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Music Canada returns as presenting sponsor of the Humanitarian Award, and Album of the Year Award at the JUNOS

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April 4, 2022, Toronto: Music Canada is excited to return as the presenting sponsor of the Humanitarian Award, and the Album of the Year Award, at The 2022 JUNO Awards Broadcast. JUNO Week celebrations begin May 9th and will culminate with Canada’s Biggest Night in Music on Sunday, May 15 with The 51st annual JUNO Awards, hosted by Simu Liu. The first in-person JUNO Awards since 2019, this year’s event will make history as it broadcasts and streams for the first time from an outdoor venue at Budweiser Stage, with performances from highly anticipated acts including Arkells, Avril Lavigne, Charlotte Cardin, and Mustafa. 

“Music Canada is thrilled to celebrate Canadian music with our friends and partners in the music community,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “We’re proud to work alongside Canada’s major labels, with CARAS, and those in the industry who are driving innovation and finding ways to introduce artists and their music to a new generation of fans at home and across the world.”

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) has announced that acclaimed Inuk singer-songwriter, and three-time JUNO Award winner, Susan Aglukark, will be recognized with the 2022 Humanitarian Award. Celebrated for her unique blend of Inuit folk, country and pop music, Aglukark will be honoured for her long-standing dedication to improving the lives of children and youth in Northern Indigenous communities. 

The Humanitarian Award recognizes philanthropic achievements from Canadian artists and industry pioneers who have created a lasting impact on social welfare globally. Presented annually, previous recipients include Bryan Adams, Neil Young, Sarah McLachlan, and the Tragically Hip.

“It is an honour to receive this award, and a privilege to have had the opportunity to help create safe spaces for Northern Inuit and Indigenous youth to explore their own potential and forge cultural connections through Indigenous-led programs,” said Aglukark. “I am proud of the work our team at the Arctic Rose Foundation has achieved so far, and look forward to expanding our footprint across the North to bring more culturally-grounded, adaptable programming to young people and help engage, support and inspire them in all aspects of their lives.”

“Susan’s dedication to the North and to creating safe spaces for children and youth in Northern Indigenous communities is inspiring,” said Patrick Rogers. “The Humanitarian Award has recognized Canadian artists, and titans of the industry who have gone above and beyond to create positive change for their communities, and whose impact can be felt around the world. We’re honoured to include Susan as a recipient , and to commemorate her outstanding achievements at this year’s JUNOS.”

The Album of the Year Award will also be presented at The JUNO Awards Broadcast. This year’s nominees are: 

  • Phoenix, Charlotte Cardin
  • Dangerous Levels of Introspection, JP Saxe
  • Justice, Justin Bieber
  • Wonder, Shawn Mendes
  • TOO YOUNG TO BE SAD, Tate McRae

“People are enjoying more music than ever before, and connecting with artists in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Being able to recognize and celebrate Canadian talent at the JUNOS with the Album of the Year Award is important to the continued success and growth of our music ecosystem,” continued Rogers. “Success at home can also translate to success on the international stage, which contributes economically, socially and culturally to communities across the country – generating opportunity for everyone.”

The 51st annual JUNO Awards hosted by Simu Liu, will make history on Sunday, May 15 as it broadcasts and streams for the first time from an outdoor venue at Budweiser Stage in Toronto, live across Canada at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos. 

Tickets for The 2022 JUNO Awards start at $39.95 plus fees and taxes and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.ca/junos. 

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Erica Meekes
Music Canada
emeekes@musiccanada.com
(416) 462-1485

About Music Canada
Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada:  Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also works with some of the leading independent record labels and distributors, recording studios, live music venues, concert promoters, managers and artists in the promotion and development of the music cluster.

About CARAS
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and promote higher artistic and industry standards. CARAS’ mandate is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity, MusiCounts, programs and initiatives, Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs, Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing, and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.  In 2021 The JUNO Awards celebrated its 50th Anniversary, with a national celebration of Canadian music. For more information on the JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit www.junoawards.ca.

