C O N T R E - J O U R
Contre-Jour was an Artist Development company offering comprehensive services in Management, Creative Direction, Music Sync Licensing, and A&R. With years of experience in the music industry, I’ve led numerous successful projects across various sectors, each highlighting my ability to bring artists’ visions to life, guide them through key industry milestones, and connect their work with broader audiences.
Contre-Jour is a French term meaning "against the light." In the context of art and photography, it refers to the technique of shooting or creating images with the subject placed in front of a light source, creating a silhouette or backlit effect. This approach often highlights outlines and contrasts, producing dramatic and visually striking results.
For Contre-Jour, the name symbolizes a creative philosophy of seeing things from a unique perspective, working against the norm to bring out something bold, unexpected, and captivating in every artist and project.
Management
As a manager, I’ve played a pivotal role in steering artist careers from early development to mainstream success. My hands-on approach with both emerging and established talent focuses on creating a clear long-term vision while executing strategies that align with the artist’s goals. From tour logistics to contract negotiations, I ensure artists can concentrate on their craft while their business operations are seamlessly managed.
My business partner and I discovered Isaiah Rashad, helping develop and guide him toward signing with Top Dawg Entertainment, home to Kendrick Lamar and SZA. This milestone was achieved through my connection with Tunji Balogun, then VP of A&R (now President of Def Jam Recordings), who played a key role in connecting Isaiah with TDE.
In addition, my work with indie electro-pop band WILDE involved managing all aspects, from securing brand partnerships with global names like Converse and Red Bull Music Academy to landing performance slots at major venues. By blending strategic management with key industry relationships, I’ve consistently elevated artists to new heights.
This blend of industry expertise and artist-centered strategy has been key to helping talent break through and build impactful, sustainable careers.
Isaiah Rashad
The House / Top Dawg Entertainment
Tennessee rapper Isaiah Rashad, hailing from Chattanooga, quickly gained recognition as a founding member of the hip-hop collective The House, alongside fellow artists like YGTUT. Rashad's breakthrough came with the release of his 50-minute EP Cilvia Demo in 2014, a project that showcased his introspective lyricism, raw storytelling, and unique sound. Zay’s ability to seamlessly combine reflective lyricism with mellow beats has solidified his reputation as one of the more thoughtful and versatile voices in modern hip-hop, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
WILDE
Wilde Music
A Toronto-based electro-pop trio known for their lush, atmospheric soundscapes and emotive vocals. Consisting of vocalist and songwriter Giselle Mapp, along with producers Brandon Merenick and Olutobi ‘Nyra’ Akinwumi, the band captured attention with their debut album "Flashlight” (2015). A captivating blend of crackling drum samples, orchestral strings, and spacious synths, showcases Giselle's angelic vocals that balance haunting beauty with comforting warmth. WILDE’s unique sound quickly garnered praise, establishing them as a standout act in the indie electro-pop scene.
Andreena
BLK LTS Media Group
Andreena, a Toronto-born singer, songwriter, and producer known for her 'Electric Rock'n Soul' sound, began her music journey at 11. She rose to fame with the trio X-Quisite, earning Juno nominations and Canadian Urban Music Awards. After going solo in 2004, she signed with Universal Music Publishing in 2010. Andreena lent her vocals to Drake's Comeback Season and worked with industry heavyweights like Brian Michael Cox, James Fauntleroy, and Hit-Boy. In 2013, she released her debut album Naked, showcasing her powerful, high-energy style that continues to resonate in the music scene.
G Milla
DSTRY
G Milla is a multi-talented artist from Toronto, Canada, known for his distinctive sound within the Alternative Hip Hop subgenre. With evocative lyrics and captivating performances, he blends alternative influences with Hip Hop to create a dynamic, engaging experience. His music delves into themes of self-expression, introspection, and modern life's challenges, resonating deeply with listeners. By breaking genre barriers and delivering authentic, thought-provoking tracks, he has made a lasting impact on the Canadian music scene, continuing to push boundaries and captivate audiences.
