Nate Sabine just took the helm at the Canadian Live Music Association, a pivotal role amidst a shifting industry. His extensive background could reshape the future of live music in Canada.
The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) has officially appointed Nate Sabine as its new chair. With over 20 years entrenched in Vancouver’s vibrant entertainment scene, Sabine has a wealth of experience, having self-produced club nights and rap concerts, while also managing local hip-hop artists during the late 90s and early 2000s. He currently serves as the director of business development at Blueprint, one of the largest independent live concert and festival companies on the west coast.
Since joining Blueprint in 2012, Sabine has made significant contributions to the community, notably co-founding the Mental Wealth seminar series. These seminars, which are free and interactive, focus on promoting positive mental health awareness in the music industry. According to a Revelios survey conducted in 2025, an overwhelming 94% of participants recognized mental health as a pressing issue within the sector.
In addition to his role at Blueprint, Sabine has served on the board of ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Collective, and was the president of Music B.C. from 2021 to 2024. During his tenure, he supported grassroots organizations that aim to enhance diversity and elevate local talent.
In his new role at CLMA, Sabine aims to unite artists and audiences while fostering a flourishing live music environment that serves the country as a whole. Commenting on the state of the industry, he noted, “Canada’s live music industry is at a critical inflection point. While stable, predictable funding is critically important, the sector’s ability to thrive depends on a balanced combination of supportive policies, strategic investment and a strong ecosystem.”
He emphasized that artists, companies, and venues possess the talent and motivation to advance, provided they have the right structures and partnerships in place. Sabine’s enthusiasm for live music is evident, as he states, “Live music is not only a powerful economic driver; it is a cornerstone of Canada’s creative ecosystem and cultural identity.”
Erin Benjamin, president & CEO of the CLMA, has expressed confidence in Sabine’s leadership abilities. She acknowledged that while many exceptional industry leaders exist, Sabine’s vision and impact on the sector are uniquely valuable. She remarked, “From grassroots artist development to large-scale touring and festivals, he understands how every part of the live music ecosystem connects — and how strong leadership can lift the entire industry.”
Sabine steps into his new position at a pivotal time for the Canadian live music sector. The CLMA released its first Hear & Now report last year, which highlighted the substantial economic contributions of live music. However, it also shed light on the financial pressures faced by the industry, including venue closures and the challenges that various Canadian music festivals have encountered.
Recently, Sabine publicly supported the renewal of the Canada Music Fund, which will allocate $48 million over the next three years to various nationwide music organizations, funds, and initiatives. This funding could prove vital for the continued growth and sustainability of live music in Canada.