The ECMAs are facing artist backlash after the sudden replacement of former CEO Blanche Israël at the beginning of the year. Other industry stories this week: Music PEI Week award winners, indie label We Are Busy Bodies' 20th anniversary, a new Jeff Healey doc and more.
At the end of February, the East Coast Music Association announced the nominees for the 2025 ECMA Awards, but it almost immediately faced controversy. As reported by CBC, some prominent nominees declared that they are withdrawing their nominations following controversy over the recent replacement of former CEO Blanche Israël. That list is headed by acclaimed singer-songwriter Mo Kenney, nominated for rock/alternative release of the year, for "Evening Dreams."
Explaining the move on Instagram, Kenney stated "I was nominated for an ECMA, but I am withdrawing and I will not be attending the conference. I do not agree with the lack of transparency around the sudden firing of former CEO [Blanche Israël], and what I would call essentially online bullying leading up to the firing. Much love and please do better @ecmaofficial."
Others declining their nominations and boycotting the ECMAs include Indigenous rapper Wolf Castle, New Brunswick rapper Stephen Hero and Outside Music head Evan Newman.
After these withdrawals, news broke today (March 12) that Juno and Polaris Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher is withdrawing his eight nominations from the East Coast Music Awards in solidarity with other musicians who are boycotting the event.
A statement from the East Coast Music Association reads, in part: "We recognize that some have chosen to decline their nominations, and we respect their personal decisions. We also acknowledge the concerns that have been shared and remain committed to listening, learning, and fostering open conversations."
The ECMAs will take place in St. John, Newfoundland, on May 8.
– On March 8, Music PEI Week 2025 culminated with its award gala at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. Heading the winners list with two awards each were Dylan Menzie, Vishtèn Connexions and the Absolute Losers.The gala included performances by the top nominees, Lawrence Maxwell, Menzie, Hikado, Tiffany Lui and Vishtèn Connexions.
This year’s event included special recognition for two honourees: Phase II, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the group’s enduring contributions to the Island’s music scene, and Rory O’Donnell, the recipient of the Leo Cheverie Community Contributor Award, honoring his impact on the Island’s community and music landscape. See a full list of all winners here.
– Last week, the non-profit organization Women In Music Canada (not affiliated with Billboard Women in Music) announced the recipients of the 2025 WIM Canada Honours at its third annual Honours event, held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Annabel’s in Toronto. The awards recognized and celebrated Canadian innovators and creators who had outstanding success in their field this past year. Performing at the event were Kimmortal, Nyssa, Kibra and Cozmic Cat.
The celebration followed the Women in Music Canada 2025 Summit, held on March 4 and 5 at the Allied Music Centre. That event featured over 40 industry notables speaking, presenting interactive workshops and offering mentorship opportunities designed to elevate women and gender minorities in the music industry. See a full list of the 14 Honours recipients here.
– The Guild of Music Supervisors, Canada (GMSC) has just announced the fifth Canadian Sync Awards. Celebrating Canadian music supervisor excellence and the sync community, The Canadian Sync Awards will take place on May 6, at Annabel’s Music Hall, in Toronto, in collaboration with Departure. For submissions and criteria, visit guildofmusicsupervisors.ca. Awards in 17 categories will be handed out. Early bird tickets are now available until April 6 here.
Prolific and adventurous Toronto indie record label We Are Busy Bodies celebrates turning 20 this year by presenting a five-day festival at various T.O. venues, March 25-29. Artists performing include The Bug Club, The Elwins, Aladean Kheroufi and Newfound Interest in Connecticut. Anticipated highlights include Absolutely Free rescoring the compositions of Norman McLaren (at Ted Rogers Hot Docs Cinema, March 26) and the live debut of 10-piece UWUW, a 10-piece featuring guitar hero Ian Blurton, Jay Haberman (Dan Mangan) and Jay Anderson (Badge Epoque Ensemble, Lammping) at The Garrison (March 27). More info on the fest here.
Founded by Eric Warner, WABB now boasts an eclectic catalogue of work from artists including Rich Aucoin, Limblifter, DD/MM/YYYY, Cuff the Duke, Bug Club, Doldrums, Odonis Odonis, and official bootlegs from King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. Read more about Warner and his label here.
