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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing Announce Executive Team Appointments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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Music Canada Launches Virtual “2020 Year in Review”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Unison Fund, the Canadian Live Music Association and Music Canada Welcome Direct Funding from the Province of Ontario

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March 12th, 2021, Ottawa: The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), and Music Canada welcome support received from Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries with today’s announcement of funding for the Unison Fund, Canada’s music industry charity and the CLMA, in support of the broader music community. 

$2M to the Unison Fund
Funding to Unison will provide much-needed emergency assistance to artists, creators, and industry from local communities across Ontario. Artists and the broader live music ecology have been deeply impacted, and this vital support to Unison comes at a time when it is desperately needed. 

“We sincerely thank Minister MacLeod and the Government of Ontario for their support and acknowledgement of the Unison Fund and the crucial and very necessary role the organization plays in providing critical assistance to vulnerable members of our music community in times of crisis. In March 2020, Unison, began the largest relief effort in our history and while we are no stranger to helping people during difficult times, truly nothing has reached the scope of the last twelve months. The investment will go a long way toward directly supporting those in the Ontario music community with the greatest need, as the urgency for assistance remains high,”  said Amanda Power, Executive Director, Unison Fund.

“As a provider of both emergency support and 24/7 free mental health counselling for the entire music industry, Unison has had and will continue to have a crucial role in making sure no one in our community falls through the cracks,” said Miranda Mulholland, artist and chair of Music Canada’s Advisory Council.

$500k to the CLMA for Province-Wide Music Cities Framework Development
The CLMA has been working tirelessly since the beginning of the crisis to save cultural infrastructure and protect jobs, seeking ways for the industry at large to not only recover from the devastating blow COVID has dealt, but to ultimately return, bigger and stronger than ever.  Many continue to face a staggering 92% average revenue loss within the industry, and 64% say they are at risk of permanent closure. Today’s announcement creates the opportunity for the association to take additional action for, and on behalf of, live music’s collective future: 

“It has been a year, and it isn’t over, something our Minister recognizes. Minister MacLeod also understands that supporting the business of live music is essential so our industry can get back to doing what they do best: creating exponential economic, social and cultural impact for artists, communities and tourism. We were just beginning to harness the true power of live music when COVID struck,” said Erin Benjamin, President & CEO of the CLMA. “With this support we will be able to take all that we have learned and continue to entrench the value our members bring to cities, towns and neighbourhoods across the province through the Music Cities lens.” 

Music Canada’s ‘Music Cities’ framework will provide a proven model to help support communities across the province better leverage their own local live music assets. Designed with world-renowned research that identifies key strategies large and small cities have used to grow their music economies, plans will be implemented to guide the development of local policy and bylaws, and community support that focuses on artists, venues and festivals, the wider supply chain and tourism. 

“A strong, healthy music industry can generate diverse benefits for a community including economic growth, job creation, increased spending, greater tax revenues, and cultural health. Our Music Cities framework has helped communities achieve this success,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “Recent research conducted by Music Canada shows that Canadians view live music venues as economic and cultural lifelines within their communities, and they understand that the pandemic will have severe impacts on the long-term viability of the live music sector which affects Canadian culture in the long run. This announcement of support from the provincial government is timely, and necessary support.”

Aimed at bridging the gap to bring the live music sector out of the pandemic, CLMA and Music Canada will seek to explore and recommend initiatives for towns and cities across the province along several categories. These include:

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

“As our experience in London has demonstrated, music can bring enormous value to the economic and social fabric of a community. The Ontario Government’s financial commitment to live music will create opportunities for artists, reinvigorate venues, delight audiences and will allow us all to revive live,” said Cory Crossman, Music Industry Development Officer, London Music Office.

Additionally, the CLMA and Music Canada will work with a range of organizations within the music community to ensure that our shared commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront.

For more information on the announcement from Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries please click here.

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About Unison Benevolent Fund
Unison Fund, Canada’s music industry charity, provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community in times of hardship or difficulties. For over a decade, Unison has been committed to helping producers, engineers, singers/songwriters, musicians, production crews, and thousands more through our financial assistance and counselling and health solutions programs. For more information, please visit: www.unisonfund.ca. If you can, PLEASE make a donation by visiting www.unisonfund.ca or text the word ‘UNISON’ to 45678 and follow the prompts to donate $10, $20, or $25.  Every donation counts.  Every donation helps.  Let’s keep Canadian music and entertainment ALIVE.

