TFA INSIDER | Vol. 3

• OCTOBER 2025
• TFA INSIDER
• Mich

TFA billboard

DANIEL CAESAR GRACES THE COVER OF BILLBOARD, OPENING UP ABOUT THE NEXT CHAPTER OF HIS CAREER, TOURING, AND WORKING WITH COLLABORATORS LIKE TYLER, THE CREATOR AND JUSTIN BIEBER.

<< It's been years since Daniel Caesar felt completely at home in Toronto. But sitting onstage at the Mod Club on a hot June night, he's comfortable and happy in the glow of the familiar lights. Caesar has his particular magnetism on display; open-hearted and warm, his natural spontaneity and looseness connect him deeply to the fans at this intimate show. >>

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• TEA
• IN CONVERSATION
• WITH KATHLEEN REID AND STEFANIE PURIFICATI

INSIDE THE RISE OF TWO TRAILBLAZING FEMALE AGENTS BEHIND CANADA'S MUSIC INDUSTRY

Can you share the story of how you got into the music industry and what drew you specifically to becoming an agent?

Kathleen: I got my start in music while I was in university - I was the VP of Student Life and booked shows for orientation and throughout the year at Dalhousie. I got to know a lot of agents early on by booking their bands. I remember a distinct moment when I was on the phone with a legacy agent who had been doing it for a long time. We went back and forth negotiating a show deal, and I thought to myself - that's something I could do really well. I want to be on the other side of it. It's really all I've ever wanted to do since I was 19 years old, so failure wasn't an option. Looking back, it's really cool to see those agents become my peers and, in some cases, my competition. It's something that still drives me to this day.

Stefanie: I got the bug for live music when I was 13 years old in Timmins, ON, working various punk and rock shows that my best friend's older brother would bring to town. If I wasn't working the show, I was attending - and I was always trying to find ways to help the bands. I graduated from university with a degree in Linguistics, and a friend told me about a music industry school. I thought, "THAT'S what I want to do."

My first real industry job was as the in-house talent booker for the Drake Hotel when it first opened. I had zero qualifications and talked my way into the job. It was a fantastically wild and crazy time. It was getting to know the agents with whom I was doing business that made me think "Now that is something I would be good at." I've always had a knack for sales, relationship-building, and talent development, so when an assistant position opened at The Agency Group, I knew that was the track I wanted to take.

As one of the very few women in agent roles in Canada, what responsibility do you feel - if any - to pave the way for others?

Kathleen: I feel immense pride to hold one of those titles and a huge responsibility to mentor the next generation. It's why I took on the role of Managing Director with TFA. In my current position, I'm responsible for hiring and mentoring our junior staff. I feel accountable for their success and for building talent from within the company. As a contributing member of the management team at TFA, I'm working to build a top-level team where everyone is playing to win.

L-R: KATHLEEN REID - STEFANIE PURIFICATI

How have you balanced ambition with patience in such a competitive industry?

Stefanie: I've always had an unfailing belief in myself, that everything is going to work out the way I planned it, so I try not to spend too much time looking over other people's fences. Focusing on my clients and their careers, building my own relationships, helping amplify marginalized voices, and just doing the damn work has opened a lot of doors for me and afforded me plenty of opportunities. Set goals for yourself, build a work-back plan, and execute the steps.

• TEA
• IN CONVERSATION
• WITH KATHLEEN REID AND STEFANIE PURIFICATI

How do you see the role of an agent evolving over the next decade?

Kathleen: The role of the agent is always evolving because the touring landscape is constantly changing on an international level. Every year we face new challenges, and we have to keep innovating our strategies to develop our artists' careers. My job is to create plans for my artists and pivot those plans based on market reaction, the economy, and trends - all to set my artists up for success.

What's the most rewarding part of representing and advocating for artists?

Stefanie: Watching bands grow their fan base and hone their craft, the satisfaction of signing an artist when nobody has ever heard of them, and years down the line seeing them sell out venues across the country, will never get old. Seeing my clients win awards like the JUNOS and CCMAs is also incredibly rewarding because it's an industry stamp of approval, validating that all the hard work done by the artist and their team is being recognized by the rest of the industry. Lastly, I've been very fortunate to work with clients who have literally made history with awards and radio play - nothing will beat the pride in that feeling.

