Gavin Sheppard

Gavin Sheppard is a multifaceted cultural entrepreneur and innovator in the music and creative industries. He is the founder of Public Records Inc., a Toronto-based record label focused on rap, soul, and R&B.15

Professional Ventures

Public Records Inc.: Sheppard founded Public Records Inc. to build upon his fifteen years of experience in incubating talent and providing platforms for music in Toronto.3 The label has recently partnered with Cadence Music Group, a move that could potentially be game-changing for the rap, soul, and R&B genres.5

Other Ventures: In addition to Public Records Inc., Sheppard is:

• Co-founder of Quiet As Kept, a talent management company and culture-based agency2
• Co-founder of The Remix Project, an organization created in 2006 to help level the playing field for young people from disadvantaged, marginalized, and under-served communities1
• Creator, producer, and writer of a web series called "Welcome to Rawluck"1

Recognition and Affiliations

Sheppard's innovative work has earned him recognition in various spheres:

• TED Fellow
• Fellow at the Laboratorio Para La Ciudad in Mexico City
• Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellow at Yale University1

Philosophy and Impact

Gavin Sheppard is known for using art and music as tools for youth inclusion and economic growth. His work with The Remix Project has been internationally replicated, and he has been instrumental in creating a hemispheric network of youth arts organizations to promote best practices.1

Sheppard's approach to the music industry is rooted in his experience with urban infrastructure and community development, as evidenced by his work in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood.4