DUTCH
BLKW
DUTCH is an emerging R&B singer from Mississauga, Ontario, who quickly captured attention of Grammy Nominated producer No I.D. with his smooth, modern sound. His second single, No Measure (2016), showcases his impeccable production style, blending soft, elegant vibes with contemporary R&B influences. With nearly six minutes of immersive, polished soundscapes, DUTCH's music is both refined and captivating. Though still early in his career, his talent and unique approach to R&B have already made him a standout in Toronto's vibrant music scene.
Creative Direction
I specialized in creating cohesive, visually impactful brand identities for artists, encompassing everything from album artwork to music videos. My creative direction for Naturally Born Strangers significantly contributed to their debut project winning a Juno Award (Rap Album Of The Year), showcasing my ability to align visuals with an artist’s voice and market appeal.
My experience spans collaborating with a diverse range of talents across Toronto, Canada, and emerging international artists. I take pride in understanding each artist's unique story and vision, allowing me to craft tailored visual narratives that resonate deeply with their audiences.
Whether it's designing striking album covers that capture an artist's essence or directing captivating music videos that elevate their musical message, my focus is on creating work that not only stands out but also builds a strong emotional connection with fans. By leveraging my extensive network within the Canadian music industry and beyond, I ensure that the artists I work with are positioned for success in a competitive landscape, reflecting their artistry in every visual element.
A&R
My A&R work focuses on discovering and nurturing talent, helping artists refine their sound and connect with top collaborators. I’ve played a key role in the development of rising stars, guiding them toward industry success. I’ve worked across a diverse array of sounds, including Hip Hop, R&B, Folk, Indie Pop, and EDM. This breadth of experience enables me to adapt my A&R strategies to suit the unique characteristics and demands of each genre. By immersing myself in the nuances of different musical styles, I identify and nurture emerging talent, helping artists develop their sound and connect with top collaborators. My comprehensive understanding of these genres allows me to guide artists in crafting their musical identity, ensuring that their work resonates authentically with their target audience. Ultimately, my goal is to support artists in navigating their careers, empowering them to thrive in their artistic journeys.
Drake
ATF / October’s Very Own
After working on his first major single with Trey Songz “City Is Mine”. I had the opportunity to contribute to Drake's second mixtape, Comeback Season, working on tracks such as "Comeback Season", "Asthma Team", "Right to Left (ft. Tanya Morgan)", and "My New Shit (ft. Phonte of Little Brother & Von Pea of Tanya Morgan)", My involvement in this project helped shape a key moment in Drake's early career, establishing him as a promising new voice in hip-hop and setting the foundation for his future success. Drake was the first artist to give me the opportunity to step into A&R, marking my transition from graphic design to working on music development.
GrandeMarshall
Fool’s Gold Records
I had the pleasure of working on GrandeMarshall's debut mixtape, 800, which showcased a more subdued and cerebral approach to Philly street rap. A standout track was the lead single, "GODBPM." After hearing the beat, I recognized its potential as the perfect hard-hitting backdrop for Grande. The aesthetic of 800 felt fully realized, combining technique and content that captivated listeners. "GODBPM" generated significant buzz, leading to interest from every major label. Ultimately, we decided to sign with the independent Brooklyn-based label Fools Gold Records, owned by A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs. This partnership positioned GrandeMarshall for exciting opportunities while allowing him to maintain his artistic integrity.
Freddie Gibbs
ESGN
I had the unique opportunity to be the first in Canada to collaborate with Grammy-nominated rapper Freddie Gibbs, bringing him on board for Mississauga-based rapper JD Era's debut single from his Th1rt3en mixtape. The track, produced by DJ Don Cannon, showcased a seamless blend of Freddie's distinctive flow and JD's lyrical prowess, creating a dynamic sound that resonated with audiences. This collaboration not only marked a significant moment in JD Era's career but also highlighted the growing connections between Canadian and American hip-hop artists. It was an exciting venture that underscored my commitment to fostering innovative collaborations in the music industry.
Junia-T
Pirate’s Blend
I leveraged my relationship with Isaiah Rashad and YGTUT from the Tennessee rap crew The House to initiate a collaboration for Junia-T's single "Ooowee" featuring Elijah Dax. Junia-T spent a week at Elijah's recording studio, where they worked on numerous tracks, honing their sound and creativity. "Ooowee" emerged as the standout song from their sessions, showcasing a fresh blend of styles and highlighting the synergy between the artists. This collaboration not only strengthened connections within the music community but also underscored my ability to facilitate meaningful partnerships that elevate artistic expression.
