Music News Digest, April 19, 2019

By Kerry Doole

Universal Music France and its label Decca Records have united with la Fondation du patrimoine to create an album to support the rebuilding of Notre-Dame cathedral following Monday's devastating fire.

EntitledNotre-Dame is a collection of sacred music and is available on all digital platforms today (April 19) via Decca Records/Universal Music Canada. All benefits and artists royalties will be donated to la Fondation du patrimoine to help fund its restoration. Many of the recordings featured were made at the cathedral and feature such classical stars as Cecilia Bartoli, Jessye Norman, Roberto Alagna, Christopher Hogwood, and Herbert von Karajan. 

– Madonna is back in the headlines via news that she has a new album, Madame X, ready for release June 14, preceded by a single, "Medellin," to premiere on MTV on April 24. Variety has more details here. Madge is also the subject of protests over news that she will appear on the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv next month. CMUreports that a Canadian billionaire, Sylvan Adams, is paying her $1M (US) to perform two songs on the show.

– The CSHF is partnering with the 31st annual East Coast Music Awards (ECMA) to honour the legacy of a national music icon and an enduring Maritime ballad. The Hall of Fame will induct musical storyteller Stan Rogers, and the song “Peter’s Dream,” by 18-time ECMA winner Lennie Gallant – who is performing at the Awards Gala in Charlottetown.

– MMF Canada has announced the recipients of the 2019 Honour Roll Awards. On Tuesday, May 7during Canadian Music Week, Sandy Pandya (Pandyamonium Management), Ron Sakamoto (Sakamoto Agency), Arkells and Entertainment One’s Chris Taylor, Ashley Poitevin and Sarah Osgoode (Entertainment One Management), will be recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to Canada’s music management industry. 

Pandya receives the Honour Roll Award, and Sakamoto The Brian Chater Pioneer Award.  Recognizing the success of an artist and their manager for an exceptional year, the 2019 Banner Year Award will go to Arkells and Entertainment One’s Chris Taylor, Ashley Poitevin and Sarah Osgoode. TICKETS on sale now. The event is ponsored by Slaight Music

– Best known as the head of the Toronto Jazz Festival, Josh Grossman is also Artistic Director of the acclaimed big band, Toronto Jazz Orchestra. TJO celebrates its 20th anniversary on April 22 at The Rex Hotel in Toronto, featuring a cross-section of the repertoire it has performed over the past 20 years. The 18-piece group will be joined by a variety of special guests, including vocalists Sophia Perlman, Alex Samaras, and tap dancer Allison Toffan.

– Canadian Live Music Association President & CEO, Erin Benjamin will be honoured with the United Way Ottawa’s “Ambassador of the Year” award at their annual Community Builder of the Year Awards ceremony on May 16. The Awards Gala celebrates those who have made a lasting impact on the community. Benjamin's role in bringing together numerous partners to host CUPE Local 503’s annual benefit concert in support of the After the Storm tornado relief concert last year was cited.

– Musicians and music professionals in Atlantic Canada are suffering from mental health and wellness issues at alarming rates, according to a survey conducted by the East Coast Music Association (ECMA). From living with mental health disorders to being at risk for substance use disorders, the ECMA 2018 Mental Health Survey shows that the region’s music industry professionals are reporting markedly higher numbers than the national average. 20% of respondents reported suicidal thoughts in the past month compared to the Canadian average of 3.3% in the 12 previous months (Statistics Canada 2012 Mental Health Indicators survey), while 26% of those responding reported suicide attempt(s) over their lifetime. Fifty participants took the survey.

– Saskatoon-based rootsy rock combo Tucker Lane made its Hamilton debut at This Ain't Hollywood on Wed. night. The group is led by Leslie Stanwyck and Johnny Sinclair, formerly of The Pursuit Of Happiness and Universal Honey. For a stylistic reference point, think Chrissie Hynde fronting The Heartbreakers, and a cover of the Lone Justice hit "Ways To Be Wicked" nestled neatly alongside strong originals. Spied enjoying the set were former Universal Honey member Bill Majoros, music video maven Cherie Sinclair (The Field), and genial TAH host Lou Molinaro.

– The 40th Blues Music Awards will be held May 9 in Memphis, and they feature two notable Canadians, Colin James and John Kay (Steppenwolf) as presenters. Awards will be handed out in 25 categories.

– Music Nova Scotia is presenting a series of interactive information sessions designed to provide a solid foundation for working in the music industry. These sessions are mandatory when applying for funding for the first time or progressing through the MNS rating system for EDP funding. It is also mandatory for all first time NSMW showcasing artists to attend a Conference & Showcasing session before the conference. More info here.

– In Edmonton, a Junos 2022 Bid Committee is seeking to have that city named as host of the awards in 2022. It is stating its case to the City Council’s Community & Public Service Committee on April 24, at 9.30 am, and is inviting the public to attend and show support.

– Voting is open for the Final Round of the 2019 CMAOntario Awards. The voting deadline is April 23.

– Each year, the Toronto Blues Society annually searches for its undiscovered blues talent. Six finalists are selected to perform for a professional development package including festival gigs and a photo shoot with Bill King. This year's competition takes place on June 29 as part of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Applications for the Talent Search open today (April 19) until May 24. 

– Alex Grigg is leaving his role as Executive Director of Music BC as of April 22 to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector. He took the position in May 2016.  Read his farewell letter in full here