What advice would you give to a young woman just starting out as an assistant, coordinator, or junior agent?

Kathleen: Do the work and be a yes person. When you're just starting out, your main objective should be to build your personal story and reputation within the industry. Jump on opportunities early and gain the reputation of someone who can be relied upon - make your work clean and fast-paced. If you want to be an agent, the work you do and the endorsements you earn from the partners you work with are the best ways to build your career. That way, when you have that moment where you're sitting in a room to sign an artist or pitching a band to a promoter, you already have a story and a track record that show why that person should want to work with you.

If you could go back and give advice to your younger self at the start of your career, what would you say?

Stefanie: Stop wasting time on the gatekeepers in this industry, the ones by whom you want to be taken seriously but who will never see the value you bring to the table. No matter how hard you work, how much you show up, or how many hours you put into doing your very best, they will ignore you. Guess what? It has absolutely nothing to do with you. Stop giving them your energy and bandwidth. They will never get to be a chapter in your book and that's their loss.

The people who do show up and take you seriously? Those are the ones who help you write the book. Keep them close. Treasure them, celebrate them, and put all your energy into them, because they are your team.

Both Kathleen and Stefanie were featured in this year's Billboard Canada Women in Music Industry Spotlight, recognized for their leadership and impact within the Canadian music landscape.

Speaking with Billboard Canada, Kathleen shared that her proudest achievement this year was focusing on signings that reflect the diversity and creativity shaping the country's sound - artists like Billianne, Baby Nova, and Alicia Moffet. Over the past year, she's helped orchestrate defining moments in her artists' careers, laying the foundation for them to rise as the next generation of major players in the industry.

Stefanie told Billboard that her proudest accomplishment in 2025 was welcoming a new wave of talent to the TFA roster, including Elisapie, Brandon Wisham, Milk & Bone, Mitch Zorn, AHI, Blue Ridge Band, and Elysia Biro. Reflecting on the year, she described it as one marked by personal growth and said that working with the TFA team has been "intense, rewarding, and most importantly, fun."

TEA

2025 AWARD SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Our artists celebrated major wins this year, including at the 35th SOCAN Awards. Recipients include Chris Grey, Jamie Fine, Josh Ross, LU KALA, Mother Mother, Owen Riegling, Sum 41, The Beaches, and Tyler Shaw.

ALLISON RUSSELL PERFORMING AT THE 35TH SOCAN AWARDS

ECO

JOSH ROSS TOOK HOME 3 CCMA AWARDS, INCLUDING ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

CCM

JAMES BARKER BAND WON GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 CCMA AWARDS

OWEN RIEGLING WON ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 CCMA AWARDS

• Marshall
• Kallvar
• TEA
• BILLBOARD CANADA'S
• WOMEN OF THE YEAR

TFA

BILLBOARD CANADA'S INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

TFA

ROCK LEGENDS REUNITE UNDER ONE ROOF AT TFA

Earlier this summer, TFA announced the signing of legendary Canadian rock band The Guess Who and the return of celebrated solo artist Burton Cummings to its roster. This reunion brings together four of the most influential names in Canadian music - The Guess Who, Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman and Bachman-Turner Overdrive (signed in May 2024) - under one roof at TFA.

Over the years, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings have shared the stage numerous times, rekindling the unmistakable chemistry that defined The Guess Who's era-defining sound. More than former bandmates, they stand as true ambassadors of Canadian rock, their artistry and legacy continuing to inspire generations of musicians.

Now, The Guess Who are set to make their long-awaited return to the stage, performing to a sold- out crowd at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on January 31, 2026 - their first performance together in Canada in over two decades.

Learn more about the legacy of The Guess Who → Discover the moments that made them legends

TFA

JOSH ROSS BECOMES FIRST CANADIAN MALE TO TOP U.S.

COUNTRY RADIO IN NEARLY 30 YEARS

Following the release of his full-length debut album Later Tonight, global country powerhouse Josh Ross has another milestone to celebrate his first-ever #1 at U.S. country radio with "Single Again,❞ achieved earlier this summer.

