In The News (April 2021)

This section of the newsletter is comprised of news stories, press releases and links to Internet articles that are sent in by our members who believe they will be of general interest to the membership.  We include them as a courtesy to our members but do not verify or edit their content.  Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the CMAOntario nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAOntario. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be sent to verle@cmaontario.ca. Please make sure the Subject Line reads “For inclusion in the CMAOntario Newsletter”. The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month.

CBC Music’s Toyota Searchlight 2021 is on The Hunt for Canada’s Next Great Undiscovered Talent

On April 12, CBC announced an expanded version of its annual musical talent search, CBC MUSIC’S TOYOTA SEARCHLIGHT 2021, featuring additional prizing for the Top Five acts and a larger grand prize to help kickstart the finalists’ music career, courtesy of Toyota Canada, the National Music Centre, Play MPE global music promotion and Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class. Launching Monday, April 19, the Top Five and grand prize winners, as selected by a combination of public votes and an industry panel, will be announced on CBC Radio One’s Q with Tom Power on Tuesday, June 22. Canadian artists are encouraged to submit an original song across any genre to CBC MUSIC’S TOYOTA SEARCHLIGHT 2021 contest at CBCMusic.ca/searchlight between April 19 – May 3, 2021.

The winner of CBC MUSIC’S TOYOTA SEARCHLIGHT 2021 will earn a grand prize package tailored to take an artists’ career to the next level. This year again includes a five-day residency at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, with access to recording studios, professionals, and a historic instrument collection that spans more than 450 years of technology and innovation. New to this year, the grand prize winner will receive a curated full-service, global music promotion distribution campaign for one release (single or album) from Play MPE. Additionally, Toyota Canada is providing $2,500 worth of studio recording time and $2,500 worth of music equipment. More information on prizing for the four runners up provided by Toyota Canada and Play MPE can be found here.

Submissions: start on Monday, April 19, at 9 a.m. ET and end Monday, May 3, at 3 p.m. ET. This is the period when all entrants can register for Searchlight 2021 and upload a song.

(Source: Press Release)

Urban Rodeo Release Debut Single “A Bit of Country”

Have you ever felt like calling it quits on an early Monday morning? Leaving work, your worries and troubles behind? Jumping in your vehicle, escaping on a road trip and cranking your favourite song? “A Bit of Country” is just that! It is a relaxing, hand in the wind road trip with your favourite person capturing the present moment.Urban Rodeo is a country/rock band established in Ottawa, Ontario. The band formed in 2016 with a simple idea to cover everyone’s favourite country songs. They are now ready to share with you their own original tracks debuting with “A Bit of Country” which is available now at online stores and streaming services.

Amanda Jordan Releases New Video & Single “Pretty Girl”

(Source: Press Release)

SOCAN Expands Online Concert Payments 

Canada’s Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada has expanded its online performance royalties’ program, effective March 25.

SOCAN members will now be able to receive performance and reproduction rights royalties from free and ticketed online concerts on more digital platforms for one-time live digital broadcasts and copies of music.

For qualifying free online concerts, including those on Facebook Live, Instagram Live, YouTube and Twitch, $75 will be distributed to acts supplying set lists to a maximum of 30 concerts per quarter per performer. The funds will be distributed to the music creator and publisher rights holders of the music performed. More digital platforms will be added as they become licensed with SOCAN.

For more information: https://www.socanmagazine.ca/news/socan-adds-new-platforms-for-online-concert-submissions/

(Source: FYI Music News / SOCAN News)

Songwriters Association of Canada Announces ‘Women of S.A.C.’ Live Stream Concert on April 21

The Songwriters Association of Canada is proud to announce the Celebration Series Songbird North Women of S.A.C. live stream concert on April 21st for an evening of songs and stories. The virtual event will feature key Canadian music creators across multiple genres including Alysha Brilla, Barbra Lica, Helen Austin, Kayla Diamond, and Liz Rodrigues.

Hosted by JUNO Award winner Shari Ulrich, the Celebration Series Songbird North Women of S.A.C. unites women in music and invites the inspiring songwriters to share the inspiration behind their songs and the stories for an incredible night of performances, storytelling and music.

The virtual concert will be from 7-9pm EDT and general admission tickets are $20. Tickets are free for all members of S.A.C., SOCAN, and any Canadian Music Industry Associations. Tickets are available to be purchased here.

Additional information about the Celebration Series Songbird North Women of S.A.C. may be found here.

(Source: Press Release)

Genevieve Fisher: Top 50 x 8 + 1

CMAOntario member Genevieve Fisher’s latest single has achieved a milestone seldom seen for an independent country artist – “Playing Favourites” is her 8^th single to chart in the Top 50. That list includes “Outta Towners” (2019), “Take It On Home” (2017), “You Me We” (2017), “Night In Night Out” (2014), “Bad Enough” (2013), “Shut Down This Day” (2013) and “July” (2012). As of the writing of this news piece, the song has just entered the Top 40, so the story continues. That’s not the only growth Genevieve is tracking these days. On the heels of the release of “Playing Favourites”, she and husband Brian Shaw welcomed new son Harrison Robert to the family on February 12^th of this year.

(Multiple sources)