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Landslide European Copyright Directive vote is a call to action for legislators globally to fix the Value Gap

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Music Canada joins our European counterparts in applauding the European Parliament for today’s historic vote on the European Copyright Directive. The vote is a vital step towards ensuring Europe’s creators are paid fairly when their work is consumed online, and provides a strong example for other governments to follow to support their own creators.

“Congratulations to the European Parliament on today’s historic vote to create a framework for creativity to flourish in the digital marketplace. We also need to acknowledge the incredible impact of creator voices to this campaign – thank you to all of the artists who spoke up with such passion and honesty,” says Graham Henderson, President and CEO of Music Canada.

“Today’s landslide vote is a call to action for governments around the world – We must all act with urgency. The Value Gap is a global issue of critical importance to the current and future health of creators and the creative industries. Here in Canada, our Heritage and Industry’s committees have heard loud and clear from creators that the Value Gap threatens Canadian culture and needs to be fixed. These committees have done excellent work so far and they must seize this opportunity. Let’s close the Value Gap NOW!”

In 2017 Music Canada released The Value Gap: Its Origins, Impacts and a Made-in-Canada Approach. The first-of-its-kind report describes the Value Gap as “the significant disparity between the value of creative content that is accessed and enjoyed by consumers, and the revenues that are returned to the people and businesses who create it.” To protect the livelihoods of creators, businesses and cultures, creators and creative groups around the globe have been urging governments to enact legislative changes to ensure creators receive fair compensation for the use of their works.

The European vote comes as the Canadian government is conducting its own review of the Copyright Act. Numerous stakeholders have raised the Value Gap as a key issue at the Standing Committee for Industry, Science and Technology, as well as the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage’s study on Remuneration Models for Artists and Creative Industries. Additionally, through Focus On Creators, more than 3,700 creators have signed a letter urging the government to place creators at the heart of our country’s cultural policy.

A release from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada states that a “well-functioning copyright framework should enable Canada’s creators to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by digital technology, provide a supportive environment for business and investment, and position creators for success in a competitive marketplace.”

Music Canada is committed to continuing to work with the government of Canada throughout the review process to close the Value Gap here at home.

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Polaris Music Prize and Music Canada partner to improve equity and access for the Canadian music community

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September 12, 2018, Toronto: Polaris Music Prize and Music Canada have partnered on a new initiative called the Polaris Community Development Program. Launching in advance of the 2018 Polaris Music Prize Gala, the program will partner with 10 Canadian not-for-profit music organizations each year to support and develop the music community by eliminating barriers to access for engaged music creators, entrepreneurs and change makers.

In 2018, each participating organization will receive tickets to the Polaris Music Prize Gala to distribute to individuals who directly impact or participate in the organization’s music programming, courtesy of Music Canada. The program also includes additional opportunities for participants to connect with Polaris staff, Board members and other community members on the night of the Gala.

“Our objective is to provide aspiring music professionals, who normally lack the means or access to music events, an opportunity to participate in the industry and community that Polaris attracts,” says Steve Jordan, Founder and Executive Director of the Polaris Music Prize. “Our hope is that by lifting these barriers we can in a small way help develop diversity in the next generation of music supporters and protectors.”

“Music Canada is committed to challenging the status quo and advancing practical solutions to improve equity and representation in the Canadian music industry,” says Amy Terrill, Executive Vice President of Music Canada and Polaris Board Chair. “Polaris Music Prize, an organization focused on artistic excellence with a history of celebrating diverse sounds and viewpoints, is the perfect host for this program.”

Participating organizations in the 2018 Community Development Program can be found at polarismusicprize.ca/sponsors.

The 2018 Polaris Music Prize Gala takes place on Monday, September 17th at The Carlu in Toronto. Canadian non-profits interested in participating in the 2019 Community Development Program are encouraged to contact Claire Dagenais at claire.dagenais@polarismusicprize.ca.

 

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For more information:
Amanda McCauley – Indoor Recess
amanda@indoorrecess.com 
(905) 926-6440

Corey Poole, Music Canada
cpoole@musiccanada.com
+1 (647) 808-7359

 

About Polaris Music Prize
Polaris Music Prize Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that annually honours and rewards artists who produce Canadian music albums of distinction. A select panel of music critics then judge and award the Prize without regard to musical genre or commercial popularity. For more on the Polaris Music Prize, please visit www.polarismusicprize.ca

About the 2018 Polaris Music Prize Gala
The Polaris Music Prize Gala is produced by CBC Music. This year’s gala is set to take place on Monday, September 17th, 2018 at The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, 7th Floor. The gala will be webcast live worldwide on CBC Music’s Facebook and YouTube. This year’s host is CBC’s Raina Douris.

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. For more on Music Canada, please visit www.musiccanada.com

 

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Le Prix de musique Polaris et Music Canada se donnent la main pour améliorer l’équité et faciliter l’accès à la communauté musicale au Canada

 

Toronto, le 12 septembre 2018 : Le Prix de musique Polaris et Music Canada collaborent à une nouvelle initiative conjointe nommée Programme de développement communautaire Polaris. Lancé avant le gala du Prix de musique Polaris, ce programme s’associera chaque année avec 10 organisations musicales à but non lucratif afin de contribuer au développement de la communauté musicale en éliminant les obstacles qui empêchent les créateurs de musique engagés, les entrepreneurs et les catalyseurs de changement de s’y joindre.

En 2018, Music Canada offrira aux organisations participantes des billets pour le gala du Prix de musique Polaris qu’elles pourront distribuer gratuitement à des personnes qui ont un impact direct sur la programmation du Prix de musique Polaris ou y participent. Le programme fournira également aux participants d’autres occasions d’interagir avec le personnel du Prix de musique Polaris, avec ses administrateurs et avec d’autres membres de la communauté musicale le soir du gala.

