Music Biz Headlines: Gordon Lightfoot's Belongings Auctioned, Toronto Home-Renters Cash in on Taylor Swift
Also this week: superstar rock producer Eddie Kramer recalls Jimi Hendrix, Adele meets Celine Dion, and an increased valuation of the Hipgnosis Songs Fund catalog.
Gordon Lightfoot
In case you haven't heard, Taylor Swift is coming to Toronto in November. The show is expected to bring a major influx of fans, and we've been tracking a number of stories around how the city is readying itself. This week, we learn about opportunistic home-renters. Also this week, a touching moment between Adele and Celine Dion, news on Shawn Mendes' new concert film and much more.
Canadian Music Headlines of the Week
Gordon Lightfoot’s Instruments, Artwork and Outfits Headed to Auction
Dozens of Gordon Lightfoot’s personal belongings — including guitars, artwork, even his highest awards — are up for grabs in an auction that has some fans questioning why the items weren’t rescued by a museum. – David Friend, Canadian Press
“Special offer for Taylor Swift show,” reads post for a one-bedroom apartment going for $400 a night. “Forget traffic, parking and Uber hassles — your VIP experience starts here,” reads another post. – Ana Pereira, Toronto Star
Adele Brought to Tears After Embracing Celine Dion at Las Vegas Residency
The British superstar performed at Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Oct. 26. – Mitchell Peters, Billboard
Eddie Kramer Worked on Rock’s Biggest Moments – But With Jimi Hendrix, it Was Different
The South African-born, Ontario-based producer and engineer worked on some of rock's greatest moments over six decades, from the psychedelic fervour of Jimi Hendrix’s Are You Experienced to the thunderous power of Led Zeppelin’s early albums. – Jonathan Dekel, Globe and Mail
Wondering How to Make it as a Musician in Canada? Do It Yourself
Musicians and industry workers across Canada say that a renewed focus on community-based, DIY models can help artists – strained by the demands of the modern music landscape – rebuild healthier, happier relationships to their craft. – Luke Ottenhof, The Globe & Mail
Shawn Mendes To Release a Concert Film Premiering His New Album
For one night only on November 14, the Canadian singer will be screening a live concert of his new album, 'Shawn,' at select theatres worldwide, providing a sneak peek of the album as well as insight into its creation. On Oct. 24, he released the trailer. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
Will Canada Follow the U.S. and Ban TikTok? Users Say That Would Shut the Door on Conversation
Despite the social media platform’s meteoric growth and its more than 1 billion global users, its future in North America is under threat. – Ann Hui, Globe & Mail
BNB Studios is transforming the esthetic of the local music scene. – Conrad Sweatman, Winnipeg Free Press
Tina Turner’s Life Story Hits the Vancouver Stage Next March
Some legends are even more iconic than others. TINA - The Tina Turner Musical offers a biographical look at Tina Turner’s life and career. – Vicki Duong, Georgia Straight
International
Universal Music Enters Strategic Partnership With AI Music Startup KLAY
Universal Music Group has announced its latest partnership with an AI company. That company is KLAY Vision Inc., and UMG is working with it on “a pioneering commercial ethical foundational model for AI generated music that works in collaboration with the music industry and its creators.” – Daniel Tencer, Music Business World
Ditto Leaves Behind Expiring Merlin Deal with ByteDance Platform and Inks With TikTok
Following the lead of UnitedMasters, another major global indie distribution platform has confirmed that it has inked a fresh direct deal with TikTok: Ditto Music.– MBW
Why Are Concert Tickets So Expensive? Depends On Whom You Ask
Prices are increasing almost 10% a year, double the pre-pandemic rate. – Dave Brooks, Billboard
A new evaluation from Kroll Bond Rating Agency suggests that the songs acquired by Merck Mercuriadis at HSF have significantly grown in value and that Blackstone got a bit of a bargain when it bought them. – MBW
Timbaland Embraces AI Music Production, Announces Partnership with Start-Up Suno
"It's the new age of music creation and producing," says Timbaland, who spends 10 hours a day reworking beats on the AI platform. – Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone
Boy George Explores Fame in His New Art Collection on Celebrities
The British pop star Boy George has depicted music stars David Bowie, Madonna and Prince alongside a self-portrait from his Culture Club days for Fame, a limited edition collection with British art retailer Castle Fine Art. – Reuters
David Wrench, the Welsh Studio Wizard Behind Pop’s A-list
Wrench has mixed music for Frank Ocean, FKA twigs, Blur and dozens more – all drawn to what have been called ‘the finest ears ever’. He explains how he went from the dole to the big time and recalls that "Julian Cope told me: you’re unemployable in the real world.’"– Daniel Dylan Wray, The Guardian
