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FYI

Music Biz Headlines: Buffy Sainte-Marie's Junos and Polaris Prize Revoked, Celine Dion Warns of AI Plagiarism

Also this week: Drake teases his next chapter, Billy Joel postpones Toronto concert, and top artists are deserting festivals in favour of stadium shows.

Buffy Sainte-Marie
Polaris Music Prize Rescinds Buffy Sainte-Marie's Two Awards
Matt Barnes

Last week, Buffy Sainte-Marie returned her Order of Canada and affirmed she is not a Canadian citizen. This week, the Junos and Polaris Prize decided she no longer meets their eligibility requirements and stripped her of the awards.

That was the biggest music story in Canada this week, while other hot-button issues continued to play out. Celine Dion warned of AI theft of her voice. Drake made cryptic comments about his next move following his high-profile beef. The Trump-fuelled chaos at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts meant another big cancellation.


Here are some more stories in the headlines.

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Canadian Music Biz Headlines

Juno Awards and Polaris Music Prize Revoke Buffy Sainte-Marie's Awards

The decision follows questions around her Indigenous identity and a statement from the artist that she is not a Canadian citizen. – Richard Trapunski, Billboard Canada

Drake Cryptically Warns His ‘Next Chapter’ May ‘Leave You Feeling Uneasy’

Drake's latest Instagram post has generated speculation as to what's next for the OVO rapper. – Tyler Jenke, Billboard

Billy Joel Postpones Upcoming Toronto Stadium Show and Other Tour Dates Following Surgery: ‘My Health Must Come First’

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer will return to the road in July. – Billboard

Neil Young Taps Vast Archive for Previously Unreleased 1977 Country-rock Gem Oceanside Countryside

Oceanside Countryside is the latest in Neil Young’s Analog Original Series, which releases albums that were recorded in analog before digital processing.– Scott Bauer, Associated Press

A Near-Death Experience and a Promise Kick-started Aysanabee’s Music Career

Now he wants to ‘take those hinges’ off doors for other Indigenous artists From Ear Falls in the North to Toronto, Juno-winning, Polaris-nominated Aysanabee finally found his way to success. – Emilie Hanskamp, Toronto Star

Celine Dion Warns Fans of AI-Generated Music That Is ‘Fake & Not Approved’

The star shared a statement about AI on Instagram. – Rania Aftos, Billboard

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Bass Coast's Carefully Curated 2025 Lineup Goes Thrillingly Beyond the Mainstream

The serene landscape of Nicola Valley is set to come alive again this summer as the deep, pulsating sounds of bass ripple through the air. Bass Coast, the renowned boutique music festival, returns July 11-14, delivering a fusion of cutting-edge electronic music and immersive art. – Georgia Straight

‘What a Difference a Year Makes’: Shaw Festival Rebounds With Surplus After 2024 Season

A huge jump in ticket sales helped the theatre company fight back from a large deficit. – John Law ,Niagara Falls Review

International Music Biz Headlines

Musical 'Hamilton' Cancels Run at Kennedy Center After Trump Takeover

The hit musical "Hamilton" is scrapping plans to take part in John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after President Donald Trump's overhaul of the center in Washington. – Reuters

Sony Music reveals 75,000 AI deepfake takedowns, slams U.K.’s ‘rushed’ copyright plans

In a submission to the government's consultation on AI and copyright law, the music giant warned that proposed changes to copyright laws would be "rushed, unbalanced and irreversible" and could significantly harm the British creative economy. – Music Business Worldwide

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Why Many Top Artists Are Ditching Music Festivals in Favour of Stadium Concerts

As more markets offer giant-size venues and bigger potential paydays, multiday music events are becoming less attractive. – Dave Brooks, Billboard

Concord to Acquire Stem in $50M + Deal, Says Sources

We also hear that Raine Group is in the middle of it.– Murray Stassen, MBW

Media M&A Plunges 40% in 2025 as Trump Chaos Chills Dealmakers

Executives may find it hard now to believe Trump 2.0 will spur a new wave of media, tech and Hollywood consolidation, but some remain hopeful for a turnaround. – Dean Burch & Tess Patton, The Wrap

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Netflix Sees More Than $40 Billion in Market Cap Evaporate on Subscriber Concerns

Shares are down 11% over two days after a MoffettNathanson report warned sub growth could slow in the quarters ahead. – Sean Burch, The Wrap

Chinese Companies Rush to Put DeepSeek in Everything

Video game developers to a nuclear power plant, companies across China are adopting DeepSeek’s AI models to boost stock prices and flaunt their national pride. – Zeiy Zang, Wired

Music Flows as Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill Lead Tributes at Roberta Flack Memorial

Grammy winner, who died last month at 88, remembered at New York service with series of star performers. – The Guardian

We Joke About Who's Getting Their Knees Done': The Rock Veterans Still Touring Into Their Late 70s

Yoga and ice baths have replaced all-nighters, but musicians such as Graham Nash, Bonnie Raitt, Rick Wakeman and Elkie Brooks aren’t planning to retire any time soon. – Dave Sampson, The Guardian

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Jeremy Dutcher
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Jeremy Dutcher
FYI

Music News Digest: Jeremy Dutcher, Mo Kenney and More Artists Boycott East Coast Music Awards

The ECMAs are facing artist backlash after the sudden replacement of former CEO Blanche Israël at the beginning of the year. Other industry stories this week: Music PEI Week award winners, indie label We Are Busy Bodies' 20th anniversary, a new Jeff Healey doc and more.

Awards News

At the end of February, the East Coast Music Association announced the nominees for the 2025 ECMA Awards, but it almost immediately faced controversy. As reported by CBC, some prominent nominees declared that they are withdrawing their nominations following controversy over the recent replacement of former CEO Blanche Israël. That list is headed by acclaimed singer-songwriter Mo Kenney, nominated for rock/alternative release of the year, for "Evening Dreams."

Explaining the move on Instagram, Kenney stated "I was nominated for an ECMA, but I am withdrawing and I will not be attending the conference. I do not agree with the lack of transparency around the sudden firing of former CEO [Blanche Israël], and what I would call essentially online bullying leading up to the firing. Much love and please do better @ecmaofficial."

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