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Musicians without Borders’ Laura Hassler to keynote CMW Global Forum

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Canadian Music Week (CMW) has announced that Laura Hassler, Founder and Director of Musicians without Borders, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Global Forum Networking Breakfast. Musicians without Borders is a global organization that uses music to “bridge divides, connect communities, and heal the wounds of war.” The organization is currently working on projects in Palestine, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Music Canada is proud to return as sponsor of the 2016 Global Forum, which will celebrate and recognize individuals and organizations in the music community who are using music to make the world a better place. The invitation-only event takes place May 6th at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto.

“As the music community continues to focus on adapting to an evolving digital environment, this year’s Global Forum will take stock of the amazing power of music to unite us all and be a force for good,” said Graham Henderson, President and CEO of Music Canada, in the CMW release. “Laura Hassler and the panelists at this year’s Global Forum demonstrate every day that music has the ability to heal, console, inspire, ignite and connect.”

“We’re thrilled to have Laura Hassler at this year’s Global Forum,” added CMW President Neill Dixon. “The work that she and her organization is doing is of great importance to the global community.”

Following Hassler’s keynote, she will join a panel discussion with representatives of three other organizations using music to make the world a better place. The panel, moderated by journalist Nancy Wilson, will also include:

  • Andre Le Roux, Managing Director of South Africa’s SAMRO Foundation, the largest private contributor to music development in the Southern African region, supporting almost 50 community-based music schools and providing scholarships for music studies overseas;
  • Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of the National Music Centre in Calgary, which reaches music lovers through education, exhibitions, incubation and performance; and
  • Lee Whitmore, Vice President, Education Outreach and Social Entrepreneurship at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, where he leads Berklee City Music, a program that enables youth from underserved communities to develop musically, academically, socially and emotionally through the study of contemporary music.

 

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MEGAPHONO 2016 – ‘In Search of the Music City’ panel video posted

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Ottawa-based music organization MEGAPHONO has posted a video of their In Search Of The Music City: What Does Local Business Have To Gain? panel, which it co-presented in February 2016 alongside the Ontario Music Industry Coalition (OMIC).

The discussion was moderated by Music Canada Live‘s Erin Benjamin and featured panelists Mark Garner (Downtown Yonge BIA), Councillor Jeff Leiper (City of Ottawa), Amy Terrill (Music Canada) and Tim Potocic (Sonic Unyon / Supercrawl). The panelists shared how music has changed their communities, and how they are working businesses to foster a better environment for artists and artist entrepreneurs.

The full video is available at https://vimeo.com/164892912, and is embedded below.

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Music Monday to host nationwide sing-a-long and Toronto youth rally May 2

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On Monday May 2, 2016, thousands of students from coast to coast will come together to participate in Music Monday and celebrate the impact music education has on our lives. The nationwide event will begin when schools open on the Eastern shores of Newfoundland, moving across the country to closing school bells by the Western shores of British Columbia. At 12:30 PM EST, students will join in on the official singing of the Music Monday Anthem, “We Are One.”

Beginning at Noon ET, student supporters and Coalition For Music Education’s Youth4Music ambassadors will gather outside Toronto City Hall at Nathan Phillips Square for the Toronto Lives Music rally and showcase concert, hosted by Céline Peterson. Toronto Mayor John Tory, entertainers Sharon & Bram, and JUNO-nominee Scott Helman will be in attendance for the rally, which will also feature performances from Canadian Brass, Melanie Doane & The Uschool, Dijah SB, Charlotte Siegel, and more.

The Coalition For Music Education will also be presenting the NUFSICISUM Youth Leadership Awards at the rally, which are given to students who have made a special positive impact in their school music program.

In 2013, retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield helped lead a nationwide sing-a-long of his Music Monday anthem “I.S.S. (Is Somebody Singing),” co-written by Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies, aboard the International Space Station. Following a nationwide search in 2014, Bolton, Ontario’s Connor Ross penned his winning anthem “We Are One,” which will be performed again in 2016 across Canada.

Participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #MMC2C to share their Music Monday experiences, and can find the links to the nationwide rally and sing-a-long webcasts beginning Monday morning on the Music Monday website.

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East Coast Music Association announces new partnership with Music Canada and Music Canada Live

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Last week, over 600 performing artists and 8,000 fans gathered in Cape Breton for East Coast Music Week (ECMW). Amidst the performances music professionals and representatives from music associations from across Canada met and began an initiative to make the music industry stronger in Atlantic Canada.

As ECMW came to a close, Andy McLean, of the East Coast Music Association, announced the beginning of a process to study the east coast’s music industry. In partnership with Music Canada and Music Canada Live, this initiative will eventually lead to the production of an industry profile of Atlantic Canada which will identify its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth and development.

The ultimate goal of the initiative is to ensure that East Coast musicians can have a sustainable career without having to leave the region.

“The amount of talent in the Atlantic region is undeniable, and large events and festivals like the ECMA, bring outstanding cultural and economic benefits to the region,” says Amy Terrill, Executive Vice President of Music Canada.  “We look forward to learning more about the things that are working well in the Atlantic region and generating some new ideas that would help build a stronger, more successful music community.”

The initial report, which is expected by September 2016, has the support of all five regions and the local music industry associations (Music Nova Scotia, Music PEI, Music New Brunswick, Music Newfoundland & Labrador and the Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative) who will participate in the study.

Amy Terrill spoke to the East Coast Music Week Industry Conference about Music Canada’s research—the BC Music Sector report which led to the Government of British Columbia’s recent $15 million investment in the music industry, and The Mastering of a Music City report which continues to generate discussion about how cities can make themselves more music and musician-friendly.

“It’s exciting to see the music city conversations blossoming in the Atlantic provinces,” added Terrill.  “Music has an incredible impact on community vitality and quality of life, which is critical for attracting and retaining young workers from every sector.  Working with the music community to ensure a friendly environment for the presentation of music is a win-win approach.”

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Province announces 2016 Ontario Music Fund recipients

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Yesterday afternoon at the Rivoli, the Hon. Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the 2016 Ontario Music Fund (OMF) grant recipients, with 151 recipients receiving $14 million in grants in the third year of the program. The fund, which is administered by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), supports music entrepreneurs, record labels, managers, agents, industry trade associations, and training institutions across Ontario.

Per the release, the OMF, which was made permanent in the 2015 Ontario budget, has now supported 244 applications from 220 companies in its first three years, resulting in 1,274 full-time equivalent positions for Ontario’s music industry. More than 1.6 million people have attended events supported by the fund in its first two years, which featured performances by more than 1900 Ontario artists.

“Ontario is home to the largest music industry in Canada and one of the most diverse anywhere in the world,” said Wynne in the release. “Through the Ontario Music Fund, our government is supporting a dynamic and important cultural sector, helping to create good jobs here in Ontario while exporting our sound to the world.”

“By investing in the music industry through the Ontario Music Fund, our government has ensured that Ontario continues to be the best place in Canada for recording and performing music,” added the Hon. Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “I’m proud that through this newly permanent fund, our government will continue to create opportunities that showcase our talented artists and producers, and attract visitors from around the world.”

Success stories highlighted by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport include A Tribe Called Red, the Guelph Jazz Festival, Dine Alone Records, CP Music Group, and Phem Phat Entertainment Group. The release also notes that artists supported by the OMF have sold almost four million recordings domestically and five million internationally.

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Guelph Chamber of Commerce to host ‘Guelph as Music City’ Summit

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Next week, the Guelph Chamber of Commerce will host ‘Guelph as Music City’: What Successful Tourism Sounds Like, a half-day summit where key stakeholders will discuss the state of local music tourism and its potential as an economic driver in the Guelph region. The event takes place on Wednesday, April 27 from noon to 3:30pm at the Delta Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre (50 Stone Road West) in Guelph, ON.

The event will feature two panel discussions, a keynote presentation by Music Canada’s Graham Henderson, a Q & A session, as well as a pair of performances: an opening performance by Alanna Gurr, and intermission performance by NEFE.

