Advertising sign Power Players is expanding to Canada for the first time in 2024, nominations are now officially open via this nomination form.
For its relative size, the country has produced some huge international success stories over the past decade, with artists such as Drake, The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber and Tate McRae making big waves on the world stage.
This is also happening behind the scenes, including past Power List honorees such as Kristen Burkethe president of Warner Music Canada and the only female head of a major record label in Canada. Wassim “Sal” Slaiby of The Weeknd's XO Records and the founder of Universal Arabic Music. and Michael Rapinoethe Canadian-born Chairman and CEO of Live Nation who finished fourth on the recently revealed Power 100 list for 2024, behind only Taylor Swift and the global CEOs of two major companies.
The Billboard Canada Power Players, however, will be the first time the award will be exclusive to Canadians or those who have made an impact in Canada's music industry. – Richard Trapunsky
New US visa fees could prove costly for Canadian musicians
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published the final rule to update visa fees in various categories, along with a summary on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Overall, creative arts petitioners will be hit with higher costs, increased request preparation requirements, and longer premium processing times. This will affect Canadians and other musicians, as well as artists, who travel across the border to perform in the US
After consultation with stakeholders, including the American Federation of Musicians, the final fees have been reduced from the original amounts proposed by the Department of Homeland Security for nonprofits and certain small businesses with 25 or fewer employees.
The new fees, however, could prove costly for Canadian musicians, for whom crossing the border is a necessary part of a music career.
The fee increases were originally for early 2023, but will take effect on April 1, 2024. – David Farrell
Music declares state of emergency to host climate summit in Halifax ahead of Juno Awards
Music Declares a State of Emergency (MDE) Canada wants to spark debate on the climate crisis at this year's Juno Awards. Prior to the March 24 ceremony, the advocacy organization will host a Mini Music Climate Summit at the Halifax Central Library on March 22 to promote the need for climate action in the music industry.
The free, one-day event will examine topics such as sustainable transport, carbon accounting, commodities and food and more, providing an opportunity for industry members to share best practices and develop strategies to reduce emissions in the industry. MDE Canada previously held the first Canadian Music Climate Summit in Toronto in 2022.
The climate summit accompanies MDE Canada's Climate Emergency concert on March 17 in Halifax, where artists such as Talia Schlanger and Jenn Grant will pay tribute to Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, two Canadian musicians who used their platforms to to promote environmental awareness. – Rosie Long Decter
Last week “In Canada”: No to “Laughs,” but yes to women in music
