We are pleased to announce this year’s participants for the Hamilton MusiCounts Industry Exchange:

Presented by the Hamilton JUNOS Host Committee, the MusiCounts Industry Exchange is in its first iteration, bringing together 20 educators and emerging artists from the Hamilton area for a one-of-a-kind experience that combines community-building, celebrating Canadian music, and hands-on music industry learning.

Educators

• Kierstyn Beattie, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
• Alecia Blackman, Bernie Custis Secondary School
• Nancy Bodsworth, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
• Sarah Brinson, Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School
• Emily Dominey, Dundas Valley Secondary School/HWDSB
• Raquel McIntosh, Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School
• Russ Piva, Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School
• Emma Philips, Sir Ernest MacMillan Public School
• Julianna Pretsch, James MacDonald School/HWDSB
• Nick Stevens, Glendale Secondary School
• Joël Therrien, École secondaire Georges-P.-Vanier

Emerging Artists

• Emerald B.
• Junestone
• FAYTH
• James Favron
• Wreckless Harbour
• Ralph Nyoni
• JSAL
• The Greenhouse Collective
• Water Walker

The cohort will experience The 2026 JUNO Awards up close, with unique access to select JUNO Week events in Hamilton. Educators will discover the music of new Canadian artists to bring into their classrooms, while emerging artists will gain insight into industry practices and engage in valuable networking opportunities. The participants will also come together for designated community-building and reflection sessions during the weekend.

During a three-day incubator-style event in May 2026, The Exchange will dive into the realities of working in Canada’s music industry through workshops, panels, and interactive sessions led by industry professionals. To extend the program’s impact beyond the in-person events, participants will stay connected through virtual mentorship, follow-up meetups, and shared resource development.