year with stronger material. The dream was not over. I needed to work harder to make sure that the music I pitch is of the highest craft in recorded music.
Working through the legal aspect of other people’s music came to light as well. I needed a business entity that woudl deal with the details of ownership of the songs. However, it no longer became about me , but the artists’ music I was trying to get placed in film and TV.
Around the same time I was going to several shows. Many of which played their set and then left the stage. There were a few select bands that had stellar stage presence. It astonished me how many people rushed to the merch table after a great live show vs. the tumbleweed that passes by after dull show. I wished that I could coach bands to be better performers, better showmen, and better people that will establish the necessary relationships with fans and non-fans to build a core-audience.
Thus OwnIt Records Inc. was born. It was after CMW 2012 that I realized “No, the dream is not over yet..”
OwnIt Records Inc. is a performance based label.
- We believe in putting on great shows. Whether it’s a full band, or a just a singer-songwriter on stage, great shows drive our success. Great shows drive engagement. Great shows build relationships. Great shows inspire. Great shows bring people together. Loyal fans, lifetime partners in the artists journey.
- We believe in artist development. As much as artists can do themselves these days, nobody can do it on their own. Everybody, from all walks of life, needs somebody. We are the team that will help the artist build the relationships to succeed. From expertise in legal, marketing, post-show physical merchandise, to building relationships with loyal fans, we are there