Music Biz Headlines: Drake's Serena Williams Confession, Obama's Summer Playlist
Plus: Queen Celine takes on Trump, Taylor Swift's cancelled concert raises questions about concert security in Canada, and more summer concerts news.
A former CSIS director weighs in on whether Toronto is ready to host six shows. – Toronto Star
Celine Dion and the Art of the Comeback
Dion sang Hymne à l’amour, a track penned and popularized by Édith Piaf. For Dion, singing Piaf wasn’t just a patriotic choice – it was, seemingly, a defiant one. – Elio Iannacci, Globe and Mail
Drake Confirms Serena Williams Speculation as He Makes Song Confession
Drake has released some archival footage, and in one video he is seen chatting to his mother Sandi Graham in a recording studio, when he confirms ‘Too Good’ is about Williams. –Bang Showbiz
Juan Rodriguez's Rock 'n' Roll Life: A Rock Critic's Sttory, in his Own Words
The legendary Juan Rodriguez chronicles his unmatched career as a rock journalist in Montreal.– Montreal Gazette
The former president's rally playlist included Dion's 1998 hit "My Heart Will Go On." – Mitchell Peters, Billboard
Tragically Hip Docuseries 'No Dress Rehearsal' Will Premiere at TIFF
Directed by the late frontman Gord Downie's older brother Mike, the series features never before seen footage from the band's 40 year career. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
After 75 years, One of Toronto’s Most Important Outlets for Jazz May Soon Be Silenced
Is help on the way?JAZZ.FM91’s current operating budget faces a shortfall of $150,000, which needs to be resolved by Aug. 31. Is help on the way? – Toronto Star
Hamilton Bands to Listen Out For
There’s so much new talent in town that we can’t even begin to list them all, let alone feature them all. For now, we’d like to introduce you to three local rock bands you need to check out: cute, Sundried Whales and Fast Brake. – Jamie Tennant, Hamilton City Magazine
International
Beyoncé, Charli XCX & Billie Eilish Headline Barack Obama’s 2024 Summer Playlist
Fans are wondering how Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" didn't make the cut. – Michael Saponara, Billboard
The Delicate Power Balance Between Spotify and Universal Music Group
Why UMG might end up turning the screw on Spotify's free tier. – Tim Ingham, Music Business Worldwide
Meta And Universal Music Group Announce Expanded Global Agreement
The multi-year agreement will further evolve the creative and commercial opportunities for UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group songwriters across Meta’s global network of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads and, for the first time, WhatsApp. – PR Newswire
The Going Price is Going to Hell: A Love Letter to AC/DC
When I was barely in grade school, my first “favorite” band was AC/DC. 20 years later, I’ve fallen in love with those raunchy Aussies again. – Matt Mitchell, Paste
Why Tyla’s Racial Identity Has Rallied South Africans Behind Coloured Communities
Many young people are exploring what it means to embrace a label entrenched by apartheid that has evolved into a unique culture. – Rachel Savage, The Guardian
Cambridge Folk Festival Review – Robert Plant Thrills, Peggy Seeger Inspires and Oysterband Rock
The Led Zeppelin frontman’s latest band, Saving Grace, riffs on country, folk, rock and blues, but the weekend belongs to female American singer-songwriter. – Robin Denselow, The Guardian
