Here is this week's MRC Data Market Watch report which features Canadian music stats for the current week and YTD with comparisons to last year. This chart is published every Tuesday.
By External Source
Here is this week's MRC Data Market Watch report which features Canadian music stats for the current week and YTD with comparisons to last year. This chart is published every Tuesday. The abbreviation "TEA" is a term used to describe the sale of music downloads or singles. A track equivalent album is equal to 10 tracks, or 10 songs.
Also this week: A milestone birthday for Dolly Parton, Billie Eilish and The Boss speak out on ICE and an inside look of the late Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir.
Pitchfork is making headlines of its own this week, putting reviews behind a paywall for the first time in its multi-decade existence. Bruno Mars is also making big waves with his album comeback, picking up like he never left off (because he didn't, really). And All Things Go Festival is returning to Canada, this time for sunnier days.
Read these stories and more in this week's roundup of music biz headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.
Alanis Morissette To Be Inducted Into Songwriters Hall of Fame: Full List of 2026 Inductees
Several of this year's inductees are well-known for collaborations with previous SHOF inductees. – Paul Grein, Billboard
All Things Go Returns to Toronto, This Time in Summer
Following its inaugural Canadian edition last October, the female and queer-led festival is set to return to RBC Amphitheatre on June 6 and 7. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard CanadaB
In Robbie Robertson’s Posthumous Memoir 'Insomnia,' There’s no Rest for the Wicked
Insomnia is the follow-up to his well-received 2016 memoir Testimony, which covers the life of the Toronto-born songwriter and guitarist up to the Band’s Last Waltz farewell concert in 1976, at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom on Thanksgiving. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail‘
Heated Rivalry’ Tracks Shoot & Score on Billboard Charts
Quebec artist Peter Peter debutes "It's You" and "Rivalry" on a pair of digital song sales charts. – Keith Caufield, Billboard
Talib Kweli and FEAR Among 102 Winterruption Acts Bringing Heat Jan. 21-25
Kicking off a year of incredible bookings in Edmonton, New York rapper Talib Kweli, legendary L.A. punk band FEAR and North Carolina indie folk band Hiss Golden Messenger are all hitting Edmonton next week for the powerhouse multivenue affair. – Fish Griwkowsky, Edmonton Journal
Daniel Caesar to Perform and Receive International Achievement Award at 2026 Juno Awards
Acclaimed singer-songwriter William Prince will also perform, while actor/comedian Mae Martin will host and Sandy Pandya, Vinny Cinquemani and Alexander Mair will receive special industry awards. – Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
Pianist Tiffany Poon Channeling the Beauty of Nature at the Playhouse
You haven’t heard of Tiffany Poon yet, odds are that might change in the next couple of years. At the age of 28, the Hong Kong–born pianist has already accomplished more than most of us will in our lives. – Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight
Inventions Seeks Artist Applicants for Renewed Rock Orchestra Concert Series
The Inventions Concert Series is coming back after a six-year hiatus, and its looking for emerging talent in Halifax. This is a rock concert powered by a community orchestra, featuring local artists who transform their music into complex arrangements with the help of local composers. – Brendyn Creamer, The Coast
Bandcamp Bans AI-Generated Songs in a First for Major Online Music Platforms
Bandcamp says in a Reddit post that songs created "wholly or in substantial part" by AI are banned, including tracks using AI to mimic other artists or styles. – Kristin Robinson, Billboard
Pitchfork Announces Reviews Paywall, Allows Comments With New $5 Subscription
The move marks a major business shift by introducing its first-ever paywall and a philosophical one by inviting readers to respond on the site. – Axios
Bruce Springsteen Slams ICE at New Jersey Benefit Show: ‘Get the F—k Out of Minneapolis’
The legendary musician made a surprise appearance at the Light of Day Winterfest on Jan. 17. – Mitchell Peters, Billboard
Billie Eilish Blasts ICE Minnesota Operation While Accepting MLK Jr. Environmental Justice Award
The singer told the audience on Saturday's event that it's "really hard to celebrate that when we no longer feel safe in our own homes or in our streets." – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
Barack Obama was president when Mars' last solo studio album was released. – Paul Grein, Billboard
Green Day to Kick Off 2026 Super Bowl With Opening Ceremony Performance
The California-native rockers will get the pregame entertainment rolling on Super Bowl Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. – Ashley Iasimone , Billboard
Producing Bob Weir’s Documentary, I Got to Know the Man Behind the Legend
The Grateful Dead founding member was a foundation of the band, with a wealth of musical talent and knowledge. – Marc Weingarten, Globe and Mail
Inside Bari Weiss’s Hostile Takeover of CBS News
The network’s new editor-in-chief has championed a press free from élite bias, while aligning herself with a billionaire class more willing than ever to indulge Donald Trump. – Clare Malone, The New Yorker
Julio Iglesias Calls Sexual Abuse Allegations 'Absolutely Untrue.'
Grammy-winning singer Julio Iglesias on Friday denied allegations that he sexually assaulted two former employees, calling the accusations “absolutely untrue.” Associated Press
Tennessee Governor Declares Jan. 19 ‘Dolly Parton Day’
The honor arrives just in time for Parton's 80th birthday. – Ashley Iasimone , Billboard
Folk Alliance International Unveils the 2026 Artist of the Year Award Nominees
These six acclaimed acts are shaping the future of folk and roots music. – Parade
