Introduction
Isaac "Zack" Werner is a Canadian artist, producer, entertainment lawyer and manager. He is also president of Toronto-based Venus Management and Venus Records (distributed by EMI), where he spends his time finding and developing new talent across Canada.
Early life and education
Born in Winnipeg, he attended the St. John's-Ravenscourt School. After receiving a B.A. from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from the University of British Columbia, Werner moved to Toronto and joined local rock band The Ringing. The band, managed by Gary Pring, secured a development deal with Capitol Records.
Musical career
Werner formed the group Thick As Thieves and relocated to Los Angeles. The group opened for Alice In Chains and Pearl Jam and negotiated a distribution deal through BMG. When the band broke up Werner returned to Toronto and signed a development deal with MCA as a solo-artist and worked with producer John Punter (The Spoons, Japan).
Werner practiced entertainment law with the firm of Sanderson, Taylor which became the pre-eminent entertainment law firm in Canada, counting among their clients superstars such as Sum 41, Avril Lavigne and Nelly Furtado. His clients included The Philosopher Kings, Chris Smith Management, Sky, Ron Sexsmith and Sass Jordan.
During his legal career Zack presented showcases for record companies that were among the first exposure for K-OS, The Rascalz, Sarah Harmer and Finger 11 (then known as The Rainbow Butt Monkeys).
Werner was also one of the judges on Canadian Idol. Managed by Gary Pring (Glass Tiger), the group worked in the studio with producer Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and secured a development deal with Capitol Records.
Werner is a member of Canadian band Haymaker, founded in 2007.