Music Biz Headlines: The Canadian Behind 'KPop Demon Hunters,' Chappell Roan Creates Buzz for Saskatchewan
These stories are making headlines this week: JP Saxe's online plea for more ticket sales fails, the podcast Kreative Kontrol reaches a milestone, pop-punk stars are writing Disney themes and more.
KPop Demon Hunters is taking over the charts, and there's an important Canadian connection. Meanwhile, a look at the Oak View Group bid-rigging scandal, JP Saxe's ticket struggles and a look at a beloved figure at one of Canada's most legendary music venues.
Read these stories and more in this week's collection of music biz headlines.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
‘It’s pretty wild’: How Toronto’s Maggie Kang created global smash ‘KPop Demon Hunters’
Growing up as a Korean immigrant in 1990s Toronto, Maggie Kang kept her love of K-pop to herself. – Alex Nino Gheciu, Canadian Press
Chappell Roan’s New Song 'The Subway' Increases Tourism Buzz For Saskatchewan
The Grammy-winning artist's new track is leading tourists to discover the land of the living skies. Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
JP Saxe Cancels North American Tour After Social Media Plea for Ticket Sales
“I’m grateful to each one of you who bought a ticket, and I’m really sorry,” the Toronto singer-songwriter shared on TikTok. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Stevie Nicks Postpones Toronto Show This Month due to Shoulder Injury
Toronto fans who were looking forward Stevie Nicks’ concert this month will have to wait a little longer. The famed Fleetwood Mac member is postponing her Toronto show until Nov. 15, citing a fractured shoulder. – Elissa Mendes, Toronto Star
At 1,000 Episodes, Vish Khanna’s Kreative Kontrol Culture Podcast Keeps Guests Talking
Vish Khanna, host of the podcast Kreative Kontrol, brings a warmth to his interviews that comes from deep research, a love of culture and a willingness to follow the natural flow of conversation. – Josh O'Kane, Globe and Mail
NEXT looks at the people and places that make Toronto’s arts scene soar. – Felix Hughes, NEXT
How Festival of Friends Booked Sugarhill Gang
Held over the holiday weekend, The Festival of Friends was packed with acts from different genres and decades, including some hip-hop pioneers. Cheyenne Bolla, Hamilton Spectator
A Star analysis has found stark disparities in how public funding from the Canada Council for the Arts is distributed across the country. – Joshua Chong, Toronto Star
Influential? Absolutely. Here are Some Drummers Inspired by St. Catharines’ Neil Peart
Whatever happens to the proposed Neil Peart memorial at Lakeside Park, the legendary drummer made his mark. – St. Catharines Standard
CMRRA at 50: Conversations with Neville Quinlan and Mary Megan Peer
In a recent interview, Quinlan and global peermusic CEO, Mary Megan Peer, offered a rare glimpse into the key milestones that shaped CMRRA, shedding light on the agency’s evolution and impact. – Isabelle Speerin, CMRRA
Donna didn’t just walk through this city — she prowled, observed, skewered, and exalted it. She was one of those rare Toronto originals who turned the weird and wonderful into her own literary playground. – Jaymz Bee, NEXT
International Music Biz Headlines
Does the non-prosecution agreement require OVG to cooperate with the DOJ's efforts to break up the concert giant? Legal experts weigh in. – Billboard
Running one of Japan’s largest music companies in the world’s second-largest music market is a high-wire act. You need to balance tradition, innovation, expert precision, and creativity to stay at the top of your game. Naoshi Fujikura has been doing that for the past 11 years as CEO of Universal Music Japan. – Music Business Worldwide
A Man Fell to His Death During an Oasis Concert at London’s Wembley Stadium
Oasis said Sunday its members are “shocked and saddened” after a man fell to his death during a concert by the band at London’s Wembley Stadium. – Associated Press
Fans Think Beyoncé Just Dropped a Major Hint in Her New Ad That ‘Act III’ Will Be a Rock Album
The upcoming LP will complete the trilogy she started with Renaissance and Cowboy Carter. – Hannah Dailey, Billboard
How Disney’s Marvel Kids Shows Are Luring Millennial Parents With Catchy New Tunes by Pop-Punk Icons
Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump and Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus unpack their earworm theme songs for “Spidey and His Amazing Friends” and a new “Iron Man” show. – Adam Chitwood, The Wrap
