We hope you are visiting to find out more about the artists we represent because we are in the business of working with exceptional talent.
Jones & Co. is a small company that prides itself on working hand in hand with our artists to help them expose their music and achieve their goals. All of the artists on our roster are uniquely talented songwriters, dynamic performers and have a solid work ethic. They are all genuinely NICE people! They are very versatile artists and musicians and many of them produce recordings, have songs covered by other artists, collaborate frequently -- and one is even a full-time commercial radio host!
We at Jones & Co. also work diligently to contribute to the growth of our community by participating and volunteering with our industry associations, government and educational institutions.
The latest news
It is an INSANELY crazy and wonderful time at Jones & Co. It's Sunday
afternoon and needing a break from the brain work, I have turned my attention to the small pile of unresolved
paperwork on my desk. I read a note that I've asked Mary Jane to do a blog for her site, then I remember
that Kim has been promising a blog since 2009, and then I resign myself to the fact that Damhnait, relieved of
the deadline of a weekly column, will probably no longer be a regular blog writer. (Too bad, I loved her
columns.)
As I'm about to launch into my - "for god's sakes, just write down
what's happening, it doesn't have to be deep, or intense, or educational, or fascinating, or anything.
Just write an update!!! What is wrong with you people?" when I suddenly realize that we designed a new
website for jones & co months ago and I promised Lynn (our online marketing specialist) that I would write a
"blog/update" on a regular basis. Now, in my defence, no one is actually interested in what I have to
say so it's not quite as pressing as an artist blog but still . . . practice what you preach. Besides, it
may give me leverage to get the girls to write SOMETHING!
So, back to how insanely crazy and
wonderful life is. Kim was in town this week and we did some very good creative work on a new project we're
hoping to launch for her. David Myles has made an absolutely gorgeous new record which we're preparing for
an April 20 release. Joel Plaskett continues to be the busiest man in show business - it really is like managing
"three" artists. In the coming months, he'll be on tour in Canada with Thrush Hermit and the
Barenaked Ladies and then he's off to the UK for the release of an abbreviated version of "three",
which Joel has cleverly titled "3 to 1". Glad to report that Gordie and his family are coming home for
ECMA this year. Some very exciting developments on the songwriting front since his new deal was signed in
January - stay tuned for details. The Heartbroken have just finished recording and I am dying to hear something
NOW. (The HB is Damhnait's new band with Stuart Cameron, Blake Manning and Peter Fusco - some of my
favourite people ever!) Mary Jane is also heading to ECMA for the Awards show where she'll be performing and
doing some hosting. ECMA is going to be another crazy time. Pink Thunder will be performing three times and they
are pretty darn excited about that. There are dozens of international delegates coming in for mtgs and all of
our artists are doing at least 3 gigs. I think this year David will hold the record with 5 performances - and
he's leaving on Sunday! Speaking of ECMA, I'd better get back to it. Graphic designer/saint, Mat Dunlap,
is waiting on me for artwork approvals!
Joel Plaskett updates!
September 15th marks the launch of Joel
Plaskett's iTunes Originals! You can get your very own intimate and unplugged iTunes Originals of songs
like "Deny, Deny, Deny", "Heartless, Heartless, Heartless" and more -- only available at the
iTunes Store! Click
here to check it out!
Joel has been nominated for the Echo Songwriting Prize for his song
Through & Through & Through. There are four other cool songs nominated too. You can listen to them all
and vote for your favorite by clicking
here. The prize is presented by the fine folks at SOCAN.
Don't miss Joel down in the big Apple on Friday, September
18th at his Union Hall Performance at the Bell House/Union Hall in Brooklyn, New York!
Pink Thunder duke it out!
At 8:00 PM on September 17th the girls from Pink Thunder compete in the
Vans Warped Tour competition at the Pit
Lounge, located in the Cape Breton University building. The overall winner of this Battle of the Bands will play
for tens of thousands of fans during four dates on the Vans Warped Tour 2010, so come down and show your support
for Pink Thunder!
An artist management company and roster-focused label, Jones & Co. enjoys
wonderful partnerships with superlative talent. The firm has a solid reputation as a commercial entity and a
community contributor, with strong ties to trade associations and access to a vast network of industry
professionals.