WILDE
Wilde Music
I had the incredible opportunity to work on the song "Oh You" by WILDE during a trip to Berlin with Converse Rubber Tracks. Originally a demo created in Toronto, the track was re-recorded at the iconic Hansa Tonstudio, a legendary space known for hosting the likes of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and U2. The experience of capturing the song in such a historic studio not only elevated its sound but also infused it with the creative energy of Berlin’s rich musical legacy. This collaboration exemplified the fusion of innovation and tradition, allowing us to create a standout track that resonates with the essence of both cities.
ESTA
Soulection
As the first Toronto artist to connect with Soulection during their rise on the internet, prior to their Apple Music deal, I reached out to ESTA, the most popular member of the collective at the time. My motivation for pursuing this collaboration was to help get WILDE's music into the ears of the large audience that Soulection was cultivating. I proposed a remix of our songs, allowing him to choose from our shortlist. This partnership not only showcased WILDE's versatility but also amplified our reach, tapping into the innovative sound that Soulection was known for and creating a unique blend that resonated with fans across both our communities.
Nick Catchdubs
Fool’s Gold Records
Leveraging my relationship with Fool's Gold Records owners A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs, I reached out to create a hard-hitting EDM remix that would resonate in clubs and festivals. Fool's Gold was well-known for hosting vibrant block parties in the summer to promote their artists and brand, and I aimed to capitalize on this opportunity to gain more visibility for WILDE. By crafting a remix that aligned with the energetic atmosphere of these events, we sought to attract new listeners and elevate the band's presence in the music scene. This collaboration not only showcased our sound but also strategically positioned us within a dynamic community of artists.
Video Production
I oversaw video production and art direction for music videos and live performances, ensuring that the visual representation of the artists complements their sound and enhances their brand. This comprehensive approach creates impactful visuals that resonate with audiences and elevate the artist’s overall presence.
In my role, I managed various aspects of the production process, including scheduling, budgeting, and executive producing, art direction or creative direction, which allowed for seamless coordination and execution of projects. Working closely with artists, I developed creative direction that aligned with their vision and brand identity, ensuring that every visual element—from color palettes to set design—enhanced the storytelling of their music.
A key highlight of my work was discovering Kid. Studio for WILDE's first music video, "Flashlight." I collaborated with the team at Kid. Studio to establish a unique aesthetic that captured the essence of the song while maximizing production value. This collaboration proved pivotal, as Kid. Studio later gained recognition for directing videos for major artists such as The Weeknd, Drake, Disclosure, Bryson Tiller, Big Sean, Post Malone, French Montana, The Chainsmokers, Toro Y Moi, and even for the FIFA World Cup. My involvement in this project not only contributed to WILDE's artistic development but also solidified a partnership with a studio that would go on to make significant waves in the industry.