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IFPI releases Global Music Report 2022, capturing the innovation-driven music market trends in Canada and around the globe

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Today, the IFPI released their Global Music Report 2022, the definitive annual review of the global recorded music market. The report provides the official data on recorded music revenues worldwide, as well as insight and analysis on industry trends and developments. Truly a global industry, the report makes clear that music is everywhere today and people are not only enjoying more music than ever before, they’re also connecting with artists in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. 

Globally, the recorded music market grew by 18.5% in 2021, driven by a 21.9% increase in paid subscription streaming, and supported by a 16.1% gain in physical formats and a 4% gain in performance rights revenue. Total global revenues for 2021 were US$25.9 billion. Recorded music revenues grew in every region around the world in 2021.

Canada’s music market grew by 12.6% in 2021, to a total of US$583.6 Million, making it the 8th largest market in the world. Canada’s growth was driven by an 18% increase in streaming, which includes a 15.6% increase in paid subscription streaming, and 29.1% and 28.2% gains in ad-supported audio streaming and ad-supported video streaming, respectively. Physical format revenue increased by 11.4% in 2021, to a total of US$66.3 Million, the 7th highest ranking in the world. 

The report illustrates how today’s global music industry continues to evolve and expand in new and exciting ways. That includes examples of the ways that record companies are expanding into new territories, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa, and putting down deeper roots in local music communities. 

The report also shows the dynamic nature of today’s music industry, where artists have enormous choice in how to bring their music to fans around the world. The report shows that there were 523 million users of paid subscription accounts at the end of 2021, and approximately 60,000 songs uploaded every single day to one leading platform alone. 

“Today’s music market is the most competitive in memory,” said IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore. “Fans are enjoying more music than ever and in so many different and new ways.  This creates enormous opportunities for artists. Those who choose to partner with a record company, do so to benefit from the support of agile, highly responsive global teams of experts dedicated to helping them achieve creative and commercial success and build their long-term careers.”

“Canada’s music market is a microcosm of this global music economy,” said Patrick Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Music Canada. “Canada’s major record labels have invested in both resources and people – developing new state of the art infrastructure in Toronto and Montreal, and bolstering their growing teams with talented staff across Canada to help their artists create and record their music. Record labels play a critical role in partnering with Canadian artists and helping them achieve creative and commercial success in today’s incredibly competitive marketplace.”

The report illustrates the new immersive and interactive ways that artists are connecting with fans online. Areas such as gaming, fitness, the metaverse and short-form video platforms have unlocked new tools for artists as well as new revenue streams, as these are licensed platforms which means that creators are being paid when their music is being played. The report also outlines policy recommendations to support a competitive marketplace to enable music to thrive in these new environments.

The report is now available on the IFPI’s website.

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Canada’s music marketplace hits more than 2 billion audio streams in one week

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This week, Canada hit a major milestone in music listening. For the first time, Canadians streamed more than 2 billion audio streams in a single week. The figure was announced this week by MRC Data, the most comprehensive global provider of data and analytics to the entertainment and music industry. 

“A little over two years ago Canada reached 1.5 billion weekly audio streams, and we are pleased to share that the country has quickly achieved another major milestone with 2 billion weekly audio streams,” said Rob Jonas, CEO P-MRC Data.  “With the Canadian audio streaming market currently up over 12 percent year over year from 2020, we certainly expect to see more record weeks in the future.” 

“Two billion on-demand audio streams in a week is a huge accomplishment for Canada’s music marketplace,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “This number includes streams from licensed services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and TIDAL. These services provide music fans with on-demand access to more than 70 million licensed songs – a level of access that is leading to more music being played and consumed than ever before.”

When looking deeper into these impressive streaming numbers, Pop, Rock, Rap, Country, and Alternative Rock had the highest volume increases over the past few years, helping Canada reach the 2 billion weekly audio streams milestone.

“The 2 billion data point from MRC Data isn’t just a number. It’s a benchmark that reflects how much Canadians love and value music,” continued Rogers. “This new benchmark also demonstrates the incredible growth that the recorded industry has undergone over the past decade. These streams came from licensed, on-demand music services which means that the creators behind this music are being compensated.”

