Music Biz Headlines: Canadian Stars Unite to Celebrate Neil Young, Justin Bieber Sets a Coachella Record
Other stories making headlines this week include the new Lilith Fair film documentary, the CCMA Award winners, Lee's Palace's 40th birthday and more.
Neil Young
This week, a star-studded cast of Canadian performers is announced for a Massey Hall concert tribute to mark the 80th birthday of rock 'n roll icon Neil Young.
Cameron Whitcomb and Josh Ross confirm their star status with major wins at the 2025 Canadian Country Music Association Awards in Kelowna, M for Montreal unveils its impressive 2025 lineup and Coachella announces its lineup very early.
Read these stories and more in this week's collection of music biz headlines.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
NY80: A Celebration of Neil Young and His Music will bring Serena Ryder, Kathleen Edwards, Donovan Woods, members of July Talk and Blue Rodeo, plus many more, to Massey Hall on November 12. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Justin Bieber Reportedly Becomes Highest Paid Act in Coachella History
Earning $10 million USD, the Canadian pop star reportedly surpasses Beyoncé's $8 million paycheque in 2018. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Cameron Whitcomb, Josh Ross Triumph at 2025 Canadian Country Music Association Awards
Other notable winners receiving trophies over the weekend in Kelowna included Jade Eagleson, Owen Riegling, Mackenzie Porter and James Barker Band. – Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
The Bloor Street West concert hall has been celebrating its anniversary with a special concert series. – David MacPherson, Toronto Star
OpenAI Copyright Lawsuit Should be Heard in the U.S. Instead of Ontario, Company Lawyers Say
A copyright lawsuit filed against OpenAI in Ontario by Canada’s major news organizations should be heard in the United States instead because the company does not conduct business in the province, lawyers for the artificial-intelligence giant argued at a recent court hearing. – Joe Costaldo, Globe & Mail
Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair Uplifted Women and Was Mocked for it. A New Doc Gives it Its Due
“Lilith didn’t start out as a social or political statement. It started out with a really simple concept: Why don’t we just do something ourselves?” McLachlan told the Star. – Tabassum Siddiqui, Toronto Star
Arkells, Walk off the Earth, and Others Light Up Barnside Harvest Festival
The field at Paterson Park in Ladner transformed into the third annual Barnside Festival, a three-day celebration of music and community. – Tom Paille, Georgia Straight
Bryan Adams, a Rocker Til He Dies, Hits the Road With his new Album
In 1984, a 25-year-old Bryan Adams released his blockbuster album Reckless. Among the songs was Kids Wanna Rock. More than 40 years later, the kids no longer do; everywhere you go, pop, hip hop and country are the genres now in fashion. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
International Biz Headlines
Coachella Lineup in September? Why the Festival Is Going On Sale So Early in 2026
As the festival landscape grows more competitive, organizers hope to use the extra time to sell the 250,000 available tickets. – Dave Brooks, Billboard
TikTok Drives Views, Not Fans - YouTube and Streaming Still Dominate Music Discovery
According to MIDiA Research's latest report, it's harder to get a consumer aged 16-24 than any other age group to take steps to consume a song off of social media. – Kristin Robinson, Billboard
Paying for Taste: Why Curation Deserves a Place in the Music Economy
In today’s music industry, playlists are king, yet the individuals who curate them remain largely unrecognized and uncompensated. While our favourite artists, DJs, and producers heavily influence our listening preferences, they often do so without receiving direct financial recognition. It’s a strange paradox: we celebrate those with the best taste, but we don’t compensate them. – David Goulvent, Synchtank
Is SoundCloud now Allowing AI training on Artists’ Music?
At the beginning of May 2025, rumors started circulating that SoundCloud—one of the world’s biggest streaming services—had changed its policies to allow AI training on creators’ content. Well, that’s actually what the T&Cs explicitly said. So, is it true, or is it not what is happening? And what does SoundCloud have to say about it? – iMusician
Top U.S. Copyright Official Shira Perlmutter Reinstated, as Appeals Court Blocks Firing by Trump
A U.S. federal Appeals court has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to remove Shira Perlmutter from her position as the Register of Copyrights and Director of the U.S. Copyright Office. – Murray Stassen, Music Business Worldwide
What’s in a Name? 5 Things Artists Need to Know About Trademarks
Your band name is one of your most valuable assets and is obviously integral to your brand as a whole. So how do you go about ensuring that you legally own the exclusive rights to your name? – Emma Griffiths, Synchtank
‘Spinal Tap II’ Revisits the Bumbling Metal Band Four Decades on, But Never Finds Its Groove
Rob Reiner’s mockumentary sequel leans on cameos and memories. – Peter Howell, Toronto Star
‘This Country’s Gonna Fall on its Face. There’s Nobody Coming to Save Us’
Boston punks Dropkick Murphys take on MAGA. – Stevie Chick, The Guardian
Suspect Arrested in Theft of Unreleased Beyoncé Music
Back in July, while in Atlanta touring with Beyoncé, a dancer and a choreographer had their rental car broken into and sensitive material was stolen. Angel Diaz, Billboard
Lil Nas X ‘In Treatment’ After Arrest for Allegedly Charging at Officers, Lawyers Say
Attorneys for the Grammy-winning musician say he is receiving in-patient treatment after pleading not guilty to charges. – The Guardian