« Notre objectif est d’offrir aux jeunes professionnels de la musique qui n’ont pas les moyens ou la possibilité d’assister aux événements musicaux une occasion de se mêler aux représentants de l’industrie et de la communauté musicale que le Prix Polaris attire », a affirmé Steve Jordan, fondateur et directeur exécutif du Prix de musique Polaris. « Notre espoir est que, en éliminant les obstacles, nous puissions contribuer un tant soit peu au développement de la diversité au sein de la prochaine génération des partisans et des protecteurs de la musique. »

« Music Canada est engagée à changer les choses et à avancer des solutions pratiques afin d’améliorer l’équité et la représentation au sein de l’industrie de la musique au Canada », a affirmé Amy Terrill, vice-présidente directrice de Music Canada et présidente du conseil d’administration du Prix de musique Polaris. « Le Prix de musique Polaris, une organisation axée sur l’excellence et habituée à célébrer la diversité des sons et des points de vue, est l’endroit idéal pour ce programme. »

On trouvera la liste des organisations qui participent au Programme de développement communautaire 2018 au polarismusicprize.ca/sponsors.

Le gala du Prix de musique Polaris 2018 aura lieu le 17 septembre au Carlu, à Toronto. Les organismes à but non lucratif canadiens intéressés à participer au Programme de développement communautaire 2019 sont encouragés à contacter Claire Dagenais au claire.dagenais@polarismusicprize.ca.

 

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Pour de plus amples renseignements :
Amanda McCauley – Indoor Recess
amanda@indoorrecess.com
(905) 926-6440

Corey Poole, Music Canada
cpoole@musiccanada.com
+1 (647) 808-7359

 

À propos du Prix de musique Polaris
Le Prix de musique Polaris est une organisation à but non lucratif qui honore et récompense annuellement les artistes ayant créé des albums de musique canadiens de renom. Un groupe sélectionné de critiques musicaux juge et décerne le Prix sans considération pour le genre musical ou la popularité commerciale. Pour en savoir plus sur le Prix de musique Polaris, veuillez vous rendre sur www.polarismusicprize.ca

À propos du gala du Prix de musique Polaris 2018
Le gala du Prix de musique Polaris est une réalisation de CBC Music. L’édition 2018  sera présentée le 17 septembre au Carlu, 444, rue Yonge, 7e étage, à Toronto. Le gala sera diffusé en direct à travers le monde via la page Facebook de CBC Music ainsi que sur YouTube. Il sera animé par Raina Douris, de CBC.

 À propos de Music Canada
Music Canada est une association professionnelle à but non lucratif qui représente les grandes maisons de disques au Canada, notamment Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada et Warner Music Canada.  Music Canada collabore également avec de nombreux chefs de file de l’industrie musicale indépendante – étiquettes et distributeurs de disques, studios d’enregistrement, lieux de spectacles, promoteurs de concerts, gérants et artistes – pour assurer la promotion et le développement du secteur de la musique.

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Inaugural Three Rs Music Program Instrument Drive Coming to Lindsay, Ontario

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September 11, 2018, Lindsay, ON: The Three Rs Music Program is putting out a call to all Lindsay, Ontario residents for donations of gently used musical instruments. After a successful small-scale pilot at Sawdust City Music Festival in Gravenhurst, the first community instrument drive of the program will happen in partnership with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) on September 29th.

Residents can drop off instruments between 12:30pm – 3:30pm at Mackey Celebrations Inc (35 Lindsay Street North, Lindsay, ON). While all instruments are welcomed, young musicians in the community have requested ukuleles, flutes, clarinets and trumpets to complete their music education program. The Three Rs Music Program has partnered with Van Halteren’s Music Centre, who will aid in refurbishing donated instruments. Once refurbished, instruments will be distributed back to the region’s schools based on the needs identified by the TLDSB. Music Canada Cares is proud to partner with MusiCounts to offer tax receipts for each instrument donation.

“In TLDSB, we know that music fosters the growth of a healthy mind, body, spirit and emotion. Music is not just a subject, but a way of being,” says Beth Wilson, Music Consultant at the Trillium Lakelands District School Board. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Three R’s Music Program for this inaugural drive.  With this initiative, our programs will continue to grow and give more students the opportunity to learn an instrument.”

“We’re encouraging all Lindsay residents to search your closets, basements and garages for any spare instruments,” says Sarah Hashem, Managing Director of The Three Rs Music Program. “We’re very excited to be bringing our inaugural instrument drive to Lindsay. Let’s seize this opportunity to strengthen music education in the community and to make a difference in the lives of local students.”

The Three Rs refers to rescuing instruments, restoring them to a fully functional condition and reuniting them with students. In addition to community donation appeals across Ontario, the program will repair instruments already in the possession of schools through repair grants and will connect students’ learning experiences to Ontario’s vibrant music industry through Artist Ambassadors, workshops and other events.

The Three Rs Music Program is made possible by an investment from the Government of Ontario and will improve equitable access to quality music education by increasing the inventory of musical instruments in Ontario’s publicly funded schools. The program prioritizes providing instrument to underserved communities, particularly at-risk, Indigenous and other underrepresented communities.

To stay updated with the latest news from The Three Rs Music Program, including information on future community appeals and how schools can apply for instruments, please follow Music Canada Cares on Facebook.

 

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For more information:
Corey Poole, Music Canada
cpoole@musiccanada.com
+1 (647) 808-7359

 

About Music Canada Cares
Music Canada Cares is an affiliate of Music Canada that is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the societal benefits and value of music and those who create it.

