Music News Digest, July 20, 2018
Seymour Stein (pictured) leaves Sire and Warner, CCMA and MMVAs add more gala performers, and The Glorious Sons announce a major Canadian tour. Also in the news are Bruce Springsteen, Lights, Women In Music Canada, Wanda Jackson, Music BC, Chloe Watkinson, Desirée Dawson, and Carmen Toth. Videos added for your enjoyment.
By Kerry Doole
Legendary US record business mogul Seymour Stein has announced his departure from Warner Music after 42 years, Billboard reports. This means he is also leaving Sire Records, the label he co-founded in 1967 as an independent before joining forces with Warner's nine years later. Led by Stein, Sire's pioneering roster has included Madonna, The Ramones, The Smiths, The Pretenders, The Cure, Ice-T, Depeche Mode, The Replacements, Uncle Tupelo, The Cult, Cyndi Lauper, and k.d. lang, among others.
Stating that "I long for my indie roots and the greater independence that I experienced earlier," Stein is expected to remain in the music industry in some form. On July 14, he received the Recording Academy’s Trustees Award in LA.
– A new round of announced performers for the 2018 CCMA Awards comprises Fans’ Choice Award nominee Tim Hicks, six-time 2018 nominee and multi-CCMA Award winner Brett Kissel and reigning Female Artist of the Year Meghan Patrick. They join the previously-named Keith Urban, Lindsay Ell, High Valley, Dallas Smith and Terri Clark on the show, broadcast live from Hamilton on Sept. 9 nationwide on CBC and cbcmusic.ca/ccmas at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).
– Women in Music Canada & MusicOntario present The Stingray Rising Stars Award. It showcases emerging female hip-hop, rap, reggae, R&B, and soul creators. One winner will receive $2K to create and produce a music video. Deadline for submissions is Aug. 15.
– The iHeartRadio MMVAs have added 5 Seconds of Summer, Kris Wu, and Meghan Trainor to the list of performers at the awards show in Toronto on Aug. 26. New presenters announced include Derek Hough, Jenni Farley, Rachel Bilson, Sonequa Martin-Green, Tyra Banks, and Prince Michael Jackson.
– Kingston rockers The Glorious Sons have announced they're headlining a cross-Canada “SOS Tour” this fall, with The Beaches supporting on all but one of the 14 dates. It begins in Kamloops on Oct. 30, concluding at Scotiabank Arena (ex-ACC) in Toronto, Nov. 22. The band is currently playing festival shows in Canada and the UK, followed by US club gigs.
– Bruce Springsteen fans unable to catch his hit Broadway show will be pleased to learn that it was recorded this week for a Netflix special to air Dec. 15, the day of its final onstage performance. Springsteen on Broadway has grossed $76M (US) and been seen by over 155K people. Source: AP
– Rockabilly queen and Rock Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson is recording an album in Nashville with Joan Jett producing. Co-writers contributing include Angaleena Presley and "Ex’s and Oh’s" singer Elle King. Both Jack White and Justin Townes Earle-produced earlier albums for Jackson. Her tour sked includes shows on Sept. 29 atMontreal's Theatre Fairmount and Sept. 30 at Quebec City's L'Anti Bar. Expect the new record in 2019.
– Canadian pop singer Lights has struck a deal to adapt her comic book series Skin & Earth for TV. Currently in development, the series is being produced by prominent Hollywood producer Andrew Lazar (American Sniper, Space Cowboys). Source: CP
– Music BC is hosting a summer social to celebrate Vancouver City Council's recent support of its recommendations regarding the Creative Cities Strategy. The revelry takes place on Aug. 8, from 6-8, at Dublin Calling. Free with an RSVP here.
– Up and coming Toronto singer-songwriter Chloe Watkinson plays a free show at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto on July 20, part of the Chevrolet Indie Fridays series. Opening acts are Shred Kelly, The Achromatics, and Carol Ellyn. On Aug. 17, Watkinson releases a single," Crystal Pistol," on Aporia Records. Of note: Chloe is the daughter of keyboardist Terry Watkinson, of Max Webster fame.
– The full musical lineup for Toronto's Festival of Beer (TFOB) has now been announced. In a new addition, The Darcys join Rural Alberta Advantage in opening for Broken Social Scene, July 26. The fest runs July 26-29 at the CNE Bandshell, with other performers including Ludacris, I Mother Earth, Finger Eleven, and Dwayne Gretzky.
– In a partnership between Music BC and Groundwerk, applications are open for underground house and techno artists to DJ the Groundwerk stage at Monstercat Compound in Vancouver on Aug. 25. The deadline is July 27.
– Vancouver-based singer/songwriter Desirée Dawson attracted attention by winning the 2016 CBC Searchlight contest with her single "Hide." She releases a new track, "Just Fine," today (July 20) and has upcoming shows in Ontario and BC.
– Submissions are now being accepted from artists who'd like to open for Ron Sexsmith at his Aug. 3 show at the Gayety Theatre in Collingwood, ON.
– Toronto alt-pop singer/songwriter Carmen Toth has a full-band hometown showcase at The Hideout tonight (July 20). Expect material from her excellent recent EP, SafetyNet, produced by Derek Downham. The gig is part of the Soundtrack of the City fest.
