Alex Chadwick and his 1958 Fender Strat present one hundred classic guitar riffs of all time in one 12-minute take.
SOCAN Foundation launches TD Creative Entrepreneur Incubator to support Emerging Creators of Music
The SOCAN Foundation, part of the SOCAN Group of companies, in partnership with TD Bank Group, has launched the TD Creative Entrepreneur Incubator program.
“The TD Creative Entrepreneur Incubator is an exciting new program that provides emerging creators of music with seed funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to participate in a progressive webinar series that will hone their entrepreneurial skills and spirit,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director of The SOCAN Foundation. “The digital incubator aims to provide participants with knowledge and resources to support the development of their creative talent into creative business and ultimately a sustainable career.”
Each participant in the Creative Entrepreneur Incubator will receive:
- $3,000 for start-up costs (marketing, business development, branding).
- Mentorship by an industry professional.
- Access to a webinar series led by industry professionals and experts.
- A chance to be invited as a participant in the CSHF residency.
Applications to the TD Creative Entrepreneur Incubator are currently being accepted until August 8, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Visit www.musicincubator.ca for more information about the program, including eligibility information.
In conjunction with the TD Creative Entrepreneurship Program, The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) is launching an in-person residency for select participants in the Entrepreneur Incubator. Five of the incubator participants will be invited to Toronto, Ontario, to take advantage of studio time at the SLAIGHT Studio, a showcase opportunity, and an additional creative mentorship opportunity with an established songwriter, all during a residency in Toronto.
Founded in 1992, The SOCAN Foundation is dedicated to fostering musical creativity and promoting a better understanding of the role of music creators in today’s society. The organization is a part of the SOCAN Group of companies, and guided by a Board of Directors, which consists of composers, songwriters and music publishers, and reflects concert music and popular music genres, as well as the geographic and linguistic regions of Canada.
The TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates, and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2017, TD donated more than $107 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Alessia Cara, Halsey, and Marshmello ft. Anne-Marie Announced as First Performers for The 2018 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs, August 26
The party is about to get lit as THE 2018 IHEARTRADIO MMVAS announced today its first round of performers. Canada’s iconic music awards show welcomes back to the stage 2017 MMVA co-host Alessia Cara, and features first-time MMVA performances from Halsey and Marshmello ft. Anne-Marie. The IHEARTRADIO MMVAs returns Sunday, August 26 at 9 p.m. ET simulcast on CTV, MTV, and, Much. The night kicks off with THE IHEARTRADIO MMVA RED CARPET pre-show at 8 p.m. ET on MTV and Much.
In addition to its live simulcast on CTV and Much, the full, star-studded event livestreams on CTV.ca, CTV GO, and Much.com. For the second consecutive year, the IHEARTRADIO MMVAs will also livestream via the iHeartRadio app, iHeartRadio.ca, and across nine Virgin Radio stations in Toronto, Kitchener, London, Halifax, Montréal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver.
Expanding its far-reaching viewing options, THE 2018 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs have teamed up with Twitter for a livestream of both the red carpet and the awards show. As well, fans at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto can check out the best #iHeartRadioMMVAs tweets and content of the night on the square’s marquee screens.
With additional talent announcements to follow in the coming weeks, fans can follow the conversation using the hashtag #iHeartRadioMMVAs.
Shoppers Drug Mart unveils new store at Toronto’s historic Yonge and Dundas location, paying homage to venue’s iconic roots
Shoppers Drug Mart officially opens its doors today at Toronto’s Yonge and Dundas Square. The new location is a unique reimagining of the space once occupied by the Hard Rock Cafe and Friar’s Tavern, offering consumers a refreshed design and a convenient and interactive retail experience while paying homage to its predecessor’s iconic history and musical roots.
A tribute to the significant role this space played in the rise of Canada’s musical and pop culture scene from the 1950’s as Friar’s Tavern through to its time as the notable Hard Rock Cafe. This space will include artifacts from these venues as well as memorabilia from some of Toronto’s music legends, in addition to an interactive timeline that allows shoppers to see historical highlights come to life through photos and video.
The #1 Artist Right Now On Spotify? Hint: It’s Not Drake, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris Or Anyone You Think Of
Based on worldwide support for his recently released new album Vibras, and his status as a highly in-demand collaborator, J Balvin reached the #1 global position on Spotify today. His total of 48.158,683 million monthly listeners is the highest-ever total for a Latin music artist.
