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

Welcome back to the fifth season of Refolkus. In this week's episode, we chat with artist Daniel Lew about how a life-changing hearing loss at 13 reshaped his relationship with music. He discusses his nonlinear approach to songwriting and recording, how self-help literature has influenced his creative mindset, and the ways he’s adapted his live performance to work with his physical limitations. It’s an empowering conversation about turning challenges into creative strengths.

Find Daniel Lew online

Website
Bandcamp

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

About Daniel Lew

13 years ago, Daniel Lew woke from a nightmare to find that he had lost hearing in one ear. This shocking experience re-directed his life and supercharged his love for music. Now, he writes introspective songs that are anchored by folk, and also surf between rock, soul, and hip hop. His melodies shine with honesty, merging soulful vocals with catchy guitar riffs, and groovy rhythms. He aims to sing every song as if it’s the last, and hopes his vibes help make the world a better place. His heartfelt performances have caught the attention of Ed Sheeran, Jacob Collier, and Dan Mangan. He has released 4 albums, received CBC radio play, showcased nationally and internationally, including as an official showcase artist at the Folk Canada Conference in 2025, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Currently, Daniel is delving back into writing and recording with a new album in the works for 2027.

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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

Co-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, Rosalyn chats with Jennifer Roe, the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International. They talk in depth about the organization's initiatives, including the Folk+ event and the annual Folk Alliance International Conference. The conversation highlights how conferences serve as vital spaces for networking and mutual support, reinforcing the strength and interconnectedness of the folk music community. They also discuss the current challenges that artists—particularly Canadians—face when it comes to U.S. travel and visas, and explore strategies for navigating the process effectively.

Register to attend Folk+, FAI’s online music conference taking place June 17th - 18th, 2025.
The 2025 FAI Conference will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana from January 21st - 25th, 2026.

Find Folk Alliance International online:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

About Jennifer Roe
Jennifer Roe is the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International (FAI) and the leader of the team and folk music community. Jennifer joined the FAI team in 2013 igniting a passion for folk music. With over a decade of private sector experience, she assumed a pivotal role in leading FAI's staff and contractors and overseeing the day-to-day operations. She plays a key role in orchestrating the international conference. Jennifer's journey began in Washington, DC, where she worked on Capitol Hill for the Majority Leader of the Senate before transitioning to serve on a Presidential campaign. Jennifer channels her political background to advocate for arts and culture at both federal and state levels through her position at FAI. Jennifer is a strong steward of folk music culture and the connections between FAI's members. Her long history with the organization has stabilized operations and funding over her tenure.

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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, Rosalyn chats with Andrew Karis, Associate Director of ACTRA RACS. Andrew discusses ACTRA RACS’s role in the music industry, the intricacies of neighboring rights, how streaming has reshaped the landscape and the importance of fair compensation for recording artists. The conversation also highlights advocacy efforts with the Burst Their Bubble campaign, aimed at addressing inequities in the streaming ecosystem and ensuring performers are paid fairly.

Sign up to the Burst Their Bubble campaign and join in on the conversation to help effect change for better streaming rights for performers.

Find ACTRA RACS online:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

About Andrew Karis
For over a decade, Andrew has worked to help recording artists understand and access the rights and royalties available to them in Canada and internationally. During his time with ACTRA RACS, he has held a variety of roles and now serves as Associate Director, overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations and supporting its ongoing service to performers. His broader experience in the music industry includes working with music union residuals, music supervision, event planning, and performing.

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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, Rosalyn speaks with Troy Greencorn about the growing impact of climate change on music festivals, with a focus on the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. Troy shares firsthand accounts of extreme weather disrupting festival operations and reflects on the urgent need for resilience and adaptation in the face of these challenges. He underscores the vital role of community support in sustaining cultural events and urges other festivals to take proactive steps to prepare for climate-related risks.

This year’s Stan Rogers Festival will take place July 21st - 27th and you can get your tickets here.

Find Stan Rogers Folk Festival online:

Website

Facebook

About Troy Greencorn

Troy has spent much of his career working in culture-based economic and tourism-based community development. He is also the founder/producer of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, now into its 28th year. "Stanfest", as it has come to be known, is an international songwriter's festival that presents a roster of over 50 accomplished artists/acts from a wide range of genres. The event is hosted annually in Canso, Nova Scotia. Troy is also the Executive Director of the deCoste Performing Arts Centre in Pictou, Nova Scotia. This 400-seat facility, which presents over 100 events each year. The theatre primarily presents music, but also theatre, comedy, film and other offerings.

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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, Rosalyn chats with music publicist Beth Cavanagh about the evolving world of music publicity. They dive into what makes an artist bio stand out, how to build strong media and fan relationships, and why realistic goals and patience are essential for long-term success. Beth also shares actionable tips for artists looking to promote themselves more effectively and insight into how a publicist’s role continues to shift in today’s industry.

Be sure to check out ‘A Banjoist’s Guide To Marketing with Chris Coole’, a Refolkus episode from the archives that is a great companion to this discussion.

Find Beth Cavanagh:

Website

Instagram

About Beth Cavanagh

Beth Cavanagh is a seasoned music publicist and founder of What’s The Story?, a boutique publicity company launched in 2017 to champion new talent, reconnect established artists with the evolving media landscape, and, above all, for the love of music. Her client roster has included acclaimed artists such as Aysanabee, Caveboy, Celeigh Cardinal, Cowboy Junkies, Good Lovelies, Joel Plaskett, Leela Gilday, Mimi O’Bonsawin, Prozzäk, Sarah Slean, and Skydiggers, as well as events like the Muskoka Music Festival. Her campaigns have secured placements on CBC’s Q, The Toronto Star, Exclaim!, and national TV, cementing her reputation as a trusted voice in Canadian music PR. Beth is also a dedicated advocate for professional development in the music industry. She has shared her expertise as a speaker and panelist at events including Folk Alliance International, Breakout West, Folk Music Ontario, Nova Scotia Music Week, and NOMFA. She is currently a board member of the Mariposa Folk Foundation and has served as a mentor for emerging professionals through organizations like Manitoba Music, Metalworks Institute and is a FACTOR Juror. Always at the forefront of Canada’s evolving music scene, Beth brings warmth, strategy, and deep industry knowledge to every artist story she helps tell.

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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