“It’s important to remember that this 2 billion figure isn’t an annual stat. It isn’t a monthly stat. It is 2 billion streams in a single week,” added Rogers. “Next week, MRC Data will restart their count at zero, and Canadians will track towards 2 billion again – all by listening to their favourite songs and discovering new ones.”

“There is an incredible amount of talented artists vying to be heard on these platforms, and fans can hear their music when they want and how they want,” said Rogers. “In this incredibly competitive marketplace, record labels play a critical role, partnering with, and investing in, artists to help them achieve creative and commercial success.”

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Erica Meekes
Music Canada
emeekes@musiccanada.com
(416) 462-1485

 

About Music Canada
Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada:  Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also works with some of the leading independent record labels and distributors, recording studios, live music venues, concert promoters, managers and artists in the promotion and development of the music cluster.

 

About MRC Data
MRC Data is the most comprehensive global provider of data and analytics to the entertainment and music industry and consumers.  Established in 2019 with the acquisition of Nielsen’s music data analytics business, MRC Data services digital service providers (DSPs), labels, airplay, and music retailers. MRC Data’s data powers the Billboard charts, the industry’s most complete and well-respected database of charts across all music genres. MRC Data products include Music Connect, BDSradio and Music360, which collectively capture and represent the most robust dataset related to music sales, performance, artist activity, and consumer engagement. MRC Data is part of P-MRC Data, a joint venture between MRC and Penske Media Corporation (PMC).

 

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Join Music Canada at Canadian Music Week’s Virtual Voices series on Canadian Music Data in 2021

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Join Music Canada at Canadian Music Week’s (CMW) Virtual Voices series next week on Tuesday, October 12th at 2pm ET as we, and our celebrated guests, break down ‘Canadian Music Data in 2021’. This panel will feature a conversation with Erik Sowden, Head of Commercial Development at MRC Data; Alex Bellissimo, Director of Commercial Revenue at Warner Music Canada; and our Moderator Miranda Mulholland, Artist and Music Canada’s Creative Culture Advisor.

The panel will focus on Canadians’ love of music, and the data on streaming that confirms it. MRC Canada’s data shows that Canada is close to hitting a new major milestone in streaming. Sometime soon, it’s expected that Canada will hit 2 billion songs streamed per week. The size and rapid growth of the streaming marketplace in Canada is an incredible achievement. At this panel, hear from industry professionals for their take on this strong, dynamic – but highly competitive – marketplace.

This is a free virtual event. To register, please click here.

You can view this panel when available, and previous panels within the Virtual Voices series from CMW, here.

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CONNECT Music Licensing and Music Canada launch Understanding Royalties In the Digital Age video series, supported by Ontario Creates

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CONNECT Music Licensing and Music Canada have released a new video series, titled Understanding Royalties In the Digital Age, which clearly and succinctly explains key concepts and fundamentals about music royalties in Canada. The series expands on information from CONNECT’s often-cited Music Royalties Explained infographic, and aims to help Canadian artist entrepreneurs collect all the royalties they are entitled to. 

Made possible by the support of Ontario Creates, the four part series of short, shareable videos explores the process of licensing, distribution, and generating income from the broadcast and public performance of music. The videos are: 

“These videos are designed to provide Canadian artist entrepreneurs with key information about music rights, licensing, and how to collect royalties from the use of their music,” said Catherine Jones, Vice President of CONNECT Music Licensing. “By clearly outlining the royalties that artists are entitled to when their music is used, these videos will help more artists collect revenue and earn a living from their music.”

“All creators should have a working understanding of the royalties they are entitled to when their music is streamed online, played on the radio or broadcast in a restaurant, club, bar, fitness club or live event venue,” said Sarah Hashem, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at Music Canada. “These videos outline how artist entrepreneurs can register their works with the applicable Canadians rights organizations, so that they can get paid when their music is played.” 

“Empowering artists to understand the intricacies of copyright and the mechanics in place for them to be compensated for their work is essential,” said Miranda Mulholland, artist, and Creative Culture Advisor at Music Canada. “Ensuring artists have access to this knowledge makes the entire music ecosystem more robust.” 

