Guest Lecture: Al Mair

Veteran Canadian music industry executive Al Mair visited Metalworks Institute in mid-April to offer a guest lecture to students in RJ Guha’s Artist Management course.

Mr. Mair’s history in the Canadian music industry dates back nearly four decades, and has involved virtually every aspect of the music business. In addition to being a licensed booking agent and concert promoter, Mair worked in sales and promotion at Capitol/EMI and Universal Music Canada (where he was Vice-President of promotion). Mair also served a stint as the personal manager for Canadian music legend Gordon Lightfoot, before going on to found the Attic Music Group, an independent label that released recordings from a lengthy list of Canadian and international artists, including Triumph, Teenage Head, Lee Aaron, The Nylons, Maestro Fresh Wes, Weird Al Yankovic, Jennifer Warnes, Creed, and Run DMC.

In addition to his considerable experience with Attic Records, Mair’s resume also features a lengthy list of credits with prominent music industry organizations. Mair is the former VP and treasurer for SOCAN, the co-founder and former president of the CMRRA, and former president of the Canadian Music Publishers Association. He also served as a director with both FACTOR and the Radio Starmaker Fund, and is co-founder of the Canadian Independent Record Production Association, and co-founder of the National Aboriginal Music Association.

Mr. Mair spoke to RJ Guha’s class about his experiences managing Gordon Lightfoot and other artists, his past work at both major and independent labels, and his experience in booking and promoting live concerts.

We thank Mr. Mair for offering his time to our students, and hope to welcome him back soon.