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New bilateral agreement between US and Canada opens the flow of royalties to Canadian labels and performers

Posted September 24, 2012 by Music Canada

An historic agreement has been reached between Re:Sound Music Licensing Company and SoundExchange to ensure that Canadian rights holders receive royalties from US uses of their work licensed by SoundExchange. The agreement covers all Canadian rights holders signed to AVLA, ACTRA, Artisti, MROC, and SOPROQ.

“This agreement unlocks new sources of revenue for AVLA members and is an important step forward in our Canada-US relationship,” says Graham Henderson, President of AVLA. “Canadian labels and performers will now be able to collect royalties accumulated from the use of their recordings on US satellite radio stations like SIRIUS XM, internet radio stations, streaming services and cable TV music channels south of the border. Most importantly, they don’t have to join SoundExchange in order to do this, but as a result of the bilateral agreement, can collect their earnings through the organization in Canada to which they already belong.”

The first distribution to rights holders will occur in 2013.

Bilateral agreements of this kind are an important source of future revenue. Hopefully, this is the first of many agreements of its kind with countries around the world who are signatories of the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT).

Categories: News Release
Tags: ACTRA, Artisti, AVLA, MROC, Re:Sound, SOPROQ, SoundExchange, WIPO

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Music Canada Congratulates Toronto Mayor Rob Ford on Successful Chicago Delegation

Posted September 20, 2012 by Quentin Burgess

TORONTO, 20 September 2012 /CNW/ – As the Team Toronto Business Mission to Chicago concluded, Music Canada praised Mayor Rob Ford for leading this important mission to help improve relations and foster opportunities between the two cities.

“Mayor Ford and his colleagues have brought together a talented and dynamic delegation of business and civic leaders who will help to foster the next generation of investments between Toronto and Chicago,” said Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada. “We are keenly aware of the unique challenges facing Toronto businesses and, on behalf of our members who employ hundreds of Torontonians, we are grateful for the opportunity to help protect jobs and foster economic growth in our city.”

Toronto is home to one of the largest and most vibrant music clusters in the world including major and independent music companies, talented artists and musicians from every genre, world-class recording studios and some of the greatest live music venues. From iconic spots like the Horseshoe Tavern to hugely successful Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto is host to live music every day of the week. And two of Toronto’s studios were listed among the top ten recording spaces in the world in 2011 by Mix Magazine. Music Canada’s Vice President Public Affairs participated in the mission.

“Now more than ever, in light of worldwide economic challenges, we need a focus on creating jobs and fostering economic development in Toronto,” said Henderson. “We are proud to have been part of the Mayor’s mission to Chicago and look forward to finding new opportunities to grow Toronto’s economy and keep our city moving in the right direction.”

Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major music companies in Canada, namely EMI Music Canada, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Its members are engaged in all aspects of the recording industry, including the manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music.

For further information:
Amy Terrill – Vice President Public Affairs, Music Canada
aterrill@musiccanada.com 647-963-6044

Categories: News Release
Tags: Graham Henderson, Mayor Ford, Music Canada

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Music Canada Proud to Support 30th Annual Canadian Country Music Association Industry Awards

Posted September 12, 2012 by Quentin Burgess

Saskatoon, September 8, 2012: Music Canada is pleased to sponsor the Record Company of the Year Award at the 30th Annual Canadian Country Music Association Industry Awards.

“As Canada’s country music community comes together to celebrate exceptional artists and their industry partners, Music Canada is proud to sponsor the Record Company of the Year Award because behind every artist is a team of people who, for the love of music, work together to capture the attention of music fans around the world,” says Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada.

The Record Company of the Year Award will be presented at the CCMA’s Industry Awards gala at TCU Place in Saskatoon on Saturday, September 8th.

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For more information:

Amy Terrill – Vice President Public Affairs, Music Canada
aterrill@musiccanada.com 647-963-6044

Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record labels in Canada, namely EMI Music Canada, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also provides certain membership benefits to some of the leading independent record labels and distributors. Its members are engaged in all aspects of the recording industry, including the manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music.