Topping the Mediabase Country chart after a 71-week trek, the historic chart-topper puts Ross in elite territory, making him the first Canadian male to king the chart in nearly 30 years, and joining Paul Brandt and Hank Snow as the only three Canadian men to ever reign atop the U.S. country radio charts. Ross has achieved three #1 singles at Canadian Country radio: "Single Again," "Ain't Doin' Jack," and "Trouble."

RISING GLOBAL POP STAR

Fresh off the release of her second EP of the year, Hard To Love, Sofia Camara is embarking on her first headline tour across the UK and Europe, kicking off October 13 in Manchester. The tour has expanded to North America with shows in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, marking a breakout year for the rising global pop star.

Recognized as a global pop talent and powerhouse balladist, Sofia has earned over 150 million streams worldwide. This summer, she made her festival debut at Lollapalooza (Chicago) and Osheaga (Montréal), performing for thousands of fans.

She first captured attention online with her emotional covers, including a viral take on "When I Look At You" by Miley Cyrus, which drew 9.8 million views and a comment from Miley herself. Her breakout original "Who Do I Call Now? (Hellbent)" has since surpassed 91 million streams, solidifying her as a force in modern pop.

Sofia has toured with Alex Warren, collaborated with Dean Lewis, and released fan favorites like "Do You Love Me" and "Starlight." She's also performed the Canadian national anthem at the CFL Grey Cup and had her rendition of Nickelback's "What Are You Waiting For?" chosen as the official 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship song.

Praised by Justin Timberlake, Tate McRae, Gracie Abrams, and more, Sofia continues her rapid ascent. With Hard To Love out now via Universal Music Canada / 21 Entertainment Group, she's only just getting started.

TEA

2025 FESTIVAL SEASON

SOFIA CAMARA | OSHEAGA

ALLISON RUSSELL | SASKATOON JAZZ FESTIVAL

From Québec City to Calgary, our artists spent the summer on the road, performing at iconic festivals like Festival d'Été de Québec, Osheaga, Boots & Hearts, the Calgary Stampede, and Sommo Fest leaving their mark on every stage.

• WATCH OUR FESTIVAL RECAP
• HIGHLIGHT REEL
• TFA

TFA

CANADIAN ROCK ICONS TRIUMPH INDUCTED INTO THE CANADIAN SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME

Classic rock heroes Triumph officially joined the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends last Friday, marking a milestone moment for the power trio. Frontman Rik Emmett, drummer Gil Moore, and bassist/keyboardist Mike Levine reunited on stage to celebrate the honor, a rare and electrifying moment for fans.

TEA

STAINED-GLASS SESSIONS

PRESENTED BY TFA

An intimate, laid-back performance series featuring our artists right here in the TFA office. Discover our latest sessions featuring Eric Brandon, Brandon Wisham, Zach McPhee, and Drives the Common Man.

• ERIC BRANDON
• ZACH MCPHEE
• NOWC
• BRANDON WISHAM
• DRIVES THE COMMON MAN

• TEA
• NEW SIGNINGS
• LIES
• NEW SIGNING
• BRANDON WISHAM
• NEW SIGNING
• NEW SIGNING
• NEW SIGNING
• BABY NOVA
• NEW SIGNING
• BOY GOLDEN
• BRUCE MCCULLOCH
• BURTON CUMMINGS
• TFA
• TFA
• TFA
• TFA
• TFA
• NEW SIGNING
• ELYSIA BIRO
• NEW SIGNING
• NEW SIGNING
• FISH IN A BIRDCAGE
• CRASH ADAMS
• NEW SIGNING
• NEW SIGNING
• CAM KAHIN
• CLEVER
• TFA
• TFA
• TFA
• TFA
• NEW SIGNING
• HALF
• NEW SIGNING
• THE GUESS WHO
• NEW SIGNING
• MOON RUN
• SOPHIA STEL
• TFA
• CONTACT US
• FOLLOW US
• 416-598-0067 [email protected]
• (FED)
• www.feldman-agency.com