Four SOCAN staff members took part in the 10th Anniversary edition of the Unison Charity Golf Classic tournament — which benefits the Unison Fund — on July 25, 2023, at the Lionhead Golf Club in Brampton, ON.

SOCAN’s team consisted of Legal Counsel Adam Jacobs; Senior Project Manager Scott Kinniburgh; Creative Executive, Film/TV and Visual Media, Gagan Singh;  and IT Application Development Manager  Andrew Norgate.

In addition to raising money for the Unison Fund to provide counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community, the tournament offered a unique team-building event for our participants. SOCAN also sponsored the 10th hole in the Legends course, and the classic provided a memorable challenge for all the players.

The event allowed SOCAN’s proud company ambassadors to connect and network with other music industry representatives, including those from Advance, Daytripper, CCS Rights Management, as well as various SOCAN members.

Learn more about the Unison Fund.



Effective July 24, 2023, singer-songwriter/producer, musician, and music industry professional Liam Russell joins SOCAN as Creative Executive, Los Angeles and Nashville.

Russell is an experienced music creator with a lifelong dedication to his craft. He spent his childhood immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of folk festivals, observing his father (Canadian singer-songwriter Brent Titcomb) perform. He achieved an impressive early milestone by signing with Sony Music Canada at the age of 15, and his commitment to his artistry has remained constant ever since.

Throughout his career, Russell has collaborated with highly respected artists, working with Grammy-winning producers Bill Bottrell and Jay Joyce, sharing the stage with Joni Mitchell, touring as a sideman for Olivia Newton-John, and serving as a tour manager for Tony Joe White. His songs have charted in the Canadian Top 10 and Top 20, earning him a Canadian Radio Music Awards nomination, and a place on the John Lennon songwriting contest shortlist. In 2014, he participated in the Canadian Film Centre’s composer residency for film and TV, further diversifying his skill set.

In addition to producing his own albums (released on Nettwerk Music and Hidden Pony), Russell has also produced LPs for artists such as Zoe Sky Jordan and her brother, Ezra Jordan. While in Nashville, he also organized and promoted tribute shows, featuring acts like Jessie Baylin, Leigh Nash, and Andrew Combs.

With over two decades of experience in Toronto, Nashville, and now Los Angeles, Russell has honed his expertise in almost every aspect of the music industry. He’s eager to shift gears, and leverage his knowledge to empower his fellow Canadian songwriters, helping them unlock their full potential. As he embraces his new role at SOCAN, Russell’s passion and excitement for music remains at the forefront.



The screen composer duo of brothers Caleb and Brian Chan won two honours at the 2023 edition of the annual LEO Awards, celebrating excellence in British Columbia film and television. The 25th Anniversary LEOs were presented live at the Celebration Ceremony on July 8, and the Gala Ceremony on July 9, 2023. SOCAN’s #ComposersWhoScore walked away with all eight of the musical honours.

Prizes were awarded as follows:

Best Musical Score in a Television Movie
Caleb and Brian Chan, for  A Fabled Holiday

Best Musical Score in an Animation Series
Caleb and Brian Chan, for Angry Birds: Summer Madness – “Crash Course” episode

Best Musical Score in a Motion Picture
Jesse Zubot and Wayne Lavallée, for Bones of Crows

Best Musical Score in a Short Drama
Jordan Andrew, for Consumer

Best Musical Score in a Feature-Length Documentary
Daryl Bennett, for State Organs

Best Musical Score in a Documentary Series
Steve Raskin, for Viagra: The Little Blue Pill That Changed The World – “The Hard Science” episode

Best Musical Score in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series
William Hodgins and Sina Nazarian, for  Where I’m From

Best Music Video
Peter Press Lee, for “Chiseler”

The events was attended by SOCAN representatives Gagan Singh, Creative Executive, Film/TV & Visual Media; Sara Pavilionis, Manager, Member Services; Coralie Hummel, Account Executive, Radio; and Phil Laffin, Account Executive.

The LEO Awards offer an excellent opportunity for SOCAN members who work in film and television to celebrate their accomplishments. For more information and a complete list of 2023 winners, access the LEO Awards website.