About The 3 Rs Music Program
The Three Rs Music Program—rescuing instruments, restoring them to a fully functional condition and reuniting them with students—is advancing the effectiveness of publicly funded music education programs across Ontario through musical instrument refurbishment, community appeals, and artist connections. Using a community-driven approach, we will be ensuring more students have access to the developmental, cognitive, and social benefits of music. Music Canada Cares is proud to partner with the Government of Ontario for this program.

 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. For more on Music Canada, please visit www.musiccanada.com

 

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Tenue de la première cueillette d’instruments du Programme musical des trois R à Lindsay (Ontario)

 

Le 11 septembre 2018, Lindsay (Ontario) : Le Programme musical des trois R lance un appel à tous les résidents de Linsday (Ontario) pour les inviter à participer à une cueillette d’instruments de musique usagés. Précédée d’un petit projet pilote fort réussi au Sawdust City Music Festival de Gravenhurst, cette toute première cueillette communautaire d’instruments de musique sera organisée en partenariat avec le conseil scolaire Trillium Lakelands (TLDSB) le 29 septembre prochain.

Les résidents de Lindsay peuvent déposer des instruments de musique entre 12 h 20 et 15 h 30 au centre Mackey Celebrations Inc. (35, rue Lindsay nord, Lindsay, Ontario). Tous les instruments sont bienvenus, mais les jeunes musiciens de la communauté ont besoin d’ukulélés, de flûtes, de clarinettes et de trompettes pour leur programme d’éducation musicale. Le Programme musical des trois R s’est associé au Van Halteren’s Music Centre, qui contribuera à la remise en état des instruments donnés. Une fois réparés, les instruments seront redistribués dans les écoles de la région en fonction des besoins identifiés par le TLDSB. Music Canada vous aime est fier de s’associer à MusiCompte pour offrir à chaque donateur ou donatrice d’instrument un reçu aux fins de l’impôt.

« Au TLDSB, nous savons que la musique favorise une saine croissance mentale, physique, spirituelle et émotive. La musique n’est pas uniquement une matière scolaire, mais une véritable façon d’être », affirme Beth Wilson, conseillère musicale du conseil scolaire Trillium Lakelands. « Nous sommes extrêmement heureux de nous associer à la première cueillette d’instruments du Programme musical des trois R. Cette initiative aidera nos programmes à continuer de croître et à donner à un plus grand nombre d’élèves la chance d’apprendre à jouer d’un instrument. »

« Nous encourageons tous les citoyens de Lindsay à faire le tour de leurs placards, de leur sous-sol et de leur garage afin de voir s’ils ont des instruments de musique dont ils pourraient se départir », explique Sarah Hashem, directrice générale du Programme musical des trois R. « Nous sommes extrêmement heureux de présenter notre toute première cueillette d’instruments à Lindsay. Profitons-en pour consolider l’éducation musicale dans la communauté et faire une différence dans la vie des élèves. »

Le programme musical des trois R permet de récupérer les instruments, de les restaurer pour les remettre en bon état de fonctionnement et de les réaffecter à des élèves. En plus d’organiser des cueillettes d’instruments dans toutes les régions de l’Ontario, le programme assurera la réparation des instruments actuels des écoles ontariennes grâce à des subventions et bâtira des ponts entre l’expérience d’apprentissage des élèves ontariens et l’industrie musicale dynamique de la province grâce à la nomination d’artistes ambassadeurs et à l’organisation d’ateliers et d’autres événements.

Rendu possible par un investissement du gouvernement de l’Ontario, le Programme musical des trois R rendra plus équitable l’accès à une éducation musicale de qualité en enrichissant l’inventaire d’instruments de musique des écoles ontariennes financées par des fonds publics. Le programme met l’accent sur la remise d’instruments aux communautés sous-desservies, aux groupes particulièrement à risque, aux populations autochtones et aux autres groupes sous-représentés.

Pour en savoir plus sur le Programme musical des trois R, sur les prochaines cueillettes d’instruments de musique  et sur la façon dont votre école peut présenter une demande de don d’instruments, suivez Music Canada vous aime sur Facebook.

 

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Pour de plus amples renseignements :
Corey Poole, Music Canada
cpoole@musiccanada.com
+1 (647) 808-7359


À propos de Music Canada vous aime
Music Canada vous aime est une filiale de Music Canada vouée à la promotion et à l’enrichissement des bienfaits de la musique pour la société et de la valeur qu’elle représente pour ceux et celles qui la créent.

À propos du Programme musical des trois R
Le Programme musical des trois R – récupérer les instruments, les restaurer pour les remettre en bon état de fonctionnement et les réaffecter à des étudiants et des étudiantes – ajoute à l’efficacité des programmes d’éducation des écoles financées par des fonds publics de l’Ontario grâce à la remise en état d’instruments de musique, au lancement d’appels de fonds dans la collectivité et à la complicité des artistes. Dans une démarche centrée sur la collectivité, nous verrons à ce qu’un plus grand nombre d’étudiants et d’étudiantes aient accès aux bienfaits développementaux, cognitifs et sociaux de la musique. Music Canada est fière de s’associer au gouvernement de l’Ontario dans le cadre de ce programme.

