Ontario country music festival Boots & Hearts celebrated its fifth anniversary over the weekend, with over 40,000 fans taking in some of the biggest acts in country like Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Sam Hunt, and many more. On the Thursday night before the festival, one of the weekend’s headliners joined Boots & Hearts 2015 Emerging Artist winners and 2016 festival performers James Barker Band during their warm-up show at Toronto’s Boots & Bourbon Saloon.
Following a performance of their hit “Lawn Chair Lazy,” the band began playing the opening chords to Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere On A Beach.” In front of a packed crowd, Bentley emerged from the side of the stage to perform his hit with the group, as well as his Platinum-certified hit “Drunk On A Plane,” and Gold-certified “I Hold On.”
During the intimate performance, Bentley received a surprise himself, as Universal Music Canada presented him with a Gold plaque on stage for “Somewhere On A Beach.” The following night, Bentley closed out the first night of Boots & Hearts.
Photos of the evening can be viewed at CMT Canada.
American DJ duo The Chainsmokers were presented with Canadian award plaques this weekend prior to their massive set at Toronto’s VELD Music Festival. The unique custom plaques commemorate the Double Platinum certifications of the summer anthems “Roses (ft. Rozes),” and “Don’t Let Me Down (ft. Daya).”
The duo shared the news with their fans via Twitter, thanking Sony Music Canada for their efforts. The duo also thanked their Canadian fans for their energy during their performance with a unique video that provides a glimpse at their view from the VELD main stage.
The Chainsmokers will return to Canada this weekend for a performance at Montreal’s ÎleSoniq festival on Friday, August 5, before continuing on an international tour for the remainder of 2016.
The winner will be determined at the Polaris Gala, happening September 19, 2016 at The Carlu in Toronto. The gala, which will be livestreamed via CBC Music’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, will be hosted by Tom Power, CBC Radio 2 Morning host and Polaris jurist, and Amanda Parris, host of CBC Radio 2’s Marvin’s Room and CBC’s Exhibitionists.
The winning artist will receive a $50,000 cash prize, while the nine other Short List artists will receive $3,000 courtesy of Slaight Music.
The Polaris jury consists of journalists, broadcasters, bloggers and programmers from across Canada, and the winning album is based solely on artistic merit, without consideration of genre or record sales. The prize’s past winners are Buffy Sainte-Marie (2015), Tanya Tagaq (2014), Godspeed You! Black Emperor (2013), Feist (2012), Arcade Fire (2011), Karkwa (2010), Fucked Up (2009), Caribou (2008), Patrick Watson (2007), and Final Fantasy / Owen Pallett (2006).
Today, the Canadian Country Music Association revealed the nominees for the 2016 CCMA Awards, taking place in London, Ontario. 34 CCMA Award categories were revealed, with 8 of the categories being presented during the live CBC broadcast on Sunday, September 11, 2016, hosted by Jessi Cruickshank.
The nominees for the 2016 CCMA Fans’ Choice Award were revealed last night on ET Canada, featuring artists Dean Broady, Brett Kissel, Johnny Reid, Dallas Smith, and Yoan. Fans can vote beginning today, and have until 5 PM on September 11 to cast their vote.
2016 also marks the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Country Music Association bringing Country Music Week across the country. Along with the CCMA Awards, London will also host an industry conference and music festival, which includes a Songwriters’ Series, talent showcases, FanFest, and Legends Show that pays tribute to Canada’s most cherished country artists.
Country Music Week and the 2016 CCMA Awards are expected to generate an economic impact of $6-$8 million dollars for London. In 2015, Halifax, NS, exceeded economic impact estimates, generating $11.8 million in economic activity for the province, and $5.5 million in new money (GDP).
Performers for the broadcast will be announced throughout August. For more information, visit the full CCMA release.
Country superstar Keith Urban’s 2016 album Ripcord has been officially certified Gold in Canada, which the singer announced last Saturday during the second night of shows at Toronto’s Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. Midway through his set, Urban took a moment to announce the news and show his award plaque to his fans, thanking them for their continued support.
“All I can say is the record only came out a little while ago and you all already did this,” said Urban, as seen in a video of the special moment posted to his YouTube account. ”I love you Canada, thank you so much.”
The plaque also represents the certifications of Ripcord singles “Wasted Time,” certified Gold, and “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” certified Platinum.
Brett Eldredge, who’s supporting Urban for the remainder of his summer North American tour, was also presented with a Gold award plaque during the Toronto tour stop. Eldredge was presented with a plaque backstage by Warner Music Canada for the track “Lose My Mind,” which is his first Canadian Gold single since “Don’t Ya,” certified in 2013.
On Saturday, June 18, 2016, Canadian country star Brett Kissel returned to his hometown of St. Paul, Alberta, for a special sold out concert at Jaycee Ballpark. Dubbed the Hometown Homecoming, Kissel performed for over 3,000 fans in attendance, and thousands of more listeners across the province through a live broadcast on 840 & 910 CFCW.
‘It’s hard to put into words,” said Kissel of the special evening, “I’m blown away by the excitement and atmosphere. It really was surreal and so, so special to be performing for so many fans, family, friends, and people I grew up with who’ve supported me since the beginning, in my hometown. It was an awesome night.’
During the show, the JUNO Award winning artist was presented with a Gold plaque for his 2013 debut single “Started With A Song,” certified earlier this year. Kissel has previously received a Gold plaque for his single “3-2-1,” and posed with his latest plaque backstage following his monumental performance.
The event also raised over $60,000 for local charities and non-profit organizations, including a $10,000 donation from Kissel and event producers. $5,000 was donated to local cancer-support society Haying In The 30s, and another $5,000 was directed to Fort Murray fire-relief efforts.
