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Tag archive: NXNE (5)

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Six music cities to share best practices for music development at Music Cities Exchange during NXNE

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Toronto, June 12, 2014: Representatives from six cities who have taken a pro-active approach to developing their music scenes will take part in a Music Cities Exchange during NXNE on Friday, June 20, 2014. Panelists from Toronto, Austin, Hamilton, London, Chicago, Kitchener, and Montreal have been invited to participate in a moderated forum where panelists discuss the steps their city has taken to leverage their respective music scenes and grow opportunities for music development.

The Music Cities Exchange will share best practices, discuss challenges and opportunities facing their respective music communities, and explore the relationship between music and tourism agencies, municipal governments and other sectors.

When: Friday, June 20 @ 2:30 – 4 pm

Where: The Portland Room, The Spoke Club, 600 King St W, Toronto

To arrange interviews with panelists, please contact Quentin Burgess at qburgess@musiccanada.com or 647-981-8410.

This event is proudly sponsored by NXNE, 4479, and Music Canada.

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For more information:

Music Canada Media Contact: Quentin Burgess, 647.981.8410, qburgess@musiccanada.com

NXNE Media Contact: FLIP PUBLICITY Damien Nelson, 416.533.7710 X221, damien@flip-publicity.com

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Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage releases Review of the Canadian Music Industry report

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Yesterday, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage released its Review of the Canadian Music Industry report, available at http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/412/CHPC/Reports/RP6661036/412_CHPC_Rpt05_PDF/412_CHPC_Rpt05-e.pdf.

Music Canada applauds the Committee for its comprehensive study of Canada’s music industry, and thanks the Committee members for their care in considering testimony from witnesses across many different facets of Canada’s music industry. The Committee held 14 meetings on the study, hearing from 82 witnesses and receiving 15 briefs. This process allowed the Committee to hear from stakeholders from areas that they may normally have less opportunity to interact with, such as music education and music tourism.The Committee report focuses on five themes:

  • Digital distribution and streaming
  • Music education
  • Music tourism
  • Current funding – future investment
  • FACTOR/Musicaction

The report gives an overview of the current state of the Canadian music industry, summarizes witness testimony on the five themes, and considers outcomes proposed by witnesses on each theme.

The report provides the government with ten recommendations for strengthening its support for the Canadian music industry:

  1. The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada examine the time that it takes for decisions to be rendered by the Copyright Board of Canada ahead of the upcoming review of the Copyright Act so that any changes could be considered by the Copyright Board of Canada as soon as possible.
  2. The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada work with provincial authorities and other stakeholders to improve the musical knowledge and skills of Canadians.
  3. The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada work with stakeholders in order to launch an information campaign on the actual cost of creating music, the negative impacts of illegal downloading and the importance of respecting the intellectual property of music creators, with an outcome of assisting the music industry in terms of improved measures and initiatives related to these issues, including preventing piracy.
  4. The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada work with stakeholders from the Canadian music industry and the Canadian tourism industry to make music tourism in Canada a focus of marketing campaigns.
  5. The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada study the economic impact of introducing a tax credit to support the Canadian music industry, taking inspiration, if needed, from those granted to the film and television industries.
  6. The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada undertake a study of the impact of digital technology on the Canadian music industry and on government funding programs.
  7. The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage ensure that the various components of the Canada Music Fund reflect the changes in Canada’s music industry, including potential new sources of funding from the private sector, with special attention given to creators, entrepreneurs and independent producers.
  8. The Committee recommends that the administration of the Music Entrepreneur Component of the Canada Music Fund be transferred from the Department of Canadian Heritage to a new third-party organization(s) based on the model of FACTOR and Musicaction.
  9. The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage ensure that the general public and recipients are aware that FACTOR and Musicaction funding is made on behalf of the Government of Canada.
  10. The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada give the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission the capacity to enforce the requirement for the private broadcasters to pay, in a timely manner, the required annual contribution for Canadian content development

It is positive that the Committee recommends the government examine the time it takes for decisions to be rendered by the Copyright Board of Canada ahead of the upcoming review of the Copyright Act. Numerous witnesses, including Music Canada, identified the length of time for decisions to be rendered by the Board as a cause of uncertainty in the legal landscape and a deterrent to progress. As the report notes, a dozen witnesses identified insufficient resources as a reason the rate-setting process is so lengthy. We support providing the Copyright Board with the proper tools, personnel and financing to function more as a business development office, as well as Parliament allowing rights holders and digital services to do deals directly at fair market value.

We are very pleased to see the Committee recognize the importance of music education to all Canadians. As the report notes, the positive effects of music education came up repeatedly during the Committee’s study, with several witnesses urging support for music education as it fosters critical thinking, imagination, self-esteem, and self-discipline, assets which are useful in an economy based on information technology and communications. It is gratifying to see our Next Big Bang report cited on this point in the report.