The development of unique artists and projects has been accompanied by the
creation of strategic business alliances. Jones & Co.'s ringleader, Sheri Jones, and music industry
professional Shelley Nordstrom co-own NoJo Music - a rich resource for artist and audience development services
as well as corporate or association based ventures.
Sheri Jones
Sheri Jones has
been in the Canadian music business for over 15 years. Her proficiencies include all elements of promoting a
cultural industry and supporting individual artist's creative endeavours. Sheri's solid understanding of
infrastructure and management issues is the foundation from which her innovation springboards. Her trademarks
are a proactive approach toward attaining goals and an intuitive ability to identify and exploit direct routes
to results.
Sheri's introduction to the industry on a national and international level began
in the early 1990's. Her role evolved from that of an employee to a business owner with the incorporation of
Jones &Co. in 1994 and the subsequent creation of an independent recording label, Turtlemusik, in 1996. She
quickly developed skills around industry-specific project planning, management and technical expertise while
gaining a sound understanding of the broader picture. She developed a network of contacts throughout both
regional and national industry levels and took advantage of knowledgeable resources accessible through
organizations like FACTOR and CARAS. This was a continuation and expansion on her involvement with the origin
and growth of the ECMA and created even broader access to the industry community.
Sheri's
artist management skill has developed the careers and profiles of such talented artists as Mary Jane Lamond, Kim
Stockwood and Ashley MacIsaac to national/international levels. Sheri currently manages Gordie Sampson, Joel
Plaskett ,Mary Jane Lamond, Kim Stockwood, Damhnait Doyle, David Myles, The Heartbroken and Pink Thunder. Her
label, turtlemusik, makes records with Gordie Sampson and Mary Jane Lamond. Sheri approaches her work with
each artist very individually-diligently working to understand how she can contribute to achieving success no
matter what the genre or the nature and location of the audience. Recording and marketing plans, touring
schedules and financial budgeting/management are areas of expertise which have been honed through the practical
experience of managing eight artists. From the macro to the minutiae, Sheri has hands-on, practical knowledge
of what effort and activity is required to effectively develop talent within the sound recording industry.
In performing the multi-faceted management role, Sheri has developed and sustained relationships
over many years with government agencies, industry associations, contracted service providers and staff. Her
approach is consultative and inclusive and is characterized by clarity of purpose and transparent communication
methods. Her ability to create energized working environments through finding a shared passion for the industry
leads to mutual enthusiasm and commitment to goals. She both encourages and engages in informed risk-taking
that is thoughtfully and thoroughly supported by solidly researched action plans. Through her professional
alliances she gives and receives respect for innovation, hard work and determination.
On the
creative front, Sheri has developed numerous initiatives in support of recording projects which have dealt with
the entire spectrum of broad planning for international exposure to the smallest administrative detail of
procurement and distribution. Whether arranging a recording launch or bringing together the elements to create
a music video, Sheri consistently thrives despite the frequent context of stringent time and financial
limitations. The seamless merger of creative and concrete has become her forte based on years of marketing plan
development and execution.
Sheri Jones has developed an impressive profile and track record
within the industry as a talented and insightful artist manager, an infrastructure specialist and an industry
builder. Over and above her direct involvement with the artists she represents, Sheri has given her time and
shared her lessons learned with hundreds of industry newcomers. Her willingness to engage in collaborative
efforts has also contributed to cross-functional strengthening within the local industry. Sharing information
on accessing public funding with new artists, participating in sector strategy sessions and undertaking national
surveys in support of industry growth and development are just a few examples of her diverse activities within
the sound recording milieu.
Industry Affiliations:
2008/09 ECMA Chair of Executive Director Hiring Committee
2007 NSCC
Hiring Committee
2006/07 Wrote the curriculum for the Nova Scotia Community College Music
Business
Program
2006/07 ECMA Chair of Nominating Committee
2005/06
CHRC Management Advisory Committee
2005/06 FACTOR Strategic Review Committee
2004-2006 Juno 2006 Advisory Committee
2002-2005 FACTOR Board of Directors
2003 - Present ECMA Honorary Lifetime Director
2001-2003 Co-Chair, East
Coast Music Association Board of Directors
1999-2004 CARAS Board of Directors (Vice
President)
2000-2001 FACTOR Radio Marketing Fund Consultant
1999-2001
The Cultural Network of Nova Scotia Board of Directors
1996-2000 FACTOR Board of
Directors (Vice President, Treasurer)
1994-1996 FACTOR National Advisory Board
1989-1996 The East Coast Music Association (Founding Director & Chair)
1987-1989, 1997
The Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia Board of Directors
Wayne
O'Connor
Wayne has been active in the music industry for approximately 30 years and has undertaken a
broad range of projects and roles in Live Performance and Touring from early days mixing sound and handling
lighting in local venues, to booking and managing/tour managing rock acts, to acting as the CARAS rep on
Canada's east coast, through to his maturation into a world-class production and tour manager for international
acts. Wayne has helped grow and guide many artists in the area of Live Performance. He has also managed trade
shows for industry conferences and acted as the East Coast Music Association's Conference Technical Director in
2007, 2008 and 2009. From booking acts, to artist development, to his almost magical or MacGyver-esque
abilities with touring tricks and production equipment, Wayne has a wealth of practical knowledge and experience
which he shares with irrepressible enthusiasm and passion.
Shelley
Nordstrom
Shelley Nordstrom has been an active player in the east coast music scene and the national
music industry for over 20 years. Shelley has garnered experience in virtually every area of the music industry
and has organized numerous initiatives and events - from coordinating nationally attended conferences to
delivering successful international programs, international trade missions and export initiatives.
Shelley is an industry leader in establishing national and international relationships and
partnerships to further export opportunities for the east coast music industry. For the last four years, Shelley
has been Export Manager for the East Coast Music Association and has been very active in developing new markets
and export opportunities for the Atlantic Canadian music industry. Shelley is co-owner of NOJO Music (with music
industry professional Sheri Jones) - an Artist Development Services Company and also serves on the National
Advisory Board for FACTOR.
Lynn Daigle
Lynn Daigle earned her Bachelor of
Commerce at Mount Allison University majoring in Computer Information Systems and received a minor in Physics.
While there, she was the music director for the campus radio station CHMA.
After graduation
Lynn Daigle moved directly to the music industry by working as the Assistant Coordinator at the 1997 East Coast
Music Awards in Moncton, New Brunswick. When her contract with the ECMA's ended, she started working/joined
with the artist Chris Colepaugh and the Cosmic Crew as both a performer and manager.
From
2005 to 2007 Lynn Daigle worked with Music/Musique NB Inc as the Event Coordinator for their yearly music
industry conference. In the fall of 2007, she left a two term with the ECMA Board of Directors to work closely
with the New Brunswick Team as their ECMA Conference Coordinator. Presently, Lynn Daigle works as a Cyber
PR/Online Content specialist at Jones & Co. for artists such as Joel Plaskett, Gordie Sampson, Damhnait
Doyle, Shaye, Mary Jane Lamond and Kim Stockwood. She also runs her own business Malkin Music and was nominated
for two 2006,2007 & 2008 ECMA's for -"Manager of the Year" and "Independent Company of the Year" and won
the 2007 YWCA Award for Women of Distinction in Arts and Culture. Currently, Lynn Daigle is on the Board of
Directors for CIRPA and the ECMA's.
A brilliant writer, an innovative producer/director, and a dynamic
on-stage presence ... Gordie's musical genius is applauded by audiences and industry players alike.
A Grammy, two Juno's, an ASCAP Award, a Nashville Songwriters' Association Award, a CMA Award,
a CCMA Award, fourteen ECMA Awards! - these are only a few kudos racked up by Cape Breton's, Gordie Sampson.
Gordie has written and had his material recorded by Carrie Underwood (#1 Billboard hit - "Jesus Take The
Wheel", "Just A Dream", "Get Out of This Town"); Emerson Drive ("That Kinda Beautiful"); Trace Atkins
("Words Get In the Way"); Faith Hill ("Paris" - from his CD Sunburn); Keith Urban ("The Hard Way", "You
or Somebody Like You", "When God Made a Women"); George Canyon (#1 Video Hit "My Name"); Martina McBride
("If I Had Your Name"); Bon Jovi ("Any Other Day"); Great Big Sea ("Walk On The Moon"); produced for
Natalie McMaster ("In My Hands") and Damhnait Doyle ("Davnet"); and still found time to write and produce
his own recordings, "Stones" (1998), "Sunburn (2004) and his latest project, "For The Few and Far Between"
(2008).
