Board of Directors
Music BC’s Board of Directors meet quarterly and provide oversight to the operations of the organization. Learn more about our Board of Directors and their diverse set of qualifications and lived experiences below.
Nate Sabine (Blueprint)
President
For the last 9 years I’ve been at Blueprint, currently in the role of Director of Business Development. Blueprint is one of the west coast’s leading concert and festival producers – as well as venue owners and artist managers – and I’m lucky to be positioned to see our industry’s challenges from a few different perspectives – artist, venue, sponsor, and promoter.
Dan Turcotte (Monstercat)
Vice President
Daniel Turcotte oversees all commercial departments at Monstercat, including business affairs, sync & partnerships, streaming & radio, digital rights management, live digital programming, and international market development. Monstercat is one of electronic music’s most influential independent record labels. Founded in 2011, its mission has remained the same: to empower a creative and passionate community of artists and fans through innovation.
Saralyn Purdie (Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP)
Secretary
Saralyn started her career in the BC music industry over 10 years ago with a summer internship at 604 Records and never looked back. At 604 Saralyn found a passion for event coordination; planning and executing concerts and livestreams for various 604 and Light Organ artists. In 2018, Saralyn left 604 to pursue entertainment law, starting a law degree at the top 30 law school University of Birmingham in the UK. Graduating with a First Class LL.B. She is now a practicing lawyer representing Canadian artists as an Entertainment lawyer at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP.
Tony Yacowar (CPA)
Treasurer
Tony is an accountant and business manager with over a decade of experience in BC’s music industry. Tony is currently CFO for Rifflandia and Toronto-based Royal Mountain Records. Tony’s past roles include DMCL Entertainment Group, Secret Study Projects, Boompa Records, Tonic Records, and Public Records (non-profit grant program in partnership with TELUS).
Ashley Sperling (Strut Entertainment)
Director
Ashley is a music and marketing enthusiast with a passion for storytelling, cultivating relationships, events, and technology. She has more than a decade of experience in the Canadian music industry, and is currently the Director of Marketing and Brand Partnerships at Strut Entertainment – a music, lifestyle, and entertainment marketing and PR agency.
Jeff Ojeda (Phase Management)
Director
Jeff Ojeda is a passionate entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the music industry. His experience ranges from working on the road as a guitar technician, to building brands for names: Nickelback, Keshia Chanté, Florida Georgia Line, Flo-Rida, Morgan Wallen, Dallas Smith, Universal Music, Roger Taylor (QUEEN), Big Loud, Island Def Jam, Chris Lane and more. He is now leading the way managing Canada’s most successful independent breakthrough artist in 2022, Kyle McKearney.
Navreet Dhaliwal (Face the Music)
Director
Marketing and-PR-specialist, Navreet Dhaliwal is known for her creative vision and drive. Instead of forcing herself to choose between music and business, Navreet has found unique ways to blend her talents by helping creatives understand the monetary value of their craft. Navreet has been working in the arts and entertainment space for 5 years with the goal of addressing a rapidly changing entertainment industry. She deeply believes in artists’ ability to showcase their talents and make a living. Navreet has co-founded and works within her organization, Face the Music Entertainment, which is a local concert organizer that aims to support the livelihoods of local musicians and to create intimate live music hubs in Vancouver with inclusivity and diversity at the core.
Nimkish (Artist)
Director
Nimkish is an Indigenous, Chinese, queer musician based out of the unceded and shared territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. They are also an Artistic Producer on the music team at Full Circle: First Nations Performance. This work includes the annual Talking Stick Festival as well as all other year-round music programming where she helps to curate concerts, mentorships, and workshops.
Teon Gibbs (100 Collective)
Director
Teon Gibbs is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable and influential voices in Western Canada. Teon has learnt to not be afraid to take risks with his art. His pen touches on everything from social issues, to relationships, to industry politics and of course to an introspective look into his own come up. This fearlessness, coupled with great songwriting and his rich vocal tone is the reason why he is able to shine so consistently on tracks.
G-Luve (Vancouver Mural Festival)
Director
Rising Star G –Luve first stole the show being born at a house party in Hamilton, Ontario. G-Luve also supports the community, continually lending his talents to philanthropic organizations. G-Luve works with the Vancouver Mural Festival as the Sales/Sponsorship Manger.
Brittany Ayton (Sofar Sounds Vancouver)
Director
Brittany is a Crew Ops Manager (PNW and Canada) for Sofar Sounds and the previous City Director for Sofar Vancouver. Sofar Sounds is a global startup that makes space where music matters through curated intimate events. Prior to her time with Sofar Sounds Brittany spent two years at Music BC as their Program Coordinator.
Howard Redekopp (How Weird Productions)
Director
Howard Redekopp is a record producer with over 20 years experience working nationally and internationally with multiple Grammy award nominated records, a Latin Grammy nominated record and a Juno award winning record to his credit. Howard is passionate about sharing what he learns with aspiring creators, as well as giving back to the music community through his role as a Music BC board member and Creative BC advisory committee member.