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Justin West

Music Entrepreneur

Justin West is a prominent figure in the Canadian independent music scene, serving as the President and CEO of Secret City Records Inc., a label he co-founded in 2006. Born and raised in Montréal, he was influenced by his father, Jim West, who founded the jazz label Justin Time Records. This early exposure to the music industry shaped Justin's career path, leading him to pursue a degree in accounting at McGill University, which he completed with honors in 2004.13

After a brief tenure as an auditor at Ernst & Young, Justin returned to the music industry. His pivotal moment came when he reconnected with former high school friend Patrick Watson, whose need for a record label inspired Justin to establish Secret City Records. The label has since grown significantly, supporting a diverse roster of artists including Alexandra Stréliski, Basia Bulat, and The Barr Brothers.12 Under West's leadership, Secret City has become known for its commitment to artistic integrity and its holistic approach to artist development, emphasizing control over both recording and publishing rights.14

In addition to his role at Secret City Records, West is actively involved in the broader music community. He serves as Vice-Chair of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) and holds positions on various boards, including MERLIN and Soproq. He has also contributed to initiatives aimed at enhancing the export of Canadian content in the digital age.13

West's vision for the independent music ecosystem focuses on sustainability and diversity, advocating for innovative approaches to help artists navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing industry landscape.14

Highlights

Dec 5 · cmrra.ca
Montréal's Justin West and the rise of Secret City Records - CMRRA
Montréal's Justin West and the rise of Secret City Records - CMRRA
Aug 10 · resound.ca
Interview with Justin West of Secret City Records and ... - Re:Sound
Interview with Justin West of Secret City Records and ... - Re:Sound
Oct 6 · en.wikipedia.org
Secret City Records - Wikipedia

Related Questions

What inspired Justin West to start Secret City Records?
How did Justin West's upbringing in Montréal influence his career in music?
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What role does Justin West's accounting background play in his approach to managing Secret City Records?
Justin West
Justin West, photo 1
Justin West, photo 2
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Location

Montreal, Quebec, Canada