The videos are now available on-demand via the CONNECT Artist Entrepreneur Virtual Resource Centre, and can be viewed in any order.

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Canadian Live Music Association and Music Canada announce the launch of OntarioMusicCities.ca

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June 22nd, 2021, Toronto: The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) and Music Canada have launched the new www.OntarioMusicCities.ca site, a resource for the broader music community to stimulate economic recovery across Ontario, with funding (administered by the CLMA) to build out and enhance Music Cities work. The support was announced by Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries earlier this year.

“The last 18 months have deeply impacted our live music community, and the sector has seen a devastating 92% average decrease in revenue,” said Erin Benjamin, President & CEO of the CLMA. “We thank the Minister for recognizing the integral role live music plays in our quality of life, as well as its significant economic, social, and cultural benefits. While we still face a long road ahead, this critical Music Cities work will pave a way forward and help ensure a more vibrant future – for artists, communities, tourism, and the industry as a whole.”

As part of the initiative, a survey has been launched to help guide communities as they transform toward a thriving music community, and anyone involved in the music scene at a local level is encouraged to participate. The input gathered is the next step in the development of a province-wide music cities framework that aims to help the industry return stronger than ever. 

“I am thrilled that thanks to the Minister’s support of CLMA, Music Canada’s internationally recognized Music Cities framework will support the viability of more music communities across the province,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “Live music is a crucial revenue stream for Canada’s professional musicians, which creates jobs and drives local tourism. Supporting the business of live music is essential so our industry can get back to doing what they do best: creating exponential economic, social and cultural impact for artists and the communities they call home.”

The provincial Music Cities framework is grounded in Music Canada’s world-renowned ‘Music Cities’ framework, a proven model that offers support to communities across the province so they can better leverage their own local live music assets. The framework includes tools and resources that can be implemented to guide the development of local policy and bylaws, and community supports that focus on artists, venues and festivals, the wider supply chain and tourism, so that communities can grow their music economies.

The framework will deliver municipally-focused support and resources to local economies by exploring and recommending initiatives for towns and cities across the province along several categories. These include:

  • Advancing policies that support music and musicians,
  • Expanding music offices and music Advisory Boards across the province,
  • Developing initiatives that engage a broader community,
  • Furthering programs that provide access to music spaces,
  • Developing audience retention strategies for when it is safe to return to venues, festivals and music spaces,
  • Nurturing and leveraging strategic relationships with the tourism, business and other key sectors to align and advance rebuild and recovery efforts.

The CLMA and Music Canada remain committed to core values of equity, diversity and inclusion and by working with a range of organizations within the music community, they will work together to meaningfully gain ground to create a more inclusive music industry. 

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About The Canadian Live Music Association
The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) is the voice of Canada’s live music industry. Established in response to an identified need in the live music industry, the CLMA represents venues, clubs, concert promoters, festivals, talent agencies, arenas, performing arts centres, industry associations and networks, as well as suppliers to the sector. Its mission is to entrench the economic, social and cultural value of live music – creating the conditions for concerts to thrive, from coast to coast to coast.

About Music Canada
Music Canada represents Canada’s major record labels: Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. We advocate for a healthy and vibrant Canadian music ecosystem, which includes labels, performing artists, publishers, songwriters, managers, live venues and others.

 

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Music Canada launches research study on equity, diversity and inclusion in Canada’s music industry, in collaboration with Ryerson’s Diversity Institute

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May 17, 2021: Music Canada, in collaboration with the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management, is releasing a survey as part of a new and first-of-its kind research study on equity, diversity and inclusion in Canada’s music industry. Artists, creators, and music industry professionals are encouraged to participate in the national and bilingual survey linked at https://musiccanada.com/diversity-inclusion-survey-2021.

This survey and the broader research study intends to identify diversity and inclusion gaps within the music industry and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and barriers to success of diverse artists, creators and music professionals in the Canadian music industry. 

