Music Biz Headlines, Jan.29, 2020
Tami Neilson (pictured) readies a new album, Sled Island announces a guest curator, and the last decade on the Saskatoon scene. Others in the headlines include Roger Waters, Wolf Parade, the Grammys, Angel Bat Dawid, Bif Naked, The Go-Go’s, and SoundExchange.
By FYI Staff
Review: Wolf Parade reassert their vitality on Thin Mind
While their famous friends in Arcade Fire have changed with the times, this band's sound is preserved in indie rock granite – but the cultural tide has flowed back in their direction. – Stuart Berman, NOW
Grammys 2020: Is there room for an industry gatekeeper in the streaming era?
Our panellists break down what they saw last night and discuss the role of the Grammys in the music industry today. – q, CBC
Last year, the Chicago-based composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist released her debut album, The Oracle (she was 39 at the time). The spiritual, free-jazz album was recorded on her iPhone's voice memo app and she says it authentically represents herself. – Chris Stoodley, The Coast
Sudan Archives named guest curator for Sled Island 2020
Singer-songwriter and violinist Sudan Archives will be helping program Sled Island 2020. Her debut full-length, Athena, came out late last year, earning raves for its mix of R&B and African fiddle music. – Eric Volmers, Cagary Herald
Roger Waters brings his This Is Not A Drill tour to Vancouver
Vancouver prog-rock fans rejoice: Roger Waters's 31-date This Is Not A Drill tour will stop at Rogers Arena on September 14. “It’ll be a new show," says Waters in a press release issued by AEG Concerts. "It will be no-holds-barred. My work is to think, ‘Well, how can I make rock 'n' roll more interesting or theatrical or exciting or visual or musical or whatever?’ That’s what I’ve spent the last 50 years doing, expressing myself." – Steve Newton, Georgia Straight
Evolving sound: A look at the last 10 years of Saskatoon's music scene
A decade makes a lot of difference when it comes to the music industry, from performers to venue owners to publicists to fans. – Matt Olson, Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
5 Questions with Tami Neilson
Canadian-born New Zealand resident Tami Neilson has been entertaining the masses most of her life. She’s won multiple awards and is known for her voice that brings to mind the early days of country and rockabilly music. Her new album, CHICKABOOM! is set to release on Valentine’s Day. – Ditty TV
Bif Naked to discuss CBD and the MonaLisaHealing arm of her ever-expanding empire at the Wellness Show
Bif Naked has never been happy to wear a single hat as far as her career goes. Now she's headed to Vancouver to discuss her recent entry into the cannabidiol market. Naked and a support team launched an organic CBD product line in the fall of 2019 under the name MonaLisaHealing. On February 1 and 2 she'll speak at the Vancouver Convention Centre as part of the Wellness Show. – Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight
International
SoundExchange paid out $908m to artists and labels in 2019
The US performance rights org paid artists and labels $908.2m across the 12 months of 2019. That figure was down 4.7% on the same number from 2018, when the org delivered $952.8m to members in a record payout year. However, this dip was due to a one-off boost in 2018, which came when SoundExchange secured a $150m settlement agreed with Sirius XM, which was passed to members that year. – MBW
Grammys 2020: Billie Eilish's triumph overshadowed but well-deserved
Claims about voting ‘irregularities’ and inherent racism swirled around this year’s awards but Eilish brought a powerful emotional punch to proceedings. – Alexis Petridis, The Guardian
Belinda Carlisle and Sundance filmmakers explore Go-Go’s evolution, music and storytelling
Alison Ellwood’s film puts a strong focus on the band’s pre-fame days in L.A.’s 1970s punk scene. “When you understand that that’s where they came from, you really can hear the punk roots in their pop music,” said the director. “That’s where their musicianship and talent as songwriters developed.” – The Los Angeles Times