The opening panel, Setting the Stage, will be emceed by Hayley Kellett of The Making Box, and includes panelists:

  • Kithio Mwanzia – President & CEO, Guelph Chamber of Commerce
  • Marie Zimmerman – Executive Director, Hillside Festival
  • His Worship Mayor Cam Guthrie – Mayor of the City of Guelph
  • Kathryn McGarry – MPP for Cambridge on behalf of the Ontario Minister for Tourism, Culture & Sport

Following lunch, Music Canada President & CEO will present Music Meets Municipality: Key learning’s from The Mastering of a Music City. The keynote will cite best practices gleaned from The Mastering of a Music City, the 2015 report by Music Canada and IFPI that sets out how cities worldwide can take simple steps to help develop their music economies.

Following NEFE’s performance is the Leadership Panel, with moderator Rob McLean of Kazolu , and panelists:

  • Erin Benjamin – Music Canada Live
  • Brian Heatherman – Music Ontario
  • Robert Leader – JAM School

The full agenda is available on the Chamber website. To register, or for more information, visit http://www.guelphchamber.com/attend/event_calendar/#id=1557&cid=119&wid=701.

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2016 Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards nominees revealed

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Congratulations to the 2016 Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards (MBIA) nominees, which were revealed earlier today by Canadian Music Week (CMW). The awards gala, hosted by TV personality Jessi Cruickshank, will take place during CMW on Thursday May 5, 2016, at the Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in Toronto, ON. The MBIA’s recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the Canadian music industry in the past year.

Several award recipients have already been revealed for the industry celebration, including Nelly Furtado for the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award, and J. Robert Wood for Allan Waters Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award.

The gala will also celebrate the Canadian Music Industry Hall Of Fame inductions of legendary singer/songwriter Andy Kim, Quebec music industry veterans André Ménard and Alain Simard, and Newcap Radio President and CEO Rob Steele.

Additionally, on Saturday, May 7, Canadian Music Week will present the first annual Live Music Industry Awards, in partnership with the International Festival Network (IFN) and trade organization Music Canada Live. The awards will honour outstanding individuals and achievements in the Canadian live music business sector, and nominees are expected to be revealed shortly.

The full list of 2015 Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards recipients can be viewed here.

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Town of Aurora Approves Music Strategy

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Earlier this week, the Town of Aurora, ON, approved of a music strategy which will guide local policy and support the needs of existing music businesses as the Town continues in its plans for development. The strategy will support Aurora musicians, create easier access to music programs, and support music programs for disadvantaged communities.

The music strategy acknowledges the significant role of music in providing employment, attracting tourism, and generating spending in other sectors of the local economy. Further, the strategy shows that the Town of Aurora understands how much a vibrant music sector can contribute to the social and cultural fabric of a community.

The five areas of focus in the strategy include:

  1. Supporting an environment friendly to music creators;
  2. Encouraging the business of music in Aurora;
  3. Promoting Aurora’s music sector locally;
  4. Fostering alliances with other music cites; and,
  5. Implementing a process for monitoring progress and measuring success.

Aurora’s music strategy follows the key recommendations of Music Canada’s The Mastering of a Music City report, which is a roadmap for communities of all sizes can follow to realize the full potential of their music economy. The global report is the result of more than forty interviews with music community experts, government officials, and community leaders. Nearly a year since its release, the report continues to drive policy discussions around music in cities around the world.

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Vinyl sales soar as industry prepares for Record Store Day 2016

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For nearly a decade, the third Saturday in April has become an unofficial holiday for vinyl collectors and music enthusiasts across the globe.

On Saturday, April 16, 2016, eager crate diggers will once again set their alarms early in anticipation of Record Store Day, a music community celebration which aims to gather artists, customers, and staff to celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role these independently owned stores play in their communities. Each year, limited edition vinyl and CD titles are made available exclusively for the event. with many of the stores also running special sales throughout the day.

