view

Enablers and Barriers to Success in Canada’s Music Industry

Posted May 24, 2023 by Regan Reid

To better understand the barriers to inclusion facing equity-seeking groups in the music industry, and to help develop innovative solutions, Music Canada engaged Toronto Metropolitan University’s Diversity Institute to produce a report based on a national survey of industry professionals.

The survey was designed with input from the Music Canada Advisory Council, the Canadian Live Music Association, the Canadian Country Music Association, Women in Music Canada, and ADVANCE, among other stakeholder groups.

The resulting report finds that despite existing efforts in the industry, there remain practices which perpetuate inequalities for industry members defined by their gender and ethnocultural background. The report examines those challenges and provides a number of recommendations on meaningful ways for music industry organizations to embed EDI considerations into their governance, human resources processes, organizational culture, and elsewhere.

Learn more & download the report here.

Categories: Advocacy, Resources
Tags: Diversity Institute, EDI

view

IFPI releases Global Music Report 2023, highlighting the continued importance of local music to the global industry

Posted March 21, 2023 by Regan Reid

Today, the IFPI released the Global Music Report 2023, a comprehensive annual review of the global recorded music market. In addition to revenue and listenership data, the report provides insight and analysis on important global trends and issues facing the music industry, including the rapid expansion of global music markets such as Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the need for responsible policies around artificial intelligence that protect human artistry and creativity.

In Canada, the music market grew by 8.12% in 2022, to a total of $608.5 million USD, ensuring the country held its place as the 8th largest market in the world. Canada’s growth was driven by a 10.1% increase in streaming, which includes an 8.4% increase in subscription streaming to $380.6 million USD, and 16.1% and 16.9% gains in ad-supported audio streaming and ad-supported video streaming, respectively. Physical format revenue increased by 6.5% in 2022 to a total of $68 million USD, the 7th highest ranking in the world. This growth was driven by vinyl sales, which increased 19.4% and offset declines in CD and music video sales.

“The growth of the Canadian music market is driven by the incredible commercial and creative partnerships between artists and labels. More than ever, labels play an essential role as the leading investors in artists, helping them break through and connect with their fans globally,” said Patrick Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Music Canada. “While the tools and platforms available to make and consume music continue to evolve, it’s clear that the personal connection between artist, music and fan remains paramount.”

The growth in the Canadian market is a reflection of wider industry trends. The global recorded music market grew by 9% in 2022, also driven by an increase in paid subscription streaming. Globally, subscription audio revenues were up 10.3% to $12.7 billion USD, while physical format revenues increased 4%, performance rights revenues gained 8.6% and synchronization income grew 22.3%. Total global revenues for 2022 were $26.2 billion USD. Streaming remains the dominant source for growth, comprising 67% of recorded music revenues globally. There were 589 million users of paid subscription accounts at the end of 2022, up from 523 million in 2021.

For the second year in a row, recorded music revenues grew in every region around the world, with Sub-Saharan Africa becoming the fastest growing region in 2022 with 34.7% growth. The report highlights the increasing importance of emerging markets to global recorded music revenues, noting that Latin America saw gains of 25.9%, with every market in the region posting double-digit growth. While fans can now engage with music from almost all countries in the world, the report also notes the increasing trend towards embracing and celebrating local artists and culture.

“Record companies’ investment and innovation has helped make music even more globally interconnected than ever, building out local teams around the world, and working with artists from a growing variety of music scenes. This is driving music’s development whilst enabling fans to seize the expanding opportunities to embrace and celebrate their own local artists and culture,” said Frances Moore, IFPI Chief Executive.

The continued growth of the global industry allows reinvestment in the next generation of artists, and the report makes clear the continued need for new technologies and platforms to ensure the value of music is returned to its creators. With respect to AI in particular, the industry is excited by the possibilities it presents, but innovation and use of AI must not come at the expense of human creativity and reward. Referencing the IFPI’s policy principles, the report states, “The artist must remain at the centre of all that we do” – echoing the guiding principles for AI laid out in the recently launched Human Artistry campaign.

“As the industry continues to evolve and develop new and innovative ways to bring music to global audiences, it’s vital we keep artists and the businesses who invest in them at the heart of our work. As the representative of Canada’s major labels, and partner to the industry, we will continue to advocate for forward-looking policies that support artists’ creative and commercial success,” added Rogers.

