Most jingle companies are based around one or two writers.
No matter how good they are, after a few years, it can all start to sound the same.
One of the reasons you will hear such a diversity of styles in our work is the depth of the team behind IMAGINE.
IMAGINE WORDS & MUSIC has ten writer/producers and over 250 different musicians and singers in our talent pool. In addition to their jingle experience, all our producers are also successful recording artists, solo performers and industry ‘heavyweights’.
These people are the best at what they do:
GEOFFREY BATE: Founder
A professional musician since the age of 15, Geoff has always been fascinated with music’s ability to powerfully affect people on both an emotional and physical level.
Early years of Royal Conservatory piano lessons were followed by studies at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, majoring in psychology and sociology. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977. Tuition and books were paid for by his many appearances with local rock bands.
Looking for opportunities to combine music and psychology, he began working in the audio production industry, specializing in creating music for broadcast advertisers.
In the 35 years since then, he has consulted personally with over 10,000 businesses in cities across North America and offshore…from the smallest local advertisers to the largest multi-nationals. His recommendations and creative solutions are being used daily by clients across four continents and 11 time zones.
Under his direction, Imagine Words & Music Inc. has become an internationally respected supplier of custom music and “audio signatures” to broadcast advertisers around the world.
As a ‘hired gun’ creative resource, he currently works with radio stations representing the biggest names in North American broadcasting – I ❤️ Radio, NewCap Broadcasting, Rogers Communications, Corus Entertainment, Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, Bell Media, Vista Radio, plus dozens of smaller independents.
In addition, Geoff is regularly invited as a guest presenter at broadcast conventions, advising media companies and sales representatives on creative strategies to increase results for their clients.
Geoff is also a keynote speaker and seminar leader for business groups, Chambers of Commerce, franchise conferences, etc., helping advertisers get the best return on their marketing investment.
ANDREW LAIRD: President and Director of Sales & Marketing
With 25 years of broadcast experience, from on-air announcer, to sales manager within Western Canada’s largest broadcast company, to radio station owner, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and know-how about what it takes for an advertiser to get recognized using electronic media.
Working with advertisers during this time of massive transformation of the marketing landscape, he has witnessed the progression of new technology as it integrates with contemporary platforms, and can offer immediate insight into the intricacies of tactical advertising strategies.
Hundreds of advertising clients and over 10,000 scripts later, Andrew brings ideas and ability to the Imagine team, offering a wealth of knowledge gained from working on the marketing needs of virtually every category of both retail and professional industries.
Positions with Chambers of Commerce and Regional Co-Op organizations, plus volunteering in many hometown events, Andrew also brings the sensibilities of community involvement to the creative process that so many advertisers seek when developing a positioning strategy using the branding power of music-based advertising.
Helping your company effectively communicate and ‘cut through the clutter’ to reach prospective customers, Andrew’s arrival assists Imagine Words & Music with offering an even better, well-rounded approach to ensure that goals aren’t just attainable, but exceed expectations.
MORRY STEARNS: Writer / Producer
In addition to his prolific writing and production work with IMAGINE, Morry also pursues a parallel career as a recording artist, songwriter and performer.
He has released 3 CD’s in North America and Japan, and has appeared in concert with artists as diverse as Kenny Loggins, Bryan Adams, Michael Bolton, Kenny Rogers, Sheena Easton, Julio Iglasias, Michael McDonald and Nelly Furtado.
In 1991 he performed with Celine Dion, David Foster and the N.A.C. Symphony Orchestra in a Royal Command Performance for Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
He wrote and performed the closing song for the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria BC, appearing before a television audience of over 400 million people.
Morry is also the composer and singer of “Mother Earth”, Canada’s official Earth Day Song anthem, released in English and French to enthusiastic station and public response.
As a songwriter, his work has been recorded by Christina Aguilera, Peabo Bryson and by Keizo Nakanishi in Japan.
His jingle credits include work for Chrysler, McDonald’s, KFC, Ice Capades and many more.
