Music Biz Headlines: Wolf Parade Streams Explode from 'Heated Rivalry,' Justin Bieber Gets Reflective
Also this week: An AI error defames Ashley MacIsaac, Spotify's library is scraped by an online activist group, Drake gets love on Obama's year-end list, France recognizes the cultural heritage of electronic music and more.
Wolf Parade
As the music industry wakes up from its holidays daze, a number of headlines are emerging. Riverfest Elora calls for action to protect live music, Crave's Heated Rivalry is one of the year's biggest Canadian media success stories, Celine Dion returns to holiday music — those are just a few of the stories that are emerging as we head into 2026.
Read these stories and more in this week's roundup of music biz headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Crave's steamy hockey romance is a global sensation, and Canadian artists are reaping the rewards — including multiple Francophone acts from Quebec. – Richard Trapunski, Billboard Canada
Last month, the Ontario music festival called it quits after 15 years. Now, they’re asking the nation to support the country’s live music scene. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
At Lauryn Hill’s Massey Hall show, a mini Fugees reunion broke out
The concert was the penultimate stop on Hill’s Artist in Residence tour across Canada. A guest turn by former bandmate Wyclef Jean was a real highlight. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Justin Bieber Criticizes Music Industry in Spiritual Christmas Eve Post: ‘I’m Not a Product’
"I don't want revenge," the singer wrote. "I want redemption." – Hannah Dailey, Billboard
The singer went method with her fireside recitation of Jim Carrey's harried monologue about his busy schedule. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
AI-Generated Content Wrongly Accuses Fiddler Ashley MacIsaac of Being Sex Offender
Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac says he may have been defamed by Google after it recently produced an AI-generated summary falsely identifying him as a sex offender. – Michael MacDonald, Canadian Press
‘Ridiculous’ Music and Comedy Venue Opening in Hamilton
The Casbah’s former owner Brodie Schwendiman is helping launch the new venue. – Demar Grant, Hamilton Spectator
Tyler Visser recorded Tool’s discography in one uninterrupted take — a feat that’s earned him a Drum Performance of the Year nomination. – Hamilton Spectator
Drake Flexes His Pen, Boasts He’s ‘One of the Most Profound Writers of Our Time’
The 6 God hosted three pre-holiday Kick streams. – Michael Saponara, Billboard
International Music Biz Headlines
Spotify Music Library Leaked Online by Pirate Activist Group
The scrape allegedly accessed 86 million audio files. Spotify is "actively investigating the incident." – Mitchell Peters, Billboard
France Recognizes Electronic Music as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’
Electronic music is added to the inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledgement that the artform is shaping France's artistic identity. – Lars Brandle, Billboard
Taylor Swift Opens up About Travis Kelce, Sabrina Carpenter in New Eras Tour Chapters
Turns out Mama Swift played a hand in getting the now engaged pair together. – Amber Dowling, Globe and Mail
The Grammys split the country album category into traditional and contemporary. It might be great
Flashback to February. It’s the 2025 Grammys, and Beyoncé became the first Black woman to win best country album, for “Cowboy Carter.” Recent changes by the Recording Academy have made it even more monumental: She might be the last person to ever win the award. – AP
Nicki Minaj Surprises Conservatives with Praise for Trump, Vance at Arizona Event
Rapper Nicki Minaj on Sunday made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona that was memorializing late activist Charlie Kirk, and used her time on stage to praise President Donald Trump and JD Vance, calling them “role models” for young men. – AP
Barack Obama Reveals BLACKPINK, Drake, Lady Gaga & More Are on His 2025 Favourite Songs List
The former president has also been loving tracks by Chappell Roan & Olivia Dean. – Hannah Dailey, Billboard
What Is Lossless Audio And Do You Really Need It?
Lossless audio is the first step toward audio nirvana. But what is it, does it really make a difference, and how can you get it? Here’s what to know. – Simon Lucas, Wired
A Muse for Musicians: 11 songs Inspired by Brigitte Bardot
In addition to being a 1960s French sex symbol, actor, singer, animal welfare activist and outspoken racist, Brigitte Bardot was a muse to many — in particular, musicians. – Maria Sherman, AP