The free Global Music Report 2023 – State of the Industry is now available on the IFPI’s website.

Categories: News Release
Tags: Global Music Report, IFPI

view

Job posting: Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

Posted January 23, 2023 by Quentin Burgess

Are you a seasoned regulatory affairs leader seeking a stimulating new challenge in a greenfield space? The Canadian music industry is in an exciting place, experiencing unprecedented growth and evolution, specifically in the digital space. Concurrently, Canada’s regulatory system is in the process of being strengthened by the creation of new policies covering once unregulated digital spaces. Combined, this has created a unique opportunity to bring the best of Canada’s terrestrial regulatory system to the digital landscape where artists and fans are meeting.

The anticipated passage creates an important opportunity for Canada’s music industry to grow to new heights. As a result of these new policies, and the anticipated passage of Bill C-11 (Online Streaming Act), Music Canada has created a new position in the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. This position will work with the CRTC to create a regulatory system where the creation, distribution, and consumption of music today is understood and appreciated by decision makers. The role will be responsible for effectively managing and executing the complex regulatory plan following the implementation of the new legislation on behalf of the major Canadian record labels. The VP, Regulatory Affairs will lead communications with the CRTC, ensuring the interests of the major labels in Canada are represented and outcomes are clearly understood. This role will partner with all music stakeholders regarding policy implications and be a long-term advocate and representative of the major labels, and the music ecosystem as this topic continues to evolve.

If you have a background of experience in senior policy work in a regulated industry sector and are a highly motivated, creative and strategic thinker who is passionate about using your exceptional advocacy and government relations skills to influence policy, we’d love to hear from you!

* Music Canada is an equal opportunity employer which values the diversity of its team members. We are committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and diverse organization and we encourage all interested applicants to apply.

To learn more about this role, please contact our Search Partner, Sandra Wrycraft: sandra@findinc.ca.

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: Job Posting

view

Music Publishers Canada and Music Canada launch new Songwriting and Music Publishing Award

Posted May 17, 2022 by Quentin Burgess

May 17, 2022, Toronto: Music Publishers Canada and Music Canada are excited to launch their new Songwriting and Music Publishing Award. The award celebrates songwriters’ and music publishers’ contributions to officially certified Canadian Gold and Platinum recordings.

“Songwriters and music publishers have always played a vital role in the creation of Canadian songs that are heard daily on the radio, on streaming services, in video games, and on film and television productions seen around the world. We are proud to now have an award that specifically recognizes and celebrates the contributions of songwriters and music publishers to Gold and Platinum certified songs,” said Margaret McGuffin, CEO of Music Publishers Canada.

“Gold and Platinum Awards are recognized world-wide as markers of commercial success for artists and their teams – whether the artist has just released their first hit, or if they are a global superstar creating the songs that define a generation. We are thrilled to extend our Gold and Platinum Program so that it recognizes the close creative working relationship between songwriters and performing artists and their teams,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “Canada’s music industry is a dynamic and competitive marketplace, built on creativity and collaboration. And just as Canada’s major labels partner with music publishers to support artists’ creative and commercial goals, this award marks a new level of partnership between our associations.”

The first award was presented last week during JUNO Week to Serena Ryder, in recognition of her songwriting contributions to her Platinum-certified song “Weak In The Knees.” The award was presented by ArtHaus Music and Music Publishers Canada, ahead of Ryder’s performance at the JUNO Songwriters’ Circle.

As well, Soran, and his music publisher, Éditorial Avenue, were recognized with a plaque in a virtual presentation for their contributions to Johnny Orlando’s “Everybody Wants You,” a certified Gold Single.

“As both a publisher and songwriter, I am very excited to see the launch of an award that recognizes the impact of both of these roles on creating songs that resonate with music fans” said Vincent Degiorgio, President of CYMBA Music Publishing and Chair of the Music Publishers Canada Board of Directors.

Music Publishers Canada members who hold publishing rights to songs contained in a Gold/Platinum certified recording are now eligible to order the new Award plaque for themselves, their sub-publishing partners as well as the credited songwriters who they represent in Canada.

