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Music Canada Welcomes New Federal Government

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Yesterday Canadians voted for change and elected a new federal government. Music Canada congratulates Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau, and we look forward to working with him and the newly elected government to rebalance the copyright regime and ensure the business needs of the music sector are met.

We are pleased that the Liberal government has committed to taking a leadership role to initiate preliminary consultations for the 2017 Copyright Review. The Liberal government’s Copyright Review promises to give full consideration to the views of artists and creators. This is an opportunity to ensure that copyright legislation works for the 21st century.

Importantly, the Liberal government recognizes the significant challenges that creators face with the current Copyright Board structure. They have said that the current 2-3 year wait time for decisions is unacceptable due to its negative impact on people’s ability to earn a living. Music Canada has been a strong advocate for Copyright Board reform, and we look forward to partnering with our new government to find some real solutions to the problems that creators in Canada continue to face.

We look forward to speaking with the new government further on these issues, and about the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage study of the Music Industry. You can read more about the Liberal government’s plan for Canadian arts & culture on their website.

Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada. We also partner with a diverse cross-section of the music industry to promote and develop the business framework for music right across Canada. These partners include some of Canada’s leading independent record labels and distributors, recording studios, live music venues, concert promoters, managers and artists. Music Canada has undertaken groundbreaking research on the music sector and is a trusted source, a passionate advocate and we provide a respected forum for discussion of issues relating to music.

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Ottawa To Host 2017 JUNO Awards

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As Ottawa begins preparations for Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and broadcast partner CTV have announced that the nation’s capital will host the 2017 JUNO Awards and JUNO Week celebrations, taking place March 27 – April 2, 2017.

The 46th annual JUNO Awards marks the third time the city has hosted Canada’s music awards show, which will broadcast on CTV from the Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday, April 2, 2017. Ottawa previously hosted the awards in 2003 and 2012.

“As Ottawa 2017 commemorates Canada’s incredible heritage and values, the JUNO Awards will pay tribute to this important milestone,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards & MusiCounts. “The Capital’s devoted music fans are proudly supportive of both their local and the national music scene, making Ottawa the perfect home for the JUNO Awards in 2017.”

“Surely there is no better way to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary than honouring the best in Canadian music, this country’s greatest cultural export,” said Randy Lennox, President, Entertainment Production and Broadcasting, Bell Media.

“The 2017 JUNO Awards on CTV will be a special one as we broadcast from the nation’s capital during Canada’s sesquicentennial year,” said Mike Cosentino, Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks and CraveTV. “We look forward to inviting the entire country to celebrate with us in Ottawa.”

From 2007 to 2015 the JUNO Awards have created a total economic impact of almost $99 million, including $11 million for the 2012 JUNO Awards in Ottawa, $14 million for the 2011 JUNO Awards in Toronto, and $10 million for the 2015 JUNO Awards in Hamilton.

“We have so much talent in this city and we want to share your gifts, with Canada and the world,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, who has also issued a challenge for the local arts and music community to begin planning an unprecedented week of music in the Capital. “Yes, we want to fill every venue, but we also want workshops, clinics and classroom programming. This is your chance to inspire the next generation of Canadian artists and contribute to the legacy of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations.”

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2016 JUNO Award Submissions Now Open

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The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) has announced that submissions for the 2016 JUNO Awards are open today, October 1st. Applicants can now submit their package at http://junosubmissions.ca/ for consideration. The JUNO Awards will be presented during JUNO Week, held in Calgary, Alberta, March 28th through April 3rd, 2016.

The eligibility period for the 2016 JUNO Awards is between September 1st, 2014 and November 13th, 2015. Other important dates to remember:

  • October 23, 2015, 5:00 pm (EST): Early-bird deadline to receive discounted submission rates
  • November 13, 2015, 5:00 pm (EST): Final submission deadline for ALL categories (except International Album of the Year and Album of the Year)
  • January 6, 2016, 5:00 pm (EST): Final submission deadline for International Album of the Year and Album of the Year

Applicants can save up to 40% on the submission fee by becoming a member of CARAS at https://carasonline.ca/academy-delegate/.

The JUNOs have also announced that for the first time, streaming data will now be considered in determining nominees in the sales based categories. This change allows the JUNO Awards to better reflect how fans are consuming music. The streaming data will be provided by Nielsen Media Research Ltd.

