As a senior national publicist with Take Aim Media, Jess Arcand’s work is dedicated to helping musicians, festivals, and organizations grow their brands through impactful campaigns.
She’s worked with artists like Justice and SUUNS and has collaborated with local arts organizations such as Sled Island, Femme Wave Music and Arts Festival, Freq Magazine, and Beatroute. She is an elected board member for CJSW 90.9 FM and hosts the electronic program Mint Condition every Friday morning.
Jess is also an award-winning producer and editor-in-chief of the quarterly print publication REVERIE magazine.
- “The DJs in Calgary are killing it right now, thanks in part to Controller Club‘s DIY approach to platforming new talent. They lead workshops for beginners, experienced DJs looking to refine their skills, and anyone wanting to connect with the community. Artists can showcase their work through downtown livestreams and events at various venues across the city.”
- “I always discover something intriguing at Shelf Life Books. The staff recommendations are consistently outstanding, and their curated selection never disappoints. The adorable merchandise (those tote bags!) is just a bonus.”
- “Loophole Coffee Bar is home to one of Calgary’s best iced London Fog lattes and an incredible DIY music venue. Bookburner Productions deserves special recognition for curating exceptional lineups here, bringing punk and hardcore acts like Life in Vacuum, Leon’s Getting Larger, Runt, and New York’s Godseyes to incredible spaces like Loophole.”
- “Dickens. This venue remains one of Calgary’s few spaces that can throw numerous parties and host drag shows, including viewing parties for one of my favourite reality TV competition shows of all time, Dragula. From the iconic Hang the DJ nights to Terminus Music Festival — one of Canada’s rare synth-wave festivals with a lineup just announced for July — to hosting artists like Alice Longyu Gao during the Sled Island Music and Arts Festival.”
- “My go-to spot for both new vinyl and used gems is Sloth Records. My collection has grown with everything from local heroes like Sunglaciers to current releases like FKA Twigs’ Eusexua. Don’t forget to hit them up on Record Store Day in April, where you can find exclusive releases typically unavailable elsewhere because they fly off the shelves so fast.”
