Founded in late 2010 as Guelph & Area Independent & New Music, aka GAIN Music, the company was officially launched on March 10th, 2011 with the 1st annual GAIN Music Festival, aka GAIN Fest!

The focus of the festival as well as the company has always been to feature musicians from the region on a high production stage while also working with local businesses and organizations in order to not only support the arts, but also the local economy. ‘Supporting local’ isn’t just a slogan or hashtag, it’s something GAIN has always actively participated in and volunteered our services for over the years. Whether it’s a GAIN event or one that we’re helping to promote.

The name change to GAIN Media came in 2021 as a way to continue to support the arts, artists, musicians and creators during the pandemic, and also to address the shift to the virtual world. The goal being to host a variety of types of events, both virtual and live in person (once able).

It was also a way to find more meaningful and impactful ways to engage with the greater community beyond the sphere of arts and music because the vision behind GAIN has always been to be a facilitator and contributor to the community. One way was by bringing people together through music, art and an annual festival.

As GAIN approaches another milestone – entering the 15th year of operations in 2025!! – the time has come to announce a new era for GAIN and further changes within the company!

Firstly, the name will be changed back to GAIN Music as this name more closely aligns with the current objectives and goals of the company as well as with the annual festival. The website along with all social sites will be changed to reflect the new name and branding by Fall 2024.

Secondly, I’ve always been aware that for GAIN to take the next step up it would need a dedicated team to help run operations, and with the annual festival in particular. I’ve always had help running the regular shows, events and GAIN Fest, but there’s never been a full-time, year-round committee of any kind.

It’s why I’m excited to announce that there will be a new team of locals coming on board who will be taking on various roles within the new GAIN Music!

We’ll be announcing the new team members through our socials in the coming weeks as everyone gets settled into their new roles and as we meet to discuss what’s next for GAIN Music!

Very excited for all that’s to come, be sure to stay tuned here at GAIN Access and on all our socials!

See you at the next show!