Gordie's third solo release, "For The Few And Far Between" was nominated for a
2009 Juno Award and was the recipient of two East Coast Music Awards for 'Songwriter of the Year' and 'Single
of the Year'. With a track record of turning powerful emotions into moving melodies, Gordie offers a fresh
collection of songs on "For The Few And Far Between", and so begins another chapter in the history of this
great Canadian songwriter. For more information, please visit gordiesampson.com
Pink Thunder is an energetic all girl power pop trio poised to take Canada by storm. With a fresh sound and
undeniable originals, they are already catching the ear of radio with requests for music flooding in from
stations across the Canada.
At a time when it is
increasingly difficult for new bands to attract attention, these three teenagers from St. Peter's Nova Scotia
are gaining momentum with lightening speed. Their strong and charismatic live shows are making them fans across
a surprisingly wide demographic. Their catchy melodies and strong harmonies are brimming with youthful
enthusiasm and show a talent for songwriting that promises to reveal itself for many years to come.
Pink Thunder was conceived four years ago when childhood friends Barbara Cameron
and Olivia Adlakha decided to fulfill their love of music by forming a band. Already an accomplished
multi-instrumentalist, Olivia took the lead to ensure their musical chops were up to speed and Barbara assumed
the role of lead vocalist. Their focus remained strong over the next two years as they practiced their
instruments, entered the world of songwriting, and searched for a final band mate who could make a strong
contribution to their vision. Their search ended when they realized that their passion was shared by Barbara's
younger sister, Victoria Cameron. A strong lead vocalist in her own right, Victoria also took on the role of
bass player and the group was complete. The result is infectious and exciting music that promises to capture
the attention of young music lovers everywhere.
Now all skilled
instrumentalists, budding songwriters and charismatic performers, Pink Thunder have begun work on their full
length debut recording "Radio Friendly". For more information, please visit pinkthunder.ca
Canada's very own talented and consummate entertainer Kim Stockwood is a chameleon performing with equal,
effortless ease as a solo star, entertainer or radio personality and television host.
Kim is an accomplished artist, performer, writer and host who's been in the public eye for more than a decade.
In the last three years, Kim has recorded and released records with pop trio Shaye (Lake of Fire) as well as a
solo recording (I Love Santa). She has performed on tour with the likes of Willie Nelson and on television in a
4 part reality series with Shaye. With an impressive track record of smash hits as "12 Years Old" and "Jerk"
and "Happy Baby" (Shaye), Kim is irresistible live and performs with effortless ease on television, on the
world concert stage, and on record.
A mother
of two, Kim is currently on the air every morning as part of EZ Rock new morning team. For more information,
visit kimstockwood.com
Mary Jane is a knowledgeable,
admired and reputable musician within the domestic and international 'world music' market, a leader in the
preservation of Celtic heritage, and an expert in Celtic culture and Gaelic music. She has earned several Juno
and East Coast Music Award nominations and awards for her unique style that combines traditional Gaelic songs
with modern musical arrangements. Well known for her unique vocals featured on the smash radio hit "Sleepy
Maggie" (with Ashley MacIsaac), she has since composed and produced tracks for television, feature films, and
specialty projects. She has released five recordings; Storas (2005), Orain Ghaidhlig (2001), Lan Duil (1999),
Suas e! (1997) and Bho Thir Nan Craobh (1995) and has toured extensively in the US, Canada and the UK. For more
information, visit www.maryjanelamond.com
"Imagine
Bowie and Johnny Cash meet for a drink at Willie Nelson's bar and Linda Ronstadt tries to pick a fight with
them."
There's a new band in town but the members are no strangers to
Canadian audiences. They call themselves The Heartbroken and they've been making music together for so long,
that they can't remember when they decided to form a band. They will admit that it must have happened around a
kitchen table when they were sitting around sharing stories (sad, happy, crazy - and some of them even true)
that were meant to be songs.
The multi-award winning Damhnait Doyle and stellar
drummer, Blake Manning, share vocal duties while Stuart Cameron and Peter Fusco round out the band's sound on
guitar and bass guitar. The songwriting collaboration between these four talents have produced standout songs
that are both rootsy and heartfelt, combining the sentiment of alt country with the very best in pop
hooks.
David Myles is an award winning singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and dynamic
performer with powerful, smooth commanding vocals. David's unique combination of guitar and trumpet are
complimented by his solid songwriting ability to deliver catchy hook laden songs.