We are supportive of the Committee’s recommendation that the government work with stakeholders to develop information campaigns on the value of music, the negative impacts of illegal downloading, and the importance of respecting the intellectual property rights of creators. We would be very happy to work with the government in developing these campaigns.

The Committee’s recommendation that the government work with stakeholders from Canada’s music and tourism industries to make music tourism in Canada a focus of marketing campaigns is a very positive step. This study allowed the Committee to hear of the opportunities in music tourism from stakeholders such as North by Northeast, Live Nation Canada, and Ticketmaster Canada, all of who identified the enormous potential for in Canada’s live music sector. As well, the Committee heard from the Canadian Tourism Commission, who identified music as an important part of its marketing and tourism offerings, and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, who remarked that music and culture are “leading drivers for American visitation.”

We are very pleased to see the Committee recommend the study of introducing a tax credit to support the music industry, taking inspiration, if needed from the existing tax credit system for film and television industries. The development of artists is a form of R&D and is deserving of public support, similar to the tax credits available in other R&D-intensive industries.

The Committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to the Report.

The report has the support of the three main parties, with some additional recommendations made by the New Democratic Party and the Liberal Party. In particular, the Liberal complementary report suggests more comprehensive changes to Copyright Board based on testimony from witnesses.

Music Canada urges the government to support the findings of the report and looks forward to working with the government on implementing its recommendations.

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Media Advisory: Toronto music campaign to be launched at NXNE

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Toronto, June 11, 2013: A campaign to position Toronto as one of the greatest music cities in the world will be launched at NXNE just one year after the concept was first discussed at the event. A study comparing Toronto to Austin Texas was released at NXNE by Music Canada in 2012 recommending, among other things, an industry-led initiative to brand the city’s music scene.

That brand will be revealed on June 13 by a panel consisting of:

Graham Henderson, Music Canada
Josh Colle, Toronto City Councillor
Mike Tanner, NXNE
Jesse Kumagai, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall
Andrew Weir, Tourism Toronto

The Toronto music city campaign will activate artists, industry supporters, and fans of the Toronto music community in order to create more awareness about Toronto’s music scene, more opportunities for live music in Toronto and a more music-friendly City Hall.

When: Thursday, June 13 @ 4:15 pm
Where: NXNE Interactive, The Hyatt Regency, 370 King Street West, Room: Regency D

To arrange interviews, please contact Amy Terrill at aterrill@musiccanada.com or 416-967-7272 x 103.

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For more information:

Music Canada Media Contact: Amy Terrill 647-963-6044 aterrill@musiccanada.com 647-963-6044

NXNE Media Contact FLIP PUBLICITY Damien Nelson 416.533.7710 X221 damien@flip-publicity.com

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Ontario Music Fund an important investment in job creation in Ontario’s music industry

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Ontario Music Fund an important investment in job creation in Ontario’s music industry

Toronto, May 1, 2013: On behalf of our members and partners, Music Canada commends the Government of Ontario for its commitment to accelerate the growth of the music industry in the province with the creation of the Ontario Music Fund announced today.

“Music is a superpower that’s primed and ready to perform for Ontario. It’s a smart investment given the globally competitive advantage we have in the recorded and live music sectors,” says Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada. “Research has shown that targeted support for music will pay off with enormous dividends including job growth, increased investment, tourism and the transformation of Ontario into one of the recording capitals of the world. As we in the music community like to say, music can help.”

The Ontario Music Fund is a $45 million dollar grant program to be distributed over three years beginning in 2013-14. According to a release by the Ministry of Finance, the fund is designed to support new digital and record production and distribution of Canadian music, to increase partnership opportunities and to promote Ontario’s music industry in Canada and around the world.

Ontario’s music industry is one of the most robust and diversified in North America. The recording sector alone generates more than $300 million in economic impact in Ontario which accounts for 81% of the total activity across Canada. It’s a cutting edge digital sector that predominantly attracts young workers. Live music is also of critical importance, both as a key aspect of Ontario’s competitive advantage, and as a source of income for artists and musicians.

The announcement was made today to a capacity crowd at Lee’s Palace in Toronto and with performances by Courage My Love from Kitchener and Royal Wood from Toronto.

QUOTES:

“On behalf of our 85 employees at Metalworks, I wish to congratulate the Government of Ontario for its commitment to maintaining a vibrant music industry. As a result of today’s announcement, the industry will get a much needed boost in the arm and the 220 students currently enrolled at Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production will be more likely to enjoy successful careers in an industry that I have been fortunate to call my own from the time I was a teenager. Today is a great day for music in Ontario.” Gil Moore, CEO, Metalworks Group

“The new Ontario Music Fund is a welcome investment in Ontario’s music industry and in our world class cast of talented artists and musicians. We look forward to learning more about the program and how we can work with the government to build on the entrepreneurial spirit in the music community.” Steve Jordan, founder and Executive Director, Polaris Music Prize

“Broader support for music production in Ontario will provide a strong incentive for Canadian artists to record in Ontario, while also helping us lure major American and international acts to record here. We congratulate the government for making a commitment towards the music industry in this province which is, by any measure, one of Ontario’s great assets.” Kim Cooke, Co-owner, Revolution Recording

