SOCAN Amplifies Support for Music Creators with Innovative Ambassador Program - SOCAN

SOCAN Amplifies Support for Music Creators with Innovative Ambassador Program

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Toronto – May 2, 2024 – SOCAN announced today the organization’s inaugural Ambassador Program. This initiative is set to enhance the reach of SOCAN’s resources, aiming to meet the diverse needs of their members both in Canada and the United States (US). The program kicks off with the appointment of accomplished film composer Robert Kraft and 2024 ECMA Songwriter of the Year nominee, Carleton Stone, as the first-ever SOCAN ambassadors.

The SOCAN ambassador program is designed to enhance member engagement while fostering industry connections. Its objective is to equip members with valuable business and creative resources, ultimately empowering them to navigate the music industry effectively.

“As our members’ music careers grow, it’s our goal to consistently support their journey, regardless of their location. Our ambassadors will ensure that we remain accessible and will help us extend our reach to even more SOCAN members across Canada and the U.S.,” said Cameron Kennedy, Vice President, Creative & Member Relations.  “Experts in the music industry and creators themselves, Robert Kraft and Carleton Stone join the SOCAN team as part of our efforts to support more members.”

In their roles as SOCAN ambassadors, Kraft and Stone will leverage their extensive music industry expertise to strengthen SOCAN’s relationships with members on the East Coast and in Los Angeles, provide career advice to support members’ creative growth, and gather member feedback which will be used to ensure the organization’s decisions and offerings are informed by what is essential for music creators in the dynamic music market.

“I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey with SOCAN. Being part of an organization that consistently prioritizes its support for the careers of music creators is genuinely inspiring. There are many opportunities ahead for the brilliant composers and musicians I’m meeting, and I look forward to exploring all the opportunities that lie ahead as we turn a new chapter for Canadian film and TV music creators. I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the SOCAN team,” said Kraft.

Stone added that he is “honoured to join the SOCAN team! I’ve always been passionate about supporting music creators, and I’m looking forward to helping strengthen the relationship between SOCAN and the incredible community of songwriter members from Atlantic Canada.”

SOCAN’s creative services team is an essential point of contact for more than 185,000 members. They provide songwriters, composers, and music publishers with craft development opportunities, music business education, and various resources to support their music careers.

As the first two program ambassadors, the appointments of Kraft and Stone reinforce SOCAN’s dedicated efforts to enhance its creative services by making programming accessible to more SOCAN members regionally.

For more on SOCAN’s creative services, click here.

About SOCAN

SOCAN is a rights management organization that connects more than four million music creators worldwide, and more than a quarter-million businesses and individuals in Canada. More than 185,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers are its direct members, and more than 100,000 organizations are Licensed To Play music across Canada. With a concerted use of progressive technology and unique data, SOCAN is dedicated to upholding the fundamental truths that music has value and music creators and publishers deserve fair compensation for their work. For more information: www.socan.com.    

About Robert Kraft

As CEO of Fox Music Inc. from 1994 to 2012, Robert Kraft oversaw film scores and soundtracks for over 300 films, such as Titanic and Moulin Rouge and hit TV series including Ally McBeal, X-Files, and The Simpsons. This resulted in globally successful soundtrack albums and compilations. Under his leadership, Fox Music sold over 60-million albums worldwide and earned numerous prestigious nominations, including Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Grammys. In 2013, he started Kraftbox Entertainment, where he is focusing on film and music projects across multiple platforms.

About Carleton Stone

Award-winning songwriter and 2024 East Coast Music Songwriter of the Year Award nominee, Carleton Stone is a renowned songwriter and mentor. Since attending his first songwriting camp in 2010, he has guided many emerging music creators and become a staple at songwriting events from the East Coast to Germany. Alongside Dylan Guthro and Breagh Mackinnon, he formed the acclaimed band Port Cities in 2015, whose debut album won multiple awards and led to four years of international touring.  As a multi-faceted music business expert, Stone led the delivery of Music Nova Scotia’s “Basic Training” program from 2019 to 2023, helping music creators and aspiring music industry professionals hone their skills and knowledge, with a focus on music business basics, conference showcasing, live performances, recording, and social media.

Media Contacts:

Communications & Marketing: media@socan.com