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Our Award Winning Adjudicators are honoured to hear your music.

Our Adjudicators, are top-notch experts in the industry of Music Producers, Label Owners, Professional Songwriters, and Promoters who will provide mentorship feedback.

Meet Our Music Adjudicators

Thomas Wade

GENRES: Country, Country Blues, Country Folk, Country Alternative, Blues, Soul, Pop, Jazz

Born and raised in Burford, Ontario, with Haggard and Jones in his
blood, Thomas Wade is a true Canadian county original. Chalking up
3 Juno nominations and 7 CCMA awards, he was a fixture on
Canadian radio and CMT throughout the 90s.

As the lead singer of Thomas Wade & Wayward and as a solo artist,
Thomas’ hits included ‘Lyin’ Here With You’, ‘Zero to Sixty’ and
‘Running Away With You’, bringing an early rock and roll edge to the
country scene, long before such a thing became the norm. An
accomplished songwriter and producer, Thomas wrote for many other
artists too, including Bobby Wills, Beverley Mahood, and Celine
Dion.

His journey has not been a straight line, however. Diagnosed in 2006
with an incurable neurological disease, and unable to sing, he began
to draw on another early influence: the music of Kay Starr, Peggy Lee,
and other 50’s Pop/Jazz artists. Writing for Jazz artists such as Tim
Louis, and putting together a touring review of the great female pop
and jazz artists of all time,The Covergirlz, Thomas has constantly
focused on broadening his musical landscape.

As if that wasn’t plenty of experience, as he began to work toward
healing, he wrote the book, Singing In My Sleep to share the
knowledge he gained in regaining his voice.
Thomas released the album Blue Country Soul in 2017 and
continues to write, produce, and perform.

Eddie Bullen

GENRES:  R&B, Reggae, HipHop, Gospel, Calypso, Jazz, Carribean,

Eddie Bullen is in every way, a standout amongst his generation of multi-talented artists. Eddie’s lengthy career has yielded an abundance of awards and recognition for his outstanding talents. From his first album, ‘Nocturnal Affair’ to his most recent ‘Spice Island’, Eddie gives his audience a taste of contemporary jazz, flavoured with Caribbean rhythms.
Since his move to Toronto in 1980 from Grenada, Eddie has worked with Caribbean, Canadian and American artists like Melba Moore, Anslem Douglas, Byron Lee, Maestro, David Rudder, Liberty Silver, Deborah Cox and Dee Dee Bridgewater. He is also a composer and arranger for TV, Radio and Films. His work has been heard on City TV, YTV, Love & Hip Hop (American Television Series) and Wine TV Australia.
To date Eddie Bullen has produced over 150 albums and is currently working on several new ventures through his record company Thunder Dome Sounds and publishing company QDB music. Eddie is always on the lookout for cutting edge new innovative artists.
Michael Hanson Music Producer

GENRES: Alternative Rock, Heavy Rock, Folk, Alternative, Dance/Pop, R&B

Michael Hanson was the founder, drummer, songwriter and a pivotal original member of the Capitol EMI Records band GLASS TIGER from 1985 to 1990. He moved on from EMI / Screen Gems and was signed by Warner/Chappell Music Publishing as a staff songwriter in 1990.  He has received a number of top music industry awards and accolades worldwide including 5 Juno Awards, a Grammy Nomination, and Gold & Platinum sales globally as well as multiple songwriting awards.

Previously Hanson toured alongside Journey, Tina Turner and the Moody Blues. In the USA alone he has toured and written with a long list of A-listers including John Bettis (Madonna), Sue Siffron & Susan Pomerantz (Cher, Chicago), Brad Buxer (Michael Jackson), Scott Humphries (Rob Zombie).

Now working with and developing new artists (while residing and operating in his LOGIC-based digital studio in Sharon Ontario) he is considered to be among the elite as a renowned, multi-talented Producer / Songwriter / hook specialist in multiple music genres (including pop, rock, R&B, country, folk, alt rock and heavy rock).

Enjoying celebrity status and remaining in the public eye, he has been writing and recording at Altravox Studios for a steady stream of new young artists over 20 years. Hanson is well known for providing pro-level, highly creative musicianship on guitars, drums, bass and piano (as well as programming MIDI with the latest software). The prime directive for Hanson is to be “a vehicle for the artist’s vision” …. to inspire & assist singers to strive for new heights while also arranging uniquely complex contemporary vocal melodies, hooks & harmonies with full artist involvement.

Altravox Studios continues to supply a rare ‘one-stop-shop’ for Songwriting, Recording, Production and additional follow-up on global music release platforms through the newly established Radar Love Records – which offers distribution and guidance in navigating the music business.