The video for “Started With A Song” can be viewed below.
Earlier this month, some of the biggest Canadian and international names in music gathered by Queen and John St. in Toronto, ON for the 2016 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards. During the festivities, many of the nominees and performers were presented with award plaques commemorating their recent Canadian Gold and Platinum certifications.
Universal Music Canada shared their plaque presentations through Twitter and Instagram, with Universal Music Canada President and CEO Jeffrey Remedios presenting Platinum awards to Hailee Steinfeld for “Love Myself,” Desiigner for “Panda,” and Nelson, BC’s Shawn Hook for “Sound Of Your Heart.”
James Bay was presented with a custom Gold plaque for his 2015 debut album Chaos And The Calm, as well as the Gold single “Hold Back The River.” The English singer/songwriter’s Platinum hit “Let It Go,” which he performed on the broadcast, is also represented on the plaque.
Canadian superstar Shawn Mendes was presented with a custom Platinum plaque for his album Handwritten. The plaque also represents the 2X Platinum certifications for “Life Of The Party” and “Something Big,” the Platinum certification for “Stitches,” and the Gold certification for “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” which won Best Pop and Fan Fave video.
Edmonton, AB singer/songwriter Ruth B, seen below with manager Mark Cunningham, received her first Platinum award plaque from Sony Music Canada for her breakthrough hit “Lost Boy.” The 2016 Fan Fave Vine Musician nominee performed the song during the pre-show broadcast.
Sony Music Canada also presented Fave International and Most Buzzworthy Group winners Fifth Harmony with a Platinum award plaque for “Work From Home.” Later in the evening, group member Dinah Jane Hansen shared a photo with the plaque through Twitter. Fifth Harmony closed out the 2016 iHeartRadio MMVAs with a performance of the Platinum hit.
On Monday, June 20, Canadian songwriters, performers, and industry executives will be honoured at the 27th annual SOCAN Awards. This year’s event will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto, ON, and will be hosted by Dave Bidini of Rheostatics.
In celebration of Canada’s favourite pastime, composer Dolores Claman will be presented with the Cultural Impact Award for “The Hockey Theme,” which has been heard nationwide for nearly 50 years during Hockey Night In Canada broadcasts. The first few notes of “The Hockey Theme” will also be tuned into “The SOCAN” trophies, the world’s first and only music industry trophy that’s also a playable musical instrument.
2016 SOCAN Awards honourees will also include 2015 hit-makers The Weeknd (International Achievement Award), Alessia Cara (Breakout Award), Belly (Songwriter Of The Year), and Johnny Reid (National Achievement Award), as well as industry veteran Gary Slaight (Special Achievement Award).
Music Canada is proud to be a bronze sponsor for the 2016 SOCAN Awards, and wish to congratulate all of this year’s recipients.
View the full press release for more information on this year’s awards.
Amidst an extensive world tour that will find them on the road through 2017, alternative hip hop duo Twenty One Pilots were in Toronto, ON last week for a sold-out show at the Molson Canadian Amphitheater. Prior to their performance, the band was presented with custom award plaques by Warner Music Canada signifying the Triple Platinum certification of their single “Stressed Out,” and the Platinum certification of the 2015 album Blurryface. The album also features the Gold single “Tear In My Heart.”
Earlier this Spring, the band toured through Canada beginning with two nights at Montreal, QC’s Metropolis, and wrapping up with two nights at Vancouver, BC’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The band will return to Canada in September for appearances at Edmonton, AB’s Sonic Boom Festival, and Calgary, AB’s X-Fest.
The video for the breakout Triple Platinum track “Stressed Out” can be viewed below.
Following a successful inaugural year, the JUNO Awards and Slaight Music have announced the return of the Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class leading up to the 2017 JUNO Awards in Ottawa, ON. The unique artist development program aims to provide three Canadian artists or groups with essential tools, opportunities, and connections to amplify their careers.
The top three artists will be selected by the Super Jury consisting of JUNO Award winners Kardinal Offishall, Max Kerman of Arkells, Lights, and producer Gavin Brown, as well as A&R representative Ali Slaight of Slaight Music, and President/CEO of CARAS and MusiCounts, Allan Reid.
“Looking back on the early years of the band, I was pretty frazzled about 98% of the time. If I can offer some advice to a young artist to get that number down to 95%, then this is a job worth doing,” said 2016/17 Super Jury member Max Kerman. “The Master Class provides very practical utilities for artists hoping to get their foot in the door. I’m happy to be involved again this year.”
The three finalists will receive an all-inclusive trip to Toronto for an intensive mentorship week with Canada’s Music Incubator at Coalition Music, culminating with a music industry showcase night. The finalists will also receive an all-inclusive trip to the 2017 JUNOS in Ottawa, ON, showcase opportunities during JUNOfest, a mini-doc on JUNOTV.ca, studio time at Slaight Music Recording Studios, and a $10,000 MuchFACT Online Music Video Award.
Submissions for 2017 are open and will close on June 30, 2016 at 5:00 PM ET. The top 10 finalists, selected by representatives from major and independent music labels, publishers, agents, managers and media partners, will be announced August 3 at www.junomasterclass.ca. The three winners will be revealed on September 13.
“We are excited to continue our support of the Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class program,” said Gary Slaight, CEO/President Slaight Communications, in a press release. “Slaight Music is dedicated to initiatives that provide unique opportunities for Canadian music artists to succeed. Last year’s winners were a great example of the rising talent we have in Canada and we look forward to carrying on my father Allan’s passion for Canadian talent.”
2016 winners Fortunate Ones, Derrival, and Slow Leaves discussed their experiences since completing the program and attending The 2016 JUNO Awards in Calgary, AB, in the following video:
Music Canada