David's
latest release, "On The Line" (released May 2008) has received numerous accolades and awards taking home the
2009 East Coast Music Award for 'Folk Recording of the Year' (nominated for Entertainer and Male Solo
Recording of the Year) and 5 Music Nova Scotia Award nominations (Male Artist; Entertainer; Album; Songwriter;
and Folk Recording of the Year). His original song, "Cape Breton" was nominated for the CBC Radio 3 Bucky
Adams Award for "Most Canadian Song".
David's previous recording, "Things Have
Changed" (2006) produced two 2007 Music Nova Scotia Awards (Male Artist of the Year and Folk/ Roots Recording
of the Year) and nominations for the Canadian Folk Music Awards (Best New Artist) and the ECMA Galaxie Rising
Star Recording of the Year. His signature song, the compelling and laconically comical, "When It Comes My
Turn" added an International Songwriting Competition accolade to his collection and took home the winning song
at the 2008 Chris Austin Merlefest Songwriting Contest - a standout favorite with international audiences. From
small house concerts to major festivals and international showcase events, demand for David is growing across
Canada and the US. Media, audience and industry reaction is enthusiastic and embracing... a fitting pay-off for
putting it all on the line. For more information, visit davidmyles.com
Damhnait Doyle is one of Canada's most dynamic and entertaining performers. Damhnait
has released six full length recordings, as a solo artist and with the award winning group, Shaye. Dav's latest
solo release, Lights Down Low (released February 2008) is a spectacular showcase masterpiece for this vocal
powerhouse. Scoring two 2009 East Coast Music Award nominations (FACTOR Recording and Pop Recording of the
Year), Lights Down Low, features a collection of beautifully random cover tunes that exhibits Doyle's gorgeous
vocal intensity. Paired with the musical ingenuity of her partner in the project, Danny Michel, they have
created a disc that evokes feelings of tenderness and passion.
From writing and
performing, to directing a video or writing a weekly newspaper column, doyle has tapped into an endless font of
creative energy. Who knows where that massive talent and insatiable curiosity will lead next, but just for
tonight, pour yourself a glass of wine, turn the Lights Down Low and enjoy. For more information, visit www.dav-net.com
Nova Scotia's own, Joel Plaskett is a respected multi-award winning songwriter, recording artist and
entertainer who has been praised as the master of performance. On stage, he is "honest, raw and real", the man
is as much a star as he is a story teller and the combination is irresistible. Joel has released six critically
acclaimed CDs and a DVD: Three, a 3 disc collection (2009), Ashtray Rock (2007), Make A Little Noise DVD (2006),
La De Da (2005), Truthfully, Truthfully (2003), Down at the Khyber (2001) and In Need of Medical Attention
(1999).
Joel's latest release, Three features a three disc collection
of an eclectic blend of styles, ranging from drum-machine rock 'n' roll ... to stripped-down acoustic folk...
to a deep-country vibe ... to rollicking pop. Plaskett also experiments with some new sounds, like the penny
whistle, the dry pedal steel guitar and soulful horns. Another new texture heard throughout Three is the
combination of two female backing voices (featuring Rose Cousins and Ana Egge) accompanied on four-string tenor
guitar by his father, Bill Plaskett.
Joel has toured extensively both
solo and with The Emergency, to sold-out clubs and theatres across Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, on
the heels of great Canadian success with his Make A Little Noise DVD & EP (2006) and Ashtray Rock concept album
(2007). Make A Little Noise spawned an infectiously catchy hit single, "Nowhere With You," that landed
Plaskett on the Top 10 at hot Adult Contemporary (AC) radio. He also garnered three 2007 East Coast Music Awards
wins: Single for "Nowhere With You," DVD for Make A Little Noise, and Songwriter. Ashtray Rock was nominated
for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, and earned Plaskett and his band all six of the 2008 East Coast Music
Awards for which he, and they, were nominated: Recording, Group Recording, Single (Fashionable People), Video
(Fashionable People), Rock Recording, and Songwriter. He's also earned several Juno nominations (including
Songwriter of the Year along side Neil Young), and was the First Place Winner in the 2008 Great American Song
Contest and the Billboard World Song Contest, for "Fashionable People" (in the Pop Category). That's the kind
of action that keeps this man on the move. For more information on Joel visit, joelplaskett.com
