Music Biz Headlines: Buffy Sainte-Marie Returns Order of Canada, Drake's 'Not Like Us' Legal Saga Continues
Meanwhile, Canadian music responds to heightened tensions with the United States, Leonard Cohen's memorabilia hits the auction block, Grammy-winning Canadian producer Boi-1da teams up with Canada Soccer and more in this look at the big stories of the week.
Buffy Sainte-Marie
There are a number of ongoing stories that have made headlines this week in Canada. While the Junos and Polaris Prize consider what to do next, Buffy Sainte-Marie has returned her Order of Canada. Drake, meanwhile, has dropped his case against iHeartMedia, but continues in his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group. As the tariffs kick in between the United States and Canada, homegrown associations drum up support for Canadian music.
Those are only a few of the storylines we're following. Here are the other stories making headlines this week.
Canadian Music News Headlines
Buffy Sainte-Marie says she has returned her Order of Canada “with a good heart” and reasserts that she never lied about her identity. -- David Friend, Canadian Press
Drake and iHeartMedia Reach Settlement in ‘Not Like Us’ Airplay Dispute
The artist's claims against UMG remain active, and a hearing on a motion by UMG's lawyers to dismiss the petition is scheduled for this week. -- Associated Press & Billboard
Drake’s Lawyers Cite Kendrick’s Halftime Show in UMG Defamation Lawsuit Over ‘Not Like Us’
The Super Bowl is an example of how Universal Music Group has "launched new campaigns to further spread the defamatory content" while delaying the litigation, Drake's team says. -- Bill Donahue, Billboard
As Trade Wars Heat Up, Live Music Association Drums up Support for Homegrown Music
The Canadian Live Music Association says it’s responding to the U.S. tariffs with a new campaign to promote homegrown musicians and venues. “Canada is Live Music” will draw attention to concerts as “a tangible lever that inspires solidarity and national pride.” – David Friend, CP
For one day, Corus Radio Stations Played Nothing But Canadian Music
Amidst tensions between Canada and the United States, popular radio stations across the country like 102.1 The Edge and Q107 marked 'Canadian Day,' described as "a made-up holiday celebrating real national pride." -- Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
Boi-1da Named Canada Soccer's New Music Ambassador
In the new role as National Teams Music Ambassador, the Grammy-winner OVO producer will lead creative direction for a series of anthems fundraising for youth soccer programs across the country. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
Spiritbox’s Courtney LaPlante ‘Extremely Disappointed’ After Unapproved Single Release
"None of us were aware this was happening," LaPlante wrote on social media. -- Tyler Jenke, Billboard
Juno-winning Jane Bunnett says putting together “Warm Winds From Cuba” has been stressful, but her concert at Koerner Hall will go on. – Nick Krewen, Toronto Star
Dave Hamelin's Unconventional Path from The Stills to The Grammys
The first Grammy Award for Montrealer Dave Hamelin was a big one. He was cited in the Album of the Year category for his work with Beyonce, serious validation of the effort Hamelin has put in since re-locating to L.A. in 2018.– Kerry Doole, SOCAN Words & Music
Bids on the Wire: Leonard Cohen Memorabilia Hits the Auction Block Amidst Legal Turmoil
What is remarkable about the auction, Celebrating Leonard Cohen – The Collections of Aviva Layton, Anjani Thomas, & More, is that it takes place against a backdrop of protracted legal wrangling involving Cohen’s children and his former manager and attorney. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
Leonard Cohen Notebook Sold for $174,000 in Memorabilia Auction
From pages inked with poems to a locket containing a lock of hair, memorabilia belonging to Leonard Cohen was auctioned on Friday, raking in thousands of dollars. The biggest item?: A 76-page notebook filled with poems and the lyrics to two songs “Treaty” and “It’s Torn” sold for over US$120K. – Joe Bongiorno, CP
Canada, Other Countries Struggling to Come Up With New Rules for AI and Copyright
The battle between AI companies and copyright holders notched an early win for publishers in the U.S. in mid-February when a court ruled that a legal research firm didn’t have the right to use a rival’s content. – Anja Karadeglija , CP
Vancouver Silent Auction We Love LA! Benefits LA Fire Relief Efforts
Vancouver’s creative community has stepped up with a silent online auction to help out those affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Titled We Love LA!, the fundraiser features one-of-kind art work, jewellery, and decor items, gift certificates and packs and more. – Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight
When it Comes to B.C.-made Guitars, the Wood Makes it Good
The tone is in the woods. While nailing down exact numbers is next to impossible, it’s fair to say that a significant percentage of the wood used in the production of guitars worldwide comes from British Columbia. – John Lucas, Georgia Straight
International
Alanis Morissette Sets Fall 2025 Las Vegas Residency at Colosseum at Caesars Palace
The fall run of shows will feature eight performances from October through early November. -- Billboard
Charli XCX’s’ Brat Reign Continues, As She Clears the Decks at BRIT Awards
She won five awards at the 2025 Brits including artist, song and album of the year for Brat. – Associated Press
Notorious B.I.G. Estate Nears $100m+ Music Rights Deal
Primary Wave is reportedly close to acquiring a significant stake in Notorious B.I.G.’s music catalog plus name and likeness rights in a deal that could be valued between $100 million and $150 million. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal is expected to “encompass 50% of both publishing and master rights, with the right of publicity included." – Music Business Worldwide
Paul McCartney’s Next Book, ‘Wings,’ Explores the Group He Formed After the Beatles
Paul McCartney ‘s next book, coming out this fall, is a reminder that the Beatles were not his only band. – Hillel Italie, AP
The preview is narrated by "Inside the NBA" host Ernie Johnson Jr. The tour is coming to Vancouver and Toronto this summer. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
From Lagos to Los Angeles, the Global Rise of African Music
This is a story of African artists, celebrated in their home countries, bringing their music to the global stage — not Western artists with African ancestry borrowing African sounds. The role of digital music platforms is key. – Kwangu Liwewe, New Lines
