Music Biz Headlines, June 29, 2018

By Kerry Doole

Former Morrissey fans to stage anti-racism party in Manchester

Party to protest against singer’s views to be held at same time as his nearby gig  – Frances Perraudin, The Guardian

Spoken word pioneer Saul Williams on why poetry's surge in popularity is no surprise

'We are gathering to something ancient,' says the acclaimed poet/rapper/social activist – Sarah Bradbury, The Independent

Coming soon: A giant bronze statue of Nick Cave on a horse

The musician’s small Australian hometown of Warracknabeal plans to raise money to make this long-held dream a reality – Sarah Laskow, atlasobscura.com

Gilles Vigneault's powerful dream of un pays

The legendary Quebec singer-songwriter turns 90 later this year. On the eve of Fête nationale, we look back at Vigneault's legacy – Bernard Perusse, Montreal Gazette

Damon Albarn calls out Kanye for “abusive collaboration” with Paul McCartney

The Gorillaz frontman says Kanye "trapped" McCartney – Ben Kaye, ConsequenceofSound

Sloan is still Canada's coolest band (over 45)

Holding anything together for 27 years is an extraordinary feat. But Sloan, somehow, has managed to hack it — with its original lineup, mind you — for nearly three decades – Chris Murphy helps explain why –  Alex Gheciu, Sharp

The Magnetic Fields' Stephin Merritt staged his musical memoir at Luminato

Over two nights at the Elgin Theatre, he sang a song for every year of his life and brought them to life with costumes, video and countless instruments and props  – Sarah Greene, NOW

Kevin Breit acts out with help from his Johnny Goldtooth alter ego

The guitarist's latest album Johnny Goldtooth and the Chevy Casanovas is a bold, swaggering effort, and even if it sounds like it could have been made 50 years ago it’s also animated by Breit’s very postmodern sense of genre play –  Alexander Varty, Georgia Straight

Old-school and new-school collide in Kamasi Washington's concert

Washington's sound combines elements of a classic jazz sound with a new-age, R&B edge for a unique listening experience – Matt Olson, Star-Phoenix

Jazz Fest: SLĀV isn't cultural appropriation, singer Bonifassi says

SLĀV, “a theatrical odyssey based on slave songs,” is the most popular ticketed show at the 39th Montreal International Jazz Festival – T'cha Dunlevy, montreal Gazette

Vancouver International Jazz Festival : Five free shows to check out

The fest closes July 1, but there's still time for some fine free concerts – Shawn Conner, Vancouver Sun

Note to Paul McCartney: please stop

Enablers are allowing Sir Paul to look sillier than his love songs. His expiry date is up – Susan G. Cole, NOW

Singer Robert Plant relishes his freedom with Sensational Space Shifters

Robert Plant is now leading the charge with his band, but he emphasizes that songs are written collaboratively and credits are shared. Here he sounds off on the things that enquiring minds want to know – Alex Varty, Georgia Straight

Dean Brody glad to be at Trackside Music Festival for Canada Day weekend

Dean Brody is pumped and ready for a little fun. The Canadian country music star is among the headliners at the annual Trackside fest this long weekend – Joe Belanger, Calgary Herald