Music Programmer

The Drake; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural venue in Toronto is seeking a dynamic Music Programmer who will orchestrate performances across various venues, ensuring each space embodies a unique artistic experience. This role requires a balance between strong financial management and a passion for the music industry, ideal for someone deeply rooted in the music scene and skilled at curating unforgettable musical experiences.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Employee discounts

Training and development support

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience in music programming.
• Strong business acumen with proven revenue strategies.
• Deep understanding of the current musical landscape.

Responsibilities

• Curate musical programs that drive revenue and enhance guest experiences.
• Negotiate contracts and manage talent bookings effectively.
• Work collaboratively with various departments for events.

Skills

Business Acumen

Contract Negotiation

Networking

Curatorial Skills

Event Management

Job description

The Drake Hotel , Toronto’s iconic cultural hub, is on the hunt for a Music Programmer — someone with vision, hustle, and deep roots in the music + arts community. You’ll be the force behind our live music and cultural programming, orchestrating the musical journey across all Drake venues, infusing each space with a unique artistic experience – from the diverse performances of the Drake Underground to the ongoing musical curation of our iconic Drake Hotel Lounge.

Who We Are :

Hailed as one of the best performance art venues in Toronto, the Drake has a reputation for hosting legendary shows and parties, and presenting emerging, local and international DJs and musicians of every genre. We are dedicated to growing our platform to celebrate and amplify the voices of artists and performers while encouraging dialogue, learning and inclusivity. We will continuously revisit and learn what it means to be a safe space for programming, one that includes representation from women, the LGBTQ2+ community, and people of colour.

The Music Programmer will orchestrate the musical journey across all Drake venues, infusing each space with a unique artistic experience - from the diverse performances of the Drake Underground to the ongoing musical curation of our iconic Drake Hotel Lounge. All programming created by the programmer during their tenure with the Drake is property of the Drake.

The Individual

A bona-fide talent seeker, connector, curator and tastemaker, the ideal candidate has worked with top promoters, concert production companies, and record labels and is a longstanding ambassador of the local music scene, possessing a deep understanding of the current musical landscape and the foresight to anticipate emerging trends.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong business acumen, with the ability to balance the financial and operational aspects of programming. This includes strategies to drive top-line revenue, effectively manage expenses such as AV and artist fees, and negotiate contracts with precision and professionalism. They understand what drives crowds, how to build audiences, and have their finger firmly on the pulse of the local + national music scene.

This role requires someone who can seamlessly integrating music and hospitality, aligning programming initiatives with the overall vision and ensuring they contribute meaningfully to business objectives. You’ll curate unforgettable moments that make the Drake a creative destination around the clock.

The Role Will Entail :

• Curating diverse and dynamic musical programs that complement the unique atmosphere of each venue and drive revenue.
• Collaborating with artists, DJs, and performers to bring live music experiences to our guests.
• Leveraging industry contacts to foster partnerships and collaborations that enhance the Drake’s musical offerings.
• Serving as the ambassador of the Drake’s musical identity, both within the city and on the global stage

Responsibilities

• Achieve budgeted venue revenue targets and manage expenses including talent bookings + payments and negotiating 3rd party agreements
• Identify, negotiate, bring talent forward for the Drake Hotel— from laid-back afternoon sessions in the Drake Lounge and high-energy live music in the Drake Underground, to late-night dance parties, DJ sets, and Drake Marquee events, and any other programming opportunities that are identified by the General Manager.
• Work with our third party booking partners (Live Nation, Embrace etc.) to ensure that the Drake Underground early show calendar is effectively managed + booked 7 / nights week
• Ensure that all agreements and signed contracts with Drake Hotel hired talent are adhered to and executed as stipulated in said contract
• Work effectively with other departments to ensure that all stakeholders demands are considered (Food + Beverage, Hotel)
• Attend weekly Programming meetings with GM + Programming Assistant and bi-monthly Programming meeting
• Work with the Programming Coordinator to effectively communicate all Drake Hotel venue programming internally by ensuring that our internal booking systems are up to date with all information, as well as briefs sent to the internal teams
• Work with the Drake Hotel Marketing team to ensure we have both internal and external marketing plans and initiatives for all scheduled and booked events, and that all marketing adheres to Drake brand guidelines as set out by the Marketing team
• Be onsite for marquee + programming events to ensure that they are executed seamlessly
• Work with the Programming Coordinator to manage the booking calendar for early shows, conduct venue tours, coordinate show advancements, and be the onsite liaison for shows
• Work with the Programming Coordinator to gather promotional assets and ensure that website listings are up to date (internal and external), and that the Drake Underground Instagram is being effectively managed
• Collaborate with other members of our Programming and F+B Operations team to ensure the venue is run in a well organized, professional, and profitable manner
• Closely work with the Corporate Marketing team to ensure the success of our programming initiatives
• Work in tandem with Programming Coordinator and the Special Events team to ensure that Drake programming + special event mandates are equitably managed

Requirements

• 5+ years of related experience
• Strong business acumen
• Competent in balancing the financial and operational aspects of programming
• Experience with driving strategies to increase top-line revenue, effectively managing expenses such as AV and artist fee.
• Proven ability to negotiate contracts with precision and professionalism
• A visionary leader with a profound passion for music, a well-established network within the industry, and a strong reputation among their peers
• A longstanding ambassador of the local music scene with a deep understanding of the current musical landscape with the foresight to anticipate emerging trends
• Adaptable toward the evolving brand mandate, aligning programming initiatives with our overall vision
• Committed to advancing The Drake brand
• Embodies the spirit of The Drake, seamlessly integrating music and hospitality to craft unforgettable guest experiences
• Guest-centric mentality, with all programming catering to enhancing the overall experience of the Drake Hotel’s guests, maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation

We pride ourselves in providing strong leadership and development opportunities for passionate hospitality professionals who are looking to build rewarding, long-term careers. Drake offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, employee discounts, training + development support and many other unique perks as a part of joining the Drake team.

The Drake is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a positive, supportive, and creative environment at Drake Hotel Properties that promotes equity, inclusiveness and diversity. We welcome job applications from candidates of all backgrounds including, but not limited to, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour); refugees, newcomers and immigrant persons; two-spirit, LGBT2Q+ and gender non-binary persons, and persons with disabilities. Please advise us of any accommodations needed to ensure you can access and complete the submissions process.