Tess Ray Houston is a Red River Métis Music Industry Professional and Creative based in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, MB). As the founder of Midnight Bannock, an artist management and creative services company, Tess specializes in guiding artists through career development, branding, and creative strategy. Their work is rooted in empowerment, collaboration, and a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in the music industry.
With over a decade of experience across the arts, Tess brings a multidisciplinary lens to artist management — one that blends sharp business insight with deep creative understanding. Before launching Midnight Bannock, they supported musicians through non-profit and contract roles, later honing their management skills through the Indigenous Music Office’s Cultural Cadence program, where they were mentored by industry leaders Amie Therrien (Music Managers Forum) and Kim Temple (High Priestess Publishing).
Tess’s background in film and visual arts strengthens their approach to artist branding and storytelling. As an ACTRA-affiliated performer represented by Darryl Mork Talent, they have worked on national productions including the four-time CSA-nominated Crave/APTN series Don’t Even, and contributed to projects for APTN’s Indigenous Day Live and The Shine Network. A valedictorian graduate of CMU College of Makeup Art & Design (Special FX) in Toronto, Tess has collaborated with national fashion brands, modelled for Lesley Hampton at Toronto Fashion Week, and exhibited artwork in solo and group shows as a visual artist. These experiences translate into a rare ability to craft cohesive, compelling visual identities for artists — from stage to screen to social media.
Today, Midnight Bannock serves as a creative hub for emerging and established artists, offering tailored management, branding, and development services. Tess’s multidisciplinary career has equipped them to navigate the intersections of art, culture, and commerce — making them a trusted advocate and strategist for the artists they represent.

MBNK