-30-

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

Margaret McGuffin
Music Publishers Canada
info@musicpublishing.ca
(647) 405-1261

About Music Publishers Canada
Music Publishers Canada is a non-profit membership-based organization whose mission is to create business opportunities for our members and to promote their interests and those of their song writing partners through advocacy, communication, and education.

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.

Categories: Gold/Platinum, News Release
Tags: Gold/Platinum, Music Publishers Canada, Songwriting and Music Publishing Award

view

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

Posted April 4, 2022 by Quentin Burgess

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.

-30-

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

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.

Categories: News Release
Tags: Juno Awards

view

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

Posted March 22, 2022 by Quentin Burgess

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.

Categories: Industry News, News Release

view

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

Posted November 17, 2021 by Quentin Burgess

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.”

-30-

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

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).

Categories: News Release
Tags: 2 Billion streams, MRC Data, Patrick Rogers, Rob Jonas

view

IFPI releases ‘Engaging with Music 2021’, a comprehensive report that explores the ways that people listen to, discover and engage with music around the world

Posted October 21, 2021 by Quentin Burgess

Today, IFPI, the organization representing recorded music worldwide, released Engaging with Music 2021, a comprehensive report that explores the ways that people listen to, discover and engage with music around the world. Based on research conducted by IFPI across 21 of the world’s leading music markets, including Canada, the report is a global snapshot of music engagement in 2021.

Engagement with streaming – particularly subscription audio streaming – continues to grow and is the most popular form of music consumption around the world. More than three-quarters of people (78%) said they listen to music through licensed audio streaming services (subscription and ad-supported). Globally, there was strong growth (51%) in time spent listening to music on subscription audio streaming services, reinforcing the strong attraction of streaming to music fans. Audio streaming services (paid and free models) made up the largest share of music listening for consumers in Canada and around the globe.

This rapid growth in streaming engagement is evident in Canada’s music marketplace. Last week, Music Canada was proud to present a panel on Canadian Music Data in 2021, as part of Canadian Music Week’s Virtual Voices Series. The panel highlighted that Canada’s music market is reaching a new major milestone. Canadians will soon stream 2 billion songs in a single week – a benchmark that reflects how much we all love and value music. The fact that these streams all come from licensed services reaffirms that there is a strong market for recorded music in Canada where creators are paid when their music is played. This rapid growth in the streaming marketplace is a Canadian success story. Record companies’ ongoing work and investments in artists, technology, infrastructure and staff have laid the foundations for the success in the digital marketplace today.

IFPI’s Engaging With Music study paints a rich and diverse picture of the music engagement landscape today. Music plays an important role on short form video platforms like TikTok, where 68% of the time respondents spent on these apps involved music-dependent videos such as lip syncing and dance challenges. The report also highlights music’s long standing relationship with gaming. 31% of gamers have attended a virtual concert on platforms like Fortnite, Roblox, or Minecraft.

The full Engaging with Music 2021 report is now available on IFPI’s website. An accompanying infographic illustrating key takeaways from the report is also available here.

Categories: Industry News, Resources
Tags: Engaging With Music, IFPI

view

Video: Canadian Music Data in 2021 at CMW’s Virtual Voices Series

Posted October 21, 2021 by Quentin Burgess

Last week, Music Canada was proud to present a panel on Canadian Music Data in 2021, as part of Canadian Music Week’s Virtual Voices series. Canadians love music and data on streaming confirms it. MRC Canada’s data shows that Canada is reaching 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.

Brought to you by the RBC Emerging Artist Project, this panel featured insights from industry professionals on Canada’s strong, dynamic – but highly competitive – marketplace. Hosted by Rudy Blair, the panel featured 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.

Video of the panel is now available on Canadian Music Week’s YouTube channel, and is embedded below.

Canadian Music Week has also announced that their 40th Anniversary event will take place April 19-23, 2022, from a variety of Toronto venues, with the in-person conference at Toronto’s Westin Harbour Castle from April 20-22.

For more information on upcoming panels in Canadian Music Week’s Virtual Voices series, as well as archived episodes, visit https://cmw.net/virtual-voices-series-presented-by-rbc-emerging-artists-project/.

Categories: Industry News
Tags: Alex Bellissimo, Canadian Music Week, Erik Sowden, Miranda Mulholland, Rudy Blair, Virtual Voices

view

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

Posted October 7, 2021 by Quentin Burgess

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.

Categories: Industry News, News Release