Professional Music and the Music Den collaborate with filltheBLNK to explore music, inclusivity and tech

Technology is revolutionizing the music industry, providing new opportunities for artists to showcase their talent and succeed in an increasingly competitive industry. But for many emerging artists, the process can still be a challenging experience. That's where filltheBLNK can help: an innovative and collaborative ecosystem that empowers artists and creatives to develop their skills and learn from each other in a safe and inclusive environment. Earlier last month, the Professional Music program and the Music Den brought the creator and VP of Operations of filltheBLNK to the Innovation Studio for a panel discussion on music, tech, community and education.

Located in the heart of Canada’s music and entertainment capital, the Professional Music program prepares the next generation of musical artists, changemakers and leaders with skills in analytics, audience intelligence, entrepreneurship and innovation. In addition to its curriculum and collaboration with The Music Den, The Creative School’s incubator for music and innovation, the program offers extracurricular events such as this one that allows students to learn from and connect with industry professionals.

In conversation with filltheBLNK, students had the opportunity to listen in to what these industry professionals have to offer emerging professionals starting out in their field. What’s more, as Steven Ehrlick, Professional Music Program Director makes clear, it’s events like these that amplify student learning and networking opportunities, teaching students early on the power of building community. He emphasizes that in-classroom learning is just as important as networking and engaging with professionals in the industry. 

“It is not only important that we provide excellent instruction and impart knowledge to our students in the classroom. It is equally important that we expose them to music industry professionals and leaders in their field to enhance their learning and allow them to begin developing relationships with potential mentors and employers,” said Ehrlick.

An ecosystem like no other: where creativity and passion intersect

Since its inception, filltheBLNK has become a thriving community of musicians, producers, DJs, and music lovers that come together to share their passion for music, regardless of experience level. The organization provides a platform for artists to showcase their work, get feedback from their peers, and collaborate on new projects.

Joel Naga, the creator and founder of filltheBLNK, discusses the importance of developing a nationwide network for Canadian creatives. The goal of filltheBLNK, he says, is to establish a silk road that connects Canadian artists with one another across the nation whilst also connecting with hubs around the world.

“The development of filltheBLNK should be seen less as a business need and more so as a social need,” said Naga. “The music scene in Canada requires a voice for art and artists; filltheBLNK aims to fill that blank by representing artists' needs and creating an ecosystem for one and for all.”

One of the most unique aspects of filltheBLNK is its focus on inclusivity. The team is committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and giving them a platform to express themselves, in a place where artists from all backgrounds can come together and feel supported and empowered. What’s more, it’s organizations like these that help support emerging artists such as those in the Professional Music program start their own career journeys. 

“[Students] are at the beginning of their journey within the industry and providing them with access to its members and hearing their stories allows our students to start thinking about how they might shape their own careers and journeys in the industry,” remarked Professional Music Academic Coordinator Erika Williams. “They also benefit from the intimate and interactive setting of these events - it's an opportunity for them to expand their networks, build relationships, ask questions and make great connections with the industry and with each other while gleaning some inspiration for their futures.”

How technology is shaping the future of music and changing the narrative 

The music industry can be extremely challenging to break into, but the team behind filltheBLNK is working to change the narrative and give power back to creators. By providing a platform for those that might not have the resources of a corporate music titan like Sony, the team is significantly lowering many barriers to entry. This is done by providing artists with the resources and support they need to hone their craft, build their brand, and connect with industry professionals, with future plans of expanding the network to the global scene.

Professional Music’s conversation with filltheBLNK isn’t the only industry collaboration that the faculty is currently working on. Professional Music recently teamed up with Music, Dept. of Philosophy to bring a 3-part series to campus: Music in the City. The Music in the City concert series takes advantage of TMU’s downtown location, pairing its music faculty and students with members of Toronto’s broader musical community. Performances take place in public areas of the TMU campus.

Interested in learning more about upcoming events hosted by Professional Music? Follow @ProfessionalMusic_tmu on Instagram and keep an eye out for more events in the weeks to come.

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.