Music Biz Headlines, March 23, 2020
Jerry Leger (pictured) is amongst the Toronto artists harmed by COVID-19, online concerts multiply, and the Calgary Philharmonic lays off the entire orchestra. Also in the headlines are Paradigm, Rihanna, Aerosmith, Stratford, SXSW, Ben Gibbard, John Loeffler, Tony Allen, Elvis, and Toots and The Maytals.
By FYI Staff
It’s a mess’: Toronto musicians navigate life without an income amid the COVID-19 outbreak
‘Less than three weeks away from the start of a European tour, Toronto retro rocker Jerry Leger finds himself – like every other musician on the planet – suddenly unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It meant postponing those 28 shows, which were to begin April 8. – Nick Krewen, The Toronto Star
Critic’s notebook: Online concerts by Jim Cuddy, Neil Young and others just a mouse-click away
Denied access to in-the-flesh audiences, musicians are finding alternate ways to connect. The performances will help the artists sell their music and merchandise, though, in the case of the wealthy Young, the reasons behind his unplugged “Fireside Sessions” presentations are more altruistic. – Brad Wheeler, The Globe and Mail
Gordon Lightfoot’s new album, like his recent biography, is a little too revealing for some
“It ain’t gonna stop now!” a feisty Gordon Lightfoot declares at the conclusion of a 30-minute interview about the state of his six-decade-plus career. – Nick Krewen, Toronto Star
Calgary Philharmonic to temporarily lay off an entire orchestra
The CPO will be temporarily laying off all 66 of its musicians after it was forced to cancel events due to the COVID-19 crisis. – Eric Volmers, Calgary Herald
20 Toronto artists recommend albums you can buy on Bandcamp
Those with suggestions include PUP, Allie X, Jerry Leger and Charlotte Cornfield. – Richard Trapunski, NOW
Newt's Coronavinyl Countdown, Day two: Aerosmith--Rock in a Hard Place
Newt's Coronavinyl Countdown is a daily blog wherein veteran Georgia Straight rock writer Steve Newton works through his LP collection--alphabetized according to band name, from AC/DC to ZZ Top--hoping to connect with fellow music-lovers who are also social distancing during COVID-19. Today's selection is Aerosmith's Rock in a Hard Place. – Georgia Straight
What to stream now: new music from Jazz Cartier, DijahSB and more
Socially distance with a brand new video from singer/songwriter Ruby Waters, metal band Smoulder and a full playlist of the best new Toronto music curated by our critics. – NOW
Stratford Festival is the swan in the coal mine for COVID-19’s impact on the arts
The Stratford Festival has postponed the opening of its 2020 season another month due to the COVID-19 pandemic – and the immediate impact on those who work for North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre company is major. – J Kelly Nestruck, The Globe and Mail
International
Los Angeles-based Paradigm set to lay off over 100 staff as the coronavirus effects live music
The Los Angeles-based company, one of the most successful live talent agencies worldwide, is preparing to lay off more than one-seventh of its workforce as the Coronavirus-triggered halt in live music activities continues to hurt the sector. –Tim Ingham, MBW
Turning SXSW disappointment into an online opportunity
When SXSW became one of the first music festivals to be cancelled because of coronavirus, musicians were left out of pocket and without a platform to perform on. That’s when various music bodies rallied to the cause. – BBC
Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard addresses Seattle's COVID-19 crisis in new song "Life Under Quarantine"
While the song's lyrics paint a bleak picture of a city with a siege mentality the Death Cab for Cutie frontman ends on a hopeful note, asking viewers to support local charities. – John Lucas, Georgia Straight
Rihanna donates $5 million to coronavirus relief through Clara Lionel foundation
Rihanna has pledged $5 million US towards the coronavirus relief efforts through her Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF). The Work hitmaker's singer's foundation announced the contribution on its Twitter account on Saturday, which aims to support and fund "groundbreaking and effective education, health and emergency response programs around the world." – Music News
In the hot seat interview: John Loeffler
John Loeffler’s name isn’t as known as his music, but he’s a figure that should be included in the Mount Rushmore of music creators. He is currently executive VP, Marketing & Repertoire in New York, BMG.– Larry LeBlanc, Celebrity Access
Tony Allen discusses Hugh Masekela, Damon Albran and friction with Fela Kuti
Tony Allen is the most distinctive drummer Africa ever produced, or at least the most distinctive one who made it into a recording studio. As Fela Kuti’s musical director, he was the co-creator of Afrobeat. Here's a revealing interview. – Robin Denselow, The Guardian
The King’s birthplace of Tupelo has made his life there a tourist attraction.– Patti Nickell, Tribune News Service
A look back at the Toots and The Maytals classic Funky Kingston
Each Sunday, Pitchfork takes an in-depth look at a significant album from the past, and any record not in our archives is eligible. Today, we revisit Toots and the Maytals’ 1975 classic, which captured the country soul of roots reggae at its creative peak. – Wayne Marshall, Pitchfork
