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Eric Ethridge surprised with first Canadian Gold plaque

Over the 2020 holidays, Sarnia, ON born country singer Eric Ethridge received his first Canadian Gold award plaque commemorating his singles “California” and “If You Met Me First.” In a video posted on his Instagram, the Nashville-based Anthem Entertainment artist and wife, artist Kalsey Kulyk, unbox the custom award plaque, and thank their label teams, family, and fans for the support of these singles since their release back in 2018.

With their 2020 tour schedules cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple sold all their possessions, built a state-of-the-art camper van, and began their socially-distanced Love On The Road tour across Canada performing to audiences from the rooftop.

 

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A post shared by Eric Ethridge (@ericethridgemusic)

Watch the music video for “If You Met Me First” below.

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Music Canada Launches New Artist Focused Survey

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

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

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

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.

Download Report

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Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing partner for Industry Insider Video Series hosted by Domanique Grant

The Industry Insider Video Series presented by Music Canada & CONNECT Music Licensing is an exciting new web series created in collaboration with Toronto-based artist Domanique Grant. The four episode series hosted by Domanique was developed to provide Canadian artist entrepreneurs with useful tips and resources from some of the industry’s top experts on how to navigate Canada’s music ecosystem, and give insight on how to effectively pivot during COVID-19. 

All the episodes are now streaming on Music Canada’s Facebook, Instagram TV, and YouTube channels, and the links are available below. 

Episode 1: Amanda Power (Unison Benevolent Fund)

In the first episode of the Industry Insider Video Series, Domanique speaks with Amanda Power, Executive Director of the Unison Benevolent Fund, to provide artists and members of the Canadian music community with critical information about the support programs available to them through Unison, including their free counselling services and COVID-19 financial relief program.

YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

 

Episode 2: Catherine Jones (CONNECT Music Licensing)

Catherine Jones, Executive Director of CONNECT Music Licensing, provides viewers with key information on the licensing landscape in Canada including copyright, distribution, ISRC codes, and registering with the correct collective management organizations. Visit the resources and infographics that Catherine references for more helpful information.

YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

 

Episode 3: Allan Reid (CARAS, The JUNO Awards, MusiCounts)

Domanique speaks with Allan Reid – President and CEO of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the not-for-profit umbrella organization for The JUNO Awards, MusiCounts, and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Allan discusses how artist entrepreneurs can build the foundations for success in the Canadian music business, and shares critical advice from his 30 year career.

YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

 

Episode 4: Shad (Artist, Host of Netflix’s Hip-Hop Evolution)

In this final episode of the Industry Insider Video Series, JUNO Award-winning rap artist Shad sits down for an in-depth discussion about an artist’s balance of sustaining a living in music while staying true to their artistic visions. Domanique and Shad share their beliefs on how artists can use their personal compass to navigate their career growth without compromising their creative output and social responsibility. 

YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

 

We hope you enjoyed the Industry Insider Video Series. Stay tuned to Music Canada and CONNECT Music Licensing for more information surrounding more tools and resources for artist entrepreneurs in Canada. 

The theme music for the Industry Insider Video Series was created and provided by Nick Fowler of TEKnology Productions.

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CEO Search

Are you infatuated with music and cultural arts?  Can you skillfully walk the tightrope between arts and commerce?  Music Canada is searching for a dynamic leader to shape the future of music in this country!

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will effectively lead the overall organization to achieve its mission of providing resources, support, and advocacy to Music Canada’s member organizations and their partners, the artists.

As the public figure and brand ambassador of Music Canada, we are looking for a dynamic CEO with a strong leadership presence that instills a sense of immediate trust. The music industry is undergoing incredible transformation requiring forward-thinking and strategically focused leadership.  With a combined passion for culture and a business leadership approach, the CEO will effectively lead the economic growth of this complex and vibrant industry.  Promoting and protecting the value of music and its production in Canada by strengthening legislative relationships in order to influence policy change will be at the forefront of priorities. Working in partnership with local and international affiliates and the Music Canada team, the CEO will create an ambitious vision that will lead the music business into a bright and successful future.

* Music Canada values diversity and is committed to inclusion in all areas, every day.

