Ontario Media Development Corporation Showcase 2016, Toronto!

The Ontario Media Development Corporation (thanks to the Government of Ontario) offers funding and assistance to musicians and the industry in an effort to allow Ontario artists a chance to work and live on the art.

From OMDC…

The Ontario Media Development Corporation is the central catalyst for Ontario’s cultural media cluster. It promotes, enhances and leverages investment, jobs, and original content creation in the province’s book and magazine publishing, film and television, music and interactive digital media industries.

And on Wednesday night at The Mod Club in Toronto we celebrated and recognized that fact with artists and industry folks all over the floor. We were treated to showcase sets from A Tribe Called Red, Mehdi Cayenne, Peter Katz, SATE, and Monster Truck.

Even with just a couple songs each, every one of the performers left their mark and impressions on the assembled mass. And just to make sure we were all ready and paying attention, hostess Jully Black made a concerted effort to absolutely nail her intros and remind everyone that we were gathered, not for the free wine, but because Ontario musicians are world class, and the OMDC and OMF (Ontario Music Fund) are playing a HUGE part in the process.

Monster Truck OMDC Mod Club 2016 Before the performances kicked off we stole a few minutes from Hamilton rock and rollers, Monster Truck to chat about things, and we’d like to offer one more thank you to them for that.

We asked the boys about their packed tour schedule (now through November) and they told us that they’re ready to roll, having already been out and just needing to hop on a plane to the UK to starting things back up.

They also told us that they’re looking forward to Germany and the rock and roll crowds who are ready to party from the first riff, and not holding their phones up looking for the perfect Instagram photo.

Note: Because it’s our job we did hold our phones up to Instagram Monster Truck on Wednesday night. Sorry boys.

All of the touring and festivals in Europe and North America is in support of Sittin’ Heavy, their new album… which is good!

The Monster Truck dudes also talked about the OMDC and OMF with us, highlighting their appreciation for the funds and support to the band, their label, and all of the Ontario artists who benefit. They are keenly aware that these monies allow them to write, record, and tour for a living. All while employing techs, engineers, producers, video directors, etc.

Our boy Mike Brown with a beauty!!!! #theenforcer

A video posted by Monster Truck (@ilovemonstertruck) on Mar 22, 2016 at 5:59pm PDT

And before we let Jon, Brandon, Steve, and Jer go we talked a little sports. We touched on their friend Mike Brown’s big goal for the Canadiens vs. the Ducks and how great it was to see him earn the #1 star (even if ½ the band are Leafs fans) and get some glory.

We also talked about the Blue Jays, who the boys LOVE, and it’s clear there are some concerns about the contract status of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. However, Monster Truck plans to be back in Toronto for Blue Jays baseball this summer!

In the end, the most important part of Wednesday night was the fact that the provincial government has committed to permanently (like forever) fund the OMDC, and that is good for musicians, labels, tech, and fans.

So… yay government, yay music, and yay the fact that there will be more awesome Ontario art in the future!

Be awesome!