News Archive
The Songwriters Association of Canada provides regular updates on the economic and cultural climate for music creators in Canada and abroad. We also operate a number of showcases, seminars and industry events for members and the wider public. Stay up to date with our work by checking the news archive below and following us on Twitter and Facebook.
Music Teacher and Jazz Musician Brian Asselin Has Made a Difference
Brian Asselin is a mutlifaceted member of the Songwriters Association of Canada and a recent Featured Member. He has spent many years teaching music and working as a jazz musician. More recently, he discovered…
And The Winners Are……
We’re excited to have young music creators begin their journey with a groundbreaking win of the SOCAN Foundation Awards for Young Canadian Songwriters. These talented winners and new S.A.C. members…
Digital Music – Are NFTs Genuine?
The topic in focus over at The Digital Music News, Non-fungible tokens have definitely taken the art and music industries by storm. From untitled art work to full…
How the Federal Government Can Unlock the Enormous Potential of Canada’s Creative Industries
By: Margaret McGuffin September 22, 2021 Canada should develop a co-ordinated national action plan to ensure the creative sector’s continued growth. TORONTO—Throughout this election campaign, Canada’s creative industries have heard…
Farewell, Jo Jo Bennett.
Farewell, Jo Jo Bennett Jo Jo Bennett, one of the first people to record soul records in Toronto, who went on to make reggae an integral part of the city’s…
How to Use Past Experiences to Fuel Musical Creativity
We all have had past experiences, either happy, sad or confusing, that can be used as fodder for songwriting. A bad breakup, the intense love felt when holding your baby,…
Billy Raffoul Soars with “Western Skies” 2021 SOCAN Songwriting Prize Winner
Hailing from Leamington, Ont., Billy Raffoul has won the 16th annual SOCAN Songwriting Prize with his song “Western Skies,” beating out nine other finalists. Prizes include $5,000 in cash, a…
Finalists Named for 2021 Slaight Music Emerging Songwriter Award
The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame announced six anglophone and five francophone artists from across the country as finalists for the 2021 Slaight Music Emerging Songwriter Award. One anglophone and…
Government of Canada Investments of $70 Million to Support Canada’s Artists and Live Music Sector
The Minister of Canadian Heritage, Steven Guilbeault, recently announced $70 million over three years to support the country’s live music sector and artists through the pandemic. The government is allocating…
“Big Canadian Reggae Lion” Jo Jo Bennett Dies at 81
Jo Jo Bennett, the two-time Juno Award winner and Sattalites co-founder, who played the fluegelhorn and trumpet with the band, died on August 3. A reggae influencer who also played…
Haviah Mighty Heads List of Prism Prize Award Winners
A jury of 130 media professionals awarded Haviah Mighty’s music video Thirteen, directed by Theo Kapodistrias, the 2021 Prism Prize’s $20,000 Grand Prize. Aquakultre’s Pay It Forward won the Audience…
New LyricFind Service Automates Lyric Videos for Rights Holders
The answer to generating high-quality lyric videos is here. LyricFind, a Canadian licensing company, has launched a free platform that can quickly produce lyric videos for rights holders’ and labels’…
14 Podcasts Musicians should Be Listening to in 2021
Out of the hundreds of thousands of active podcasts available to listen to, Bandzoogle has picked 14 of its favourites for musicians for inspiration, advice and to learn about the…
10 In-Person and Virtual Music Festival’s and Events Happening Across Canada This August
Live music is gradually returning and if life isn’t totally back to normal, it’s moving forwards. Enjoy these festivals, either in-person (if offered) or virtual reclining on your couch. The…
Music Domains May Finally Be a Reality
Trying to register a domain name can be incredibly frustrating when you find out your name’s been taken. DotMusic has recently won a battle with the likes of Amazon and…