SEAN HOSEIN: Writer / Producer
As a songwriter, Sean has sold more than 40 million records worldwide. He has reached the top of the charts with hit songs such as, “Stole” for Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child, earning Top Ten on Radio & Records U.S., #1 on Canada’s MuchMusic and debuting at #2 on the U.K. charts; “Surrender” for Laura Pausini, hitting #1 on U.S. Billboard’s Hot Dance Chart and Canada’s AC charts; and 3 top tens in Canada, with his own artist, Elise Estrada.
He also co-wrote 2 songs on the recent platinum record by Hedley. Sean’s song, “Futuro Ex-Novio”, was on Rebelde, Mexico’s biggest Pop Act’s multi-million selling debut album (4 million units). He has produced and written songs for major labels including J Records, Universal, Sony, Atlantic, Warner, Jive, Capitol EMI, and Columbia.
Sean’s latest hits follow a string of international chart-toppers, covered by 98 Degrees, (“Invisible Man” went Top Ten on Billboard, pushing sales of 98 Degrees & Rising over triple platinum), The Corrs (their self-titled CD sold ten million albums worldwide, topping the U.K. charts for a record 97 weeks), O-Town, Jessica Simpson, LFO, Amy Grant, All 4 One, and the list goes on.
And he writes jingles for IMAGINE.
TOM MCKILLIP: Writer / Producer
Tom has been writing music and jingles with the IMAGINE team for over 20 years. In addition, he leads a parallel life as an award-winning producer and performer.
He is the musical director for both the BC Country Music Association and the Canadian Country Music Association’s annual televised awards shows. As well as being a multiple award winner himself for Producer Of The Year.
He toured for many years as bandleader and musical director for SONY recording artist Lisa Brokop. He has produced hit singles for hot new country artist Aaron Pritchett.
He’s played on stage or on tour with pretty much every major North American country artist. He’s also the only musician in the world who has performed at the Calgary Stampede for over 20 years in a row.
As if that weren’t enough, his two daughters – Britt and Carly – have just signed a big recording deal with Universal/Interscope records in Los Angeles.
VINCE MAI: Writer / Producer
Vince has been a writer / producer with the IMAGINE team for over 20 years. He has also been very active as an award-winning performer and composer.
As a solo artist, Vince’s album Mband was the most played album of 2006 on CBC’s Café Jazz.
As a studio musician, Vince’s trumpet has been featured on numerous albums, commercials, feature films and TV series including DaVinci’s Inquest, The Chris Isaak Show, McGyver, Lonesome Dove, and Scene of the Crime.
As a jazz artist, Vince has had the privilege of sharing stages and studios with top artists in Canada, the United States, and Europe including Sarah McLachlan, Tom Jones, David Foster, The Temptations, Long John Baldry, Maestro Fresh Wes and Natalie Cole.
As a film and television composer, Vince’s scores have been featured on PBS, Fox Network, WTN and the CBC. He received the West Coast Music Award for Best Original Score for Film or Television in 2001. His score for the movie “Lola” by director Carl Bessai was featured at The Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and Berlin International Film Festival. His score for “Emile” starring Sir Ian McKellan, was nominated Best Musical Score in a Feature Length Drama by the Leo Awards in 2004.
DUNCAN MEIKLEJOHN: Writer / Producer
Multi-talented producer, vocalist and instrumentalist, Duncan has worked with some of the biggest names in the business. He has recorded or performed as a backup vocalist with Sheena Easton, Celine Dion, David Foster, Loverboy, Michael Bolton, Nelly Furtado and more.
As well, he has produced or performed on over 1,500 jingles over the past 20 years.
In fact, he may hold the record for singing on more advertising jingles across North America than any other vocalist! From national advertisers like Chrysler, Honda, Ford, 7-Eleven, Sears and McDonald’s, to hundreds of local jingles, Duncan’s voice can be heard on the radio every day in virtually every state and province on the continent.