604 Records Inc.
- Contest: WIM Canada With Honours - 2026
- Nominator Full Name: Julia Amodeo
- Are you (nominator) a member of WIM Canada? : Yes
- Nominee first name : Kesi
- Nominee last name : Smyth
- Nominees Gender Identity?: Cis-Woman
- Nominee pronouns : She/Her
- Nominee Email : kesi@604records.com
- Nominee City: Vancouver
- Province / Territory: Ontario
- Is the NOMINEE a racialized person (Indigenous, Black, or Person of Colour)?: Black
- Categorie(s): Career Achievement
- Audio Track Links - Excellence in Sound Production submission: N/A
- Submission Type: Written
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Written Submission - What makes this person / company a great fit?:
Kesi Smyth is a transformative leader, mentor, and a powerful advocate for the Canadian independent music industry, making her an exceptional fit for the Change Maker of the Year Award. With over 20 years at 604 Records, she has risen from intern to General Manager, and over the past year she has continued to drive strategic growth and innovation, guiding the team toward ambitious goals while fostering a culture of inclusivity, empowerment, and professional excellence. Her leadership contributes directly to the overall success of 604 Records and strengthens its position as a leading independent label in Canada.
Kesi actively supports artists and staff to achieve their full potential, providing mentorship, guidance, and strategic vision that consistently delivers results. She serves on the boards of the Canada Independent Music Association (CIMA), Creative BC, and FACTOR Canada, shaping initiatives that strengthen the independent music ecosystem and create opportunities for the next generation of professionals.
Kesi has been instrumental in shaping artist careers, including her close work on Carly Rae Jepsen’s breakout success, helping guide her rise to international recognition, and has supported the long-term success of artists such as Marianas Trench, ensuring they have the mentorship and infrastructure to thrive. Through these efforts, she demonstrates a rare combination of visionary leadership and hands-on artist development, making a lasting impact on both the label and the Canadian independent music community.
Her achievements over the past year, combined with her long-standing contributions to artist development, mentorship, and advocacy, exemplify the Change Maker criteria, making her a standout nominee whose leadership is shaping the future of Canadian music. - Written Submission - How do you know the person / company: I have worked at 604 Records for over two years and report directly to Kesi Smyth, who personally hired me. She has been an extraordinary mentor and advocate, inspiring me in a way I have never experienced before in my career as a young woman in the music industry.
- Written Submission - How would this Honour benefit the nominee?: Receiving this Honour would recognize Kesi Smyth’s decades of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, shining a spotlight on her transformative contributions to 604 Records and the Canadian independent music industry. It would amplify her influence, allowing her to further champion equity, support emerging talent, and inspire the next generation of women and gender-diverse professionals. For 604 Records, this recognition would highlight the label’s commitment to artist development, inclusive leadership, and industry innovation, reinforcing its reputation as a leading force in Canadian music.
