SOCAN presented a “Cooking Beats” panel with multi-platinum artist/beat-maker/producer Hagler at the SOCAN-sponsored 2019 edition of IMSTA FESTA, a free, one-day music tech conference held in the Rogers Communications building at Ryerson University on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019.
Hagler landed his first major beat placement on Drake’s third studio album Nothing Was The Same. In addition to his work with Drake, Hagler has racked up credits for work with artists such as Chris Brown, A$AP Ferg, Teyana Taylor, Ty Dolla $ign, Vince Staples, and many more.
Young beat-makers, producers, artists, and industry personnel packed the room for the panel, moderated by SOCAN A&R Representative Aidan D’Aoust. The star producer focused on his authentic approach to beat-making. He doesn’t follow rules or strategies, and instead writes using his own emotions as inspiration. Re-submitting his beats to producers, and simplifying his beat-making process, were recurring topics of discussion during the session. He broke down tracks like Drake’s “Trophies,” and demonstrated some of his techniques for the audience.
SOCAN members attending the workshop included 2019 Polaris Music Prize winner Haviah Mighty, as well as Vivian Barclay, a member of SOCAN’s Board of Directors, and General Manager of Warner Chappell Music Canada Ltd. Attending on behalf of SOCAN, in addition to Aidan D’Aoust, were Olivia Cummings, and Saba Seyedi.
There were also various other panels, booths, demonstrations, and master classes available to all attendees at IMSTA FESTA 2019.