AP Dhillon's new big deal is off to a good start.
The Punjabi-Canadian artist's first single on Republic Records, released “in alliance” with Universal Music Canada, debuted at No. 53 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100.
“Old Money” is a catchy and repetitive mix song with lyrics that translate into something reminiscent of post-discovery Drake: “Every girl wanna know how I'm doing / Ever since they realized my worth.”
But what elevates the song to full blockbuster is its music video, which reunites two big movie stars for a cinematic homage to the 90s Indian action movies that Dhillon grew up watching. Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt star in the video alongside Dhillon and his long-time collaborator Shinda Kahlon in an epic and bloody short film with car chases and guns (it ends with the message “Say no to violence”).
Dhillon isn't the only Indian star making moves on the Canadian Hot 100. Hanumankind and Kalmi's “Big Dawgs” enters the top 10 this week, peaking at No. 9 while also reaching No. .9 in the World 200 and No. 8 in the World Ex. USA chart. Punjabi-Canadian artist Karan Aujla's debut Bollywood soundtrack single “Tauba Tauba” is also on the Canadian Hot 100 at No. 81. The Punjabi Wave is in full force.
Head here for a full breakdown of this week's Canadian Hot 100. – Richard Trapunsky
Charlotte Cardin, Jully Black and more to perform at Billboard Canada Women in Music 2024
Billboard Canada Women in Music is loading up on talent for the September 7 celebration in Toronto.
Guest of honor Alanis Morissette will appear at the event alongside other stars including Jessie Reyez, and they will be joined by some great live performances.
Montreal singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin will take a rare break from her world tour during a landmark year of hits from “Confetti” to “99 Nights” and appearances at the NBA All-Star Game and for Justin Trudeau and Joe Biden.
Jully Black designs a special cover for the event. The celebrated R&B/soul artist, who has collaborated with artists such as Nas and Kardinal Offisshall, has owned Canada for decades and is now being embraced by new generations of fans.
Explosive pop singer LU KALA will receive the Rising Star award at the ceremony and will also grace the stage for a performance of her empowering pop hits. Acclaimed Toronto hip-hop artist Haviah Mighty will co-host the Billboard Canada Women in Music event and also bring the energy to a performance of her own.
A pair of fast-rising singers will also be in the spotlight. Juno-winning Montreal artist Rêve has hit the Billboard charts multiple times with her infectious dance-pop hits and was also named Billboard's Dance Artist of the Month. Soulful Plains Cree and Salish singer Tia Wood released her first single, “Dirt Roads,” just two months ago, but she already has a devoted following of fans on her popular TikTok account.
Tickets to attend Billboard Canada Women in Music are available for purchase here.
Former Just For Laughs Executive Christine Melko Ross Joins Live Entertainment Company Outback Presents
A former Just For Laughs executive is bringing her expertise to another major live entertainment promoter.
Christine Melko Ross will be the new senior vice president of global operations for Nashville-based Outback Presents, overseeing the expansion of the company's Canadian footprint.
Melko Ross was with Just for Laughs (JFL) for 23 years before the Montreal comedy company filed for creditor protection earlier this year to avoid bankruptcy and lay off the majority of its staff. At JFL, Melko Ross helped launch the Toronto edition of the Just for Laughs festival, created the company's touring division and was an integral part of operations at the iconic Montreal festival.
In Canada, Outback isn't as high-profile as a comedy brand, but the company placed No. 6 Bulletin boardBox Score's year-end list of promoters for 2023 and handles upcoming tours from comedians such as Shane Gillis, Bill Burr and Jim Gaffigan.
Melko Ross says Billboard Canada is excited to help Outback grow its presence in Canada beyond just major markets like Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
“Canadians like to laugh, so we want to make sure they're having fun from coast to coast,” he says. “There's a lot of opportunity to do things in smaller places.” She highlights cities like Victoria and Regina and points out that the Maritimes are often overlooked by tours.
“It's a great community – Halifax has five universities in it. This is a growing market.”
It's a tough time for the live show industry. Many festivals and venues, including the JFL, are facing existential threats from a combination of factors: lost revenue during the pandemic, rising overheads and audiences who are slow to return to their seats.
But Melko Ross says comedy fans flocked to the shows.
“I think it will continue to grow,” he adds. “I think this is an area of the arts that has been very strong.”
The JFL itself was revived in a smaller form this summer, when the Quebec comedy company ComediHa! acquired her assets. The new owner organized a renamed version of the festival with Dane Cook and Bassem Youssef.
“It's a brand that many of us hold close to our hearts, so we hope the spirit of it lives on,” says Melko Ross of JFL. – Rosie Long Decter