The JUNOs also announced that the nominees for the JUNO Fan Choice will now be determined by an equal weight of single sales, streams, and Next Big Sound data, rather than album sales and Next Big Sound data in years past.

Additionally, the JUNOs announced a change to the criteria for album submissions. Going forward, a project that is 20 minutes or has 6 unique songs will be considered a full album. In this context, ‘unique’ means no remixes, acoustic versions, or added accompaniment versions, etc.

The JUNOs also announced that The Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Solo and Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Group categories have been changed to Contemporary Roots Album of the Year and Traditional Roots Album of the Year, which will ensure two genres of music are not competing against each other in the same category.

The nominees will be announced on February 2nd, 2016 at the JUNO Nominee Press Conference. For full submission details, visit http://junosubmissions.ca/.

Good luck to all applicants!

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Ontario Seeking Input in Developing Province’s First Culture Strategy

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Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has announced plans for a province-wide consultation to help develop Ontario’s Culture Strategy, which will outline a vision for arts and culture in the province for years to come.

Ontario is seeking input from across the province, and inviting Ontarians to share their feedback by:

“Ontario’s cultural landscape has evolved and it is important that government priorities reflect this. That’s why I am proud that our government is developing the province’s first-ever culture strategy,” said Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “I look forward to hearing from Ontarians about what they value about arts and culture in their lives and what culture means to them. This is an opportunity for the province to take a fresh look at how it invests in arts and culture, to build our vibrant sectors and to enrich our diverse communities.”

Minister Coteau - Cultural Strategy Announcement

The cultural strategy will reflect what is important to all Ontarians and will be guided by the following principles:

  • Creativity and innovation
  • Quality of life and economic development
  • Diversity and inclusiveness
  • Respect for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples
  • Public value and accountability

The province’s release notes that culture is one of Ontario’s fastest growing economic sectors, generating approximately $22 billion of Ontario’s GDP, and supporting more than 280,000 jobs. The release states that Ontario is home to more than 58,000 artists; nearly twice as many as any other province. The release also notes that the province’s film and television production supported more than 44,000 direct and indirect jobs, and that Ontario’s music industry is the largest in Canada. .

The province also announced the creation of the Culture Strategy Advisory Group, comprised of seventeen members of Ontario’s cultural industries, from various backgrounds including music, dance, theatre, fine arts, documentary film, museums, literature, and more.

Music Canada encourages the music community in Ontario to share their perspective by taking part in the province’s consultation. To add your voice to the discussion, visit the province’s Culture Talks website, where you can sign up and share your ideas, see what others are saying and vote on ideas, or send your suggestions via private message.

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Ontario College Of Trades’ ‘Tune In Trade Up’ Campaign Highlights Skilled Trade Careers in the Music Industry

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There’s nothing quite like catching your favourite band at an outdoor music festival, but the real headliners are the hundreds of hard-working skilled tradespeople preparing the grounds before you and the artists arrive. With the launch of their new Tune In Trade Up! campaign, the Ontario College Of Trades aims to attract prospective tradespeople looking for a new and fulfilling adventure in the music industry.

Highlighting the tradespeople behind Republic Live’s WayHome and Boots & Hearts festivals in their new promotional video, the College showcases the benefits of earning a skilled trades certificate for carpenters, electricians, chefs, equipment operators, and more. The video features interviews with The Road Hammers, For Esme and Cross Dog, who stress the importance and appreciation for the trade work that gives them a stage to play on.

View the Tune In Trade Up! video below and click here to learn more about how you can work towards making next summer’s music festivals rock!

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Toronto Mayor John Tory speaks at 2015 Music Canada Annual General Meeting

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Yesterday we had the pleasure of not only coming together with our peers in the industry for the Music Canada AGM, but to host a number of wonderful speakers on the subject of Music Cities. Since the release of our report The Mastering of a Music City in June 2015, we have passionately pursued this subject around the world, learning from our colleagues in more than 40 cities. Yesterday it was especially special to talk about what Toronto is doing at home, with our own “music-friendly mayor” and champion of the music city: Mayor John Tory.

John Tory - Graham Henderson

In last year’s municipal election, Mayor Tory had a music platform that included tourism, enhanced live performances and festivals, and a standalone music office. Now, nine-months into his term, many of those things have become a reality in a short period of time. In a candid conversation with Music Canada President and CEO Graham Henderson, Mayor Tory spoke about the strides we’ve made so far, what’s next, and what inspires him in his vision of a music city.