In Canada, an appetite for high-quality sound, artwork and a tangible product has lead to soaring vinyl sales. In 2015, vinyl posted its tenth consecutive year of sales growth, and experienced its biggest overall vinyl sales total in the SoundScan era, with a sales increase of 30% over 2014.

According to IFPI’s 2016 Global Music Report, Canada ranks #5 in top global vinyl sales, pushing 1.3 million units in 2015. Despite the sales surge, vinyl remains a niche portion of the physical market, which contributed 35% to Canada’s recorded music revenue in 2015 largely driven by CD sales. In 2015, digital revenue surged to 52% of Canada’s market share due to the rise in streaming service subscriptions. However, for labels and artists, the revenue generated from the sale of vinyl remains far greater than the revenue generated from free, ad-supported streaming services, due to what is known as the “value gap.”

While vinyl’s resurgence is excellent news for labels and artists, the few remaining North American pressing plants are struggling to keep up with the demand as aging equipment can lead to unforeseen delays for new releases. In 2015, Canada Boy Vinyl in Calgary, AB, opened its doors and is currently listed as the only vinyl pressing plant in Canada.

In Toronto, ON, a new startup aims to fix the issue of plant delays and their backlog of orders. Viryl Technologies, who will join Alan Cross on a panel for a free Record Store Day Music-Technology Meet Up, has developed their prototype “The Warmtone”, which uses digital technology to press up to three records per minute, an increase from the industry standard 35 seconds per unit.

Regardless of production delays, over 150 stores across Canada will participate in Record Store Day, stocked with thousands of new and vintage titles ready to be spun. The full list of participating Canadian record stores can be found at Record Store Day Canada’s website.

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Canada Outpaces Global Music Revenue Growth in 2015 but Outlook Remains Cautious

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The global music community celebrates a return to revenue positive in 2015 with a 3.2% growth of industry revenues to US$ 15 billion, while Canada more than doubles this upswing with an 8.3% increase, helping to make up for a double digit loss in 2014.

Driven by a strong release schedule and explosive growth in premium subscription services, largely the result of new entrants in the Canadian market, 2015 finished as an exceptional year for the Canadian music industry. In fact, three of the top ten global recording artists in 2015 were Canadian: Justin Bieber at number four, Drake at number nine and The Weeknd rounding out the top ten.

Despite these positive results however, it is too early to confidently declare a reversal in trends, given that losses in 2012 (-2.9%), 2013 (-5.4%) and 2014 (-11.0%) followed immediately after the positive 2011 figures (+3.1%), which marked the first revenue growth in this century in Canada.

Complete global figures and analysis were released today in IFPI’s Global Music Report 2016.

Highlights of Canada’s 2015 Music Revenues:

  • Digital revenues surge to 52% of total revenues (US$173.5 million), somewhat higher than the global share of 45%
  • Premium streaming revenues explode in Canada, with a 151% increase (US$29.4m in 2015 v. US$11.85m in 2014), overtaking ad-supported streaming revenue, which only grew 32% (US$19.49m in 2015 v. US$14.76m in 2014)
  • Physical revenues in Canada make up 35% of the market (US$ 118.9million), slightly lower than the global share of 39%
  • Performance rights revenues are 11% in Canada compared to 14% globally
  • Synchronization rights are 2% compared to 2% globally

In Canada, as in other countries around the world, a record volume of music is being consumed, yet artists and producers are not enjoying fair compensation, primarily because upload services like YouTube are not paying normal music licensing rates due to the misapplication of a legislative framework called “safe harbours”. This has created what is known as the “value gap”. Furthermore, the “value gap” has resulted in a distorted market, where premium services are forced to compete unfairly with other services that use copyrighted content to build their businesses, but do not pay fair rates.

“In Canada, where premium streaming has had such a significant positive effect on our market in 2015, the “value gap”, where ad-supported services benefit from lower-than-normal licensing rates, causes immense concerns,” says Graham Henderson, President & CEO of Music Canada. “We hope that legislators will work with the music community to address this market distortion and reduce the gap so that rights holders are compensated fairly for their work.”

Complete market information for Canada and all other national markets will be released on Thursday, April 14, 2016 by IFPI.

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