In this week's episode, we chat to Mark Steiner, founder of GigSalad. We get into his path through the music industry, from working as a booking agent to creating GigSalad.

Drawing from his experience on the booking side, Mark shares insight into how talent gets matched with opportunities, what bookers are really looking for, and what actually makes artists stand out when it comes to getting booked. We also talk about creativity and ADHD, and how understanding the way you work can become a real advantage in a career that demands consistency and self-direction. It’s a grounded, honest look at the realities behind getting booked—and what it takes to build something that lasts.

Find Mark Steiner on Instagram and be sure to check out GigSalad - listeners can enjoy 25% off any paid GigSalad membership by using the promo code FOLK25.

About Mark Steiner

Mark Andrew Steiner is the co-founder and CEO of GigSalad, the leading online marketplace that connects event planners with performers, entertainers, and service professionals across the United States and Canada. Since launching GigSalad in 2007, Mark has driven the company’s vision, business strategy, and customer‑first ethos, transforming a simple talent directory into a vibrant platform used by millions of event hosts and thousands of creative professionals nationwide.Before GigSalad, Mark spent more than three decades in the entertainment industry, beginning as an actor and film craft services provider and later founding and growing his own talent agency that represented hundreds of artists for major events, concerts, and cultural institutions. Mark’s entrepreneurial journey reflects his passion for empowering artists and service providers, backed by his commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and building a team culture rooted in practical creativity. He also earned recognition with the Goodwill Games Peace Prize for developing an educational product promoting racial equality among children.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus 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 episode, we dive into a grounded conversation with Guatemalan singer-songwriter Paula Sofía, exploring how she balances her work as both a performing artist and a leader in the arts.

We get into what it really means to connect with an audience—how storytelling, vulnerability, and intimacy can turn a performance into something that truly resonates. Paula shares her perspective on songwriting, growth, and the evolving journey of an artist and we also touch on how she balances her own creative work with her leadership role with the Small World Music Incubator program.

Find Paula Sofía on Instagram and be sure to check out her work with the Small World Music Incubator Program - applications for 2026 are open until May 3rd.

About Paula Sofía

Paula Sofía is a Guatemalan singer-songwriter and arts leader based in Toronto. Performing entirely in Spanish, she creates vibrant, intimate performances where storytelling, curiosity, and playful audience connection come together. Her music blends Latin American folk pop, inviting listeners into reflective and joyful moments that transcend language. Since releasing her debut album Quinto de Hora in 2020, she has performed at festivals and venues including Hillside, Folk Music Ontario, Sunfest, Drom Taberna, NXNE, Sofar Sounds, and the Aga Khan Museum. Alongside her music, Paula works in arts leadership, leading programs like the Small World Music Incubator, where she supports musicians through mentorship, community-building, and conversations around building sustainable artistic practices.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus 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 episode, we sit down with Lisa La Rocca, a dynamic leader in the Canadian music scene, to explore her career across music, event production, and community building. From her early days as an intern to becoming an influential festival organizer and industry advocate, Lisa shares her journey and how she’s carved out her path. This episode is also filled with practical tips for emerging artists including Lisa’s perspective on navigating constant shifts in the industry. We also chat about the vibrant local music scene in Hamilton, Ontario, the host city of the 2026 Folk Canada Conference.

Find Lisa La Rocca on Instagram and be sure to check out her work with Sonic Unyon Records and Supercrawl.

About Lisa La Rocca

Lisa La Rocca is Director of Operations at independent record label and events company Sonic Unyon Records in Hamilton. She founded the Fresh Up R&B Fest in 2022 and leads logistics on other Sonic Unyon produced festivals Supercrawl, Because Beer, Why Not Wine, as well as many other events. Lisa is currently chair of Hamilton’s Music Advisory Team, serves as a board member of the Hamilton-Halton-Brant Regional Tourism Organization and the Downtown Hamilton BIA. She is part of the JUNOs 2026 Host Committee and chairs the Host City Events and Night Economy Sub-Committee. She is a part-time PhD student in the Communication and Culture program at York University with a focus on Popular Music Studies, and holds an M.A. in Communication and New Media from McMaster University.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus 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