Music Biz Headlines: Macklemore Stirs up Controversy, ADÉLA Takes Toronto

As opening act on a blockbuster Ed Sheeran tour, Macklemore has seized the spotlight and headlines by expressing his pro-Palestinian solidarity onstage. The likes of Pink, Boy George and Jewish lobby groups have responded loudly.

Elsewhere, Drake’s OVO and University of Waterloo collaboration is a hit, an inside look at the new Oasis documentary and Canadian artists eye Eurovision.

Check these and other stories making the headlines here.

Canadian Music Biz Headlines

Sarah McLachlan on the Impact of Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields: ‘It’s Really Heartening'

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, the beloved Canadian icon and the pop singer spoke about how Rodrigo’s new music festival is carrying on the spirit of McLachlan’s Lilith Fair. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada

Melissa Auf der Maur Excavates the Past

In her new photo exhibition at the AGO, the Canadian musician captures a nostalgia for the style and energy of 1990s music culture. – Haley Steinberg, The Globe and Mail

Dolly Parton’s ‘Ultimate Dolly Parton’ Becomes Her First Top 10 Album in Canada Following Her Death

The late country pop icon's compilation album arrives at No. 9 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. Plus, three of Parton’s tracks are on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, led by “Jolene.” – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada

Drake’s OVO Brand Teams up With University of Waterloo for Campus Collection

Drake’s OVO and University of Waterloo collaboration sold out online in hours, but will be available in person. Toronto Star

Who Could Represent Canada at Eurovision? Here Are the Eligible Acts

According to the song contest’s Canadian head of delegation, Jennifer Dettman, bbno$ is a contender ahead of Canada’s inaugural Eurovision entry in 2027, but Angine de Poitrine is not. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada

The Glare of Cellphones is Obliterating the Live Concert Experience

It’s time to break the spell of digital devices, which are damaging the collective experience of musical performances. – The Editorial Board, Globe & Mail

ADÉLA Celebrates 'Prima' Album Release with Surprise Toronto Pop-Up Ahead of Headline Show

Fans can score exclusive merch and a complimentary drink at RCHIVE on Sept. 10, a day before the Slovak star's first Toronto headline show. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada

Every Artist Playing Nova Scotia Music Week 2026

The biggest week in Nova Scotia’s music scene is fast approaching. From Nov 12-15, artists from across the province will gather in Truro for Nova Scotia Music Week 2026. Here's a look at the scheduled performers. – Brendyn Creamer, The Coast

One Tech Tip: How to Avoid Celine Dion Ticket Scams as she Makes her Grand Concert Comeback

It’s a perfect storm for scammers: Celine Dion’s long-awaited return to the concert stage has unleashed massive pent-up demand for tickets. – Associated Press

30 Can't-Miss Vancouver Concerts for September 2026

From Brandon Flowers to Squeeze and Arlo Parks, here are some calendar highlights. – V.S. Wells, Georgia Straight

Vandelux Eyes His Biggest Homecoming Yet

The electronic artist, who was raised in Metro Vancouver, has found fame beyond the Lower Mainland. – Nathan Caddell, Georgia Straight

International Music Biz Headlines

The rapper opened for Sheeran at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4. – Mitchell Peters, Billboard

Macklemore Responds to Backlash Over ‘Free Palestine’ Chant at Ed Sheeran Show

: ‘Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial,'' the "Thrift Shop" rapper declares. P!nk and Boy George have criticized the "Thrift Shop" rapper's statements. Gil Kaufman, Billboard

Music as a Cultural Infrastructure Business

What is indisputable about AI is its functional capacity. The ability to make a recording has evolved from a technically challenging, expert-enabled art form to being as simple as writing a prompt. – Kriss Thakrar, MIDiA

K-pop Mogul Behind BTS Referred to Prosecutors over Alleged Investor fFaud

South Korean police are pushing for an indictment of music tycoon Bang Si-Hyuk, the chairperson of the agency behind K-pop supergroup BTS, over alleged investor fraud. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency referred Bang to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office on Thursday. – Hyung-Jin Kim, AP

The BMG and Concord Merger is Complete; Bob Valentine Begins Role as CEO of New Company

On Sept. 1, BMG and Concord confirmed the successful completion of their merger. The transaction, first announced on April 28, 2026, has received “all required regulatory approvals”, according to a press release. The company’s global headquarters will be located in Nashville, with Berlin serving as its European headquarters. Music Business Worldwide

Noel Gallagher Reacts to Latest Oasis 2027 Tour Rumors With a Definitely, Maybe

The good news is that the guitarist/songwriter says no (men's) World Cup tourney might pave the way for dates. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard

Ariana Grande Steps out of the Spotlight With Gratitude at Tour Closing

The music star confirmed in August that she’d be taking time out after the conclusion of her live shows, with the final leg being a 10-date run at London’s O2 Arena. – Hilary Fox, AP

Psychedelic ‘Furthur’ Bus Rolls Back Into San Francisco for New Grateful Dead Exhibit

Ken Kesey’s school bus — once painted in bright, swirly colors and driven across the country on a psychedelic journey — is back in San Francisco after 60 years as the centerpiece of a new exhibition celebrating the legacy of the Grateful Dead, a band that rose from the city’s famed hippie movement. – Associated Press

‘Would They Fight or Hug?’ The Oasis Comeback Fillm’s Makers on Shooting Fans, Vicars, Police – and the Gallaghers

The crowds wept and prayed, police used their song lyrics for briefings and a vicar gave a sermon about brotherly forgiveness. The directors of Don’t Look Back in Anger relive their wildest ride ever. – Dave Simpson, The Guardian

New Report Asks Who Owns the Systems Behind Indie Music?

The newly published report by STVDIO & Secretly Distribution examines how consolidation, AI licensing, and direct-to-fan have reshaped indie models. – Stvdio / Secretly Distribution

30 Years After Her Death, Gilda Embodies Argentina’s Enduring Faith in Folk Saints

Thirty years ago this Monday, Argentina was left stunned when a tour bus carrying the beloved cumbia singer crashed, killing her. – AP