– Departure, the reimagined vision for Canadian Music Week, has named the lineup of 100+ showcasing artists who will be performing in over 40+ of Toronto venues from May 6–11. All showcases will be accessible to conference delegates — or with a Music Pass on sale now for $60 before prices increase April 1. The fest has also announced new music events, including Sadboi, PACKS and Adam Melchor.
– Eclectic alt-rock combo, CAKE, veteran roots heroes Los Lobos, Polaris Prize winner Patrick Watson and recent Grammy star Sierra Ferrell have been announced as some of the major acts set to play the main stage at the Calgary Folk Music Festival, running July 24 to 27 at Prince’s Island Park. Other artists announced include indie-folk singer-songwriter Ruby Waters, Australian Indigenous artist Emily Wurrumara, Saskatoon neo-soul singer-songwriter Katie Tupper and North Virginia virtuoso string player Yasmine Williams. More artists TBA. For tickets, visit calgaryfolkfest.com.
Healey’s Hideaway is a feature-length film documentary on blues-rock star Jeff Healey's famed downtown Toronto music club, Healey's (it ran 2001-2008).The 10th anniversary of the release of the acclaimed doc was recently celebrated with a special concert at The Redwood Theatre in Toronto, featuring some noted local players and singers, many of whom had a close connection with the late great Healey. That list included Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors), Alec Fraser Jr., Quisha Wint, Virgil Scott, Tony Springer and Suzie Vinnick, backed by The Celebration Band (Dave Murphy, Dan Noordermeer, Stan Miczek and Tom Bona).
– Feisty indie record label Victory Pool is turning 5, and celebrating by hosting a birthday bash at The Cameron House in Toronto. Performing in both rooms is a strong lineup that includes Evan Redsky, Lauren Dillen, Geordie Gordon and MOONRIIVR. The show is free, but space is limited so an RSVP here is recommended.
– Given that the group comprises members of prominent bands from Seattle, Chicago and Vancouver, including Blood Meridian, Black Halos, Black Mountain, and Destroyer, Autogramm could be described as something of an indie-rock supergroup. Featuring elements of power-pop and synthy new-wave, their sound has resonated most in Europe to date, and they'll be playing dates in Spain soon. A new two-song single, “Randy”/ "Jenny's In A Sleep World" (a Diodes cover), is out now on vinyl on Dirt Cult Records and Goodwill Records EU. Check it out here.
– Ontario guitarist/composer Terry Gomes has just released "Someday Castaway," a second single from his upcoming album. The calypso-favoured tune will stir anticipation for upcoming warmer weather.
–Still remembered fondly for her work leading Mrs. Torrance (now back in action as Torrance), singer-songwriter Tamara Williamson is also an accomplished author, playwright and painter. Her new novel, Katapult, was published last week, and she hosts a launch party (with Torrance performing) on March 15 in Uxbridge at The Second Wedge Brewing Company in her hometown of Uxbridge, ON. Tickets are available here.
Metric
Also in the news this week: Joel Plaskett is surprised with a tribute album, Green Day makes a statement at Coachella, AI copyright fears & more.
Trans artists Bells Larsen and T. Thomason are pulling out of U.S. tour dates because of border fears, and the issue is grabbing attention on both sides of the border. That story has grabbed headlines this week, as have Coachella performances, AI backlash and an HYBE crackdown on deepfakes in South Korea resulting in multiple arrests.