Categories: News Release
Tags: Canadian Country Music Association Industry Awards, CCMA, Graham Henderson, Music Canada

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Passage of Bill C-11 Vital Building Block for Music Community

Posted July 3, 2012 by Music Canada

Toronto, July 3, 2012: With the Royal Assent of Bill C-11, The Copyright Modernization Act, Canada joins a long list of countries that recognize the importance of protecting intellectual property in the digital environment.“We never doubted that we would see this day but it has been a long road, in particular for creators, whose livelihoods have been deeply eroded by piracy. We commend the government and Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore in particular, for their tenacity in pursuing a modern copyright framework and legislation that will enable Canada to ratify the World Intellectual Property Organization Internet Treaties,” says Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada. “Utilizing the tools provided by this legislation, in conjunction with our efforts to ensure consumers have various legal digital services to choose from in Canada, we will now turn our attention to rebuilding the marketplace for recorded music.”

An economic impact study on the recording industry in Canada, recently prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and published by Music Canada, demonstrates that while digital sales of recorded music have grown in the past five years, they have not offset the drop in total sales. Despite the contraction though, the study points out that the recording industry remains an important economic generator for Canada.

“Major and independent music companies, not to mention the broader music community, support thousands of high-paying jobs across Canada and represent one of Canada’s most successful exports, making copyright protection a good investment for Canadians,” says Henderson.

Graham Henderson testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce on June 26, 2012 regarding Bill C-11, and previously testified before the legislative committee reviewing Bill C-32 along with artists Loreena McKennitt and Maia Davies and representatives of the Canadian Independent Music Association and the Canadian Council of Music Industry Associations.

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For more information:
Amy Terrill – Vice President Public Affairs, Music Canada
aterrill@musiccanada.com 647-963-6044

Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major music companies in Canada, namely EMI Music Canada, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also provides membership benefits to some of the leading independent record labels and distributors. Its members are engaged in all aspects of the recording industry, including the manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music.

Categories: News Release
Tags: Bill C-11, Bill C-32, CCMIA, CIMA, Graham Henderson, James Moore, Loreena McKennitt, Maia Davies, PwC, The Copyright Modernization Act, WIPO

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Canadian Recording Industry an Important Wealth Generator and Employer: Report

Posted June 13, 2012 by Music Canada

Toronto, June 13, 2012: The Canadian Recording Industry makes a significant contribution to Canada’s economy with a vast majority of the activity taking place in Ontario, according to a new report by PwC for Music Canada.

The analysis examines the spending of major and independent music companies in Canada and estimates their impact on the GDP as $240 million in 2010 with a staggering 81% of the activity taking place in Ontario. This generates $37 million dollars in government revenues in Ontario alone.

“This is music to my ears,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Ontario is home to gifted professionals – from musicians, to producers to record labels that promote our province’s unique culture while generating highly skilled jobs that strengthen our economy. The McGuinty Government is proud to partner with our music sector, solidifying Ontario’s reputation as a competitive creative market and a national industry leader.”

Quebec is the next largest market, and with the Atlantic and Prairie regions, accounts for about 32% of the independent companies’ spending and 12% of the major companies’ spending.

Thousands of high paying jobs are supported by record companies in Canada with 3300 direct and indirect jobs across the country, and roughly 7400 more in the live performance sector.
“The recording industry in Canada is providing highly skilled, high-paying jobs today, even after a long period of contraction due to the effects of piracy,” says Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada. “In Ontario alone, our study shows that large and small recording companies have created more than 2600 jobs and this doesn’t even include the broader music sector of artists, musicians, live performance and retail for instance. At an average wage of $60,100, those working for record companies in Ontario are making well above the average wage of industries across the province.”

The report was released today at the Annual General Meeting of Music Canada, the trade association representing the major music companies in Canada. The report was prepared by PwC. An executive summary, and full report with detailed industry analysis, quantitative regional analysis and source tables is available at www.musiccanada.com/research.aspx.