“Returning to Toronto as NXNE’s new festival director, I’m inspired to see first-hand the extent of the Government of Ontario’s commitment to supporting the music industry in this province. I believe that we have the most passionate fans, the most visionary and experienced industry, and the most talented artists anywhere. This tremendous and timely support from our provincial government will be vital in helping our music sector rock the world. I couldn’t agree more – music creates jobs.” Christopher Roberts, NXNE Festival Director

“The Ontario Music Fund announced today creates a strong incentive for artists and their teams to produce more recordings in Ontario. In a competitive global environment, every edge makes a difference. Congratulations to the government for seeing the importance of the music industry.” Donny DaSilva, Manager, Noble Street Studios

“We applaud the Ontario government’s creation of the Ontario Music Fund, and their recognition that music not only plays a profound role in the cultural lives of Ontarians, but is also an important driver of the economy and a source of valued jobs. We hope this announcement will allow the already vibrant live music sector to amplify our successes through support for infrastructure, programming, and artist & audience development initiatives. We are part of one of the largest and most dynamic music communities in the world and this investment will help maximize its potential, paying dividends for the people of Ontario.” Jesse Kumagai, Director of Programming, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall

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For more information:

Amy Terrill – Vice President Public Affairs, Music Canada
aterrill@musiccanada.com 647-963-6044

Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada, namely 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 Cluster Strategy Unveiled at NXNE by Music Canada

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Toronto, June 14, 2012: Toronto is one of the greatest music cities in the world and yet it could be doing much more to maximize the economic benefits of the music cluster. That is the finding of a report commissioned by Music Canada and released today at NXNE Interactive (NXNEi).

Accelerating Toronto’s Music Industry Growth, Leveraging Best Practices from Austin, Texas was presented by Author Nikki Rowling and discussed by panelists City Councillor Josh Colle, live music venue operator and promoter Jeff Cohen, and Music Canada President Graham Henderson.

“The music cluster strategy is an important step forward to helping Toronto claim its rightful place as one of the best music cities in the world. With legendary live music venues, a vibrant recording industry, and celebrated festivals such as NXNE, Toronto’s music scene is second to none,” says City Councillor Josh Colle.

Music Canada, which represents the major multinational music companies in Canada, who employ hundreds of Torontonians in their Canadian headquarters, commissioned the study in order to identify how Toronto can compete with cities like Austin, Texas, which advertises itself as the “Live Music Capital of the World”.

“Toronto is one of the top two or three music cities in North America. The music community generates thousands of jobs and enormous economic spinoffs including tourism, and yet it is not recognized as an important commercial sector that warrants a strategy or promotion,” explains Graham Henderson. “Imagine what we could do with a plan like Austin’s, or in fact, with the type of recognition and promotion that has been extended to Toronto’s successful film and television sector.”

Accelerating Toronto’s Music Industry Growth demonstrates that in Austin, music is considered commerce, and the commercial music sector has been identified as a key component of the economy. In Toronto, according to the report, music is considered art and has been undervalued as an economic contributor. It outlines some of the challenges faced by recording studios and live music venues and advocates for a more business-friendly environment.

“Toronto has one of the highest ratios of live music venues to population in North America,” says Jeff Cohen of Collective Concerts. “This privately created asset can be leveraged in order to increase tourism and other economic spinoffs, but it first must be recognized as an important sector of the community. This should begin at City Hall with the creation of a licensing category for live music venues, rather than lumping them in with pool halls, restaurants or dance clubs, and the establishment of a single point of contact for live music similar to the Film and Television office. ”

Recommendations include:
1. Create a Music Industry Board to provide industry input through the Economic Development Committee;
2. Create a Music Industry Office to provide coordination across the various city departments that deal with issues relating to live music events and venues;
3. Create a Provincial Ontario Music Office;
4. Expand the Provincial Music Production Tax Credit to mirror the successful film and television tax credits;
5. Proactively pursue music tourism programs included a multi-day international music festival.

Toronto’s music cluster was discussed by Toronto’s Economic Development Committee on February 21, 2012 at which time Music Canada presented early findings of this study. City staff has been directed to return to the committee with a report and recommendations.

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For more information:

Amy Terrill – Vice President Public Affairs, Music Canada
aterrill@musiccanada.com 647-963-6044

About Music Canada
Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada, namely EMI Music Canada, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also provides certain membership benefits to some of the leading independent record labels and distributors. Its members are engaged in all aspects of the recording industry, including the manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music.

About NXNE
Now in its 18th year, North by Northeast Festivals and Conference (NXNE) has become the Canadian festival destination for emerging artists and major-label headliners, for music filmmakers, and for digital interactive innovators bridging the gap between technology and the arts. Seen as the most anticipated summer music event in Canada, NXNE Music, NXNE Film, and NXNE Interactive are an essential gathering for artists, industry, and fans.

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