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There are signs the strategy is starting to work. After the buzz generated by the raucous mayhem of their Megaphono showcase two years ago, Ottawa rockers New Swears signed to Dine Alone Records, released a full-length album last year and have been on the road ever since. Another act, Un Blonde, featuring Calgary-born, Montreal-basedpop prodigy Jean-Sebastien Audet, inked a deal with the U.S. label Anti- after an appearance at last year’s festival.

What’s more, Megaphono organizers have also managed to convince the city’s movers and shakers that live music matters. Officials in tourism, economic development and municipal government now recognize the appeal of a vibrant music scene.

“They realize that without a strong music scene, people aren’t going to want to move here and live here and work here,” said Bartlett. “The value of music has increased a lot among those circles, which are circles that can put a lot of resources behind building and supporting things.”

As for his own management career, Bartlett had a great year in 2017, with two of his artist clients, Lido Pimentia and Andy Shauf, shortlisted for the Polaris Prize. In fact, Pimentia went on to win the prestigious $50,000 prize for her mesmerizing album, La Papessa, which blends Afro-Colombian musical styles with contemporary electro-pop.

Last year’s Megaphono helped solidify Bartlett’s business relationship with Pimentia, who was also able to make inroads overseas after her showcase appearance. “The management stuff is our bread and butter, and we’ve been pretty focused,” he said. “We’re lucky to work with some of our favourite artists, and some nice things have happened along the way.”