Meet the two women partially responsible for the next wave of women music executives in Toronto: Yvette Angela and Deneita Evans
From what I understand UNCDTNL Collective are women of colour executives mentoring women of colour?
UNCDTNL Collective is a company that specializes in project management that support underrepresented individuals and groups. It is this specific program where we’ve created a mentorship component.
At what point did you decide to connect and collaborate?
We met in 2017 during our volunteer run at Yonge-Dundas, where we were handing out flyers for that years’ Manifesto. We just clicked and from working with each other and learning about our love for music, putting on shows, and what we felt was missing from Toronto at that time. We started talking and a little bit later, UNCDTNL was on its way.
What are some of the things about hip hop and R&B that becomes a little more challenging (aside from event production and talent buying.)
Curating hip hop and r&b shows in spaces where they aren’t welcome. Toronto loves the aesthetic of hip hop but doesn’t want live performers. It’s challenging to find the space where we are not only welcomed but embraced, not policed.
For Yvette and Denieta: What makes a great event from start to finish
D: I’d say the most difficult thing about planning an event would be keeping organization the whole way through, to make sure we’re not skipping a beat and we’re covering all our bases. Especially when it’s a decent sized group taking on a huge event. Also, being prepared when things randomly change and you now have to quickly find solutions.
Y: For me, it’s the lack of resources. Sometimes we will have a vision and it might be hard or close to possible to execute. So we either need to find/create the sources. We usually work with what we got until we can get what need and want. But it’s a huge hurdle to overcome, but we always do and we end up with more than we hoped.
What do both of you feel about carving your own path vs. following the industry standard? (What are some of the things that you feel have to be followed or blazed “blazing your own path”-Explain front and back of house?
We believe every path is different, we don’t think there is any industry standard. There’s space for everyone, you just need the passion and persistence to get there. The only thing in common with us, our mentors, mentees, colleagues is that we are all went for what we wanted. Sometimes that means volunteering internships, attending networking events – just putting yourself out there, working hard and you’ll see the fruits of your labour.
What you want to say to the next gen music entertainment women of colour executives in Canada?
Persistence, patience and passion is all you need. Sometimes it seems as though your goal will never get accomplished but it’s not true – it’s coming. But it only happens with hard work, be the best worker at every job that you do. Research and know your craft, and always be open to learning more.
What kind of events do you want to create in the future? Any company,client,group,biz,artists?
We are working on another volume of our show ‘Sunshine’, we plan on making some changes and doing it even better than our first one. We are planning on getting involved with more festivals in the country (such as Pop Montreal, VELD or NXNE) and also we want to continue to provide resources to those who don’t know where to go. We also are going to delve into art, Deneita is a huge art fan so that is in the works – to represent local visual artists.
How can people stay up-to-date with UNCDTNL? INSTAGRAM: @uncdtnl
Show Info:
CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK: Ebhoni, Witch Prophet and Sydanie.
May 8th at The Baby G (1608 Dundas St West)
Doors Open at 8pm / Show Starts at 9pm.
Tickets are $12 Online and $15 at the Door.
Buy tickets: bit.ly/UNCDTNLCMW
From I <3 NY to TORONTO and Everything In Between..... 