À propos de Music Canada
Music Canada est une association professionnelle à but non lucratif qui représente les grandes maisons de disques au Canada, notamment Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada et Warner Music Canada.  Music Canada collabore également avec de nombreux chefs de file de l’industrie musicale indépendante – étiquettes et distributeurs de disques, studios d’enregistrement, lieux de spectacles, promoteurs de concerts, gérants et artistes – pour assurer la promotion et le développement du secteur de la musique. Pour en savoir plus sur Music Canada, veuillez vous rendre sur www.musiccanada.com

 

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Music Canada launches new non-profit organization Music Canada Cares

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Toronto, September 7, 2018: Music Canada is pleased to announce the establishment of Music Canada Cares, an affiliated national organization that will lead Music Canada’s corporate social responsibility efforts.

Music Canada Cares is a dedicated non-profit focused on highlighting the extraordinary benefits of music to society. Music Canada Cares will work to promote equitable access to music education, and strive to improve the connection between Canada’s diverse music industry and communities.

“At Music Canada, we’re of the firm belief that Music Can Help,” says Graham Henderson, President and CEO of Music Canada. “It helps build bridges between people and communities, helps people express and process emotions, and helps drive economic activity locally and nationally. I’m thrilled that with the support of our members, Warner Music Canada, Universal Music Canada, and Sony Music Canada, we’re able to launch Music Canada Cares. This new organization will allow us to focus on boosting the social and developmental benefits music delivers, beginning with a source of so much passion, skill, creativity and fun – music education.”

Music Canada Cares’ first initiative is The Three Rs Music Program. The program will improve the inventory of musical instruments in Ontario’s publicly funded schools by rescuing gently used instruments, restoring them to a fully functional condition and reuniting them with students across the province.

“We’re thankful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from our outstanding industry and community partners,” says Sarah Hashem, Managing Director of The Three Rs Music Program. “Giving more young people in Ontario the chance to learn an instrument has wide-ranging benefits. Music education can ignite a career path and life-long passion, and equips students with skills that are transferable to various other fields.”

The Three Rs Music Program will serve both English-language and French-language schools, with the goal of improving access to quality music education for youth across Ontario. The program prioritizes providing instruments to Indigenous, at-risk, and underrepresented communities.

To stay updated with the latest news from Music Canada Cares and The Three Rs Music Program, including information on how to apply for and donate instruments, please follow Music Canada Cares on Facebook.

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For more information:
Corey Poole, Music Canada
cpoole@musiccanada.com
+1 (647) 808-7359 

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. For more on Music Canada, please visit www.musiccanada.com

About Music Canada Cares
Music Canada Cares is an affiliate of Music Canada that is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the societal benefits and value of music and those who create it. 

About The 3 Rs Music Program
The Three Rs Music Program- rescuing instruments, restoring them to a fully functional condition and reuniting them with students-  is advancing the effectiveness of publicly funded music education programs across Ontario through musical instrument refurbishment, community appeals, and artist connections. Using a community-driven approach, we will be ensuring more students have access to the developmental, cognitive, and social benefits of music.

 

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Music Canada lance la nouvelle organisation à but non lucratif Music Canada vous aime

Music Canada a le plaisir d’annoncer l’établissement de Music Canada vous aime, une organisation nationale affiliée à laquelle sera confiée la direction des efforts de Music Canada dans le domaine de la responsabilité sociale des entreprises.

Music Canada vous aime est une organisation à but non lucratif vouée à faire connaître les bienfaits exceptionnels de la musique pour la société. Music Canada vous aime œuvrera à la promotion d’un accès équitable à l’éducation musicale et s’efforcera de resserrer les liens au sein de la grande mosaïque de nos industries musicales et de nos communautés.

« Chez Music Canada, nous sommes fermement convaincus que la musique peut aider », affirme Graham Henderson, président et chef de la direction de Music Canada. « Elle aide à construire des ponts entre les gens et les communautés, elle aide les gens à exprimer et à gérer leurs émotions, et elle alimente l’activité économique aux plans local et national. Je suis extrêmement heureux d’annoncer que, grâce au soutien de nos membres – Warner Music Canada, Universal Music Canada et Sony Music Canada – nous lançons aujourd’hui l’organisation à but non lucratif Music Canada vous aime. Cette nouvelle organisation nous permettra de concentrer nos efforts sur la stimulation des bienfaits sociaux et développementaux offerts par la musique, et ce, en commençant par la source de tant de passion, tant de compétence, tant de créativité et tant de plaisir – l’éducation musicale. »

La première initiative de Music Canada vous aime est le Programme musical des trois R. Ce programme contribuera à l’enrichissement de l’inventaire d’instruments de musique dans les écoles financées par des fonds publics de l’Ontario en récupérant des instruments de musique légèrement usagés, en les restaurant pour les remettre en bon état de fonctionnement et en les réaffectant à des étudiants et des étudiantes à travers la province.

« Nous sommes reconnaissants des immenses appuis que nous avons reçus de nos remarquables partenaires de l’industrie et de la collectivité », a souligné Sarah Hashem, directrice générale du Programme musical des trois R. « Le fait de donner à un plus grand nombre de jeunes Ontariens et Ontariennes la chance d’apprendre à jouer d’un instrument a une multitude d’effets positifs. L’apprentissage de la musique peut déboucher sur une carrière musicale et sur une passion de toute une vie, et il procure aux étudiants des compétences qui leur serviront dans de nombreux autres domaines. »

Le Programme musical des trois R sera accessible aux écoles francophones et anglophones de l’Ontario afin d’offrir un accès à une éducation musicale de qualité aux jeunes de toutes les régions de la province. Le programme privilégie le don d’instruments aux communautés autochtones, à risque ou sous-représentées.

Pour recevoir les dernières nouvelles de Music Canada vous aime  et du Programme musical des trois R, y compris des renseignements sur la façon de vous inscrire pour faire un don d’instrument, suivez Music Canada vous aime sur Facebook.
 