We asked whether he remained optimistic about continuing to see this music platform develop – he looked to his trip to Austin, saying: “I stand here more committed because I’ve now seen another place where they made this a success – and we aren’t going to be Austin. We’re different. But I’m encouraged…and I think we’ve got to put our energy…with perhaps getting some more help behind making some of this stuff happen.”

Looking at Austin, he realized that “when the city is fully committed to all aspects of music, and the performance of music, and to the attraction of musicians to the city…they got great things done…It had gigantic economic benefits for the city that went way beyond the jobs created by the music industry and spoke to the whole question of the attraction of global companies, technology companies and so on.”

This is a vision he has for Toronto: seeing the same kind of support rallied around music in the same way as we have done for film for the past 30 years.

According to the Mayor, “we have all of the ingredients here” to build this. He elaborated, saying that the music industry is further ahead of where film was 30 years ago, but that we haven’t yet fully pulled together the industry and the infrastructure. He committed support from the government, saying they could provide support “by way of helping to make opportunities available, helping to showcase, helping to facilitate things, helping to modernize regulations, and secondly, helping by sort of getting out of the way.” In recognizing the ongoing struggle against bureaucratic red tape, he said “if you’re really committed to being a music city, you have to put your money where your mouth is.”

His determination was clear – “I’m very determined at the end of 4 years…when my term happens to be up, that we can look back and say: we actually got something done here, moving us towards what we are in film, and what we can be for sure in music…It starts with yes, the regulatory framework that is better defined and better accommodating of music, but it also starts with an administration that…says we’re going to find a way to say yes as opposed to automatically saying no. And I think that’s going to be big and…start to come next year with the plans people have to do bigger things. They’re going to be a little bolder because we’ve got to be bolder, we have to find places to do bigger and more things…it’s all part of building a great city.”

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Live Music Industry Awards launched by Canadian Music Week

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Canadian Music Week (CMW) has announced the first annual Live Music Industry Awards, taking place on May 7, 2016 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. The awards, created by CMW in partnership with the International Festival Network and Music Canada Live, will honour outstanding individuals and achievements in the live music sector.

“We know the live music sector is driving revenue for the music industry, with festivals and concerts also increasing tourism in cities across North America,” said Cameron Wright, Vice President, Operations and Live Programming for Canadian Music Week, in a release. “We look forward to recognizing the players and decision-makers from Canada and around the world who are advancing this growth, through an award show dedicated to the live music industry. The awards will celebrate a wide range of Canada’s venues, market sizes and the artists that fill those venues as well as the infrastructure of personnel that make this happen.”

“The time has absolutely come for a comprehensive celebration of live music in this country,” said Music Canada Live Executive Director Erin Benjamin. “We are thrilled to collaborate with CMW – to highlight the important achievements of our members, and those working hard to put amazing talent in front of audiences across the country, from coast to coast to coast.”

Nominees will be posted at www.LiveMusicAwards.net, with winners determined by votes from the general public and members of the industry. The awards will cap off CMW’s Live Music Summit, which has been extended to a two-day event, running May 6-7, 2016.

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Music Canada Proud to Sponsor the 2015 CCMA Record Company of the Year Award

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Music Canada is proud to return as sponsor of the Record Company of the Year Award at the Canadian Country Music Association Gala Dinner and Awards, taking place this weekend in Halifax, NS.

The 2015 Record Company of the Year Award nominees are:

  • Big Star Recordings Inc.
  • MDM Recordings Inc.
  • Open Road Recordings Inc.
  • Royalty Records Inc.
  • Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.

“As Canada’s country music community comes together in Halifax to celebrate the artists, songs, and industry partners who make Canadian country music great, Music Canada is proud to sponsor the CCMA’s Record Company of the Year Award, which recognizes the effort and drive of the record companies who invest in Canadian country music artists and help bring their talents to the world,” said Graham Henderson, President and CEO of Music Canada.

The Record Company of the Year Award will be presented at the CCMA’s Industry Awards Gala at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax on Saturday, September 12th.

 

CCMA 2015 Ad

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Deane Cameron Announced as President and CEO of The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall

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The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall has announced that Deane Cameron has been appointed its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2015.

