It was a special June for Alison Russell.
Not only did she serve as Toronto's special opener for Sarah McLachlan to the Canadian icon Searching for Ecstasy 30th anniversary tour, but won another big honor: Billboard Canada Women In Music Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
“It's an honor to be recognized for the work that I do and that we all do together,” the singer-songwriter said when presented with the award in an interview with iHeartRadio Pure Country host Shannon Ella on Wednesday (June 19).
“There is still such an imbalance in our industry, and it is [an important moment] to be here to speak with you on June 1st [the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America]which is an important appointment because I'm not just a woman, I'm a queer black woman,” she says.
Born and raised in Montreal, but living and working in Nashville, Allison Russell has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a vital voice for the representation of black women in country, roots and Americana music. As her platform has grown, she uses it to benefit her entire community.
And it's gotten much bigger. This year, Russell won her first Grammy for Best American Roots Performance for her song “Eve Was Black,” and she appeared at the ceremony, playing clarinet and singing with none other than Joni Mitchell. She also debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Wildflower and Barley,” a duet with Hozier, with whom she also tours.
On these big stages, he usually plays with The Rainbow Coalition Band — a talented ensemble of Black and POC, queer and historically marginalized musicians.
“I want to play with all women and different genders on stage,” says Russell. “I do it because there is such an imbalance. It is still a remarkable, unusual thing. Nobody says it's so crazy that it's just a bunch of dudes up there.”
More winners will be announced over the summer, culminating in the Billboard Canada Women In Music celebration on September 7. – Richard Trapunsky
Read more from the interview at ca.billboard.com.
Music Publishers Canada Names 2024 Women in the Studio National Accelerator Class
There's a gender imbalance behind the scenes in Canadian music, and Music Publishers Canada's (MPC) Women in the Studio National Accelerator aims to address it.
Recently released statistics have confirmed the large gender gap that exists in many aspects of the Canadian music industry, and this is particularly evident in the area of music production.
The Women In The Studio program promotes the professional growth and development of talented producer-songwriters from across Canada. The MPC announced all six participants for this year's program: Alysha Brilla from Toronto, Cat Hiltz from Vancouver, Charmie from Toronto, Jinting (Jinting Zhao) from Edmonton, JoJo Worthington from Montreal and Samantha Selci from Toronto.
Now in its sixth year, the program offers participants a series of curated workshops, skills training opportunities and networking with music industry leaders. The aim is to equip them with skills and connections crucial to their development in the music industry.
The accelerator will run essentially from June to December and will include creative collaborations and an in-person week in residence in Toronto in August. It focuses on topics such as technical skills, financial literacy, music business skills and branding. Participants are also committed to exploring volunteer opportunities within their communities.
CEO of Music Publishers Canada Margaret McGuffin said in a statement that “with the help of our program partners and industry network, we look forward to breaking down some of the barriers that exist for this group of talented producers and giving them the support they need to enter the next phase of their careers.” . – Kerry Dull
Country singer Baker Blankenship debuts on Billboard Canadian Hot 100 with 'Maxed Out'
A new country artist is making his mark on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 this week.
Bayker Blankenship of Livingston, Tenn., landed on the chart for the first time with “Maxed Out,” a melancholy tune about losing your luck and low available credit. With a laid-back beat and a hint of grit in Blankenship's voice, the song strikes a heartwarming tone.
The song has gained steam online, appearing on the Spotify Viral 50 USA playlist as well as on the charts Advertising signThe Hot Country Songs and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts, although it has yet to reach the US Billboard Hot 100. But that doesn't mean it won't happen soon—another viral artist, Lay Bankz, reached the Canadian Hot 100 earlier this year before landing on her US counterpart.
The song is only Blankenship's second single, following 2021's “Can't Get Enough,” but the singer has built an impressive online following. He has nearly half a million followers on TikTok, where he posts clips of his songs as well as covers of songs by country stars like Zach Bryan and Dylan Gossett. Blankenship, who releases with Santa Anna Label Group, could join their ranks soon if he can keep the momentum going.
Meanwhile, country singer Shaboozey's “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” regains the top spot on the Canadian Hot 100 this week. The Beyoncé collaboration has reached No. 1 in Canada, something it has yet to do on the American Hot 100. – Rosie Long Decter
