Matt Maw, a pivotal figure in Indigenous music advocacy, has launched SUPERCONNECTED, a multi-faceted music company offering integrated label services, artist management, and cultural consulting. This new venture builds on his successes at Red Music Rising and aims to redefine artist support in the Canadian and global music industry.
In a significant development poised to reshape the landscape of artist support and Indigenous representation within the Canadian music industry and beyond, celebrated industry leader Matt Maw (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation) has officially announced the launch of his new music company, SUPERCONNECTED. This multi-faceted enterprise is set to offer an integrated suite of solutions, encompassing label services, artist management, and specialized music and cultural consulting, tailor-made for the evolving needs of contemporary artists. The announcement, as first reported by V13.net and initially by Billboard Canada, marks a pivotal moment in Maw's distinguished career, building on his lauded tenure at Red Music Rising where he championed numerous Indigenous talents to national and international acclaim. SUPERCONNECTED wasted no time in making its mark, celebrating its inception with the immediate release of "Fight My Body" by Calgary's rock outfit, Miesha and the Spanks, signifying its readiness to dive into the market with purposeful intent.
The establishment of SUPERCONNECTED is the culmination of years of dedicated work and strategic vision from Matt Maw, whose influence has been deeply felt within the Canadian music scene, particularly concerning Indigenous artists. Maw's journey to this new venture is anchored in his six-year leadership of Red Music Rising, where he assumed the helm in June 2020. During this period, he transformed the organization into a formidable independent label and management company, celebrated for its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to artist growth. As highlighted by V13.net, Maw's achievements at Red Music Rising were manifold and impactful. Among his most prominent successes was the monumental launch of Cree singer-songwriter Sebastian Gaskin’s debut album, LOVECHILD. This project not only achieved significant radio play but also secured a prestigious JUNO Award for "Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year" in 2025, cementing Gaskin's status and showcasing Maw's adeptness at nurturing and promoting talent. Gaskin himself attests to Maw’s profound impact, stating, "Matt and I have been in the trenches together for five years now. Debut album, double JUNO-nominated, won one. That’s what the work looks like when someone never lets the business swallow the music. He believed in this project before it had a name, and that belief shaped everything we built together." This testimony underscores Maw's philosophy of prioritizing the artist's vision and integrity, a principle expected to be central to SUPERCONNECTED's operations.
The transition from Red Music Rising to SUPERCONNECTED represents an expansion of Matt Maw's foundational principles and successful strategies, now under his direct and singular vision. His tenure at Red Music Rising was not merely about individual artist success; it was also characterized by a fervent advocacy for systemic change and heightened representation for Indigenous artists across the Canadian music landscape. Maw diligently built strong industry ties and actively engaged with key organizations such as the Music Managers Forum, BreakOut West, CARAS, MusiCounts, The Indigenous Music Office, and the SOCAN Foundation. These involvements signify his deep commitment to fostering an equitable and supportive environment for artists, particularly those from marginalized communities. Eric Lawrence, co-founder of Coalition Music, a long-term mentor and partner to Maw, enthusiastically endorsed the new venture, noting, "Partnering with Matt over the last six years has been our great privilege. SUPERCONNECTED will prove what Red Music Rising was hinting at. Matt has an incredible ability to discover, pull together and help artists." Lawrence’s observation, published in the V13.net article, highlights Maw's evolution from an early participant in Canada’s Music Incubator to a recognized industry leader. The new company is designed to expand upon the traditional offerings of music enterprises, seamlessly integrating label services, artist management, and critical music and cultural consulting. A crucial element of continuity and support for SUPERCONNECTED will come from Coalition Music, mirroring the mentorship and partnership that shaped Red Music Rising. This strong backing from an established industry player like Coalition Music provides a robust foundation for SUPERCONNECTED, enabling it to hit the ground running with significant resources and expertise behind it. Indeed, the immediate roster of SUPERCONNECTED reflects this momentum, already including Sebastian Gaskin (management), Boogey The Beat (management and label), Wolf Saga (management and label), and Miesha and the Spanks (label), signaling a vibrant start with a diverse array of talent.
