a hive mind
We're serious about Artistry.
That First Song is a collective of talented, credible people who are invested in providing Artists with a place to grow and thrive in. Curious about possibility and serious about artistry, we are an inspired and nurturing collective who live in the environment you are part of or are aspiring to be a part of. We bring to light what is in an Artist’s heart.
The importance of finding your team
Surrounding yourself with people who can see your vision and who believe in you and your artistry. Working with people who share your enthusiasm and drive. Finding people who instil in you a sense of well-being, wonder, and confidence and who inspire you to grow. People who are honest and who share with you a realistic way to go after what you want. People you trust in the process of creating so you can soak in the joy of creating. These are the pins on the map to having a successful and fulfilling experience on this road to making music.
we value
Meet the founder
Rosanne Baker Thornley, RBT
Steering That First Song is Rosanne Baker Thornley (RBT), who is based out of Toronto, Canada.
An internationally recognized, award-winning singer-songwriter and sought-after collaborator, Rosanne’s career is built on an extensive history of writing, recording, releasing, performing, touring, brand building and marketing. Her first album “Courage” (Sony) was released in 1993 and more recently in 2022 she released her sophomore album “Sorry I’m Late” (Independent).
In 2014 Rosanne said yes to years of industry requests to work with Artists and stepped in to collaborate with Artists in Canada, the USA, the UK and Asia. That First Song is her vision of creating a diverse community of talented songwriters, producers and resources made available to Artists at all stages of their careers. To providing a reputable and respected resource for Artists in all genres who are curious about possibility and who are looking to advance their artistry. And to creating an inspired space of songwriting comraderie for the unique and talented Artists who step into the room.
“I write because watching life builds cyclones in my heart and chest. Because writing pulls me to familiar and to what I get lost or found in. Because sometimes it's the only way for me to decipher what I feel or need to understand. Music is how I articulate what I see through eyes that are wide, deep, decerning, curious and passionate. Writing captures all the layers of me. And I love that I have that to have.”
rosanne's 'why'
It's Time You
Meet The Team
a mix of synergy & substance
Ben Pelchat
Producer & songwriter
About Ben
Dante Berardi
strategy consultant
about Dante
Jacky Levare
Producer & songwriter
about Jacky
Paul Milner
Producer
About paul
Jordan Circosta
strategy consultant
about Jordan
Will Schollar
Producer & Multi-instrumentalist
about will
Ben Pelchat
Producer & Songwriter
Ben is a Toronto-based recording artist, songwriter and producer who has collaborated and designed music with artists from all across the world, in many different musical capacities. Projects have included work with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Boy George, David Darling, Chris Hart, Tim Arnold.
"I got into music as a career because it has deeply moved me my entire life. I felt emotions that I absorbed from artists painting their sounds through the canvas of the speakers. What a medium music is - one that can simultaneously reveal one’s soul, make people dance, or inspire. I want to help create powerful emotions through music - make you feel something, whatever that looks like for you. In an age of endless “noise” I hope to create memorable disruption with every new piece I work on."
Ben's why:
Dante Berardi
Strategy consultant
Dante is a Toronto-based music consultant who cut his teeth touring globally, with music featured on radio and in Film/TV. He’s worked with artists from Rush and Chantal Kreviazuk to emerging talent, bringing experience in A&R, management, grant writing, and roles at both record labels and publishers.
"Music runs deep in my veins—it's not just a job, it's my calling. Raised in a family rooted in Canadian music history, with Bobby Curtola as my godfather and a legacy of radio and ECMA ties, I toured for 15 years before stepping behind the scenes to give back to the art that shaped me."
Dante's why:
Jacky Levare
Producer & Songwriter
Jacky Levare, a Toronto-based producer-songwriter, co-produced Walk Off The Earth’s 2022 Juno-winning Romeo Eats and singles with Scott Helman and Tenille Townes. He’s worked with artists like Kellie Loder, Namelle, and Siibii, landing multiple awards, regular radio rotation, and million streams across pop, folk, and indie genres.
"Songs offer artists the chance to lead with vulnerability, revealing their inner selves and inspiring others to do the same. This openness fosters deeper person-to-person connections, healthier communities, and ultimately, a better world. I feel grateful to be part of the artistic community, connecting on such a deep level through creativity, and the extraordinary and ordinary moments of everyday life. It’s a privilege to create and share in this way."
Jacky's why:
Paul Milner
Producer
Paul is located on the Eastern Coast of Canada. Notable credits include work with Keith Richards (Vintage Vinos 2), Eddy Grant (Reparation), and Maestro Fresh Wes (Rhyme Travellers), Kim Mitchell (Patio Lanterns), Sass Jordan (Tell Somebody), Paul Milner has produced and engineered award-winning albums for artists like Matt Andersen, HEADSTONES, Vishtèn, and Patrizia, contributing to over 500 full-length projects across major and indie labels globally.
"I produce because I’m driven by the process of turning honest, raw ideas into powerful, finished records. There’s nothing like helping an artist bring their vision to life and watching their confidence grow in the studio. Producing is more than sound—it's about trust, collaboration, and capturing something real. I’m inspired by great songs and the people behind them, and I’m proud to help shape music that lasts."
Paul's why:
Jordan Circosta
Strategy consultant
Toronto-based Jordan co-wrote six Top 10 hits, toured extensively with his JUNO-winning band MONOWHALES, and racked up millions of streams. Now with Enlightened Management, he represents Grammy-nominated Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, John Muirhead, and more—channeling his industry experience into building lasting, sustainable careers for the artists he champions.
"I am passionate about giving artists the tools they need to succeed, demystifying the business side of music, and giving back to a community that’s given me unforgettable experiences. As a young songwriter and musician in Toronto, I faced a lack of information and an opaque industry. Independent artists shouldn’t have to endure a gruelling process just to operate on a level playing field."
Jordan's why:
Will Schollar
Producer & Multi-instrumentalist
Will Schollar is a Toronto-based music producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist with over a decade of experience. A graduate of the UK's Leeds Conservatoire, he blends cinematic flair with organic sensibility, creating immersive sonic landscapes. Will has collaborated with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Rosanne Baker Thornley, and Shannon Dooks, and works out of Kensington Sound as well as his personal studio Sonic Bee.
"What really drives me is helping artists make music that feels true to who they are. I work with artists across all kinds of genres to shape their vision, find their sound, and figure out the creative and practical sides of production. Whether it’s nailing that take or solving problems in the studio, I’m all about turning real stories into music that connects—both for the artist and their audience."
Will's why:
Eddie Bullen
Producer, Pianist, Composer
Eddie Bullen is a Toronto-based, award-winning music producer, pianist, and composer known for his dynamic fusion of jazz, Caribbean, and contemporary styles. With over 200 album credits, he’s worked with artists like Liberty Silver and scored music for film, television, and major international jazz festivals.
"My driving force as a musician and producer is the power to transform a fleeting thought, a spoken word, or an event into a tangible piece of art. Nothing is more fulfilling than collaborating with an artist, guiding them to realize the sonic landscapes they envision. The ultimate reward for me is witnessing their satisfaction with my input and seeing their projects succeed, often in unexpected ways. The unprompted joy and dancing in my studio after a final mix – that’s the greatest blessing I can receive."
Eddie's why:
