Renowned SiriusXM Canada Radio Host, Media Personality and former Comedian Allison Dore to launch female-‐centric comedy record label Howl & Roar Records aimed at empowering artists this September 19th with an official launch party and show at Bad Dog Theatre
On September 19th, renowned radio host, media personality and former comedian Allison Dore will be launching Howl & Roar Records – a female-centric comedy record label aimed at empowering artists and facilitating the creation of content for women and underrepresented performers in comedy.
The official launch will coincide with a party and an album taping show taking place at Bad Dog Theatre (875 Bloor Street West) at 8:00 PM featuring a stellar line-‐up of celebrated female comedians including Michelle Shaughnessy, Aisha Brown and Kate Davis.
“I am so thrilled to finally be launching Howl & Roar Records.” says Allison Dore. “As a former comedian, I’ve seen some of the challenges my fellow colleagues have faced in the industry. Unfortunately, female comedians just aren’t recording at the same rate as men. I wanted to create a space in the comedy community that women, and anyone who is underrepresented, can feel safe, inspired and excited to produce their content. I truly believe Howl & Roar Records can be that creative home for them.”
Based in Toronto, Howl & Roar Records was born out of a desire to make the comedy album world more reflective of the diversity in the industry. Headed by SiriusXM Canada Radio host, media personality and former comedian Allison Dore, Howl & Roar Records understands every artist has a unique perspective and works to amplify their voices in entertainment.
Coming up, audiences and fans of comedy can expect to see new albums released under Howl & Roar Records by Rebecca Reeds, Kyle Brownrigg, and slam-‐poetry duo, Hannan Younis and Bryn Pottie, among others. All albums and EPs will be available on audio streaming channels including iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher and InTune.
Born in Ottawa, Ontario Allison Dore started her career in the entertainment industry as an actor. It wasn’t until her older brother, renowned comedian Jon Dore, encouraged her to try stand-‐up that she got introduced to the world of comedy. After doing her first set in 2001, she never looked back. While performing stand-‐up, Allison met comedian Ward Anderson who gave her the idea of starting a podcast. Set up like talk radio, the Ward and Al Show was born. In six months, after completing 100 episodes, Ward and Allison approached SiriusXM Canada Radio and after many meetings were offered their own time slot on Canada Talks (Ch. 167). It was here where Allison found her true passion in interviewing people and sharing their stories. Currently, Allison hosts the new and popular SiriusXM Canada Radio show The Breakdown airing LIVE weekdays on Canada Talks (Ch. 167). She is also the host and curator of Allison Dore’s BroadCast on Canada Laughs (Ch. 168) celebrating women in comedy all over the world. The show airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM EST.
Allison is a highly coveted speaker and host and shares her story of battling mental illness and addiction in order to bring hope to those who are currently struggling.
Grateful for the many people who have helped her on her journey to success, Allison gives back to causes that are close to her heart including, Free Them, Dress for Success and the No Hair Selfie campaign benefiting the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.
We had a fantastic opportunity to interview Allison. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Allison! It is a pleasure to speak with you. We know you’re brimming with excitement over the release of your new record label HOWL & ROAR RECORDS! Thank you for granting the interview. What inspired you to start the label?
Thank you for having me! I program a weekly show on SiriusXM channel 168, Canada Laughs, called Allison Dore’s BroadCast. Basically, I am like a DJ but for comedy bits instead of songs, and the show celebrates women in comedy.
Doing that show made me realize that women just aren’t recording that much, and for a while, I just sat around being frustrated about it. Then I realized that I was in a unique position- with my years of experience in the comedy world combined with what I’ve learned and all the people I’ve met in the last few years doing radio- to make it easy for comics to record and get content out there.
The idea started very small, and as something, I would do very low-key, but it took on a life of its own and I realized to really do my best for comedians, I had to do it RIGHT. Which meant loud and big, instead of low-key.
This is a female-centric, comedy record label created to empower artists and facilitate the creation of content for women and underrepresented performers in comedy. Why was it important for you to create this business model?
I want to answer this question 100% positively but I’m answering during a week where the comedy community is once again at odds over Louis C.K., this time about his return, and so some frustration is creeping in for me. So why? Because the playing field is not even, and it is exhausting trying to explain that to people who don’t see it. Because bookers think too many women, or people of color, or LGBTQ+ people on a show makes it a “specialty” show, NOT JUST A SHOW. Because there are so few people in the industry actually SUPPORTING comedians.
There are so many whys, but the support aspect is huge for me. The comedy world is a tough one, and we all take some pride in the fact that we survive it, but it is often so frustrating because it feels like an uphill battle the whole way, with no one cheering you on. It wears people down. So, I want to be that cheerleader. I want to say “I see you! I see you grinding, and working, and I think you’re doing great!” It seems so small, but I believe it matters.
Will you take advantage of digital platforms?
Oh absolutely! Wherever you can stream or download, our albums will be there! They’ll also be available on our website.
In addition to starting the label, you’re also a SiriusXM Canada Radio host. What has the experience taught you?
OH, SO MUCH! It’s the job I never knew I always wanted. For three hours a day, I get to talk about entertainment, pop culture and current events and interview people from every walk of life, and I am constantly learning new things.
A few of the big ones:
- Value the team: No one makes it on their own, you WILL need help.
- There is always more to learn: if you think you’re “good enough” at what you do, you will stop evolving, and eventually, other people will surpass you. Stay curious and open.
- Listen: I thought I was a good listener before I started interviewing people. I was not. I am better now, but it is a constant work in progress. Active listening is actually pretty hard, and we tend to do it the least with the people we are closest to.
I could go on for hours! Instead, I’ll just say – My show is called The Breakdown, and you can hear it Monday-Friday, from 2-5pm ET, on channel 167 Canada Talks.
Do you have any artists lined-up?
Yes, we already have a bunch! The very first album is the amazing Kate Davis, and we are recording it live on September 19. Kate is one of the best headliners out there and I’m so honored to work with her, and she was immediately on board with being our first artist. We’re aiming to record one album a month for the foreseeable future and we’re already booked into 2019. All the info about our live shows, comedians, and albums is at www.howlandroarrecords.com
Will you be holding auditions?
Not auditions per se, but for comics, I’m not familiar with I will need to see them perform so we can figure out if we’re a good fit.
Are you accepting demos?
Absolutely! They are lots of great comedians across this country, and thanks to technology we don’t necessarily have to be in the same place to work together. If I can’t go see them live, they can send me a video. Comics can reach out through the website.
What do you hope to accomplish with the label?
Honestly, I just want to help comedians keep moving their careers forward. If I can make Howl and Roar a recognizable brand and use it to push the names of the amazing talent in this country, that’s a win. We don’t celebrate our artists in this country until they leave, and that’s tired and ridiculous. I’m so over the false humility we have about the arts in this country. We make great things, we have a ridiculous amount of home-grown talent, let’s own that and support it.
Are there any projects you would like to add that we haven’t mentioned?
I also have a podcast called Digging In that I love doing so much. It’s conversations with people about their personal philosophies, overcoming adversity, and sharing who they are. All the episodes are at www.diggingin.libsyn.com
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
NOTHING! I would lie around, and read books, and watch TV FOREVER.
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