 “Equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the centre of Music Canada’s core values, and we are committed to advancing these both internally in our organization and in the broader music community,” Jennifer M. Sloan, Board Chair of Music Canada. “By consulting the Canadian music community, working collaboratively with the Diversity Institute and with music sector leaders to identify and address barriers, we can meaningfully gain ground together to create a more inclusive music industry in Canada.” 

“This survey is part of Music Canada and our members’ commitment to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion within the music community,” says Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “By working with subject matter experts at the Diversity Institute, we will be able to gather actionable information relating to Canada’s music industry.”

“In order to address systemic barriers and challenges to success in our industry, we need to consult directly with individuals throughout Canada’s music community to understand their experiences,” says Jackie Dean, COO of Music Canada. “This research will help us develop a deeper understanding of those experiences in order to help create a better music ecosystem for all.” 

The Diversity Institute has over two decades of proven experience in developing equity, diversity and inclusion strategies and activities that can better support individuals, organizations and corporations, and society at large. Diversity and inclusion sectoral research is a primary area of research for the Institute. A wide range of diverse music industry partners were consulted on the survey, including ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective; Women in Music Canada; the Canadian Country Music Association and others. It has also been shared with Music Canada’s Advisory Council Members in recognition of their expertise from across the Canadian music community. 

“ADVANCE wants to ensure an equitable, diverse and inclusive music industry,” said Keziah Myers, Executive Director, ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective. “In efforts that advocate for the Black community, ADVANCE has collaborated with Music Canada in a new research study focusing on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada’s Music Industry. This study will examine the Canadian music industry to identify enablers, challenges and barriers to success. We encourage all of ADVANCE’s members, audiences and supporters to take part in this brief, anonymous online survey. Adding your perspective will help identify diversity and inclusion gaps in the sector, and move towards positive systemic change.”

“The Canadian Country Music Association is committed to making the values of equity, diversity and inclusion an integral part of our culture,” said Tracy Martin, President, Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). “This new research study will help our sector gain a deeper understanding of how sustained action in support of these values can better serve the music community. I encourage all CCMA members to add their perspective by completing this brief, anonymous survey, which will help identify diversity and inclusion gaps in Canada’s music sector.”

“Women in Music is happy to support this crucial research, which will help inform the creation of policies improve industry practices,” said Samantha Slattery, Chair and Founder, Women in Music Canada (WIMC).

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Erica Meekes
Music Canada
emeekes@musiccanada.com
(416) 462-1485

About Music Canada
Music Canada represents Canada’s major record labels: Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. We advocate for a healthy and vibrant Canadian music ecosystem, which includes labels, performing artists, publishers, songwriters, managers and others.

About the Diversity Institute
Founded in 1999, the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management conducts and coordinates multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder research to address the needs of diverse Canadians, the changing nature of skills and competencies, and the policies, processes and tools that advance economic inclusion and success. Our action-oriented, evidence-based approach is advancing knowledge of the complex barriers faced by under-represented groups, leading practices to effect change, and producing concrete results.

The Diversity Institute leads the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and a stream of research for the Future Skills Centre. It has also developed impactful programs like the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub, championed legislative change on Bill C-25 and helped companies develop tools to harness inclusion as a driver for success.

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Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing Announce Executive Team Appointments

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April 22, 2021, Toronto: CONNECT Music Licensing today announced the appointment of Catherine Jones as the new Vice President of CONNECT Music Licensing. Music Canada also announces Sarah Kilpatrick to the position of Vice President, Corporate Affairs, and Miranda Mulholland to the role of Creative Culture Advisor.

“It is an honour to announce Catherine Jones’ appointment to Vice President of CONNECT Music Licensing,” said Jackie Dean, President of CONNECT Music Licensing & COO of Music Canada. “Catherine has more than 25 years of experience that encompasses a wealth of knowledge in all areas of music rights and licensing. She has been instrumental to CONNECT Music Licensing’s success in her time with the organization,” continued Dean. “Each of these women bring exceptional knowledge and experience to our teams, strengthening our ability to drive research, advocacy and community leadership initiatives.” 