Here are the Top 12 of those artists, complete with monthly listener count as of today, plus their country of birth.
J Balvin (Colombia) – 48,199,671
Drake (Canada) – 47,764,878
Calvin Harris (UK) – 43,436,361
Dua Lipa (UK) – 43,307,121
Post Malone (USA) – 43,249,056
Ed Sheeran (UK) – 39,510,449
Maroon 5 (USA) – 38,138,590
David Guetta (France) – 37,785,881
Khalid (USA) – 37,021,241
Bad Bunny (Puerto Rico) – 37,017,984
Sia (Australia) – 36,835,626
Kanye West (USA) – 36,269,591
Dave Matthews Band launches exclusive SiriusXM channel to celebrate new album and tour
SiriusXM Canada announced today that GRAMMY Award-winning Dave Matthews Band will launch their exclusive limited-run SiriusXM channel, Dave Matthews Band Radio, on Monday, July 2 on channel 3. The announcement was first made today by Howard Stern during his interview with Dave Matthews on today’s The Howard Stern Show.
In addition to playing music from the band’s extensive career, including their indelible hits, live songs, demo tracks and musical influences, the channel will feature the DMB Friday Night Concert Series, four live concerts to air on Friday nights in July.
Dave Matthews Band released Come Tomorrow on June 8; it was their record-breaking seventh straight studio album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Dave Matthews recently presented a track-by-track premiere of the album on SiriusXM.
SiriusXM’s Dave Matthews Band Radio begins on Monday, July 2 at noon ET via satellite on channel 3 and through the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.ca.
Dave Matthews Band Radio is an example of SiriusXM limited-run channels created with iconic and leading artists including The Beach Boys, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Lynyrd Skynyrd and U2.
SiriusXM subscribers are able to listen to Dave Matthews Band Radio on SiriusXM radios, and those with streaming access can listen online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to siriusxm.ca/streaming to learn more.
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SOCAN Has Record-Setting Royalty Collections and Distributions to Music Creators and Publishers
SOCAN confirmed today at its annual general meeting in Toronto that a record $352-million in total royalties from the use of music by its songwriter, composer, and music publisher members were collected in fiscal year 2017, continuing a seven-year trend, surpassing the previous record set in 2016 by eight percent.
SOCAN connects more than four-million music creators worldwide and more than a quarter-million businesses and individuals in Canada. More than 150,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers are its direct members, and more than 100,000 organizations are Licensed To Play music across Canada. With a concerted use of progressive technology and unique data as well as a commitment to lead the global transformation of music rights, with wholly-owned companies Audiam and MediaNet, SOCAN is dedicated to upholding the fundamental truths that music has value and music creators and publishers deserve fair compensation for their work.
Highlighted by a 44 percent increase in revenue from Internet sources to just less than $49-million, and a 13 percent surge of $76-million in royalties from countries outside of Canada, a record $295-million was distributed to music creators and publishers.
SOCAN 2017 Financial Highlights:
- Record total revenue – approximately $352-million in overall revenue in 2017, an 8% year-over-year increase.
- $49-million from Internet collections – while growing with the popularity of music from digital sources, the reality is that because of the dynamics of digital services and the relatively poor discoverability of Canadian content, the average SOCAN creator-member who earned royalties from digital sources collected only a few pennies more than $37 in 2017.
- Nearly $300-million sent to members – SOCAN’s administration rate is one of the smallest of the world’s top-10 performing rights organizations.
- A 48% increase in foreign royalties since 2013 – royalties identified, collected and distributed to SOCAN members from international radio, television, online, on-stage and other public performance uses came to $76-million, an all-time high and SOCAN members’ #1 royalty source.
An example of SOCAN’s increasing use of technology is the company’s work with the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science & Innovation Lab. At the annual general meeting, SOCAN Vice President of Information Technology Janice Scott led a special session with Adjunct Professor of Music Technology & Digital Media Catherine Moore. The technology leaders discussed the two organizations’ exclusive work together, including in artificial intelligence and machine learning, providing a snapshot of technology-driven projects designed to find and match more music performances with even better volume and accuracy.
