Toronto is gearing up for a new era.
Taylor Swift will bring her behemoth Eras Tour to Canada's biggest city for six sold-out shows in November. But Torontonians know all too well that big concerts can lead to bad traffic downtown. The city announced that to help these shows run more smoothly, there will be a “Restricted Activity Zone” around the Rogers Center stadium during the two weeks of Swift-mania.
Scheduled work in the zone — such as construction or filming — will be limited to off-peak hours and will require express permission from the City of Toronto, although emergency work will be permitted.
The zone covers a large area of downtown Toronto and will aim to keep traffic flowing as approximately 240,000 fans attend Taylor Swift's shows. However, affected industries needn't worry too much – the zone will only be in place for a fortnight, from November 11 to 25.
The “Restricted Activity Zone” isn't the only infrastructure adjustment needed to account for Swift's superstardom. Rogers revealed last week that it has just completed an $8 million upgrade to its 5G network at the Rogers Centre, so fans can live stream the spectacular spectacle in real time – or simply text their friends, which can it is difficult during service overload at large events.
The route from the Rogers Center north to Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square, home to City Hall, will also be renamed Taylor Swift Way for the month. Signs will indicate the new name, directing fans to the “Restricted Zone” where Swift will take the stage.
The city expects a significant economic boost from Swift's visit, with an economic impact of more than $250 million projected.
Taylor Swift is performing in Toronto from November 14-16 and again from November 21-23. –Rosie Long Decter
Slipstream acquires Anthem Entertainment's extensive music production portfolio
Music licensing platform Slipstream has announced that it has acquired the music production portfolio of Toronto-based music rights company Anthem Entertainment.
The acquisition of Anthem Production Music Group includes three major brands: Anthem's Jingle Punks music production agency, independent music library 5 Alarm Music and UK-based independent music publisher Cavendish Music. The net result is the addition of over 650,000 tracks to Slipstream's catalog.
Slipstream says the acquisition positions it as “the world's largest independent music licensing platform.”
There are longstanding and close relationships between the main players involved. Slipstream was founded in 2021 by CEO Dan Demol and head of revenue Jesse Korwin. Demole was the co-founder of Jingle Punks and former president of Anthem Production Music Group, while Korwin served as Jingle Punks' CEO.
“This acquisition is a return for us,” says Demole. “Jesse and I built both Jingle Punks and Slipstream on the foundation of making great music accessible to every type of creator. We now have an unprecedented opportunity to build on the success of both brands while leading the next wave of innovation in music licensing. With this huge catalog and our technology platform, we are not only the largest independent player in the space, but also the most innovative.”
The expanded platform will serve a diverse customer base, from individual content creators and small businesses to global brands and enterprises. Slipstream said the acquisition is in line with its goal to optimize music licensing across TV, film, advertising, games, social media and brands.
Anthem Entertainment will make an investment in Slipstream as part of the transaction. Anthem Entertainment CEO Jason Klein, who is one of Billboard Canada's 2024 Power Players in the Publishing category, commented: “Anthem's focus since my appointment in January 2023 has been on building its core divisions music publishing and recording, while considering the best path forward for our music production businesses.”
“This sale to Slipstream has put Jingle Punks, 5 Alarm and Cavendish Music back in the familiar and capable hands of proven leaders in the music production and technology space. Dan and Jesse already know these businesses and have a unique vision for their future as part of Slipstream. Our faith in them as leaders and their vision is why we chose to invest in Slipstream going forward.”
New York-based Jingle Punks have long maintained an office in Toronto, along with branches in Santa Monica, London, Sydney and Melbourne. – Kerry Dull
Billboard Canada parent company AMG acquires major stake in Music Festival NXNE
Artshouse Media Group (AMG) has acquired a significant stake in Toronto's North By Northeast (NXNE) music festival.
The media company — which publishes Billboard Canada, Billboard UK and Rolling Stone Quebec and also owns Arts Help, Waveland Canada and the Climate Library — will own 50% of the long-running festival. The acquisition begins a long-term partnership, starting with the 30th anniversary edition of NXNE from June 11 to June 15, 2025.
“This partnership with NXNE comes at an exciting time for both Billboard Canada and AMG. As NXNE marks its 30th anniversary, we align our shared goals of elevating artists and engaging music fans,” says Amanda Dorenberg, CEO of Billboard Canada and AMG. “Together, we will strengthen the reach of the festival, giving artists a wider platform to reach audiences and creating new ways for fans to discover fresh talent.”
Michael Hollett will continue as president and CEO of NXNE, while Barbara Heffler serves as managing director.
NXNE began in 1995 and quickly established itself as the heart of Toronto's live music scene. Originally created in partnership with Austin's SXSW, it has evolved its own identity to recognize and highlight emerging talent in the early stages of international success. Artists from Lizzo to Daniel Caesar, Feist, Grimes, The Beaches, Mac DeMarco, Haviah Mighty, Sam Roberts and Billy Talent have played crucial NXNE showcases at career junctures.
The festival has also been responsible for some legendary headline acts from acts such as Iggy Pop & The Stooges (one of the biggest free shows ever in downtown Toronto at Yonge-Dundas Square), Vince Staples, The Flaming Lips, The National, Post Malone, Tyler, The Creator and more.
The partnership with AMG and Billboard Canada will expand the festival's reach in its landmark 30th anniversary edition with new co-produced programming and activations to be announced soon.
Artist applications are now open at nxne.com. 2025 venues will include The Garrison, Drake Underground, Collective Arts Brewery and more, as well as a new official festival headquarters at the Theater Center on Queen West.
The 30th anniversary edition will celebrate the festival's rich history and great acts that have played over the decades, while staying true to its tagline 'Listen to the Future' and its commitment to always looking for the next big thing in music.
“We want to meet and surpass NXNE's 'glory days' as a discovery festival that engages the community across the city,” says Hollett.