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

About Music Canada
Music Canada 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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Charlotte Thompson, Red Umbrella P.R.
Unison Fund
charlotte@redumbrellapr.com

Erin Benjamin
Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA)
ebenjamin@canadianlivemusic.ca
(613) 769-5559

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

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BTS announced as 2020’s IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year Award recipients

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IFPI, the organization representing the recorded music industry worldwide, announced their Top 10 Global Recording Artist Chart today, which recognizes the top-selling artists around the world, and across all formats. Topping the chart as the Global Recording Artist of the Year is BTS, whose album MAP OF THE SOUL : 7 was released in February 2020 as one of the most pre-ordered albums of all time, and quickly reached #1 on the charts in more than 20 countries, including Canada. BTS are the first Korean act to win the accolade, as well as the first winner to perform primarily in a language other than English.

The unique award is calculated based on an artist’s or group’s worldwide performance across digital and physical music formats during the year, from streams to vinyl, and covers their entire body of work. The IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year Award and the Top 10 chart is the only ranking to accurately measure consumption across all formats (including streaming channels, digital and physical album and singles sales) and all countries. It is weighted based on the relative value of each method of consumption.

“BTS are a global phenomenon,” said Frances Moore, IFPI’s Chief Executive. “They have had another outstanding year, releasing three albums, and continually finding creative and engaging ways to share their story with the world. They truly show the power that music has to bring joy and happiness to people the world over.”

Following BTS in the Top 3 were two-time winners Taylor Swift, who earned the #1 spot on the chart in 2019 and 2014, and Drake, who was #1 in both 2018 and 2016. Drake has now reached the Top 10 on this chart for 6 consecutive years. 

Fellow Canadians The Weeknd and Justin Bieber also return to the Top 10, with The Weeknd earning the #4 position in large part due to the global success of his album After Hours, which was the #1 album in Canada for 6 non-consecutive weeks in 2020. Justin Bieber made his third career appearance on IFPI’s Top 10 chart, earning the #10 spot following the success of his album Changes. 

The full Top 10 list, which was counted down by the IFPI on social media, is available below.

Top 10 Global Recording Artists 2020

1 BTS
2 Taylor Swift
3 Drake
4 The Weeknd
5 Billie Eilish
6 Eminem
7 Post Malone
8 Ariana Grande
9 Juice WRLD
10 Justin Bieber

Previous Winners

2019 Taylor Swift
2018 Drake
2017 Ed Sheeran
2016 Drake
2015 Adele
2014 Taylor Swift
2013 One Direction
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Public Research Findings: Canadians understand the cultural and economic impacts of the pandemic on live music – and its need for continued support

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February 8, 2021, Toronto: Music Canada has partnered with Abacus Data to check back in with Canadians on their understanding of COVID-19’s ongoing impact on Canada’s live music sector — and the effects that venue closures have on those working in the music sector and its lasting impact on communities, arts and culture. The public opinion research also explored how Canadians feel about venue closures and their views on the need for continued support for those working in the sector. The findings show that Canadians are concerned that without additional support, more live music spaces will be lost before the music community can recover, resulting in a longer threat to the industry and a negative impact on Canadian culture.

“This latest research confirms that Canadians view live music venues, like festivals, concert halls and pubs, as economic and cultural lifelines within their communities,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “Canadians also understand that the pandemic will have severe impacts on the long-term viability of the live music sector which affects Canadian culture in the long run.”

“The research also confirmed what we have long believed to be true: music lovers can’t wait to get back to seeing live shows, once it’s safe to do so. But Canadians also believe that artists, live music venues, crews and others working in the industry will require continued support long after other sectors of the economy can reopen. Notably, most Canadians will be “disappointed” if more venues go out of business.”

According to the report, one in five Canadians has a favourite live music venue in their community where they attend events, and half believe it is likely the venue will close due to impacts of the pandemic. Canadians believe that further live music venue closures will mean thousands of jobs lost, fewer musicians and music will be created, and new and upcoming musicians will be lost without the opportunity of playing in live music venues. These impacts are felt across Canada, and even more strongly in Quebec.

“This research substantiates everything we’ve been hearing – Canadians are deeply saddened by the loss of live music venues,” said Erin Benjamin, President & CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association. “Venues are closing their doors in increasing numbers, for circumstances beyond their control and people are recognizing the extent of the loss, and what that loss means – economically, culturally, and socially. Direct financial support today from governments is urgently needed; it can keep more venues alive, helping us to preserve as much of our vital cultural infrastructure as possible until the industry can fully recover.”