Music Videos + Documentaries
2006 Tanya Morgan “We Be” Directed by Ethan Lader
2007 Drake “Replacement Girl” (feat. Trey Songz) Directed by Shane Stirling
2011 Rochester aka Juice “A New Day” Directed by RT! & Shane Stirling
2011 Rochester aka Juice “I’m Ready” Directed by RT! for NE
2011 Rich Kidd “Take It Slow” Directed by David F. Mewa for NE
2011 Rochester aka Juice “Priceless” (feat. Ray Robinson) Directed by RT! for NE
2012 Taio Cruz “Moving On” Directed by Shane Stirling
2012 Rich Kidd “Don’t Sleep On Me” Directed by Sean Getti
2013 Rich Kidd “SYKE” Directed by Rik Cordero for Mad Ruk Entertainment
2013 GrandeMarshall “Thuggin’ Shidd Pt.II” Directed by Glassface
2013 Andreena “Breathe” Directed by Brian Gregory
2014 GrandeMarshall “Mugga Man” Directed by Josh Wehle
2015 G. Milla “Psycho” Directed by Glenn Michael for Kid. Studio
2015 GrandeMarshall “Burning Rubber Freestyle” Directed by 1st Impressions Studio
2016 WILDE “Flashlight” Directed by Glenn Michael for Kid. Studio
2017 GrandeMarshall “ITSPULLUP” Directed by Charles Cerrone
2017 GrandeMarshall “Pull Up’s Theme” Directed by The Freed Minds
2017 WILDE “Loudest Whisper” Directed by Mapp Mapp
2018 WILDE “Wait Out” Directed by Mapp Mapp
2019 Junia-T “Know Better” (feat. Miloh Smith, Sean Len,. and Julian Thomas) Directed by Dan LeMoyne
2020 Junia-T “Ooowee” (feat. Elijah Dax) Directed by Dan LeMoyne
2020 Junia-T “Thinking Over” (feat. Benjamin A.D.) Directed by Dan LeMoyne
2021 Junia-T “Home Team” (feat. J.O. Mairs) Directed by Dan LeMoyne
2021 Junia-T “Puzzles” (feat. FAIZA) Directed by Dan LeMoyne
2021 Junia-T “4AM In Toronto” (feat. Miloh Smith) Directed by Dan LeMoyne
2022 Studio Monk “The Making Of…” Directed by Ashlee Hutchinson
Music Sync Licensing
I have successfully placed music in television and commercial campaigns, helping artists expand their reach and revenue. By strategically aligning the right music with the right projects, I’ve enabled artists to gain exposure in new markets and connect with wider audiences.
For instance, WILDE's song "Temple" was featured in a nationwide Canon campaign with Cineplex Odeon, debuting alongside the release of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Additionally, I was there to help Junia-T landing music in the highly successful CBC/Netflix show Kim's Convenience, starring Simu Liu. These placements not only increased visibility for the artists but also showcased their music in prominent cultural contexts.
Kim’s Convenience S1E11
CBC / Netflix
Kim's Convenience is a Canadian sitcom that premiered in 2016, created by Ins Choi and based on his play. The show follows the Kim family, Korean-Canadian owners of a convenience store in Toronto, exploring their cultural experiences and generational conflicts with humor and warmth.
The series received widespread acclaim for its authentic representation of immigrant life, diverse cast, and relatable storytelling. It enjoyed a successful five-season run, earning multiple awards, including Canadian Screen Awards. The show significantly boosted the visibility of its cast, particularly Simu Liu, who later starred in Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Junia-T ”Finally” (ft. SABRE)
21 Thunder S1E5
CBC / Netflix
21 Thunder is a Canadian television drama series that premiered on CBC in 2017. Set against the backdrop of the Montreal Thunder, a fictional professional soccer team, the show explores the personal and professional lives of its players, coaches, and their families. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the challenges faced by athletes as they navigate the pressures of sports, relationships, and their own aspirations.
The series received praise for its authentic portrayal of the soccer culture in Canada, as well as its diverse cast and compelling storylines.
WILDE ”Flashlight”
Coroner S1E4
CBC
Coroner is a Canadian television drama series that premiered on CBC in 2019. Based on the book series by M.R. Hall, the show follows Dr. Jenny Cooper, a coroner in Toronto, as she investigates sudden, unexplained deaths. Each episode features Jenny delving into the circumstances surrounding these deaths, revealing personal stories and uncovering deeper truths about the lives of the deceased and their families.
The series has been praised for its engaging storytelling, strong character development, and its unique perspective on the crime procedural genre. It addresses themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of life and death, all while maintaining a respectful approach to sensitive subjects.
Junia-T ”Hometeam” ft. J.O Mairs
Canon Canada
Cineplex Odeon Theatres
The Canon Canada x Creator Class collaboration showcased an innovative new camera, featuring WILDE's single "Temple" as the backdrop for the commercial. This partnership allowed me to combine my creative vision with Canon's cutting-edge technology, highlighting the emotional resonance and vibrant energy of the song. The commercial effectively captured the essence of both the camera and the music, creating a captivating visual experience that engaged viewers while promoting the artistry behind the collaboration. By integrating "Temple" into the campaign, we elevated the narrative, illustrating how the right tools can inspire creativity and storytelling.
WILDE ”Temple”