The Billboard Canada FYI Bulletin: The Rules Change for Gold and Platinum Singles
Canadian country star Dallas Smith headlines History as part of Canadian Music Week, Sum 41's Deryck Whibley shares his story, and fans and friends mourn the passing of Stampeders bassist Ronnie King.
Mother Mother receiving a recent gold single for their song 'Hayloft II'
– Music Canada has announced that video streams now count towards certification in the Gold/Platinum program for Single Awards.
Under the updated guidelines, official video streams within Canada from an approved digital service provider, such as YouTube, Vevo and Apple Music, which were made available on or after Jan. 1, 2020, can count towards certification.
In addition, streaming equivalents for audio and video have been updated to better account for the differing economics of ad-supported and subscription-based streams. Benchmarks to achieve certification remain the same, with singles eligible for Gold at 40,000 units, Platinum at 80,000 units and multi-platinum beginning at 160,000 units. Singles are eligible for Diamond certification at 800,000 units.
– Toronto’s East Beaches concert venue History is home to a Canadian Country music double bill on June 4 when Dallas Smith and “special guest” Nate Haller play the room under the CMW umbrella.
– You can listen to songs from recent FACTOR-funded albums in the music granting body's updated March #FACTORFundedFriday playlist on Spotify.
– Various posts on Facebook yesterday were mourning the death of Ronnie King, co-founder and longstanding bassist with the Stampeders. Launched in 1965 in Calgary, the band relocated to Toronto and enjoyed a successful career for many years with manager Mel Shaw pushing boundaries that helped them leverage regional into national tour success.
– The United States Court of Appeal for the Fifth Circuit upheld last year's decision that Canadian band Nickelback's song "Rockstar" did not infringe on the song "Rock Star" by Snowblind Revival. The decision is reported in further detail here. "Rock Star" by Snowblind Revival can be heard here, while "Rockstar" by Nickelback can be heard here.
– The Globe and Mail’s longstanding pop music writer Brad Wheeler has the same namesake as a Newfoundlander who moved to Korea over a decade ago and now runs a very successful recording studio in Seoul. Jamie Finn has the story in The Korea Times.
– Nominations are now open for the 2024 Make It Music Awards, CIMA’s annual celebration of the innovative leaders who strengthen Canada’s independent music industry to make it the truly exceptional cultural force that it is, both at home and around the world. Past honourees include Pegi Cecconi, Farley Flex, Dave Bookman, Sandy Pandya, Joel Carriere, Shauna de Cartier and Monstercat Records.
– Radiodays North America and Canadian Music Week have announced that nominations remain open for the Allan Waters Young Broadcaster of the Year Award, in memory of the legendary Radio Programmer Steve Young, until April 22. This will be the 15th Annual Award to recognize youthful Canadian broadcasters.
– The life and times of Deryck Whibley and Sum 41 are marvellously captured and brought up to date in Guardianfeature penned by Emma Garland.
Appointments
Atlantic Presents Associaton has named Crystal Laffoley to a semi-permanent position as its new Block Booking Agent.
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett.
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett.
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett. On Diljit: Hermès shirt & pants.
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett. On Diljit: EYTYS jacket