Music Biz Headlines: L.A. Fires Impact Canadian Artists, TikTok and CBC Under Threat
This week: Tory Lanez and Nicki Minaj face new legal issues, record labels cancel Grammy events and a delayed announcement from Beyoncé.
The ongoing devastation of the Los Angles area fires has had a huge impact on both Canadian and American musicians as well as on such showbiz events as The Grammys and Oscars. That dominates the news this week, while other stories include heightened threats to TikTok and the CBC and legal issues for disgraced Canadian rapper Tory Lanez.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines of the Week
Canadian Trumpeter Jens Lindemann Leans on Music as He Loses Home in L.A. Wildfires
Jens Lindemann says his love of music will help carry him through the devastating loss of his family home in the Pacific Palisades wildfires. – David Friend, Canadian Press
Los Angeles Fires Displace Ottawa Rapper TwoTiime, Among Other Canadians
Ottawa rapper Khalid Omar, who performs under the name TwoTiime, was forced to evacuate his Calabasas condo as wildfires tore through the Los Angeles area this week, leaving the studio where he records in ruins. – Alex Nino Gheciu, Canadian Press
Megan Thee Stallion Is Granted a Restraining Order Against Canadian Rapper Tory Lanez
Megan Thee Stallion has been granted a five-year restraining order against incarcerated rapper Tory Lanez, with an expiration date of Jan. 9, 2030. Megan claims Lanez has been harassing her from behind bars as he serves a 10-year sentence stemming from a July 2020 incident where he shot at her feet. – Thania Garcia, Variety
The U.S. TikTok ban is Going Before the Supreme Court. What Does This Mean for Canada?
As the Supreme Court mulls over a potential TikTok ban in the U.S., experts weigh in on whether Canada could follow suit. – Andy Takagi, Toronto Star
Corus Touts Home and Flavour Network Launches as it Reports Q1 Profit Down
The chief executives of Corus Entertainment Inc. say they’re encouraged by responses to the launch of its two new lifestyle brands, but acknowledge “fluctuations” in audience levels could still lie ahead after it lost the content rights for Food Network and HGTV. – Sammy Hudes, Canadian Press
With Conservatives Promising to ‘Defund,’ Could the Next Election Kill the CBC?
The CBC’s current role, its prospects for reform and its very existence are set to become election issues in the coming campaign. – CP
Clark Bryan Says Goodbye to London, Ontario's Aeolian Hall
Aeolian Hall is looking for a new leader after the retirement of the longtime visionary behind the iconic east London music and arts venue. – London Free Press
International
Universal, Warner, Sony & BMG All Cancel 2025 Grammy-Related Events
The labels have called off their Grammy Week events due to the Southern California wildfires. – Billboard
FireAid, a benefit concert for the victims of the ongoing California wildfires, is set to take place on Jan. 30 in Los Angeles. – Richie Assaly, Toronto Star
Beyoncé Delays Announcement Amid L.A. Wildfire Crisis
"I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss," Beyoncé wrote. JessicaLynch, – Billboard
Bonnaroo 2025 Headliners: Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Luke Combs, and Hozier
Vampire Weekend, MJ Lenderman, Mannequin Pussy, Queens of the Stone Age, GloRilla, Beabadoobee, Tyla, Modest Mouse, and more will perform at the June festival in Manchester, Tennessee. – Pitchfork
The TikTok Ban Would Be Social Media's First Extinction-Level Event
The platform transformed everyday users into influencers and made entrepreneurs rich via its Shop feature. – Jason Parham, Wired
Nicki Minaj Accused of Assault, Battery by Former Assistant
Nicki Minaj is being sued by a former employee who alleges that the rapper assaulted him after a Pink Friday 2 World Tour concert in April. Brandon Garrett, Minaj’s day-to-day manager at the time, also accused her of intentional infliction of emotional distress. –Washington Post
Carrie Underwood, Village People to Perform at Donald Trump’s Inauguration
Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s inauguration next week and the 1970s hitmakers Village People will perform at two inaugural events. – Michelle Price, Associated Press
‘The Speakers are the Crown Jewels’: The Rise of Britain’s Listening Bars
Music on high-end sound systems takes centre stage in these Japanese-inspired spaces for audiophiles. – The Guardian
U.K. Festivals Face ‘Really Tough’ Year Due to Fewer Headline Acts and Rising Costs
Stars must now be booked so far in advance for events that organisers can only guess who will sell tickets in two years’ time. –The Observer
Mobile Games Giant Supercell Backs Music Startup NextBeat
Mobile title Beatstar has been one of the music-gaming success stories of the past decade. It launched in 2021 by startup Space Ape Games, now being fully acquired by mobile gaming giant Supercell. Space Ape founders are spinning out a new company, NextBeat, which will be the new home for Beatstar and its Countrystar sister game.” – MusicAlly
