Music Biz Headlines: Steve's Music Is Closing in Toronto, Sarah McLachlan Plays Tiny Desk

A Canadian institution is closing its doors, as Steve's Music shuts its Queeen West Toronto location after decades. Meanwhile, music is intersecting with global politics and the Olympics, simultaneously.

Read these stories and more in this week's roundup of music biz headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.

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Canadian Music Biz Headlines

Steve’s Music Store, Pillar of Toronto’s Music Scene, is Officially Closing its Doors

The store that lured in rock stars, hobbyists and everything in between is closing its doors soon, prompting a flood of memories for music lovers. – David Friend, Toronto Star

Charlotte Cardin Wins One of France's Most Prestigious Music Awards

The Quebec-born, Paris-based singer won female artist of the year at the 2026 Victoires de la Musique, the first Quebecer to win the award since 2003. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada

U.S. Figure Skater Resolves Music Copyright Dispute with Canadian Artist CLANN During Milan Winter Olympics

Amber Glenn used CLANN’s “The Return” during a free skate period, but the Montreal native claimed it was not cleared for use. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada

How Toronto-Born Musician Nathan Micay is Making his Mark on HBO’s Industry

The music Nathan Micay writes for Industry acts as the show’s nervous system. “My job is to listen. Then I try to turn all that noise into something worthwhile." – Noel Ransome, Globe & Mail

Hamilton Rapper Lil OT Killed in Burlington Parking Lot Shooting

Omar Niaz Muhammad, who is also known as a rapper as lil OT, was shot in the parking lot outside a Kelsey’s restaurant at Burlington Centre. – Hamilton Spectator

Sarah McLachlan Makes NPR Tiny Desk Debut With Stripped-Back Set Covering Her Whole Career

The beloved Canadian singer-songwriter performed five songs from her discography, including “Building A Mystery,” “Reminds Me” and “Angel.” – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada

These Two Songs From The Weeknd and Justin Bieber Have Entered Spotify’s Billions Club

The Scarborough native scores his 31st entry with “Party Monster,” while Bieber’s collaboration with Chance the Rapper, “Confident,” arrives at the club. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada

Going Down MuchMusic’s Memory Lane with Welland’s Bill Welychka

The former VJ updates his memoir “A Happy Has-Been” with more nostalgic stories of Canada’s TV music station. – John Law, Niagara Falls Review

Toronto Symphony Orchestra Waves the Canadian Flag in Europe

Touring an important a part of cultural diplomacy and brand building for TSO. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail

Alexander Shelley Delivers Stirring Swan Song with National Arts Centre Orchestra

This revolution will be heard in concert halls. On Saturday, Alexander Shelley paid his final visit to Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall as the music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail

Big Wreck: Still Exploring, Still Curious

HCM chatted with singer and guitarist Ian Thornley about the making of the band’s eighth studio album The Rest of the Story, and embarking on a tour with LIVE and Econoline Crush. It hits Hamilton’s TD Coliseum on March. – Dylan Hudecki, Hamilton City Magazine

International Music Biz Headlines

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band to Launch Land of Hope & Dreams Tour ‘in Defense of America’

"The calvary is coming," the Boss declares with the 20-date outing. – Melinda Newman, Billboard

U2 Meet the Moment With ‘Days of Ash’ EP Spotlighting Renée Good Killing, Gaza, Ukraine Wars: ‘These EP Tracks Couldn’t Wait’

The collection, released on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18) is accompanied by the reboot of U2's 'Propaganda' 'Zine, as well as a short doc for song featuring Ed Sheeran. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard

Suspect to Face Charges of Planning a Terrorist Attack on Taylor Swift in Vienna

Austrian public prosecutors filed terrorism-related charges Monday against a 21-year-old defendant who they say planned to carry out an attack on one of superstar singer Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna in August 2024. – Associated Press

Eddie Vedder Lends His Voice and Music to Moving Documentary Matter of Time

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder talks about young people who suffer from the rare genetic disease epidermolysis bullosa. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail

Britney Spears Sells the Rights to Her Entire Music Catalogue

Primary Wave will now take over Spears’ ownership share of her hit songs, including “… Baby One More Time,” “Oops! … I Did It Again,” and “Lucky,” for a reported $200 million figure. – Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone

BTS Opens Up About ‘More Mature’ New Album, Not Wanting to Be ‘Desperately Eager’ to Win a Grammy

"Maybe we'll submit our album to the Grammys again ... but I don't know," RM said. – Hannah Dailey, Billboard

The Smashing Pumpkins Announce Gish 35th Anniversary Vinyl Editions

The Smashing Pumpkins will mark 35 years of their debut album Gish with new vinyl editions, revisiting the record that introduced The Smashing Pumpkins as a formidable force in alternative rock. – Noise11

‘It’s a Nice Surprise to be Treated Like Kings!’ Why are Mid-Level British Indie Bands Massive in China?

My group, Swim Deep, plays to crowds of hundreds across the UK – but in China, we play to tens of thousands. And we’re not the only ones. – James Balmont, The Guardian