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For more information:

Amy Terrill – Vice President Public Affairs, Music Canada
aterrill@musiccanada.com 647-963-6044

Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada, namely EMI Music Canada, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also provides certain membership benefits to some of the leading independent record labels and distributors. Its members are engaged in all aspects of the recording industry, including the manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music.

Categories: News Release
Tags: Economic Impact, Graham Henderson, Michael Chan, Music Canada

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Music Cluster Strategy Unveiled at NXNE by Music Canada

Posted June 4, 2012 by Music Canada

Toronto, June 14, 2012: Toronto is one of the greatest music cities in the world and yet it could be doing much more to maximize the economic benefits of the music cluster. That is the finding of a report commissioned by Music Canada and released today at NXNE Interactive (NXNEi).

Accelerating Toronto’s Music Industry Growth, Leveraging Best Practices from Austin, Texas was presented by Author Nikki Rowling and discussed by panelists City Councillor Josh Colle, live music venue operator and promoter Jeff Cohen, and Music Canada President Graham Henderson.

“The music cluster strategy is an important step forward to helping Toronto claim its rightful place as one of the best music cities in the world. With legendary live music venues, a vibrant recording industry, and celebrated festivals such as NXNE, Toronto’s music scene is second to none,” says City Councillor Josh Colle.

Music Canada, which represents the major multinational music companies in Canada, who employ hundreds of Torontonians in their Canadian headquarters, commissioned the study in order to identify how Toronto can compete with cities like Austin, Texas, which advertises itself as the “Live Music Capital of the World”.

“Toronto is one of the top two or three music cities in North America. The music community generates thousands of jobs and enormous economic spinoffs including tourism, and yet it is not recognized as an important commercial sector that warrants a strategy or promotion,” explains Graham Henderson. “Imagine what we could do with a plan like Austin’s, or in fact, with the type of recognition and promotion that has been extended to Toronto’s successful film and television sector.”

Accelerating Toronto’s Music Industry Growth demonstrates that in Austin, music is considered commerce, and the commercial music sector has been identified as a key component of the economy. In Toronto, according to the report, music is considered art and has been undervalued as an economic contributor. It outlines some of the challenges faced by recording studios and live music venues and advocates for a more business-friendly environment.

“Toronto has one of the highest ratios of live music venues to population in North America,” says Jeff Cohen of Collective Concerts. “This privately created asset can be leveraged in order to increase tourism and other economic spinoffs, but it first must be recognized as an important sector of the community. This should begin at City Hall with the creation of a licensing category for live music venues, rather than lumping them in with pool halls, restaurants or dance clubs, and the establishment of a single point of contact for live music similar to the Film and Television office. ”

Recommendations include:
1. Create a Music Industry Board to provide industry input through the Economic Development Committee;
2. Create a Music Industry Office to provide coordination across the various city departments that deal with issues relating to live music events and venues;
3. Create a Provincial Ontario Music Office;
4. Expand the Provincial Music Production Tax Credit to mirror the successful film and television tax credits;
5. Proactively pursue music tourism programs included a multi-day international music festival.

Toronto’s music cluster was discussed by Toronto’s Economic Development Committee on February 21, 2012 at which time Music Canada presented early findings of this study. City staff has been directed to return to the committee with a report and recommendations.

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For more information:

Amy Terrill – Vice President Public Affairs, Music Canada
aterrill@musiccanada.com 647-963-6044

About Music Canada
Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada, namely EMI Music Canada, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also provides certain membership benefits to some of the leading independent record labels and distributors. Its members are engaged in all aspects of the recording industry, including the manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music.

About NXNE
Now in its 18th year, North by Northeast Festivals and Conference (NXNE) has become the Canadian festival destination for emerging artists and major-label headliners, for music filmmakers, and for digital interactive innovators bridging the gap between technology and the arts. Seen as the most anticipated summer music event in Canada, NXNE Music, NXNE Film, and NXNE Interactive are an essential gathering for artists, industry, and fans.

