Arkells

Hit producer/songwriter Cirkut (pictured) signs a major publishing deal, Johnny Orlando bests the Biebs at the MTV EMAs, and Alessia Cara collaborates with Allen Stone. Also in the news are Drake, Arkells, West End Phoenix, RBT, Beth Ann Cole, KellyLee Evans, The Great Escape, Music PEI, and farewell Doug Dombrowski, Graeme Edge, John Goodsall, and Jeff Wald.

Universal Music Group and Sir Lucian Grainge (pictured) dominate the news this week, consumers weigh the risk of concerts, and Toronto designates music hubs. Also in the headlines are the Shaw Festival, Stratford, Hopscotch, TIFF, Arkells, Genesis, The Reklaws, RIAA, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Merck Mercuriadis, Twitch, Tracklib, the San Diego Symphony, Eric Clapton, Nirvana, and Guns N Roses.

The return of metal queen Lee Aaron (pictured), Canadians crafting K-pop hits, and Arkells rock out in Toronto. Also in the headlines are Dr. Disc, Sled Island, John Lennon, VSO, Ishkōdé Records, Massey Hall, AEG, New Romantics, Garth Brooks, Lorde, Britney Spears, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughan, the Beatles, Dana Gillespie, Toots Hibbert, and Aretha.

Arkells (pictured) take fans on a pub crawl, Pierre Kwenders explores his history, and social media is seen as the music biz’s future. Also in the headlines are Braden Lam, Harpdog Brown, Spotify, Selena, Spinrilla, Shane MacGowan, Dolly Parton, Nick Cave, Blue Oyster Cult, and Elton John.

One of Canada’s biggest bands hunkered down in the pandemic and created a stripped-down new album, Campfire Chords. Here the group’s frontman explains the mandate and method behind the quarantine record, the song selection process, their use of social media, and thoughts about a return to the road.