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Pour de plus amples renseignements :
Corey Poole, Music Canada
cpoole@musiccanada.com
+1 (647) 808-7359


À propos de Music Canada
Music Canada est une association professionnelle à but non lucratif qui représente les grandes maisons de disques au Canada, notamment Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada et Warner Music Canada.  Music Canada collabore également avec de nombreux chefs de file de l’industrie musicale indépendante – étiquettes et distributeurs de disques, studios d’enregistrement, lieux de spectacles, promoteurs de concerts, gérants et artistes – pour assurer la promotion et le développement du secteur de la musique. Pour en savoir plus sur Music Canada, veuillez vous rendre sur www.musiccanada.com

À propos de Music Canada vous aime
Music Canada vous aime est une filiale de Music Canada vouée à la promotion et à l’enrichissement des bienfaits de la musique pour la société et de la valeur qu’elle représente pour ceux et celles qui la créent.

À propos du Programme musical des trois R
Le Programme musical des trois R – récupérer les instruments, les restaurer pour les remettre en bon état de fonctionnement et les réaffecter à des étudiants et des étudiantes – ajoute à l’efficacité des programmes d’éducation des écoles financées par des fonds publics de l’Ontario grâce à la remise en état d’instruments de musique, au lancement d’appels de fonds dans la collectivité et à la complicité des artistes. Dans une démarche centrée sur la collectivité, nous verrons à ce qu’un plus grand nombre d’étudiants et d’étudiantes aient accès aux bienfaits développementaux, cognitifs et sociaux de la musique.

Categories: Advocacy, Industry News, Music Education
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VIDEO: 2018 Global Forum panel discussion with Lido Pimienta, Vanessa Reed, Greyson Gritt & TONA, moderated by Samantha Slattery

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Titled Inclusivity & Accountability: Bringing Measurable Change for the Music Industry, the 2018 Global Forum at Canadian Music Week brought together, artists, academics and advocates working to make the music industry more reflective of, and accountable to, the wider community.

The event began with a keynote by Dr. Stacy L. Smith, Founder and Director of the the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the leading think tank in the world studying issues of diversity and inequality in entertainment through research, advocacy and sponsored projects. Following extensive work in the film and television industries, including pioneering the popular “inclusion rider,” the group is now bringing their renowned work to the music industry. At the Global Forum, Dr. Smith discussed the striking findings of their preliminary music industry study Inclusion in the Recording Studio? Based on the extensive data they have gathered, the group plans to roll out practical solutions “so that the needle will move quickly, so that everyone who has the talent has the ability to participate not only equitably, but in safe work environments, so that they might thrive.”

Following Dr. Smith’s keynote, a diverse panel of artists and advocates discussed initiatives currently underway, and other possible solutions, to improve inclusion across various parts of the music industry. The panel featured Lido Pimienta, Polaris Prize-winning musician, curator and visual artist; JUNO-winning rapper, producer and youth advocate TONA; chief executive of PRS Foundation and the Keychange initiative, Vanessa Reed, and; JUNO-winning Quantum Tangle member, producer and solo-artist Greyson Gritt. The discussion was moderated by Samantha Slattery, Chairperson and Founder of Women in Music Canada.

Watch the full panel discussion below.

Quoted

Sometimes, even with the artist community, it feels like there’s a constant tug of war between power and then opportunity. What ends up happening is that the people who are trying to capitalize and obtain the power – I’m going to refer to it as a meritocracy – because the people who are actually in control of things in this industry, especially in Canada, are the ones that are making the decisions. In our communities that we come from, there’s already a lack of opportunity. There’s already an imbalance of education as well, and even job opportunities. When people come in it feels like they’re kind of parachuting in to our communities and not integrating with us the way they need to. And it feels like a photo opportunity. You know, what are you really trying to accomplish as far as integrating artists? Is it more about filling a quota in the stats sheet? Or is it really about pushing the needle with your job description and what you’re doing? – TONA

 

Your point about respect is something that audiences have obviously been talking about a lot now. At least in the UK, we’ve been hearing a lot more from audiences than artists about some of the struggles they have. So, obviously sexual assault of women at festivals, and accessibility for anyone who’s got any kind of disability. There’s some interesting not-for-profit grassroots movements which have really been helping with that. There’s an organization called Attitude is Everything, which has got lots of venues and festivals to sign up to different kinds of charters ensuring that people of all backgrounds can access these brilliant festivals and stages. And then there’s an initiative called Girls Against, which has been working with festivals to start tackling the issue around sexual assaults. But I mean there’s still a long way to go, but it’s interesting that those first steps often come from the grassroots, not-for-profit, voluntary sector, and then it starts to be normalized, and eventually it will become something that hopefully will be part of everyone’s practice. But I think audiences and artists talking about the challenges together could be interesting.  – Vanessa Reed

 

Instead of men having their own conversations and starting their own initiatives and being like ‘yeah we need this too and we’re going to work with women’ it’s often this polarized response, ‘well you want that, but what about us? You shouldn’t have that unless we have it.’ And it ends up being this thing of ‘choose your side’ instead of everyone working together and recognizing you need this and I need this. And so I think about two-spirit people and transgender people, and we need that too, but I don’t want it to be in response to ‘what about me’ and to take resources away from that. I definitely believe women need more representation, always, and I would love to see more things of like 100%. It’s been 100% men for how long? Just to be equitable, you’d almost think it’d need to be 500 years of Indigenous and racialized folks, and women for about another 500 years first, and then we can talk about having half and half, right? – Greyson Gritt

 