“As an artist, it is devastating to see the severe and long-term impact the pandemic is having on the music community, after nearly a year of living with restrictions due to COVID-19,” said Miranda Mulholland, artist and Chair of Music Canada’s Advisory Council. “Artists, and emerging artists especially, depend on live performances to develop their craft, generate a following, and gain income. The opportunity to do that, at every milestone in your career, is only possible with multiple venues from the smallest locations to the larger stages and concert halls.”

In a separate report expected to be released in the coming weeks, Music Canada is checking back in with Canadian artists and creators for a renewed perspective on how their profession has evolved at this stage of the pandemic. Data for these two studies will continue to be shared with government and industry partners in 2021. The findings are helping to shape Music Canada’s advocacy message, and give decision makers a complete and up-to-date picture of the recovery phase in the music industry. 

The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), the people behind live music in Canada are also working to bring awareness to the damage COVID-19 shutdowns have caused Canada’s live music industry and will make further information available here.

For more information on earlier study findings please visit Music Canada’s website here. 

For more information on the findings released from Abacus Data, please visit: https://abacusdata.ca/live-music-government-support-music-canada/.

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

 

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

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Music Canada Launches New Artist Focused Survey

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January 11, 2021, Toronto: Music Canada has partnered with Abacus Data to get a renewed understanding of how artists’ perspectives continue to be impacted, ten months into the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey will hear directly from artists on the financial implications they are experiencing, how the pandemic is impacting their ability to create music, and how they are building or evolving skill sets to help them get by.

Canadian artists are encouraged to add their voice by completing the survey linked at https://musiccanada.com/artist-survey-2021. The survey is available in English and French.

“Artists are often the most vulnerable in the music ecosystem. Projects like this help Music Canada explain to governments how the pandemic has affected us both financially and creatively,” said Eon Sinclair of Bedouin Soundclash.

In a separate survey, Music Canada is also asking Canadians about how their relationship with music continues to evolve. 

Data from these two studies will continue to shape Music Canada’s advocacy with government and industry partners in 2021. The results will help give decision makers a complete and up-to-date picture of the recovery phase in the music industry. This research will be made available publicly as soon as possible.

“As we quickly approach a year of restrictions preventing the normal activities of artists, it is important for Music Canada to check in with artists again,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada. “Their voices and experiences shape our message to government and industry partners, as we find ways to help support the music community’s recovery.”

“As an artist, I know the pandemic is causing serious and very likely irreparable harm to artists in Canada,” said Miranda Mulholland, Artist and Chair of Music Canada’s Advisory Council. “Long after other elements of the economy have reopened, artists, venues and support staff will require additional support for us to be able to return when the general public is also ready to do so. Government and public support will be necessary for this return.” 

For more information on earlier study findings please visit Music Canada’s website here.

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

 

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

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Announcement of New Leadership at Music Canada and CONNECT

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TORONTO, January 7, 2021: The Board Chair of Music Canada, Jennifer Sloan, today announced Patrick Rogers has been named Chief Executive Officer of Music Canada. Rogers had previously been the Vice President, Corporate Affairs and served as interim co-CEO since June.

Additionally, Jackie Dean has been appointed President of CONNECT Music Licensing by the shareholders and will remain Chief Operating Officer of Music Canada after also serving as interim co-CEO since June.

“After a competitive search process with a wide variety of talented and interested candidates, the Board is confident Patrick’s vision for Music Canada builds on the organization’s record of success with an eye to the opportunities of the future,” said Sloan. “His leadership style, coupled with his unique experience, make him the right person to represent Canada’s major record companies as CEO of Music Canada.”

“I am excited for the opportunity and thank the Board for entrusting me to lead this talented team. I look forward to continuing Music Canada’s passionate advocacy for Canada’s creators and working with others in the cultural industries to accomplish our shared objectives,” said Rogers.

“Jackie’s appointment at CONNECT Music Licensing will strengthen the leadership structure of this important organization, allowing it to provide the greatest value to its members,” continued Sloan.

“The opportunity to lead CONNECT Music Licensing means having a hands-on role in making sure that CONNECT’s members are compensated when their music is played,” said Dean. “I look forward to utilizing my leadership, industry and financial experience to fulfill the mandate of the organization.”

Both appointments are effective Monday, January 11th.