Categories: News Release
Tags: Accelerating Toronto's Music Industry Growth, Economic Development Committee, Graham Henderson, Jeff Cohen, Josh colle, Leveraging Best Practices From Austin, Music Industry Board, Music Industry Office, Nikki Rowling, NXNE, Provincial Ontario Music Office, Texis

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Music Canada Statement on Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

Posted April 27, 2012 by Quentin Burgess

Toronto, April 27, 2012: Music Canada commends the Government of Canada for its continued commitment to conclude negotiations with the European Union on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that includes provisions that put Canada on equal footing with Europe in respect to the protection of intellectual property.“A Canada-EU trade agreement that meets world standards in IP protection will create a level playing field that is absolutely crucial in today’s digital environment. CETA will help stimulate the market for creative and cultural goods and benefit the hundreds of thousands of Canadians employed in the creative economy,” says Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada.Music Canada encourages Minister Fast to conclude this bold trade agreement with the EU.

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Categories: News Release
Tags: CETA, Creative Economy, European Union, Government of Canada, Intellectual Property

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Music Canada Supports Referral of C-11 to Committee

Posted February 8, 2012 by Amy Terrill

Toronto, February 8, 2012: Music Canada is pleased to see 2nd reading on Bill C-11, The Copyright Modernization Act, drawing to a close so that the Bill can proceed to a Legislative Committee for review.

“Copyright reform has been discussed for well over a decade in Canada, with draft legislation put forward by not one, but two governments. The discussion has featured mammoth and unprecedented public consultations, town halls, round tables, submissions and testimony by hundreds of witnesses, many representing thousands of Canadians. And in this Parliamentary session we have heard from dozens of speakers. All this while jobs are lost and careers are damaged, some beyond repair. It is time to deal with this issue in committee where the important work will take place to refine the Bill in order to ensure it meets the government’s objectives of protecting creative industries, combating piracy and encouraging productivity and innovation in Canada’s vital creative sector,” says Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada. “We look forward to a post enactment world, when the creative community can focus on rebuilding the marketplace, and when it will become clear that reports of the impending death of the internet were greatly exaggerated.”

Music Canada, formerly known as the Canadian Recording Industry Association, appeared before the legislative committee reviewing Bill C-32 along with artists Loreena McKennitt and Maia Davies and representatives of the Canadian Independent Music Association and the Canadian Council of Music Industry Associations.

Categories: News Release
Tags: Bill C-11, The Copyright Modernization Act

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Music Canada Proud to Support 41st Annual JUNO Awards

Posted February 8, 2012 by Amy Terrill

Toronto, February 7, 2012: Music Canada is proud to return as sponsor of the Album of the Year Award at the 41st Annual JUNO Awards.

“Canadian bands and artists firmly took hold of the world music stage in 2011, demonstrating the depth and diversity of Canadian talent,” says Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada. “This came as no surprise to those of us who work alongside amazing artists like those nominated for this year’s Album of the Year Award, but firmly reinforces that Canada’s scene is worth promoting and protecting as one of its more fertile industries and an enormous part of Brand Canada.”

The Album of the Year Award will be presented at the 2012 JUNO Awards broadcast at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on Sunday, April 1st.

For more information:

Amy Terrill – Vice President Public Affairs, Music Canada
aterrill@musiccanada.com 647-963-6044

Categories: News Release
Tags: Graham Henderson, Music Canada, The Juno Awards

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Toronto Digital Music Company Mediazoic Announces Licensing Deal with AVLA

Posted January 24, 2012 by Quentin Burgess

Toronto Digital Music Company Mediazoic Announces Licensing Deal with AVLA

Comprehensive deal covers internet streaming of music from Universal, Warner, Sony, EMI, and more than 1000 independent labels

Toronto, January 24, 2012: Toronto-based digital music company Mediazoic today announced a deal with the AVLA (Audio-Video Licensing Agency), which will allow Mediazoic’s internet radio network to carry the music catalogues of more than 1000 record companies representing the majority of all sound recordings and music videos produced and/or distributed in Canada.