The company also introduced its board of directors for the 2018-’21 term. The new 18-member SOCAN board now counts eight women, improving gender balance, reflecting the balance and diversity long enjoyed in the organization’s management team and overall staff.
Minister Of Canadian Heritage Melanie Joly Launches Creative Export Strategy For Creative Industries, Including A New Export Funding Program
With Creative Canada, the Government of Canada has a plan to help Canada’s creative industries open up opportunities in new markets around the world. This will not only improve their competitiveness and ensure their long-term success, but also contribute to Canada’s economic growth, job creation and prosperity.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, in close collaboration with the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is highlighting the Government of Canada’s investment of $125 million over 5 years to implement Canada’s first Creative Export Strategy. This includes the launch of Creative Export Canada, a new funding program that will help creators stand out in the global market.
The Creative Export Strategy will promote Canada’s creative industries by strengthening Canada’s presence in international markets where the business relationships are being built, the deals are being made, and the jobs are being created. The Strategy will also equip Canadian exporters with the tools they need to successfully export their projects.
The budget allowance of $125 million will be divided among the following three key pillars:
Pillar 1: Boost export funding in existing Canadian Heritage programs
To help Canada’s creative industries maximize their export potential, the Government of Canada is increasing export funding for existing Canadian Heritage programs, including the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, the Canada Book Fund, the Canada Music Fund and the Canada Periodical Fund, and Telefilm Canada.
Pillar 2: Increase and strengthen the presence of Canadian creative industries abroad
On-the-field services and support that meet the needs of creative goods exporters are essential. In collaboration with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, the Creative Export Strategy supports Canadian artists with additional resources in key Canadian embassies and consulates, such as New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Berlin, Shanghai, Mumbai, Mexico City, Tokyo and Sydney.
By developing practical tools to support creative entrepreneurs, such as research, data gathering and statistics, the Strategy will provide exporters with relevant information to help them better understand their targeted markets and make strategic decisions.
Pillar 3: Create a new creative export funding program and build the relationships needed to make business deals
The creation of Creative Export Canada, a new $7-million-per-year export program, will provide companies and organizations with funding to make it easier for buyers and audiences abroad to discover Canadian content. The program is for Canadian companies and organizations that are ready to export and work in a creative industry or in support of one. Examples include music, film, books, video games, virtual and augmented reality or design.
Strategic trade missions, like the mission to China in April, make it possible to develop creative markets. This one-of-a-kind mission allowed the 56 Canadian companies that accompanied Minister Joly to meet Chinese business partners, establish new partnerships and sign 23 business deals worth nearly $125 million.
The development of creative markets also relies on Canada’s participation in international events to increase the export capacity of Canadian creative industries, as with Canada’s participation as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair—the world’s largest book fair—in 2020.
The Creative Export Strategy, including the new Creative Export Canada funding program, responds to the request of Canadian creative companies and organizations to obtain mechanisms and tools to promote and facilitate the export of Canadian content. In this way, the government is allowing the creative sector to shine around the world.
Quick Facts
In 2016, Canadian culture product exports totalled $16 billion. This represents 2.5 percent of all Canadian exports.
The arts and culture sector provides jobs to more than 650,000 Canadians, in addition to the numerous indirect jobs created by cultural products. It contributes 2.8 percent to Canada’s GDP.
Creative Canada supports high-quality content, in both French and English, intended for Canadians and international audiences.
The Government of Canada has invested $1.9 billion in arts and culture, currently the biggest investment by any G7 country.
Check Out Florence + the Machine Go Acoustic On BBC Radio 6
Florence + the Machine performs an exclusive acoustic strip-backed versions of their already-released singles from High As Hope, “Hunger” and “Sky Full Of Song,” as well as “Between Two Lungs,” a track from their very first record, 2009’s Lungs. Listen to the whole set below.
Florence + The Machine are embarking on a lengthy tour in August, beginning Aug. 5 in Montreal and ending Oct. 20 in Minneapolis. You can find all the dates here.
Colombian man helps blind, deaf fan experience joy of team’s World Cup win
As the Columbia-Poland World Cup match blared in the background, two Columbian football fans sat face to face in a Bogota restaurant, but they didn’t speak. Instead, one of the men used his hands to communicate every kick of the ball to his friend, who is both deaf and blind.