Another approach that was just brought to my attention recently as well, and I believe it’s Harris Institute, has consciously hired back female students as professors, and originally it was about four or five years ago he said, there was about 5% female students – so we’re not even getting them into the pipe, it’s not that we’re losing them – and since adjusting his professor dynamic, it has gone up to 20% female students now in a very short period of time, so to your point, I think when people see people that they can relate to doing things that would maybe traditionally be white men doing them, I think it’s really important to be able to showcase everybody being able to do all those things. Just seeing it seems to make a huge impact on people actually following through. – Samantha Slattery

 

The best music right now is being produced by women. It just happens to be the case. The stuff that excites me, I listen to it once and I look at the credits and I look at who’s behind it and it just happens to be a woman. So I wouldn’t even call it that I get out of my way. It just happens. Brilliant women who are in music and in the music industry and in sound and sound engineering are there, and available and ready. And if I’m going to pay anyone, that’s the people that I’m going to pay because it’s just natural to me. It’s not even a question to me. – Lido Pimienta

 

A selection of tweets from event guests is below and photos from the 2018 Global Forum can be viewed on Music Canada’s facebook page.

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Toronto’s musical history recognized in Heritage Toronto Awards’ 2018 Historical Writing: Book nominees

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Heritage Toronto has announced 18 nominees for its 2018 Historical Writing prize, recognizing English language non-fiction books or e-books. The Heritage Toronto Awards “showcase extraordinary contributions to the conservation and promotion of Toronto’s heritage, honouring individuals, groups and organizations for their efforts.”

Three of this year’s nominees for the Historical Writing: Book category pay homage to Toronto’s legendary musicians and music history:

Peter Goddard: The Great Gould

“The Great Gould, with the support of the Glenn Gould Estate, draws on interviews with Glenn Gould to present a freshly revealing portrait of the musician’s unsettled life, his radical decision to stop playing concerts, his career as a radio innovator, and his deep response to the Canadian environment. “

Goddard is an accomplished Canadian music journalist and historian who won the 1973 JUNO Award for Music Journalist of the Year. He has also written books on Ronnie Hawkins, Triumph, David Bowie, and many more musicians, as well as his 1989 book Shakin’ All Over: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Years in Canada.

 

 

David McPherson: The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern

“From country and rockabilly to rock ‘n’ roll, punk, and more, the live music venue has evolved with the times and trends—always keeping pace with the music.  This book celebrates the legacy of the Horseshoe Tavern, and its importance to Toronto music culture today.”

David McPherson is an author specializing in music and golf. His most recent book, The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern explores the 70-year legacy of the storied Queen Street West venue. In an interview with NOW Magazine, McPherson said “When it comes to live music in North America, there are few places that can match the storied building at 370 Queen West. The Horseshoe is a beacon for music lovers, a pilgrimage place for those who love and understand its significance as part of Toronto’s rich musical landscape.”

 

Nicholas Jennings: Lightfoot

“Lightfoot chronicles the life and career of Gordon Lightfoot, unquestionably one of Canada’s greatest songwriters. No matter how much his fame grew abroad, Lightfoot has always come home to Toronto.”

Nicholas Jennings is a renowned music journalist and historian who has written on music for Maclean’s, Billboard, the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail, among many others. His books on Canadian music include Before the Gold Rush: Flashbacks to the Dawn of the Canadian Sound (Penguin) and Fifty Years of Music: The Story of EMI Music Canada (Macmillan). He is passionate about the preservation of Toronto’s music history and in addition to his writing, he also leads walking tours on the musical history of Yorkville and the Yonge Street strip, and he was instrumental in the preservation of the historic “Sam the Record Man” sign which now hangs above Yonge Dundas Square.

 

In Music Canada’s globe-spanning research, music history was found to be an important element of building a Music City, and many Music Cities, including Liverpool, New Orleans and Nashville are steeped in music history. As Music Canada President and CEO Graham Henderson notes in The Mastering of a Music City, “A great Music City knows its music history – you need to know your own story.”

Congratulations to these outstanding Heritage Toronto Awards Historical Writing: Book nominees, and thank you for your work to preserve Toronto’s rich musical history. Congratulations are also due to all other nominees for the 2018 Historical Writing: Book Award – Bruce Newton, John Lorinc, Jane Farrow, Stephanie Chambers, Maureen Fitzgerald, Ed Jackson, Tim McCaskell, Rebecka Sheffield, Rahim Thawer, Tatum Taylor, Tim Morawetz, Scott Kennedy, Shawn Micallef, Robert C. Vipond, Roberto Perin, Phillip Gordon Mackintosh, Karolyn Smardz Frost, Lance Hornby, Adam Bunch, Timothy J. Stewart, Pedro Mendes, Terry Beauchamp, Trevor Cole and Gare Joyce.

The Heritage Toronto Awards ceremony takes place on Monday, October 29 at the Carlu (444 Yonge Street). Tickets can be purchased on the Heritage Toronto website.

 

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VIDEO: Dr. Stacy L. Smith keynotes at the 2018 Global Forum at Canadian Music Week

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On May 10, the 2018 Global Forum took place at Canadian Music Week. The annual event, which Music Canada has been presenting for more than a decade, seeks to tackle the most pressing issues in the music industry with a global perspective. This year’s theme was Inclusivity and Accountability: Bringing Measurable Change for the Music Industry and discussions were focused on challenges, solutions, and actions to make the industry more reflective of, and accountable to, the wider community. This includes initiatives to improve representation of all gender identities, ethnicities and sexual orientations across the industry, and to ensure all community members have equitable access to performance and career development opportunities, funding programs, and more.