Based out of a radio and record production studio in downtown Toronto, Mediazoic makes software that allows both individuals and commercial organizations to create, customize and curate their own internet radio stations. The system keeps track of all “listens” throughout the network, allowing royalties to be paid not only to the creators and rights holders of the music, but also to other stakeholders in the music ecosystem.

Current station hosts on the Canadian-owned-and-operated internet radio network include renowned deejay Alan Cross, iconic Toronto live music venue Hugh’s Room, annual music festival Indie Week, and local hip hop MC and artist MC FÜBB.

Cross, whose Weekly Top 11 show is unveiled every Friday on the network, has high praise for what Mediazoic’s unique take on internet radio has done for him. “Mediazoic’s resources have been a big help to my website, driving both traffic and time spent.” he enthuses, “Everyone should give the company a look.”

The network also has several radio shows in development, which will benefit from the wide range of music that this deal opens for Mediazoic and its listeners. One such show is hosted by established music journalist Karen Bliss, who will be resurrecting her popular interview show Lowdown, a one-hour comprehensive “this is your life” type show. Lowdown, Bliss’s music industry brand, has appeared in all kind of incarnations: a Canadian music industry column, an online radio show, a TV segment on Inside Jam, a TV show on Bite TV, and a music seminar. Through these formats, she has covered hundreds of artists, including Avril Lavigne, Billy Talent, Nelly Furtado and Sum 41.

“Our listeners know that every one of our stations has been playing great music since our launch last year.” says Mediazoic founder Greg Nisbet, “but let’s face it, now that our station hosts can throw a bit of Joni Mitchell, K’naan or Leonard Cohen into the mix, the listener experience is going to get a whole lot better. Our aim has always been to capture some of the magic that happens between people when great music is created and heard, and spread that magic across the digital realm, so we’re really excited about all of the wonderful collaborations that this deal will allow us to explore.”

“We’re pleased to work with Mediazoic, which will ensure that all of our members, whether they represent emerging or established artists, benefit equally from “plays” on this innovative new network,” says Graham Henderson, President of AVLA and Music Canada.

The deal between Mediazoic and AVLA covers reproduction rights. Mediazoic is also working with Re:Sound, the Canadian not-for-profit music licensing company that licenses recorded music for public performance, broadcast and new media to cover performance rights. “We’re always happy to work with innovative companies like Mediazoic to ensure that music creators are fairly compensated within emerging business models.” said Ian MacKay, Re:Sound’s President.

About Mediazoic
Mediazoic is a next-generation music and media organization, based in Toronto, whose mission is to bring together like-minded people, both digitally and physically, with outstanding, highly curated content. Mediazoic’s growing network of operations includes Internet radio stations, live events, content development and licensing, and infrastructure for artist publicity and promotion. www.mediazoic.com

About AVLA
The AVLA Audio-Video Licensing Agency (AVLA) represents nearly 1000 major and independent record companies and other copyright owners, including many independent artists. Our members own or control the copyright in the vast majority of all sound recordings produced and distributed in Canada. We license the broadcasting and reproduction of our members’ audio and video recordings in Canada. www.avla.ca

About Re:Sound
Re:Sound Music Licensing Company is the Canadian not-for-profit music licensing company dedicated to obtaining fair compensation for artists and record companies for their performance rights. On behalf of its members, representing thousands of artists and record companies, Re:Sound licenses recorded music for public performance, broadcast and new media. All of the
money collected by Re:Sound is distributed to our members, less only our actual costs. Created in 1997 (as NRCC), our member organisations are ACTRA RACS, ARTISTI, MROC, AVLA and SOPROQ. For more information, please visit us at www.resound.ca.

Contact Info:

Greg Nisbet, Mediazoic
647-294-0153
gregn@mediazoic.com

Amy Terrill, AVLA
(416) 922-8727
aterrill@avla.ca

Categories: News Release
Tags: AVLA, Mediazoic

Music Canada

Gold & Platinum

Music Canada

Gold & Platinum

News Release (149)