By Kerry Doole
Daniel Caesar doesn’t break a sweat and doesn’t disappoint at Scotiabank Arena
Caesar’s superpower? Connection, and the ability to touch his fans’ heartstrings with short, well-written ballads and midtempo numbers. – Nick Krewen, Toronto Star
After years of being sad and broken, Colleen Rennison finds redemption with the triumphant “Persephone”
Not to romanticize what was a crazy stretch of excess, but Colleen Rennison has been through some hellish times, with the stories to prove it. And, as can be the case when the road gets tough, the various challenges eventually proved something of a blessing—this borne out by her gorgeously ambitious new album Persephone. – Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight
Jeremy Dutcher worried about getting 'stuck' in his archival past before second album
The Indigenous artist saw the risks of singing in English on his second album. – David Friend, The Canadian Press
Halifax’s Leanne Hoffman embraces fear and risk on the expansive The Text Collector LP
The 31-year-old singer-songwriter headlines a show at the Marquee Ballroom on Oct. 5, with a guest performance from Aquakultre. – Martin Bauman, The Coast
Dizzy knows exactly who they are, thank you very much
With responsibilities, expectations, and the necessary decisiveness expected of you in relationships, work, and life, it’s easy to get, you know, dizzy. Yet, approaching a tour for their third and self-titled album, Dizzy’s vision for who they are as artists is 20/20. – Angela Vannatter, Georgia Straight
When Barenaked Ladies went to No. 1 with "One Week"
After some success in Canada, Barenaked Ladies single became a global smash 25 years ago and finally broke them worldwide. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
International
Major record companies hate AI voice-cloning platforms that don't pay
For years, the RIAA’s annual submission to the Office of the US Trade Representative’s ‘Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy’ has consisted of a long list of pirate sites known to rip off copyrighted music. However, in its latest submission, for the USTR’s 2023 report, the RIAA has added a new category of copyright infringer: AI vocal cloning services. – MBW
Is Bandcamp as we know it over?
Following its acquisition by the music licensing company Songtradr, layoffs spell trouble at the beloved online music platform. – Pitchfork
Concord's acquisition of Round Hill's UK Fund is overwhelmingly approved
On October 18 it was the turn of shareholders of Round Hill’s UK-listed fund (Round Hill Music Royalty Fund) to vote on whether they approved the firm’s proposed USD $468.8 million sale to Concord. No less than 99% of those who voted (around 69% of the fund’s total eligible shareholders) did so in favor of the deal. – Murray Stassen, MBW
On Offset's sophomore solo album, 'Set It Off,' the Migos member says he 'wanted to bring rap back'
On Friday, Offset released his ambitious second solo album, “Set It Off.” In doing so, he also announced a new era. – Maria Sherman, AP
Reservoir Strikes global publishing deal with Joe Walsh
New York-headquartered Reservoir Media has struck a global publishing deal with 5x Grammy-winning artist, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, legendary guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist Joe Walsh. Reservoir says that the deal includes hits from Walsh’s catalog as a solo artist and as a member of groups like the Eagles and the James Gang, as well as future works. – MBW
The NFL belongs with Taylor Swift, for now, but how long until they’re just another picture to burn?
For just a moment there, the NFL was able to kid itself that it was leveraging Taylor Swift. Now it must be dawning on it that this is working the other way around. Swift is managing the world’s biggest sports league, and making it appear ludicrous in the process. – Cathal Kelly, Globe and Mail
Live Review: Madonna's Celebration Tour kicks off in London after health scare
Madonna kicked off her career-spanning Celebration Tour at London's O2 Arena on Saturday night, marking her first performance since suffering what her manager called a “serious bacterial infection” that led to hospitalization in an intensive care unit for several days back in June. – Sian Watson, AP
K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER on their new album, working with Anitta and the Jonas Brothers
In 2019, when the K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT for short) first debuted, they were best known as the first BigHit Entertainment boy band since BTS. Those days went as quickly as they arrived. – Maria Sherman, AP
Liam Gallagher to take Definitely Maybe on the road
Liam Gallagher has taken ownership of the Oasis ‘Definitely Maybe’ album announcing the ‘Definitely Maybe’ 30 Years’ tour. – Noise11
Troye Sivan harnesses 'levity and fun' to fuel third full album, 'Something to Give Each Other'
Troye Sivan was initially going to begin his third full-length album with a ballad, a wistful song looking back at lost love. Then he thought better about it. Frisky was the way to go. – Mark Kennedy, AP
She’s the daughter of Bobby ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ McFerrin, but she’s forging her own path in music
With her debut album now out, Madison McFerrin brings her world tour to Toronto’s TD Music Hall. – Nick Krewen, Toronto Star
The Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds review – if this is the end, they’re going out with a bang
The Stones’ first album of original material in 18 years crackles with a sense of purpose, with fabulous Keith Richards riffs and Mick Jagger sounding genuinely energised. – Alex Petridis, The Guardian
