About Me
Cat Bird Biography
In 2024 I launched Catbird Music, a radio promotion service for Folk, Blues, Americana and Jazz musicians seeking to get a break on the radio stations mostly playing these genres of non-commercial music: NPR, SiriusXM, Campus, Community and Internet Stations. Where did I develop this? Over 5 years working on the radio campaigns of True North, Stony Plain, Linus and Borealis Records, representing artists such as Sue Foley, Colin James, Rory Block, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Eric Bibb, Crystal Shawanda, and Jane Bunnett & Maqueque.
Since 2019 I have been Director of Marketing at Linus Entertainment. Linus is the home of Canadian outstanding record labels Stony Plain, True North, Children’s Group and Borealis Records. As the Head of the Marketing Department, I lead a team to publicize and promote recordings around the world. I have lead project and recordings by Sylvia Tyson, Bruce Cockburn, Taj Mahal, Maria Muldaur, Duke Robillard and many more.
As Linus Entertainment also runs the administration of IDLA (Independent Distribution & Licensing Agency) I coordinate an international playlist promotion initiative for established recording artists and independent labels that ensures Canadian music is listened to on streaming platforms in all global markets.
Ongoing through my last almost 20 years I have run Catbird.ca, a fundraising company for artists and organizations, that for 17 years represents Canadian artists all over the world. Through my work Catbird.ca raised more than $9-million in funds and has supported musicians, filmmakers, dancers, visual artists, game coders, TV producers and the many thousands of individuals who work in the music industry with these artists. I currently also teach grant writing at the Harris Institute for the Arts in Toronto.
For more than 30 years I have worked in the entertainment industry, from starting Slap Happy Records, an indie record label and publicity company in the 1990’s, 12 years as the sponsorship and trade show coordinator for the NXNE Music Festival, launching the US bookings department of Paquin Entertainment Agency and being Executive Director for the Songwriters Association of Canada. In between were stints with Now Magazine, Jazz Expo and as an independent concert promoter and tour manager.
My experience as an advisor and consultant in project management and funding has contributed to the success of thousands of artists, organizations and non-profit organizations.