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

About CONNECT Music Licensing
CONNECT Music Licensing administers licences in Canada for the reproduction of sound recordings, and the reproduction and broadcast of music videos, on behalf of the copyright owners. CONNECT’s members, which include all of the major record labels, many independent labels, and thousands of independent artists and producers, own or control the copyright in the vast majority of all the sound recordings and music videos produced or distributed in Canada.
CONNECT Music Licensing represents its members at Re:Sound for the communication, public performance and private copying of their eligible sound recordings.

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

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Music Canada appears before Heritage Committee as part of Study on Challenges and Issues Faced by the Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sport Sectors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Today, Patrick Rogers, interim co-CEO of Music Canada, appeared before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage as part of its comprehensive study on the challenges and issues faced by the Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sport sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In his remarks, Rogers spoke of the work that Music Canada has been doing since March – when the Canadian music industry was forced to cancel the JUNOs the same week as North American sports were shut down — and as Canadians stopped gathering in large numbers. At that time, Music Canada’s members directed us to focus our efforts and resources on helping the most vulnerable individuals in our industry: artists, crews and everyone working in the live music space. 

“To help ensure that Governments at all levels had accurate information to understand the Pandemic’s impacts and to develop effective relief measures, we partnered with Abacus Data to conduct national polling about how the pandemic was affecting artists and our fans,” said Rogers. 

That research included a national study that surveyed over 700 professional musicians, so we could better understand the impacts through their lens. 

“Here are some important numbers,” said Rogers. “The report found that professional musicians perform, on average, nearly 100 times a year, typically traveling across Canada and the world. 

Revenue generated from live performances in turn helps support an average of 11 other people, such as band members, technicians, and other industry jobs. And a staggering 85% of musicians agreed that without live performances, they will have difficulty earning enough to pay their bills. 

But the most important number is zero. Zero live shows. Zero festivals. Zero “gigs” as artists, fans and the industry understood them for generations.  With this in mind, we have spent the pandemic amplifying the voices of artists in settings like this and assisting colleagues and organizations like Erin Benjamin of the Canadian Live Music Association as they work to highlight the difficulties being faced by venues and the artists who play in them.”

Music Canada also commissioned a separate national survey of Canadians, with a first round released in May and an update in August. Those results were similarly startling. They underscored that the virus will keep Canadians, including identified music lovers, home long after they are allowed to attend events.

Rogers also spoke of the need for copyright reform. Last year, Music Canada and our industry colleagues came to the Heritage Committee to discuss the need for copyright reform. 

“Virtually the entire Canadian music industry asked that a few simple amendments be made to the Copyright Act to help ensure that artists are paid when their music is played,” said Rogers. “The report from this committee Shifting Paradigms provides a great roadmap to upholding that principle. I hope that this Committee and the Government will return to that work soon, because with the Pandemic eliminating opportunities to tour for artists – the fallacy that artists don’t need copyright protection has been exposed for the myth that it is,” said Rogers.

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Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing release new research report, Supporting Artist Entrepreneurs in the Evolving Music Economy

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To help enable sustainable careers for artist entrepreneurs, Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing have released a new research report, titled Supporting Artist Entrepreneurs in the Evolving Music Economy.

The report summarizes the findings of a national research study of more than 300 artist entrepreneurs, conducted by Music Canada and CONNECT. The study shows that a lack of business and entrepreneurial training, as well as gaps in understanding of music sector structures, are key barriers to success for artists. 

“Too often overlooked in economic development conversations, artists are a remarkable segment of Canadian entrepreneurs who contribute to both the economic and cultural fabric of our society, and help create jobs for themselves and others in the Canadian music economy,” says Sarah Hashem, Music Canada’s Vice President, Strategic Initiatives. “According to the COVID-19 Artist Impact Survey we conducted with CONNECT earlier this year, each artist creates an average of 3.7 jobs. However, a gap exists in entrepreneurial support and training available to artists.”

The report identifies artists’ key business needs within an evolving music economy, outlines industry-wide strategies to promote artists’ business success, and makes recommendations that can be applied by government and artist-serving organizations to better support artists in sustaining their livelihoods through music. 

“Artist entrepreneurs represent more than 90% of CONNECT’s members, and the great majority of the creative middle class,” says Catherine Jones, Executive Director of CONNECT Music Licensing. “Like entrepreneurs in other fields, artists are creative, they are risk-takers, and they are job-creators. By supporting them with training and resources, we can help empower more artists to achieve their goals and earn a sustainable career.”

Music Canada and CONNECT have begun addressing some of the gaps with initiatives such as the Industry Insider Video Series. We hope the report can inspire artists serving organizations and government agencies to incorporate entrepreneurship and business  resources in their artist support offerings.

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