Jones joined the CONNECT Music Licensing team in 2017 and is a highly experienced and respected music rights specialist. Prior to joining the organization, she was the Director of Music Services at Bell Media, and the Director of Licensing & Synchronization at Universal Music Canada. She is also a part time Professor at Humber College in the Music Business Program.

“Music Canada’s team is made up of hardworking people dedicated to supporting the music industry and these appointments formalize our ongoing work,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “Sarah Kilpatrick is Music Canada’s direct connection to policy makers in Ottawa. She joined our team with broad and impressive experience in intellectual property law, and her leadership and expertise has played a pivotal role in Music Canada’s success in her years with our organization.”

Kilpatrick joined Music Canada in September 2018 as the Director of Legal Affairs and Public Policy, and in her new role, will lead Music Canada’ public policy and communications teams.

“I am also pleased to announce Miranda Mulholland’s new title as Creative Culture Advisor,” continued Rogers. “It is the voices of artists, and their experiences that shape our message to government, and industry partners, and they will know what support is necessary for the music community’s recovery. Miranda is a champion for artists at every opportunity, and her contributions help shape Music Canada’s direction.”

Mulholland is a celebrated, JUNO nominated artist, record label owner and music festival founder. She has served as Chair of Music Canada’s Advisory Council since 2018, and has worked closely with the organization since that time, she is also the Vice Chair of Massey Hall, and Roy Thomson Hall. This appointment formalizes her contributions to Music Canada.

The appointments support Music Canada’s purpose: to advocate for music and its creators and the value they bring into our daily lives, with the support of our Members, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada, and Warner Music Canada.

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Erica Meekes
Music Canada
emeekes@musiccanada.com
(416) 462-1485

 

About CONNECT Music Licensing
CONNECT Music Licensing administers licences in Canada for the reproduction of sound recordings, and the reproduction and broadcast of music videos on behalf of the copyright owners (usually the record companies).  A licence from CONNECT Music Licensing ensures that owners receive compensation for the use of their sound recordings and/or music videos.
In Canada, our members consist of all the major record companies, many of the independent labels, as well as artists and producers. 

About Music Canada
Music Canada represents Canada’s major record labels:  Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. We advocate for a healthy and vibrant Canadian music ecosystem, which includes labels, performing artists, publishers, songwriters, managers and others.

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2021 Commercial Radio Review

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March 29, 2021, Ottawa: Today, Music Canada today filed its submission in the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC’s) Commercial Radio Policy Framework Review. Music Canada’s submission calls for an update to commercial radio broadcasting content rules to better reflect how Canadian music is made today, to nurture developing Canadian artists, and to ensure that our airwaves truly reflect the full diversity of Canadian voices.

While the way we listen to music has changed over the years, radio continues to play an important role in the development and reach of Canadian musical artists and those who support them. Since the 1970s, the CRTC’s Canadian content rules for commercial radio have been integral to building a dynamic and thriving Canadian music industry. 

Music Canada submits that the MAPL formula (which determines what is Canadian content) should be modernized to better reflect how music is made by Canadian artists and songwriters in 2021, and to acknowledge the important contributions that Canadian engineers, producers and recording studios have in the success of our industry. We also believe strongly that the Canadian content rules should actively create opportunities for the next generation of Canadian talent to be discovered and supported. To this end, Music Canada recommends that a certain percentage of music played on commercial radio be from new and emerging Canadian talent. 

Just as importantly, Music Canada submits that Canada’s airwaves should reflect the rich diversity and range of cultures that make up our country. Indigenous voices and voices from racialized and ethno-cultural groups should be heard on commercial radio. Music Canada recommends that a certain percentage of music played be by Canadian artists representing sovereignty-affirming and equity-deserving groups. 

Music Canada’s objectives of modernizing MAPL and amplifying the diversity of voices on Canada’s airwaves are broadly shared by other leading industry stakeholders, including the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), the Songwriters Association of Canada, ADVANCE, the Indigenous Music Alliance, Music Publishers Canada, the Music Managers Forum and the Canadian Council of Music Industry Associations. Music Canada also echoes the support of those organizations for funding structures like the Canadian Content Development fund (CCD), which are integral to the creation of Canadian music and important organizations like MusiCounts. Music Canada, alongside these groups, also supports the expansion of federal funding for the Unison Benevolent Fund.