The forum’s keynote speaker was Dr. Stacy L. Smith of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the leading think tank in the world studying issues of diversity and inequality in entertainment. Dr. Smith is at the forefront of inclusion in the film industry and pioneered the now viral concept of an “inclusion rider.” In 2018, the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative also began to study the music industry and published a preliminary report titled Inclusion in the Recording Studio? During her keynote, Dr.Smith discussed the group’s preliminary findings, next steps, and areas for further research. Watch the full keynote below.

Dr. Smith began with a warning: “I am going to depress you.” Though her keynote described an industry where women and underrepresented groups were sorely lacking in many areas, members of the music industry, and those in other creative fields, were not shocked by the statistics.

One clear feeling among guests was that it’s time for action. Guests were all encouraged by Music Canada to complete an “Inclusion Pledge” detailing a specific action they will take to improve inclusion in their own field. Dr. Smith commented early on how refreshing it was to work with an organization that is committed to ensuring everyone feels they belong. “It’s an honour to be here amongst a group that cares so deeply about this issue,” said Smith.

After thoroughly detailing the problems facing the industry with data and statistics, Dr. Smith concluded by stressing the need for action. “What’s more important I think than the numbers themselves, is the solutions that we will be rolling out based on the data,” she said. “What we plan to do, just like in television, film and digital, is to roll out practical solutions so that the needle will move quickly, so that everyone who has the talent has the ability to participate not only equitably, but in safe work environments, so that they might thrive.”

To keep up with the latest from the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, visit their website and follow them on Twitter. A selection of photos from the 2018 Global Forum is available on Music Canada’s facebook page.

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Graham Henderson’s testimony at the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology – Canadian Copyright Act review 2018

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On June 12, Music Canada’s President and CEO, Graham Henderson, appeared before the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU) to provide testimony during the five-year statutory review of the Canadian Copyright Act. Henderson appeared before Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage two weeks prior to provide testimony on remuneration models for artists and creative industries. Below is the full-text of Henderson’s remarks before the INDU Committee.

 

Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to testify to this committee on behalf of Music Canada.

This committee’s review of the Copyright Act comes at a critical time for Canada’s creators. It is a time when governments around the world are questioning whether the current digital marketplace is functioning fairly for the world’s creators.

The reality for music creators in Canada is that there are provisions in our own Copyright Act that are preventing them from receiving fair market value for their work.

I believe the best way that this committee can assist in creating a marketplace that is transparent and supports Canadian creators is by providing the government with straightforward, accessible solutions to address the Value Gap.

Music Canada produced a comprehensive report on the Value Gap in Canada which you will find in French and English in front of you.

We define the Value Gap as “the significant disparity between the value of creative content that is accessed and enjoyed by consumers,” this is enormous, “and the revenues that are returned to the people and businesses who create it,” – it’s tiny.

Today, more music is consumed than at any time in history. However, the remuneration for that content has not kept pace with the record levels of consumption. The same is true for digital video content, film and even journalism.

I was pleased to hear Minister Joly recognize this point earlier this year, when she stated:

“The benefits of the digital economy have not been shared equally. Too many creators, journalists, artists have been left behind.”

The origins of the Value Gap extend back to more than twenty years ago. It was the dawning of the digital marketplace and countries around the world struggled to reinterpret copyright laws that were designed for an analog age.

They wanted to protect creators, but they also wanted to give a boost to young technological startups and inevitably, perhaps understandably, mistakes were made.

Around the world, lawmakers and policy analysts thought of the internet as a series of “dumb” pipes where your browsing habits were anonymous and the data travelling between sites was so vast it was unknowable. But twenty years later we know the internet is composed of the “smartest pipes” humankind has ever devised.  Your web habits are meticulously tracked and the metadata that they generate is collected, analyzed and sold every second of the day, mostly without our consent or knowledge.

While well-intentioned when they were created, the impact of these laws today is that wealth has been diverted from creators into the pockets of massive corporate entities, and what little is left over for creators is unfortunately concentrated into fewer and fewer hands. As a result, the creative middle class has virtually disappeared, and with it, numerous jobs, opportunities, and dreams.

There is no need to point fingers. No one planned for the creative middle class to suffer. The important thing at this juncture is to move forward purposefully and without delay to get the rules right. You should make absolutely certain that Canada’s Copyright Act ensures a creator’s right to be fairly remunerated when their work is commercialized by others.

The Value Gap is built on outdated safe harbour policies around the world. The announcement made last week by Ministers Bains and Joly that the Telecommunications Act and the Broadcasting Act will be reviewed, is an important step and in line with an international movement to find a solution to this problem. Safe harbours have been raised by other witnesses, and I hope that the committee will give significant consideration to addressing them.

But right now, the Copyright Act is exacerbating the Value Gap by effectively requiring creators to subsidize billion dollar technology companies.  Here are four steps that this committee could recommend. They could be immediately, quickly implemented, and would help creators and harmonize Canadian policy with international standards:

