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FYI

Chris Taylor Joins Influential Club Of Global Music Czars

The Toronto native has turned unknowns into millionaires, built an impressive management and recording imprint, consulted the stars and now runs a global music empire that spans management, publishing, event production and master recordings.

Chris Taylor Joins Influential Club Of Global Music Czars

By David Farrell

Over the years, musician, music entrepreneur and lawyer Chris Taylor has helped more than a few artists become millionaires and, along the way, created an empire that seems to forever expand.


His client list is confidential but Drake and music IP firm ole are two known notables affiliated with his legal practice. He recently sold his label imprint, Last Gang Records, one that includes Emily Haines, Death From Above 1979, Arkells, Stars and Crystal Castles on its roster–and simultaneously became Global President of eOne Music that has footprints in master recordings, distribution, licensing, music, event production, publishing and management.

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This week, the Toronto native joined an elite group of entertainment czars in Variety magazine’s annual list of International Music Leaders. Taylor is the lone Canadian in the list, while others in the august group include Beggars Banquet co-founder/Chair Martin Mills, IFPI CEO Frances Moore, Live Nations Concert President John Reid, UTA global chief Neil Warnock, and Kobalt Music founder/CEO Willard Ahdritz.

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Jairus Sharif
Matt Wallace via Jairus Sharif / Instagram

Jairus Sharif

Awards

Calgary Jazz Artist Jairus Sharif Wins the First-Ever Meridian Prize

Sharif's album Basis of Unity is the first recipient of the FACTOR-partnered award that recognizes an album of exceptional artistic achievement from Western and Northern Canada. The award was presented at BreakOut West in Victoria this weekend (Oct. 3).

Jairus Sharif has won the first-ever Meridian Prize.

This weekend, the Calgary experimental jazz musician was awarded the inaugural Meridian Prize for his 2025 album Basis of Unity at BreakOut West festival and conference in Victoria, British Columbia. The brand new prize was introduced this year to recognize an album of exceptional artistic achievement from Western and Northern Canada, serving a similar role as the Polaris Music Prize. In addition to a trophy, Sharif also receives a $5,000 honorarium.

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