CBG Artist Development

Chris Burke-Gaffney is an acclaimed Canadian songwriter, musician, producer and artist manager. Chris oversees the daily operations of CBG Artist Development, which consists of: CBG Artist Development / CBG Studios / CBG Recording / songs4media.com.

Chris started his career as singer/bassist for The Pumps (Polygram). He signed his first record deal as a teenager and toured the country with the likes of Triumph, Guns & Roses and AC/DC. While in his 20’s Chris wrote his 1st top 10 single. The group was Orphan (CBS) and the song “Miracle” is still a staple on classic rock radio across Canada. It was during this period that Chris learned the “ins and outs” of touring and making records.

In 1996 he formed CBG Artist Development (CBG) to manage and develop singer/songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk and co-wrote her triple platinum "Under These Rocks and Stones". Chris has written and produced literally hundreds of songs and has helped artists in developing material including McMaster & James, Kyle Riabko, Sierra Noble and The Keats. Chris’ songs/productions have been recognized by far too many awards to mention. His recent co-write for Jetty Road stayed at #1 in Australia for 3 weeks. Many of his songs have also been used for movies and television including Chicago Hope, Felicity, Malcolm in the Middle, Degrassi, Real World and Providence.

Chris’ behind the scenes work earned him "Manager of the Year" at the 2000, 2001 and 2002 PMA Awards and at the WCMA Awards in 2005. Chris is currently a Director on The Songwriters Association of Canada Board.

Dylan Thomas Hermiston grew up to be a teenager who played in rock and roll bands. A drummer by trade, he always felt it necessary to pursue music.

After cutting his teeth on the Canadian music scene for a few years, touring with everything from Metal to Country, it was Producer/Manager/Writer Chris Burke-Gaffney (CBG) who was truly instrumental in helping Dylan realize his potential. He hired him on at his management company, CBG Artist Development, and let him loose to drum with and tour manage acts like McMaster & James and Kyle Riabko.

He loved the life and the life loved him, allowing him the joy of working with such great recording artists as The DeadBeat Honeymooners (Sony), Chantal Kreviazuk (Sony), Remy Shand (Motown) Perfect Day (Isba/SonyBMG), Kenny Shields and Streetheart (Atlantic), Ryan Malcolm (SonyBMG), McMaster & James (BMG) and Kyle Riabko (Aware/Columbia).

He has also been privileged to have traveled the world with different projects-most notably to Africa, Japan and Australia. Since then, he has been allowed another joy, a fantastic dream, built inside a 1800 sq. foot building and nestled deep in the bosom of St. Vital - A recording studio with heart, known as VROOM!! Studios.

In true renaissance spirit, Dylan has created both a design company, Grey Matter Design Solutions, to help facilitate some of CBG Artist Development's graphic design needs, and a fledgling record label, Vatikan Records (with co-founder Chris Burke-Gaffney) to help promote and distribute artists they believe in.

Dylan's roll as artist manager, drummer, engineer and producer have all seem to come together beautifully, as he now sits comfortably in his mid thirties, remarking softly to himself "…what next my good friend, what next…?"

From CBG Artist Development, the same incubator that has nurtured some of the planet's most prolific songwriters, producers and artists - including Chantal Kreviazuk, Luke McMaster and Chris Burke-Gaffney, comes Arun Chaturvedi.

Some may remember Arun as the front man for Canadian modern rock group "Driver", who performed the 2005 radio hit "She Laughed at Me". Since that time, you'd likely find the multi-instrumentalist behind the mixing console as the "go – to" record producer/songwriter for a host of up and coming artists including 2011 Juno Nominee Little Hawk, James Struthers, Don Amero and many more. Arun also co-manages emerging artist, singer/songwriter James Struthers with Glen Willows of Burning Circus Management (Inward Eye, Ash Koley).

In 2010 Arun released his first solo recording, a beautiful collection of sparse, piano based songs. Two tracks from this record were featured in the popular reality series "Keeping Up With The Kardashians", and since then Arun has become a regular contributor of music to the series.

Arun won "Producer of The Year" at the 2011 Western Canadian Music Awards, and his songs and productions have been used in feature films and television shows, including Being Erica, Degrassi, Pretty Little Liars, Casino Jack (staring Kevin Spacey) and more.

Keith MacPherson has been involved in Canadian music over the past fifteen years as an artist, singer/songwriter and musical producer. He currently performs with Canadian duo, Keith and Renee. You may also remember him from his appearances on Season 4 of Canadian Idol in 2006, or know him from his his humanitarian work with Canadian NGO, Free The Children.

In the media, Keith can be heard singing the theme song to popular Treehouse Television program "This Is Emily Yeung," and has had his music placed in a number of popular television shows, including One Tree Hill, Life Unexpected, Canadian Idol, and Degrassi.

Keith's achievements include a Juno Award nomination for his work on the "This Is Daniel Cook" album, and numerous Western Canadian Music Award nominations. Keith wrote the Jetty Road smash-hit "Serves You Right" (#1 on Country Radio in Australia) with Chris Burke-Gaffney and Jetty Road.

"Makes it happen", "The Hurricane", "Never say never" are just some of the descriptions and nicknames used by those that have worked with Janice Starodub, witnessing "this girl in action" and her accomplishments in a very short period of time.

Through NSAI and Nashville's Marc- Alan Barnette, a long time industry pro, she honed her skills as a songwriter and developed a strong understanding of the workings of the music industry, which led to her writing with several Nashville artists and writers. Janice has taken what she has learned in Nashville and is applying it to her home area of Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba, attracting to her a large group of local writers and artists.

Over the past year, through what Barnette calls a natural instinct for the music business, Janice is not only writing with local artists and writers, she is developing artists, assisting with management, and producing shows. Whether it be on her own, or in conjunction with music organizations such as Manitoba Country Music Association, Janice is providing educational, networking, and performance resources and opportunities for those in Manitoba.

All of this has captured the attention of Chris Burke Gaffney, who sees her value and as someone who can "get things done."