“Michael Hanson is one of Canada’s most prolific songwriters” – Kim Mitchell

Trevor Shelton

GENRES: Hiphop, Punk, Latin, R&B/Soul, Afro-Fusion, Dance

Trevor G. Shelton stands as a seasoned luminary in the music industry, with a career spanning decades. As the visionary behind Rammit Records, a venture he established in the late eighties, Trevor displayed remarkable foresight and determination. His strategic alliances with industry giants like A&M/Polygram, Universal Music Group and Sony/BMG bear testament to his shrewd business acumen and unwavering commitment to his craft.

Trevor Shelton, founder of Rammit Records, has quietly shaped the careers of both emerging and established artists across genres including Rock, Pop, R&B, Dance, Hip-Hop, and Alternative. His production credits include Shania Twain’s debut album “First Time for the Last Time” who is a Grammy Award winner and Canadian icon with over twenty five million fans throughout the globe. Trevor also produced Marvin Gaye’s “The Last Concert tour” released worldwide on the Giant/Warner Brothers label worldwide. He is also Juno Award winner Canadian Urban Singer-Songwriter and Performer “Liberty Silver”, who made history as the first artist to win in both R&B/Soul and Reggae/Calypso categories — and shared the stage with the legendary Tina Turner at the Canadian Juno Awards. His contributions reflect a lifelong commitment to excellence, diversity, and integrity in music

Trevor Shelton is the founder and President of the Urban Music Association of Canada (UMAC), creator of the nationally televised Canadian Urban Music Awards — a platform dedicated to recognizing and elevating Canadian artists on the world stage. Originally broadcast on OMNI TV and later on CBC, the awards honored artists like Kardinal Offishall, Deborah Cox, Choclair, and Michie Mee, with performances by Jully Black, K-OS, Keisha Chante, G-Unit, and Jacksoul.

Beyond UMAC, Trevor served as Production Manager on two successful Bravo Television series — Bluesman and Jazzman — each comprising thirteen half-hour episodes. The series were later licensed to Cool TV and BET in the U.S., with Jazzman also released internationally through Universal Music Entertainment.

Trevor has also contributed to music education in Canada by helping develop the Recorded Music Production and Audio Engineering programs at Trebas Institute, a private college specializing in DJ Arts, Audio Engineering, Film, and Entertainment Management. His work continues to empower Canadian talent and inspire the next generation of artists and producers.

Paul Milner

GENRES: Blues, Reggae, Calypso, FUNK, Blue Grass, Rock Pop, Indigenous, Classical

For 40 years Paul has worked in the music industry with credits on over 500 recordings as a freelance record producer/engineer/mixer and mastering engineer.

Paul has worked alongside some of the best names in the music industry, in some of the world’s top recording studios on both major and indie projects. These projects have sold over 21 million copies worldwide with artists such as Eddy Grant, Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), Miki Imai. Glass Tiger, Queensryche, Men Without Hats, Sting, Matt Andersen, Headstones, Anne Murray, Robert Palmer, Rush, Northern Pikes, Randy Waldman Trio, Larry Norman. Paul’s work has won numerous music industry awards and nominations, Juno’s, gold and platinum certifications in the US, Canada, Europe, UK and Japan, a SOCAN #1 song award, GMA Covenant award several ECMA awards with recordings for Matt Andersen (Blues Recording), The Saddle River Stringband (Bluegrass Recording) and Paper Lions (Pop Recording), countless regional music awards including several ADISQ awards for French projects and Canadian Aboriginal Music awards.

Paul has also run record labels, distributing projects globally, his label TLG The Label Group signed 20 + Artists and distributed to 25 territories. Paul worked in A&R, established his publishing company 30 years ago with international partners.

Andre Kaden Black, MiMc Music Awards

GENRES: Pop, Pop/Rock

A highly respected and influential figure in the music industry, Andre Kaden Black has built a career spanning nearly three decades. Known for his exceptional versatility, he has contributed to songwriting, record production, artist development, session guitar work, and artist management while collaborating with some of the most prominent names in the business. He has written songs for major labels such as Sony/ATV, Warner Music, EMI, Atlantic Records, Curve Music, 21 Entertainment, and Arista/BMG. ​

With experience across indie and major label sectors, Andre has worked in Canada, the U.S., and Asia, establishing himself as a key collaborator. His global touring credits include performances alongside Alicia Keys, OneRepublic, Jason Mraz, and Simple Plan. He has also worked with influential talents like Fefe Dobson (Island/Def Jam), Walk Off The Earth (Columbia Records), and Grammy-winning talent agency Chris Smith Management, as well as members of Buckcherry (Eleven Seven/Atlantic), Our Lady Peace (Sony Music), and Boston (Epic/MCA).

