Tara Shannon

I’m a multi-hyphenate creative professional who’s spent over three decades at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and mentorship — driven by a deep passion to empower others through music, education, and connection. As a recording artist and songwriter, I’ve written commissioned works for clients like Morguard, Canada Without Poverty, and the United Way, and have performed on national and international stages including CMA Fest, Bluesfest, the National Arts Centre, and more. My upcoming album Cover Story — produced by music industry visionary Jim Ed Norman — is a tribute to the Canadian female artists who’ve shaped and inspired my own musical journey, and will be released in October 2025. In 2017, I founded Willow Sound Records, an artist-centric label and agency focused on mentoring music creators in creating a sustainable living doing what they love. I also founded The Willow House, a wellness space and retreat centre offering programming and curated experiences designed to help creatives and corporate teams reconnect to clarity, purpose, and well-being. I’m the author of YOU and the Music Business: A Self-Care Guide to Finding Balance and Joy in Today’s Music Industry — a guide rooted in my belief that artists thrive when their well-being is prioritized alongside their creative goals. I often say that to be successful in the business of music, you must first be successful in the business of YOU. I have also taught at Algonquin College, where I’ve developed and delivered courses in Music Business and Financial Literacy in Creative Industries. I’ve had the honour of speaking at national and international forums including the G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit, Artpreneur, Indie Week NYC, and Berklee College of Music. Through these platforms, I aim to share what I’ve learned — and what I continue to learn — about sustainable success in creative fields. Currently, I serve as Executive Director of the Ottawa Festival Network, and I’m proud to be a founding member of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition and a past president of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance. At the heart of everything I do — whether mentoring emerging artists, writing in Nashville, or raising my seven incredible kids — is the belief that music is a healing force and a powerful connector. Let’s connect if you're passionate about creativity, community, and building a life connected to your true self sharing your gifts and talents in service of others.