The respected music industry executive will oversee all aspects of the Corporation’s management. With more than 40 years of experience in the Canadian music industry, including 24 as President and CEO of EMI Music Canada, Cameron has earned a reputation as a stalwart champion of Canadian culture. He has received some of the highest honours in Canada for his contributions to arts and culture, including an appointment to the Order of Canada, the JUNO Awards’ Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, and the Canadian Country Music Association’s Hank Smith Award of Excellence.

“The Board are excited and pleased to have a person of Deane Cameron’s calibre to lead the Corporation at such an exciting time in our organization’s history,” said Richard Hamm, Chair of the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall Board of Governors, in a release. “We have full confidence that Deane will bring meaningful opportunities for audiences and artists alike on behalf of one of Canada’s premiere music and entertainment institutions.”

“I am honoured and thrilled to not only be a part of this iconic music company’s legacy, but to join the impressive momentum within the organization” said Cameron of the appointment. “The team is a creative force in the live entertainment world and this is truly a unique opportunity for me, as a proud Canadian, to explore and support all exciting ways that we can best serve the community through the revitalization of Massey Hall, new program initiatives on all of our stages, and beyond.”

Cameron’s appointment was applauded by artists, industry personnel, and music organizations following the announcement.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Deane for many years, and I could not be more pleased to see such a passionate and proud supporter of Canadian creators assuming the helm at Roy Thomson/Massey Hall,” said Graham Henderson, President and CEO of Music Canada. “Deane’s passion for the promotion and development of Canadian artists is legendary.  From Anne Murray to Serena Ryder, Deane has worked with a galaxy of Canadian artists helping them to make their mark in Canadian music history.  He was not given the Order of Canada for nothing!  His knowledge of every facet of the music industry, gained from his years as President and CEO of EMI Music, will be invaluable as the Corporation continues to grow and reach out to new generations of Canadians.  It is, moreover, immensely gratifying to see that a Canadian has been entrusted with the stewardship of two of our beloved, cultural crown jewels.”

“Since the very early stages of my professional career Deane has supported and encouraged me, and he was there to celebrate with us when I made my headline debut at Massey Hall just over a year ago,” said recording artist Serena Ryder in the release. “Every artist knows that these are among the greatest stages a musician can aspire to anywhere in the world. I congratulate Deane on this announcement on behalf of all artists fortunate enough to work with him and know that music fans everywhere will benefit – because he’s one of us. A true music champion.”

Congratulations to 2011 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recipient Deane Cameron on his new gig as the President and CEO of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall!

Posted by The JUNO Awards on Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Deane Cameron is the new president of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. Deane is a real music man, someone I’ve had the…

Posted by Nicholas Jennings on Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Nice new gig for Deane. The venues will be in great hands.

Posted by Bob Roper on Tuesday, September 8, 2015

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Rita Davies Appointed Chair of the Ontario Arts Council

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The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has announced that Rita Davies has been appointed Chair of the OAC, following her nomination by the Government of Ontario.

Ms. Davies brings extensive leadership experience in the arts community to the role, having been Executive Director of Culture for the City of Toronto from 1999 through 2012. Prior to that role, she was Executive Director of the Toronto Arts Council from 1984 through 1999. More recently, she launched Cultural Capital, which provides consulting services in cultural planning and policy.

“We are delighted with the appointment of Rita Davies as Chair,” said Peter Caldwell, OAC Director & CEO in a release. “The Chair plays a crucial role at agencies like the Ontario Arts Council. Rita’s extensive and in-depth knowledge of the arts in Ontario, and particularly public funding of the arts, will serve OAC and the arts community very well in the years ahead.”

“I’d like to congratulate Rita on her appointment as Chair,” said Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Over the past few decades, Rita’s efforts to advance the interest of artists and arts organizations in Ontario have led to lasting, tangible change.  The Ontario Arts Council, artists and arts organizations across the province will benefit from the impressive experience, knowledge and passion that she brings to the table.”

“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to lead the Ontario Arts Council, one of the great cultural institutions of this province,” said Rita Davies in the OAC release. “The OAC makes a difference in the lives of communities large and small and adds to our economic prosperity.  I look forward to working with arts organizations across Ontario.”

 

Music Canada, as well as many other Canadian arts organizations, congratulated both parties on the appointment via social media.

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