Our Staff

Renowned Franco-Ontarian artist Melanie Brulée is not only a celebrated performer but also a dedicated community leader and advocate for mental health. Born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario, Melanie's musical journey began humbly, busking on the streets of Australia. Now, as the Executive Director of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, she's taking a step back from the spotlight to focus on connecting, building, and nurturing Ottawa's music ecosystem.

With a wealth of experience in performance, touring, and various roles within the music industry, Melanie’s commitment to collaboration and advocacy is evident in her founding of a women-led collective of songwriters and her active involvement in fundraising and speaking engagements for mental health organizations. Additionally, Melanie has developed workshops focused on empowering youth through songwriting and self-confidence exploration.

In her role as an organizer and facilitator, Melanie strives to foster connections, unity, and empowerment within her communities. She currently chairs the Ontario Music Cities Officers Network and serves as co-chair of the Algonquin College Music Industry Arts Advisory Committee.

Annalie Bonda is a respected arts and music professional with a deep understanding of the non-profit sector as well as the Canadian music industry.  As OMIC's Director of Operations, she brings extensive experience supporting artists and organizations in fostering accessible and equitable music communities.   

She has worked closely with major labels, distributors, independents, non-profits, and government agencies to advance the careers of Canadian artists, both locally and internationally. Her experience spans artist development, advocacy, export, workforce development, label operations, programs, and events, by fostering impactful partnerships across various levels of the industry and across multiple sectors.

A dedicated contributor to the Canadian music ecosystem, Annalie has served for several years as a volunteer music advisory committee member of the Juno Awards and is currently the Co-Chair of the Rap Advisory Committee.  She is also a dedicated mentor and advisor for numerous non-profit arts organizations across Canada. Annalie is excited to contribute her expertise and passion to OMIC's mission of fostering a vibrant and inclusive music industry in Ottawa.

Tara Shannon is a music industry multi-hyphenate who has built her life around educating, empowering and entertaining. Renowned for her insightful and empowering speeches, Tara has been invited as a guest speaker at prestigious events including Artpreneur, Impact Entrepreneur Summit, and the globally recognized G20 Summit. Her experience and insight shared at these forums have inspired many aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.

​Tara is the co-founder and the dynamic force behind a group of companies spanning different industries which includes her artist-centric record label, Willow Sound Records & education-focused incubator, The (Gro)ve. She leverages her distinctive experiences in founding and managing businesses to equip music creators with the necessary tools to navigate today’s music industry.  

As an author and sought-after life coach for music makers, Tara guides the next generation of musicians to transform into successful entrepreneurs in the ever-evolving landscape of the music business - emphasizing that to be successful in the business of music, you first need to be successful in the business of YOU. ​Tara is also a seasoned recording artist and songwriter with a career spanning over three decades. She is currently working on her next studio album with Nashville producer and industry visionary Jim Ed Norman. She currently sits on the board as Vice-President of the North East Regional Folk Alliance.

Jessy Lindsay is a Franco-Ontarian singer-songwriter, composer and project coordinator born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. She made the most of every opportunity presented to her as a young artist, paving her path in the music industry. Being a true indie artist at heart, Jessy enjoys all aspects of the profession, from playing shows to project management. Her recent EP “Plus pareil", her debut EP: “J’explose” (2022) as well as the rest of her singles are available on all streaming platforms. Jessy's groovy music and refreshing stage presence inspire audiences to dance freely to the beat of their own hearts.

Since completing a bachelor of music at the University of Ottawa in April 2023, Jessy is contributing to the local music community that shaped her into the artist she is today though project coordination, stage management, sound design, workshops in schools and her own music career.

As a seasoned events management professional with over 12 years of expertise, Amanda Ruddy has built a distinguished career creating impactful and memorable experiences. The Owner and Lead Planner of Amanda Julia Events since 2019, Amanda specializes in crafting unique events—from corporate functions and weddings to large-scale festivals and fundraising initiatives. Her work has earned her the trust of renowned organizations such as Actua, Canada’s Walk of Fame, the National Arts Centre Foundation, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, and Start Up Canada.

Amanda’s career highlights include managing the 105th and 108th Grey Cup Festivals, where she oversaw complex logistics, strategic partnerships, and high-impact programming. Her innovative approach and attention to detail ensure every event exceeds expectations.
Her passion for collaboration, creative problem-solving, and community engagement drives her dedication to fostering meaningful connections through her work.

Amanda holds a master’s degree in Communication from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Bishop’s University. When she’s not planning events, Amanda enjoys supporting Ottawa’s vibrant arts and culture scene and contributing to its growth as a creative hub.

David Leclerc, known as Quest, is a driving force in Ottawa/Gatineau’s hip-hop scene, combining his talents as a composer, producer, director, and sound engineer with over 20 years of experience. As the founder of Dreamland, a production company dedicated to showcasing local talent, he plays a key role in supporting and promoting emerging artists. His deep commitment to the community is evident in his organization of events like the Cultivé Ici music festival, which brings people together through music and culture.

Quest’s contributions have earned him multiple accolades, including nominations at the CRANIUM gala for the Foundation and Community Builder awards in 2022 and 2023. He also received recognition at GAMIQ 2023 for his work on TERRITOIREDELOURS with D-Track. Beyond music, Quest has directed over 100 music videos and led projects like the SND*TRK exhibition at the Ottawa Art Gallery, cementing his influence in the region’s artistic landscape. His deep commitment to the community and broad expertise make him a vital figure in the region’s cultural landscape.

Delsie is a University of Ottawa graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science. Having spent 10 years growing up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Delsie moved to Ottawa in 2021 and quickly fell in love with the city’s vibrant arts community.
Now as an Administrative Assistant with the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, Delsie is thrilled to contribute to creating a thriving, sustainable music industry in Ottawa. A francophone and lover of jazz, she is passionate about supporting the local arts scene and celebrates the intersections of music and visual art. Though not a musician herself, Delsie’s background in science and her deep appreciation for creative expression bring a unique and diverse perspective to OMIC’s team.