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

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Interim co-CEO Patrick Rogers on Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations During a Pandemic with Canadian Musician

As the pandemic continues across the country, Canadians have remained hesitant to return to public gatherings, in regions of the country where they have been possible.  In this recent episode of the Canadian Musician podcast Patrick Rogers, interim co-CEO of Music Canada offers a deep dive on how the music industry has been impacted, ranging from what we have learned about the artists experience to the particular threat posed to live music.

Rogers offers a unique insider’s perspective on the negotiation process that Music Canada has engaged in with government partners and industry stakeholders, to secure short term and broad support for the music community. He further assesses results of several public opinion surveys of music fans and professional musicians conducted with Abacus Data at several stages of the pandemic. Featuring the work of the Music Canada team to leverage strategic initiatives, research, and advocacy, Rogers and host Michael Raine further discuss how we can work together to advance the industry’s interests and work toward recovery.

Catch the full episode here: https://www.canadianmusician.com/

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Government announces details of Canada Recovery Benefit to support Employed and Self-Employed Individuals Impacted by COVID-19

The Government of Canada has announced details of the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), which provides income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI). The program is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). 

Applications are now open at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit.html. Applicants may apply for a retroactive period dating back to September 27, 2020.

Eligible applicants can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period. If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. Applicants may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Who is eligible? 

Full eligibility criteria is available on the Government of Canada website.

To be eligible for the CRB, applicants must meet all the following conditions for the 2-week period they are applying for:

  • During the period you’re applying for:
    • you were not working for reasons related to COVID-19

Or

    • you had a 50% reduction in your average weekly income compared to the previous year due to COVID-19
  • You did not apply for or receive any of the following:
    • Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
    • Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
    • short-term disability benefits
    • workers’ compensation benefits
    • Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
    • Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) benefits
  • You reside in Canada
  • You were present in Canada
  • You are at least 15 years old
  • You have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • You earned at least $5,000 (before deductions) in 2019, 2020, or in the 12 months before the date you apply from any of the following sources:
    • employment income
    • self-employment income
    • maternity and parental benefits from EI or similar QPIP benefits
  • You have not quit your job or reduced your hours voluntarily on or after September 27, 2020
  • You were seeking work during the period, either as an employee or in self-employment
  • You have not turned down reasonable work during the 2-week period you’re applying for

What are the eligibility periods?

Each Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) eligibility period is a specific 2-week period. The first period is September 27, 2020 to September 25, 2021.

The CRB does not renew automatically. You must apply for each period between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021 separately. You can apply for a maximum of 13 periods out of the total 26 periods available. The 13 periods do not have to be taken consecutively.

You may start applying on the Monday after the 2-week period has ended. If your situation continues, you must re-apply for another 2-week period. You may apply for benefits retroactively for any period up to 60 days after that period has ended.


How do I apply? 

Details about when and how to apply will be made available on October 12, 2020. The easiest way to apply will be online through CRA My Account. Applicants can prepare to apply by completing this questionnaire on the government website


I am receiving some income from royalties for my work; does this mean I am ineligible for the CRB?

You may earn employment or self-employment income while you receive the CRB. If you earn more than $38,000 in the calendar year, you will have to reimburse $0.50 of the CRB for every dollar of net income you earned above $38,000 on your income tax return. If your net income is $38,000 or less, you will not have to reimburse the CRB. 


Where can I find more information on the CRB?

For more information on the CRB, including how and when to apply, eligibility period dates, and tax information, visit the government website at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit.html. For questions, contact the CRA through your CRA My Account, or by phone at the numbers listed at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit/crb-contact.html

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Jackie Dean, Music Canada’s COO/Interim co-CEO, named Chair of the CCMA Board of Directors

Today, at the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Annual General Meeting, the CCMA announced their 2020-21 Board of Directors. 

Music Canada would like to congratulate our COO/Interim co-CEO Jackie Dean on being named Chair of the CCMA Board. Your vision and leadership will be a great asset to Canada’s country music community. 

“I am honoured to step into a new role as Chair of the Canadian Country Music Association Board of Directors,” said Jackie Dean. “This is a challenging year for so many in the country music community, as all aspects of the music ecosystem are impacted by the effects of the pandemic. The CCMA Board, staff, and members have shown their ingenuity and resilience in pivoting seamlessly to a virtual Country Music Week that celebrates our great artists. I look forward to working with the CCMA team and fellow Board members to continue to build upon the CCMA’s foundation of educating, elevating and celebrating Canadian talent.”

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