Music Biz Headlines: Toronto International Film Festival Secures Its Sponsor, L.A. Wildfires Will Transform The Grammys

The Grammys are still happening this weekend, but they'll look a little different. Meanwhile, Spotify claims a record payout, Blue Rodeo and Broken Social Scene screen documentaries in their hometown and more. Read about it in our headlines of the week below.

Canadian Music News Headlines

What do Blue Rodeo and Broken Social Scene Have in Common?

Both are celebrated in new documentaries premiering in Toronto. Blue Rodeo: Lost Together and It’s All Gonna Break will screen at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. – Nick Krewen, Toronto Star

Rogers Signs Three-year Deal to Continue on as TIFF’s Top Sponsor

The Toronto International Film Festival says Rogers Communications has signed a three-year deal to return as its official “presenting partner” through 2027. – CityNews

With Live Aid Musical Set to Kick Off in Toronto, Bob Geldof Stands by Legacy of Charity Efforts

The docu-jukebox musical about the Live Aid benefit concerts makes its North American premiere at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto on Jan. 26. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail

Jully Black Sets First National Tour in More Than a Decade

Jully Black is heading back on the road, and bringing some emerging talent with her. The singer-songwriter kicks off her “Songs and Stories” tour Feb. 7 in Oakville, Ont. – Canadian Press

Every Big Show Coming to Halifax and Beyond in 2025

An ever-updated list of concerts, comedy shows, live performance, theatre and events in Nova Scotia. – The Coast

Anarchy in the N.B.

Saint John has a thriving punk scene, built in the shadow of industry and powered by New Brunswick’s class struggles. – Chris Donovan, Globe and Mail

Edmonton's Historic Old Citadel for Sale at $3.8M but The Starlite Room Hopes to Keep the Music Going

Currently listed at $3.8 million on realtor.ca, the 10030 102 Street landmark brick structure was built for the Salvation Army in 1925. The 8,950-sq.-ft. space houses the tri-venue Starlite, Temple and basement restaurant River City Revival House — all of which co-owner Tyson Boyd hopes can operate under new building ownership. – Fish Griwkowsky, Edmonton Journal

Dream Big': OSM Music Program at Montreal North Schools is Close to Rafael Payare's Heart

El Sistema Orchestre symphonique de Montréal is modelled on the world-famous after-school program that inspired the orchestra’s music director. – Brendan Kelly, Montreal Gazette

International

How the Los Angeles Wildfires Will Transform the 2025 Grammys

The Grammy Awards will look a little bit different this week. – Maria Sherman, Associated Press

The TikTok Ban is Already Dead in the Water

There is no need to wait with bated breath to see what President Donald Trump does about TikTok. The effort to ban it or to force its divestment, has already failed. The law has failed in a technical sense; as of this writing, TikTok remains accessible in the U.S.. – Jon Penney, Globe and Mail

Spotify Says It Paid $10 Billion to the Music Industry in 2024

That amount is 10 times larger than what Spotify paid out to rights holders a decade ago. – Billboard

Spotify‘s General Counsel Eve Konstan is Leaving After Nearly Five Years in the Role

The New York-based legal exec revealed in a social media post on Monday (January 27) that after 32 years practicing law, she has “made the decision to step away from full-time corporate life”. Konstan’s last day at Spotify will be January 3. – Music Business Worldwide

Paul McCartney Says Change in Law Over AI Could ‘Rip Off’ Artists

Former Beatles member says government should protect creative workers as consultation on copyright continues. – The Guardian

Elton John Backs Paul McCartney in Criticizing Proposed Overhaul to UK Copyright System

The rock star called copyright ‘the absolute bedrock of artistic prosperity’, ahead of a vote on a bill granting AI companies easier access to musicians’ work. – Laura Snapes, The Guardian

As Big Money Calls the Shots at Universal Music: Is Lucian Losing Control?

Does Universal Music top dog’s €100m ‘megabonus’ begin to look more like an exit package, while questions mount over who really pulls the strings at the “world's most successful music company.” – Sam Taylor, CMU

DeepSeek’s New AI Model Sparks Shock, Awe, and Questions From U.S. Competitors

Some worry the Chinese startup’s impressive tech indicates the US is losing its lead in AI, but it may really be a sign that a new approach to building models is gaining traction. – Will Knight, Wired

Rocker Marilyn Manson Won’t be Charged After Long Investigation of Sex-Assault Allegations

Prosecutors said Friday that they will not file charges against Marilyn Manson after a years-long investigation of allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. LA County DA Nathan Hochman said the allegations are too old under the law and the evidence is not sufficient to charge the 56-year-old shock rocker whose legal name is Brian Warner. – Andrew Dalton, AP

Selena Gomez Sobs in Raw, Since-Deleted Video with Mexican Flag, Says 'All My People Are Getting Attacked'

On Sunday, Jan. 26, a nationwide immigration crackdown led to the arrest of 956 people, the most since Trump took office again, per ICE via the BBC. – Ilana Kaplan, People