“Today’s submission marks an important milestone in the CRTC process,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “We are incredibly proud of this work and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with and benefit from the perspectives of our music industry colleagues. These collaborations make it clear that we are all working toward a common goal: ensuring that all Canadian artists and those who work with them are given opportunities to be elevated, supported and celebrated.”

Music Canada looks forward to continuing its collaboration with its industry colleagues and working together with the broadcasting industry and the CRTC to create a more modern and equitable Canadian radio regime.

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Erica Meekes
Music Canada
emeekes@musiccanada.com
(416) 462-1485

 

About Music Canada
Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada:  Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also works with some of the leading independent record labels and distributors, recording studios, live music venues, concert promoters, managers and artists in the promotion and development of the music cluster.

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Music Canada Launches Virtual “2020 Year in Review”

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March 18th, 2021, Toronto: Music Canada, with the support of its Members – Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada – is pleased to announce the release of the 2020 Year in Review, offering a virtual, expansive view of the organization’s work this year. 

The cancellation of JUNO Week 2020, traditionally a week that provides opportunities for artists and the music community to connect, perform, and be honoured for their achievements, instead marked the initial days the Canadian music community was called on to adjust to the pandemic. Music Canada’s Board immediately tasked our organization with helping the most vulnerable across the music community – with the results of this work summarized in this Year in Review.

While the impact of the pandemic has been felt across industries, the music community has faced numerous, and unique challenges. The impact to live music, and the repercussions for artists, creators, and employees at every level has been felt around the world. 

“Right now, and as ever, it is essential for Music Canada to provide support where it is most needed,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Board Chair, Music Canada. “Indeed, at any given time, we must focus on those in our industry whose situations are most precarious; we must focus on artists and crews that, at least for now, are the ones hardest hit. I am proud of our vision, initiatives and our direction, as Music Canada evolves and develops, we will embrace the eternal importance that music is to us all – most importantly, to those who “make it”.”

Music Canada has weathered the turbulence of the year by staying true to our purpose: to advocate for music and its creators and the value they bring into our daily lives. Our Theory of Change, a principle that outlines actions and pathways to drive change, has further supported our agility. The carefully selected pathways include: working with industry stakeholders domestically and abroad to create unity; advocating at all levels of government for music and the interests of creators; as well as measuring and promoting the economic and cultural power of music. 

To better inform our advocacy initiatives with all levels of government, Music Canada released an Artist Impact Survey, a public opinion survey, a second round of research, and public research findings in early 2021 designed to gain an integrated understanding of how the community was being impacted, from artists and creators, to the changing consumer attitudes around live events. The advocacy accomplishments the Music Canada team has been a part of are available here.

“Our research has made clear that people’s desire for live music is not disappearing,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “Canadians view live music venues as economic and cultural lifelines within their communities, they understand that the pandemic will have severe impacts on the long-term viability of the live music sector which affects Canadian culture in the long run. Music Canada will continue to work with our partners to advocate for the power of music, and to ensure all levels of the music community are protected and ready for the public’s return.”

As a further step on our Theory of Change pathways, Music Canada has continued to partner with important industry stakeholders that are driving positive, and necessary action.

“As we look to the issues facing the global music community in the past year, Music Canada and our members remain committed to sustained action that supports the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said Jackie Dean, COO of Music Canada, and President of CONNECT Music Licensing. “Music brings enormous value to the economic and social fabric of a community, and Music Canada and CONNECT will work with our partners to bring the music sector into recovery.”

Music Canada’s Year in Review also offers a unique, virtual introduction to our Advisory Council members, in their own words. 

An overview of the accomplishments of Music Canada’s Gold/Platinum program, and a gallery of photos is also readily available here.

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Erica Meekes
Music Canada
emeekes@musiccanada.com
(416) 462-1485

About Music Canada
Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada:  Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also works with some of the leading independent record labels and distributors, recording studios, live music venues, concert promoters, managers and artists in the promotion and development of the music cluster.

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