Music Biz Headlines: Japandroids' Farewell Album, Alvvays' Anniversary
Also this week: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé's Canadian secret weapon, global music streaming trends and the return of Neil Young after postponed Canadian dates.
Japandroids
Beloved Local Punk Band Japandroids Announce Final Studio Album
All good things must come to an end. For Vancouver-based punk duo Japandroids, the final curtain will fall on the release of their fourth and final studio album, Fate & Alcohol, which will release in October. – Vicki Duong, Georgia Straight
Happy Anniversary, Archie: Alvvays' Debut Record Gets a 10th Birthday Re-Issue
The Canadian jangle pop group's first album will be available on a new cerulean blue vinyl with an unearthed bonus track, as well as the ten original songs — including breakout single 'Archie, Marry Me' — that launched their career in 2014. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
He’s Worked with Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. How a Canadian Became Pop's Secret Weapon
Ethan Tobman has designed movies, restaurants and more than 100 music videos. He describes the Eras Tour as a full-on “cinematic experience.” –Richie Assaly, Toronto Star
Members of Tragically Hip Named Honourary Grand Marshals for Toronto’s Honda Indy
On Sunday, the four remaining members were on the starting grid as part of pre-race festivities and gave the order for drivers to start their engines. – Canadian Press
Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar: Who Has the Song of the Summer for 2024?
We asked 11 Toronto music experts for their favourites. The results may surprise you. – Toronto Star
Angel Investor Behind Holy Union Between Manitoba Band and Historic City Church
Music-lover Chipman brings salvation to Bros. Landreth, struggling parish. – Tyler Searle, Winnipeg Free Press
The Banff International String Quartet Competition will return for its 15th time in 2025 with an internationally celebrated jury and a newly commissioned piece by Canadian composer Kati Agócs. – Calgary Herald
Caribbean Festival Set to Debut in London, Ontario's Victoria Park: 'History and Culture'
A Caribbean festival is debuting in London this weekend, giving the city a chance to experience the islands without actually flying south. – Beatriz Baleeiro, London Free Press
'Back to Saskatch’: Taylor Swift Fans Woo Pop Star to Come Back to Province
Megan Weiland has made a friendship bracelet for every Taylor Swift album. – Canadian Press
Some Big Names Help Vancouver's Shipyards Celebrate an Anniversary
On July 20, The Shipyards hosted a fifth-anniversary festival to celebrate its birthday with a full day of activations and live shows. Mainstage performers included Bahamas, Hotel Mira, and Fionn, alongside arts and crafts workshops, BMX and breakdancing demos, plenty of food trucks, dance classes, and more. – Georgia Straight
Heavy metal festival returns to Blue Mountain, Nova Scotia, July 26-27. – Angela Capobianco, Saltwire
International
Global Music Streams Are Up in 2024. Latin Music Dominates, Multiple Releases of Same Album Sell
Halfway through the year, a few music trends have become apparent: Global music streams are up, Latin music has become the fastest growing streaming genre in the United States, and physical album variants — multiple releases of the same — are on the rise. – Maria Sherman, Associated Press
Warner Acquires Minority Stake in Brazil-based UGC Music Platform and Distributor Sua Música
The company claims to own the largest entertainment platform focused on regional music in Brazil. According to a press release, this investment will see Warner Music partner with Sua Música and “combine their efforts to develop regional artists and songwriters.” – Digital Music News
Spotify Saw its Global Premium Subscriber Base Grow to 246 Million Paying Users in Q2
The company posted its biggest-ever quarterly profit in the three months to end of June. On July 23, SPOT reported that its Premium Subscriber base was up 12% YoY, and up by 7 million net subscribers, 1 million ahead of guidance. – Music Business Worldwide
Farm Aid Returns in September, With Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews & Neil Young's Return From Hiatus
Farm Aid will be held in Saratoga Springs, New York, on Sept. 21. – Jessica Nicholson, Billboard
‘I Puked Virtually every Morning’: Inside the Stressful Life of a Festival Organizer
You’re battling rising costs to source enough essentials for a small city and always competing for the best acts. So why would anyone run a festival? We speak to those behind Green Man, Parklife and Krankenhaus to find out. – Dorian Lynskey, The Guardian
The Return of Electro-house, Pop’s Trashiest, Brattiest Sound
Mutating out of trance and electroclash in the '00s, the subgenre soon topped the charts – and thanks to Charli XCX, Saltburn and more, it’s back for another round of alcopops. – The Guardian
The 18 Best Moments From Pitchfork Music Festival 2024
Featuring Alanis Morissette, Jamie xx, Black Pumas and more highlight's from this year's Chicago festival. – Pitchfork
