Music Biz Headlines: Japandroids' Farewell Album, Alvvays' Anniversary

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

Classical Music Lovers Should Note Banff International String Quartet Festival This Year, Competition in 2025

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

Mayhem on the Mountain

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