  1. Remove the $1.25 Million Radio Royalty Exemption
    Since 1997, commercial radio stations have been exempted from paying royalties on their first $1.25 million of advertising revenue. It amounts to an $8 million annual cross-industry subsidy paid by artists and their recording industry partners to large, vertically-integrated and highly profitable media companies. The cost to creators since inception…$150 million dollars. Internationally, no other country has a similar subsidy, and the exemption does not apply for songwriters and publishers – meaning that performers and record labels are the only rights holders who are singled out to subsidize the commercial radio industry. This is unjustified and should be eliminated.
  2. Amend the Definition of ‘Sound Recording’ in the Copyright Act
    The current definition of a “sound recording” in the Copyright Act excludes performers and record labels from receiving royalties for the use of their work in television and film soundtracks. This exception is unique to television and film soundtracks, and does not apply to composers, songwriters and music publishers. It is inequitable and unjustified, particularly in light of the profound role music plays in soundtracks, and it is costly to artists and record labels, who continue to subsidize those who exploit their recordings. The cost to creators? About $55 million dollars per year. The Act should be amended to remove this cross-subsidy.
  3. Amending the term of copyright for musical works
    The term of copyright protection in Canada for the authors of musical works is out of line with international norms. Under the Copyright Act, protection for musical works subsists for the duration of the author’s life plus a further period of 50 years, and that is out of line with international standards.
  4. Private Copying: Renew Support for Music Creators
    Years ago, a private copying levy had been created, originally intended to be technologically neutral. It has been limited by various decisions to media that are obsolete.  This important source of earned income for over 100,000 music creators is now in jeopardy unless the regime is updated. Music creators are asking for the creation of an interim four-year fund of $40 million dollars.

Each of these changes removes an unfair subsidy, harmonizes the laws within our industries, and brings us to international standards, and they can be done simply and they can be done today.

This is an exciting time. As you review the Act, you have the opportunity to put creators at the heart of your policy making, ensuring that creators are paid every time their work is commercialized by others.

Thank you.

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Miranda Mulholland issues call to action at Banff World Media Festival

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On June 11 at the Banff World Media Festival in Banff, Alberta, musician, label owner and music festival founder Miranda Mulholland presented a keynote address titled “Your content isn’t free – fixing the Value Gap.” Mulholland has become an internationally-recognized figure in artist rights advocacy, having just returned from Midem in Cannes, France, where she was the keynote speaker at an event presented jointly by Music Canada and the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers (IAEL). She also participated in panel discussion on North American copyright updates at Midem on June 7.

The Banff World Media Festival, now in its 39th year, brings together creators, producers, media moguls, and industry stakeholders to learn, build relationships, and tackle the biggest issues facing their industries. The festival features high profile speakers from media industries, pre-booked face-to-face meetings, and other networking and development opportunities.

In Mulholland’s keynote, she reflected on her path to speaking publicly on the challenges creators face and her experiences working with politicians and other decision makers. In her trademark style, she also issued a call to action, urging everyone, regardless of their position or affiliation, to take steps to help creators succeed in the digital marketplace. Many of these actions are detailed in an infographic available on Mulholland’s website.

Below are select passages from Mulholland’s keynote address.

All of us need to stay updated on all the ways artists can be compensated. This includes royalty opportunities, the differences between streaming platforms and how fans consume our art. Use your platform to advocate for change for creators. Create opportunities for others to speak – like this conference! and speak up yourself. This will help everyone, including you. We are all highly effective advocates. No one knows about our experiences as well as we do and sometimes making change is as easy as being very honest about how things really are.

 

The legal framework within which we are operating and trying to innovate was concocted in the 1990s. This is when I wore scrunchies. Governments haven’t meaningfully adapted their laws since then. I should have kept the scrunchie. The fashion has come back but the policies have left us far behind.

 

Minister Joly has herself concluded that “The benefits of the digital economy have not been shared equally. Too many creators, journalists, artists have been left behind, and there needs to be a better balance.” Imagine if the governments around the world had realized that in 2003? Where would we all be now? 

 

Much has changed since I first spoke to Minister Joly two years ago. I get the sense now that the Government is finally listening to us but we have to act with urgency. In Europe there is a very important vote going through in a few weeks – their stance on Safe Harbours could set a precedent for the rest of the world. If we, as creators, don’t speak up, pieces of important of legislation will be drafted without our consent.

 

None of us gave our informed consent about what was going to happen to our work, our businesses, our industries twenty years ago. We do however have the ability to inform policies moving forward.

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Artist advocacy takes centre stage at Midem 2018 during Value Gap event presented by Music Canada and IAEL

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Entertainment lawyers have always played a crucial role in the success of their artist clients. But during Midem 2018, Miranda Mulholland urged them to take complimentary steps to empower artists and leverage their network to be connectors, helping to introduce, start discussions, and activate their artist clients.

Mulholland was the keynote speaker at a June 6 event hosted by Music Canada and the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers (IAEL) in Cannes, France. The Value Gap theme flowed through both this event and the launch of IAEL’s new book, Finding the Value in the Gap, later the same day.

Music Canada’s President and CEO Graham Henderson introduced Miranda and shared some opening remarks about Music Canada’s report The Value Gap: Its Origins, Impacts and a Made-In-Canada Approach and thoughts on the vital role of artist advocates.

Two representatives from IAEL, including President Jeff Liebenson and Anne-Marie Pecoraro, as well as Lodovico Benvenuti, Director of IFPI’s European Office, joined Mulholland for a panel discussion following her keynote.

In addition to discussing the IAEL’s brand new publication Finding the Value in the Gap, the international experts leading the charge to address the Value Gap in multiple territories discussed how artists have been instrumental in their campaigns, including a letter to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The letter was originally signed by more than 1,000 musicians and urges the Commission to address misapplied safe harbour provisions at the heart of the Value Gap to secure a sustainable and thriving music sector for Europe. Similarly, in Canada, more than 3,650 Canadian artists and creators have now signed the Focus On Creators letter to Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly calling on the government to put creators at the heart of future policy.

Guests at the Midem event included influential Canadian and international delegates, as well as members of the legal community, media outlets and European leaders in addressing the Value Gap.

You can watch the full keynote and panel discussion below.

Below is a selection of photos from the event and more information on Finding the Value in the Gap will be available on the IAEL website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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