A music producer from Altona is making national waves. Laura Smith better known by her artist name Daggerss has been selected as one of just seven women across Canada to take part in Music Publishers Canada’s 2025 Women in the Studio National Accelerator, a program designed to support mid-career women and gender-diverse producers.
Now in its seventh year, the accelerator offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities with some of the top minds in Canadian music.
“It feels pretty awesome,” said Smith in an in-studio interview. “I’ve actually applied five times, and finally made it in this year.”
Building equity in the studio
The accelerator is part of a larger effort to close the gender gap in music production, a space still dominated by men. Smith says the industry needs more programs like it.
“Most music you hear on the radio hasn’t been produced by women or gender-diverse people,” she said. “Programs like this are a step in closing that gap.”
Smith also works to build equity through her role with the Good + Plenty Producer’s Club, a collective that uplifts and supports women, gender-diverse, and non-binary producers across Canada. The group provides a collaborative space for sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities.
“It’s easy to feel isolated in music production, especially if you don’t see yourself represented,” she said. “That’s why I’m so passionate about creating spaces where people feel supported to grow.”
Synth-pop, Sprkl, and collaboration
Smith produces music under the name Daggerss, blending dreamy synth textures, emotionally charged vocals, and a touch of sparkle. She operates out of Sprkl Studio in Altona, where she works on both her own material and productions for other artists.
“I’ve been describing my sound as sparkly synth-pop, but it can go in a few directions,” she laughed. “Sometimes it leans hyper-pop or folk-pop. It depends on who I’m working with and what we’re feeling that day.”
Her recent collaborations include Winnipeg-based artist Ayozak, with more projects on the horizon.
“We had such a great day in the studio, it was like a creative waterfall,” said Smith. “Helping other artists find their voice and bring a song to life is such a rewarding part of what I do.”
Daggerss’ music is available on all major streaming platforms, and Smith encourages anyone interested to check it out.
“There’s something for everyone, whether you want to dance or cry or both,” she said with a smile.
From the West Coast to the Prairies
Originally from the West Coast, Smith moved to Altona in 2020 with her partner and longtime collaborator Andrew Braun, with whom she previously performed in the pop-rock duo Rococode.
“There’s no ocean, and no mountains,” she said with a grin, “but the people and the sky are beautiful. It’s been a really good move for us.”
Smith says her rural Manitoba location hasn’t been a barrier. In fact, it’s allowed her to focus more deeply on creative work.
“With technology and a good community around you, you really can build something meaningful from anywhere,” she said. “You don’t have to be in Toronto or LA to make great music.”
Mentorship and momentum
The Women in the Studio Accelerator runs from June to October 2025, with a residency week in Toronto this July. Participants receive training in areas like songwriting, branding, production techniques, and business strategy. A key part of the program is also giving back, each participant commits to a community-based initiative as part of their learning journey.
“It’s not just about growing as an artist or producer,” said Smith. “It’s about finding ways to give back and build something that lasts beyond just yourself.”
With a busy summer ahead, Smith says she’s grateful to be part of a growing wave of women and gender-diverse creators reshaping the music industry from the inside out.
“I left the music industry for a while, but I came back,” she said. “Now it feels like play again. When you’re in the room with someone and a song starts coming together—it’s magic.”
You can stream Daggerss on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. To learn more about the Women in the Studio program, visit musicpublisher.ca.