Read about those stories and more in our weekly roundup below:
Metric Backs Out of Tour, Citing ‘Sudden Production Decisions' from Team of Co-Headliner Bloc Party
Canadian band Metric has announced on social media that it is backing out of an upcoming tour with English band Bloc Party, but will still play a hometown show with Sam Roberts Band in place. – Canadian Press
Trans Musicians Are Cancelling U.S. Tour Dates Due To Trump's Gender ID Rules
Canadian trans artists are cancelling because of Trump's crackdown on immigration at the border. – Manisha Krishnan, Wired
Toronto Musicians Share Their Favourite Memories From the Dakota Tavern: ‘It Was Like Our Version of a Sunday Service’
Jason Collett, Ed Robertson, Charlotte Cornfield and more on nearly 20 years at the Dakota: “The first Toronto venue where I felt the true magic of time and place.” – Richie Assaly, Toronto Star
45th Montreal International Jazz Festival boasts ‘a modern twist’
With the Montreal International Jazz Festival turning 45 this year, programming director Maurin Auxéméry likes to joke that the city’s emblematic summer event is having its mid-life crisis. The city’s flagship festival presents more than 350 shows — from June 26 to July 5. –T’Cha Dunlevy, Montreal Gazette
Canadian Folk and Rock Stars Surprise Joel Plaskett With Tribute Album 'Songs From The Gang'
Arkells, Alan Doyle, Sloan, City and Colour, Jenn Grant, Julian Taylor and many more are putting their spin on the east coast songwriter's vast body of work. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
Opera Atelier Co-founders Celebrate 40 years, Onstage and Off
Opera Atelier’s upcoming presentation of baroque masterpiece David and Jonathan at Toronto’s Koerner Hall is cause enough for celebration. The 40th anniversary of the company, co-founded by married joint artistic directors Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg and Marshall Pynkoski is another. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
After a Harrowing Spiral Into Darkness, Toronto Singer Cold Specks Returns with Breathtaking Comeback Album
Released nearly eight years after mental illness derailed her career, “Light for the Midnight” is a stripped-back soul record that sublimates pain into breathtaking beauty. – Richie Assaly, Toronto Star
Liberal Leader Mark Carney Nails his Nardwuar the Human Serviette Interview
If Nardwuar the Human Serviette truly is, as a wise person once suggested, the “litmus test for humanity”, then Mark Carney just passed with a gold-standard showing. – Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight
Stratford Festival Gears Up for New Season Amid Succession Questions
As this year’s Stratford Festival inches closer, two crucial questions are circling: Who will take the top job in Canadian theatre when current artistic Antoni Cimolino steps down at the end of the 2026 season? And what sort of festival will they inherit when they start? – Aisling Murphy, Globe & Mail
Canadian Rock Veterans Headstones Sign To Dine Alone, Release New Single with City and Colour
With this signing, Headstones become labelmates with Dallas Green, who guests on the Hugh Dillon-fronted band's brand new single, "NAVIGATE." Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
A Fresh(Up) Approach to R&B in Hamilton
Sonic Unyon’s showcases have expanded to include hip hop, soul, electronic and roots performers. The dream is to eventually blossom into a full-fledged summer festival. – Sarah Jessica Rintjema, Hamilton City Magazine
Neil Young, Joan Baez & Maggie Rogers Perform at ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Rally
The moment took place on Saturday (April 12) at the political rally hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. –Jessica Lynch, Billboard
Green Day Change 'Jesus of Suburbia' Lyrics to Make Israel-Palestine War Reference During Coachella 2025 Set
Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong used the band's Coachella debut to make a political statement that had the crowd cheering. – Entertainment Weekly
European Union’s Latest Draft AI Code of Practice Renders Copyright ‘Meaningless,’ Rightsholders Warn
A coalition of creatives including the IFPI, which represents the recording industry worldwide, said the third draft is “completely unacceptable” as it “undermines the objectives of the AI Act, contravenes EU law and ignores the intention of the EU legislator". – Mandy Dalugdug, Music Business Worldwide
Warner Music Group is Readying Its Superfan App – With Help From Ed Sheeran
Warner Music Group‘s long-promised superfan app is moving closer to reality, with a more sophisticated version now being tested by a select group of users, according to a new Wall Street Journal report. The app recruited Ed Sheeran as its first featured artist. – MBW
Music Can Lift Mood, Foster Community and Even Rewire Brains – But Does It Need to Have a Purpose?
The therapeutic role music can play is the focus of a string of new books and even an entire BBC radio station. But why can’t we just listen to music for music’s sake? Emily MacGregor, The Guardian
HYBE Deepfake Crackdown Sees Eight Arrested in South Korea
Company's CEO pledges 'zero-tolerance and no-settlement policy' over alleged crimes against its artists .– Murray Stassen, MBW