Andre has collaborated with Pitbull (RCA/Sony Latin), contributing top-line melodies to their projects. He has also had the opportunity to write for some of the most iconic artists in the industry, including Rihanna, Corey Hart, and Christina Aguilera.

​Leading industry publications, including Billboard, Professional Sound, and Canadian Musician Magazine have recognized Andre’s work. He has also been invited to speak at prominent events such as Canadian Music Week, NXNE, SXSW, and Indie Week Toronto, sharing panels with industry icons like Jermain Dupri, Sylvia Massy, and Keith Thomas.

With over 100 records produced in world-class studios such as Toronto’s Revolution Recording, New York City’s KMA Music, and the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, Andre is a leading figure in music production and artist mentorship. His career extends beyond production; he played a pivotal role in managing former Big Machine Label Group artist Vivian Hicks, collaborating with Rick Barker (Taylor Swift’s former manager), and working with global brands like Gary Vaynerchuk (VaynerMedia), Nintendo, Crayola, and ABC’s American Idol.

Meet Our Radio/Film Ready, Media-Press Ready & Grant Ready Adjudicators

Wanda Ryan

Wanda Ryan

Diane Foy

Diane Foy

Kerilie McDowall

Kerilie McDowall

Wanda Ryan,

Founder of Dandelions of Courage, where they bring your vision to life. As a premier media and entertainment company, they specialize in radio broadcasting and music management. With their expert team and extensive network, we ensure exceptional exposure and promotion for your creative endeavors.

Ready to slide into the spotlight with the impact (and income) to match? Then you should know trauma-informed personal branding coach and entertainment publicist Diane Foy, creator of the Superfan Attraction Method.

During her two decades in PR, Diane helped hundreds of artists and creatives secure international media coverage through strategic publicity. The talent that she has worked with includes Perry Farrell, The Parlotones, Big Sugar, Sass Jordan, Mackenzie Phillips, D.O.A., Dearly Beloved, Kelly Fraser, Brian Byrne, and Dandelion Highway.

As a trauma-informed creativity coach, Diane blends mindset, branding, and visibility strategies to help you grow your career from the inside out. She believes that artists and creatives have the power to heal, transform, and elevate lives. Her Superfan Attraction Method is a personal branding framework that empowers you to ditch self-doubt, maximize talents and promote with ease so that you can make your impact.

Kerilie McDowall,

As an instructor and coach, McDowall offers expert guidance in guitar, press, publicity, grantwriting, and brand strategy, supporting creatives from opera companies to JUNO and Polaris Music Prize artists and emerging musicians and filmmakers. Her deep knowledge and passionate mentorship continue to empower musicians and media professionals across North America.

Recognized with 16 awards—and a 2025 nomination for the King Charles III Coronation Medal—McDowall won the  2024 Nanaimo Women of Influence (WIN) Creative Innovator Award and ranked 20th in 2024 on Alignable’s list of top female business leaders.  As a jazzpreneur, she founded her film and music production company Avebury Moon Music & Film in 2025, as her second creative business.

The Music Adjudication Process

An evaluation of your music creation is a part of the process of going to the next phase with your talent. It is an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and evolve as a musician.

What it means for you…
An opportunity to have your original music adjudicated provides you with written comments and guidance from music industry professionals to develop your talent.

How it happens…
Once you have submitted and paid for your adjudication you will upload your video to our portal where the adjudicators can access it.

The finals…
The adjudicators will adjudicate every entry we receive and as a group will choose the winning finalists.

Benefits of Music Adjudication.

Our Adjudicators are experienced professionals in the Music industry with the expertise to provide feedback and guidance to inspire and educate.

Integrity, being honest and impartial is a key characteristic of an effective Adjudicator.

The Criteria

The adjudicators will critique, providing an evaluation for each submission based on the following criteria:

Unique Style, Creativity & Originality
Melody & Lyrics (if your song does not have lyrics, only the melody will receive feedback)
Arrangement
Overall likeability
Potential to be a hit!
Industry Ready
Media Ready
Radio Friendly

The work of an adjudicator will inspire and educate singers/songwriters and performers.

Adjudicators will provide written comments with
compliments on your strengths,
constructive criticism of your weaknesses
and recommendations toward correction or action.

The constructive criticism given by adjudicators is valuable feedback that will help you improve your music and be the catalyst for progress and success.

Songwriter Adjudicators are well-connected with Recording Engineers, Music Producers, Recording Artists, and Managers.