The launch of SUPERCONNECTED under Matt Maw's leadership is more than just another company entering the crowded music industry; it represents a strategic evolution in how artist services are delivered, particularly for underrepresented communities. Maw's explicit ambition to "create a community where my clients and the music I love can grow and flourish, while simultaneously providing opportunities and pathways for artist discovery, amplification, collaboration, and further representation" speaks to a holistic approach often missing in traditional, siloed music businesses. This integrated model, encompassing management, label services, and cultural consulting, offers a significant advantage. By bringing these functions under one roof, SUPERCONNECTED can offer a more cohesive and artist-centric development pathway, eliminating the friction and miscommunications that often arise when artists navigate multiple external partners for different aspects of their career. Furthermore, Maw's proven track record of elevating Indigenous artists, exemplified by Sebastian Gaskin's JUNO win, sets a powerful precedent. In a global music industry still grappling with issues of diversity and equitable representation, SUPERCONNECTED positions itself as a crucial player in amplifying voices from historically marginalized communities. This focus is not merely altruistic; it is also sound business. The demand for authentic, diverse narratives and sounds continues to grow, as evidenced by the success of genre-crossing artists and the global appeal of varied musical styles mentioned in broader industry contexts, such as the diverse spring concert lineup noted by the Daily Bruin in an unrelated article’s discussion on rising acts like Yves. By actively seeking out and developing artists like Boogey The Beat and Wolf Saga, SUPERCONNECTED is tapping into rich, vibrant cultural expressions that resonate with increasingly diverse audiences. This strategic convergence of artist-first philosophy, integrated services, and a strong commitment to representation signals a potential paradigm shift, offering a blueprint for how modern music companies can foster sustainable careers while enriching the global cultural tapestry.
The initial roster of SUPERCONNECTED offers a clear glimpse into the company's artistic direction, encompassing both established talents and promising acts that align with Maw's vision of discovery and amplification. Sebastian Gaskin, a flagship artist under Maw's management from the Red Music Rising era, continues his partnership with SUPERCONNECTED. His journey from a debut album to a JUNO Award winner under Maw's guidance exemplifies the potential that SUPERCONNECTED aims to unlock for its artists. Joining Gaskin are Boogey The Beat and Wolf Saga, both receiving comprehensive management and label support, indicating a deep investment in their artistic and commercial development. The inclusion of Miesha and the Spanks for label services, with their new track "Fight My Body" serving as the company's inaugural release, further diversifies the genre palette, spanning from Indigenous contemporary and electronic sounds to rock. This curated initial lineup reflects Matt Maw's stated "deep desire to introduce someone, anyone, to their new favourite artist or band," as quoted in V13.net. It suggests an eclectic taste and a belief in the power of diverse musical expression to captivate audiences. Maw's experience extends beyond artist development into active advocacy, with his past work with organizations such as CARAS and The Indigenous Music Office reinforcing his commitment to shaping a more inclusive industry. The continued support and mentorship from Coalition Music also provide a critical layer of stability and industry acumen for SUPERCONNECTED, leveraging the collective experience of a seasoned music entity to navigate the complexities of the modern music business successfully. This partnership ensures that SUPERCONNECTED can focus on its core mission of artist empowerment while benefiting from established infrastructure and strategic guidance.
The launch of SUPERCONNECTED under Matt Maw’s leadership sets the stage for exciting developments within the independent music sector, particularly for Indigenous artists and those seeking a more integrated, artist-centric approach. Immediately, the industry will be watching closely to see the trajectory of SUPERCONNECTED's initial roster – Sebastian Gaskin, Boogey The Beat, Wolf Saga, and Miesha and the Spanks. Their successes, both critically and commercially, will serve as crucial indicators of the efficacy and impact of Maw’s unique model. The blend of label services, management, and cultural consulting under one roof suggests a streamlined, efficient, and deeply supportive environment for artists, potentially leading to more rapid development and broader reach for talent. We can anticipate SUPERCONNECTED strengthening its ties with the various industry organizations Maw has championed, further cementing its role as a key advocate for positive change and representation. The company's expansion beyond its initial roster will also be a point of interest, revealing its strategy for growth and the diversity of artists it aims to bring into its fold. Given Maw’s passion for introducing "new favourite artists," both Canadian audiences and the global music community should anticipate an influx of fresh, compelling sounds and narratives facilitated by SUPERCONNECTED. This new venture, poised to elevate artists and advocate for systemic change, could very well become a blueprint for sustainable success in an ever-evolving music landscape, promising opportunities not just for its artists, but for the industry at large to become more equitable and discovery-driven.
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