About Us

Casablanca is the largest independent music publisher in Canada. We provide both domestic and foreign music publishing administration services to copyright owners around the globe.

In addition to our hands-on knowledge of the music publishing industry, our relationships with film/television producers, record companies and advertising agencies gives us an added advantage in soliciting licenses for your catalogue.

Casablanca has a complete team of personnel to support, administer and exploit all of your music publishing copyrights.

Edmund Glinert, President, B.A., LL.B., has specialized in the areas of entertainment, media and communications law for over 25 years. During that time he specialized in the representation of international music publishing, recording and film/television companies and was involved in the acquisition and sale of a number of such entities. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he founded, owned and operated Frederick Lewis Artist Placement Bureau, one of Canada’s largest theatrical agencies from 1967 through 1971. From 1977 through 1982, he was also a co-owner of National Variety Promotions (“NVP”) one of Canada’s largest adult contemporary concert promoters which presented such acts as Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Don Rickles and Steve Lawrence as well as produced the stage play, Pirates of Penzance starring Barry Bostwick and Andy Gibb at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. In 1990, he co-founded The Children’s Group, owner of the hit series “Classical Kids” which has been one of the most successful series of children’s records in history. In 2001, he founded Casablanca Media Acquisitions Inc., along with Jennifer Mitchell. Casablanca owns and operates several record/DVD labels including Trax Records, Casablanca Kids, Solid Gold Records, and Casablanca Media Television, as well as the largest independent music publisher in Canada, Casablanca Media Publishing Inc.

Jennifer Mitchell, Vice President, BComm., LL.B., was an associate at the law firm Gardiner, Roberts LLP and prior to that, Farano Green, where she specialized in entertainment, media and communications law. During her time in private practice, Jennifer represented numerous music publishers, songwriters, recording artists, record companies, distributors, and film and television production companies. Jennifer also assisted clients with respect to the acquisition, sale, financing and distribution of catalogues and intellectual property assets owned or controlled by them. In 2001, Jennifer co-founded Casablanca Media Acquisitions Inc. together with Edmund Glinert, and she has served as its Vice President since its inception. Jennifer is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of Casablanca and also acts as the company’s in-house general legal counsel.

Jana Cleland, Director of Music Publishing, has over 12 years of music publishing experience. Jana came from BMG Music Publishing where she worked in the copyright and royalty department before she became their Creative Manager. She promoted songs to Film, TV and media as well as pitched material to artists. For the past several years, Jana has been actively involved with the songwriter committee for the Juno Awards.

Katharine Perak, Senior Manager, Copyright Administration, brings over a decade of music industry experience and a lifetime of music enthusiasm to Casablanca Media Publishing. Katharine spent eight years at the Nettwerk Music Group, working in publishing, licensing, A&R administration, royalty accounting, and spaces in between. A move to Toronto led Katharine to Casablanca, where, as a Copyright Administration Senior Manager, she is happy to continue doing some of her favourite things: organizing catalogues, sorting out copyright details, maintaining smoothly running systems, and surrounding herself with music.

Amy Eligh, Creative, has always had an affinity towards music. She started playing piano at the tender age of 6 then moved on to the trombone at 17 and went on to graduate from Humber College’s prestigious music program. Amy then decided to learn about the technical and business side of the industry so she went to Fanshawe College’s renowned Music Industry Arts program where she fell in love with publishing. Amy joined us May 2005 and has proven herself to be an upbeat addition to our publishing team.

Jeniel Arrubio, Office Administration, joined Casablanca after several years at a fast-paced promotional company. She’s maintained the momentum she was famous for and provides exceptional support to Ed, Jennifer and Controller while keeping the Casablanca group of companies running smoothly. Jeniel (that’s pronounced: Jenelle) is a very cheery presence on the frontline at Casablanca.

Steve Payne, Publishing Coordinator, is a two time graduate of Fanshawe College, majoring in both Radio Broadcasting and Music Industry Arts. He may be a relatively new face in the music industry, but he is not without experience. Since moving to Toronto in 2005, Steve has built a strong background in the music business, focusing his time on licensing, publishing, editing, engineering and production. On the technical side of things, Steve also enjoys recording and producing fledgling bands as a freelance recording engineer.

Harry Rodriguez, Publishing Coordinator, decided to enter the music industry after realizing that music was not just his hobby, but his passion. He left behind his previous work as an instructor and joined Casablanca after completing an internship. He currently assists with publishing and creative duties and will happily greet you at the front door with his office mate, the iconic Humphrey Bogart. Harry also plays guitar and collaborates with other musicians in Toronto.

Amanda Hawkshaw, Publishing Coordinator. Music has always been in Amanda's life, she started playing piano at the age of 7, at 12 she took up the trombone and at 16 she dabbled with the violin. Always a part of school bands, no one was surprised she decided to enroll in Music Industry Arts at Fanshawe College in London Ontario after she graduated from the University of Guelph with a BA in History. She joined the Casablanca team as an intern for the summer of 2007. In May 2008 she returned to us as a Publishing Coordinator.