Music Biz Headlines, Jan. 10, 2020
Nick Blagona's Hamilton connection, Matador (pictured) plans are revealed, and US streams hit a trillion. Also in the headlines are Grimes, Jacob Hoggard, Justin Bieber, Calgary concerts, Merlin, Todd Walker, John Densmore, David Bowie, Taylor Swift, and Rascal Flatts.
By Kerry Doole
Internationally respected recording engineer Nick Blagona had a soft spot for Hamilton
In his final years, the world-renowned sound engineer chose to work with local musicians at his Caledonia-based Psychotropic Studios, as well as Hamilton's Grant Avenue and Halo studios. — Graham Rockingham, The Hamilton Spectator
Developer plans six-storey residence for historic Matador ballroom site, but they’re keeping the marquee
Music may yet still have a place within the proposed residential redevelopment plans for the site housing Little Italy’s historical Matador ballroom, which once played host to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Stompin’ Tom Connors and Blue Rodeo. — Jason Miller, The Toronto Star
Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard to face trial in 2021
Jacob Hoggard, the frontman for the Canadian rock band Hedley, is scheduled to stand trial on three sex-related charges next year. The trial is set to begin in a downtown Toronto courthouse on Jan. 4, 2021, more than two years after the singer was arrested in connection with alleged incidents involving a woman and a teenager. — Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press
Rewinding 2019 | The Top Videos
Feast your eyes (& ears) on the outstanding clips that premiered here this year. — Darryl Sterdan, Tinnitist
Justin Bieber announces Lyme disease diagnosis and recent chronic mononucleosis
The pop superstar from Stratford, Ont., says on his Instagram account that while some people have been criticizing his looks and accused him of being on drugs, they “failed to realize” he was recently diagnosed with the chronic illness. — The Canadian Press
Newt's Guitar-star Roundup: when and where to hear wicked pickers in Vancouver, January 2020 edition
Hey Vancouver guitar freaks! Anybody want to know when and where in town the world’s top guitarists will be showing their stuff this year? Our list features Billy Gibbons, Colin James, Marc Ribot, Tommy Emmanuel, Bonnie Raitt and more. — Steve Newton, The Georgia Straight
From country to opera and everything between: Here's what's coming in 2020
Prepared to be entertained in 2020, Calgary. The coming calendar has something for everyone: country and standup stars, dramas and comedies, operas and ballets. Here is what to look forward to in 2020. — Jon Roe, The Calgary Herald
Canadian musician Grimes reportedly pregnant with first child
The Oblivion singer, born Claire Elise Boucher, tested Instagram censors on Wednesday by posting a topless photo of herself displaying her growing belly, which was depicted as translucent, showing the image of a fetus in her stomach. — WENN
International
Merlin names Facebook music exec Jeremy Sirota as CEO
The global digital rights agency for the world’s independent label sector has appointed Jeremy Sirota as the organization’s new CEO. He joins Merlin from Facebook’s Music Team. — Murray Stassen, MBW
Todd Walker exits Paradigm to launch Outer/Most, a new independent talent agency
The veteran talent agent has left his position at Paradigm to launch Outer/Most, a new indie talent agency. Walker, who is based in Boston, will serve as CEO of the new venture as well as continuing to represent clients including Anoushka Shankar, Ólafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, and Christian McBride. — Celebrity Access
US streams topped a trillion last year, but is there a superstar recession looming?
The stats for the US market in 2019 are in – and, in usual circumstances, the simple headline would be this: consumers in the United States pressed play on music streaming services (across video and audio) more than a trillion times last year. Other factors are in play though. — Tim Ingham, MBW
Doors drummer John Densmore: "it took me years to forgive Jim Morrison"
When he was at the centre of the US counterculture, Densmore lived in terror of his bandmate. Yet after the singer’s death, he fought ferociously to protect his legacy. But, he says, he still regrets not calling out Morrison on his abusive relationships with women. — Jenny Stevens, The Guardian
Touring is hard, and band therapists are here to help
These mental health professionals know what it feels like when the van breaks down, when the booker shorts the fee, or when your drummer is just being a dick. — Luke Winkie,Noisey
Iman pays tribute to husband David Bowie on late singer's birthday
The model, 64, shared a black and white photograph on Twitter of the star, captioned simply: “January 8th #BowieForever #EternalLove.” — The Evening Standard
Taylor Swift to be honored at 31st annual GLAAD Media Awards
Swift will receive the Vanguard Award, for allies who have made an impact in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ individuals. She joins previous honorees Beyonce and JAY-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Cher, Demi Lovato and more. — Rania Aniftos, Billboard
10 Country Artists to watch in 2020
Here, we’ve selected 10 promising acts—both men and women—who have albums on the way or new music in the works in 2020. They all have a little bit of “truth” to share. The list features two Canadians. — Ellen Johnson, Paste
St. Vincent, Foo Fighters, more to play Prince tribute concert after 2020 Grammys
Mavis Staples, Usher, Beck, Chris Martin, and more will also perform with Sheila E.’s band. — Pitchfork
From Selena Gomez to Grimes, Green Day and the Dixie Chicks, 13 artists with 2020 albums we can’t wait to hear
With 2019 finally behind us — along with its glut of year (and decade) end lists of the best in music — it’s time, at last, to turn our attention to the sounds in store for 2020. — Mikael Wood, TheLA Times
Rascal Flatts announces farewell tour
Hit country act Rascal Flatts has announced it will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a tour that will also serve as a farewell for the band. — Celebrity Access
