Music is life

Growing up in Cornwall, Andy Glydon has been a music fan for as long as they can remember. “I dabbled in playing guitar over the years, but my passion is really in listening to music and producing live shows.” As a youth, Andy often attended the DIY all-ages shows and their love of music has only grown since then. “It has been incredible to see the evolution of the live music scene in PEI and to see a continuation of the all-ages shows. It is so important to have spaces for young people to explore their musical interests, and we have so many gifted musicians of all ages on the Island.”

People often talk about the disproportionally high number of artists and musicians on our little Island, joking that there must be something in the water. “So many of us grow up with kitchen parties and all-ages shows, so it becomes engrained in us. Music is generationally in many of our families, embedded in the DNA of so many Islanders.”

A curious and inquisitive person, Andy studied sociology and anthropology at Concordia University in Montreal. “I was interested in learning more about how people, cultures, and society operate.” Throughout their studies and in their post-university jobs at various not-for-profit organizations, Andy knew that they wanted to follow their heart into a job that they were passionate about. “Through those experiences, I learned how I wanted to move through the world.” Along with learning how they are positioned individually, Andy was and is fascinated by people and how we work together. 

Andy started their first role at Music PEI with a short contract through Skills PEI five years ago. “The landscape of music, particularly live shows, changed significantly during the pandemic, and those changes are still occurring now.” It didn’t take long for them to find their footing and see a path forward at Music PEI. “My love for music and aptitude for systems-level thinking and planning came together in a beautiful way.” In 2022, they became the Programs Manager, and now they will officially take on the position of Executive Director later in March. “There are too many highlights to count when it comes to the exciting things I’ve been part of during my time at Music PEI and I’m eager to see how we will continue growing into the future.”

In their upcoming first year as Executive Director of Music PEI, Andy has a full plate with many exciting and impressive activities. Along with the showcases, awards events, and live shows, Andy has been accepted into the Keychange program, a global network committed to gender equality in the music industry by restructuring leadership. “It is such perfect timing to get this opportunity in my first year as Executive Director so that I can continue enhancing my leadership skills in ways that feels aligned with who I am.” Keychange is a highly competitive program that only accepts only a few folks from Canada. “I will have the opportunity to travel, learn from others, and continue breaking barriers for underrepresented voices in the music industry.”

Along with the robust leadership program at Keychange, Andy will also be overseeing the programming related to Music PEI’s 25th anniversary this year. “There are so many amazing events and Music PEI Week is always such a highlight because we get to showcase so many incredible local musicians at events and venues across the Island.”

When Andy moved back to PEI after university, they didn’t necessarily think it was a permanent move. “Now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I have built a life here with my partner and I have the job of my dreams.”

Along with their paid work, Andy has been an integral part of the development of several local queer and trans not-for-profit organizations. Over the years, they have been a board member for PEERS Alliance, PEI Transgender Network, and PRIDE PEI. “It has been important to me to give back to the organizations that support the communities of which I am a part.” Andy is currently a board member at Creative PEI as a music representative.

Andy shared stories of some of the folks they have worked with who have been paired with other musicians and/or mentors. “Some people just click and they continue working and creating together long after the official program is over.” Whether in their job, volunteer work, or in their personal life, Andy brings people together over shared interests and intentions. “One of the greatest feelings is getting to see the seeds of small connections blossom and bloom into long term relationships.”