kd lang and The Reclines will perform together for the first time in 35 years in Edmonton on September 14th for the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards.
lang may have found international fame as a pop superstar with a powerful and emotionally expressive voice and as a queer icon, but her roots in country music run deep. She first made her mark on Canadian music as a misguided cowpunk artist in the '80s, at the start of a career spanning over four decades.
“Reuniting with The Reclines after 35 years in Edmonton for the CCMA Awards is a full-circle moment,” says lang. “The bond we shared, both musically and personally, remains as strong as ever and revisiting a song that shaped our journey together is incredibly special. I'm thrilled to bring this experience to life on such a prestigious stage and share it with fans, old and new.”
Based in her hometown of Edmonton, kd lang and the Reclines were together from 1983 to 1989 after starting as a Patsy Cline tribute act. The first band included Stu Macdougal on keyboards, Dave Bjarnson on drums, Gary Koligar on guitar and Farley Scott on bass.
After playing regular gigs at Edmonton's Sidetrack Café, the band gained national attention with their 1984 album, A truly western experience. Her unique fashion sense and energetic performance style caught the attention of Rolling Stone, who called her “Canadian Cowpunk.” Lang won the 1985 Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist, famously accepting the award wearing a borrowed wedding dress.
kd lang will also be inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame, adding to her remarkable legacy of accolades. –Kerry Dull
The Billboard Canada Women in Music Industry Spotlight
This week, Billboard Canada revealed the full Billboard Canada Women in Music honors.
Stars like Alanis Morissette, Charlotte Cardin and LU KALA will be at the Billboard Canada Women in Music event on September 7 in Toronto.
In addition to these honorees, which include Executive of the Year Kristen Burkehead of Warner Music Canada and the only female label head in the country, there's also an Industry Spotlight list of women from across the Canadian music industry.
From record label boardrooms to positions of influence in radio, touring, festivals, artist funding and more, women and people of color are shaping music.
Each person featured on the Industry Spotlight list also shared their advice for the next generation of women in the music industry, from speaking honestly and authentically to surrounding yourself with other talented and supportive women.
There are also exclusive video interviews and performances by Billboard Canada Women in Music honorees, including The Beaches, Allison Russell and artist manager Laurie Lee Boutet.
Because of the incredible contributions of women and gender-diverse people, Billboard Canada Women in Music is not only a celebration of women, but of Canadian music as a whole – and a vision of where it can go next. –Richard Trapunsky
AP Dhillon Safe After reports of shots fired at his home near Victoria, BC
Shots were fired at the home of Punjabi-Canadian musician AP Dhillon early Monday morning (September 2).
BC Police are investigating the incident, with CTV News reporting that around 1:15 a.m. the RCMP were called to the home. There are reports of two vehicles being set on fire, in addition to multiple gunshots, and a reported video of the shooting circulating online.
“I am safe. My people are safe,” Dhillon shared on Instagram.
The Times of India reports that an associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the shooting on social media, threatening Dhillon for working with Salman Khan. Actor and producer Khan appeared in the video for Dhillon's new Billboard Canadian Hot 100 single, “Old Money,” and the gang reportedly has a history of targeting Khan.
“The preliminary investigation suggests this was a targeted incident and there is no information to believe the general public is at further risk as a result,” reads a statement from the West Shore RCMP detachment.
The shooting follows Dhillon's recent signing with Republic Records, with “Old Money” marking the first release as part of that deal. –Rosie Long Decter
