Streaming numbers for Wolf Parade are soaring, thanks to a hit show. Meanwhile, the industry faces challenges and triumphs as it moves into 2026.
As the music scene shakes off its holiday slumber, a wave of news is surfacing. The Canadian festival Riverfest Elora has announced its closure after 15 years, prompting calls for nationwide support for live music. In another positive turn, the success of Crave’s series “Heated Rivalry” is notably boosting streams for Canadian artists, including several Francophone performers from Quebec. Celine Dion also made headlines, returning to holiday music with a rendition of “All By Myself,” paired with a whimsical performance of Jim Carrey’s Grinch monologue.
In other news, Lauryn Hill’s recent concert at Massey Hall featured a surprise guest appearance by Wyclef Jean, bringing nostalgia for fans of the Fugees. Conversely, Justin Bieber has shared a reflective post on Christmas Eve, expressing his desire for redemption within the music industry, stating, “I don’t want revenge; I want redemption.” His candid thoughts highlight ongoing issues within the industry.
On a more concerning note, fiddler Ashley MacIsaac has publicly addressed being falsely accused of being a sex offender due to an AI-generated article, which has raised discussions about the reliability of such technology. Meanwhile, Hamilton prepares for the opening of a new venue that promises a blend of music and comedy, spearheaded by the former owner of The Casbah.
Additionally, a McMaster University student, Tyler Visser, made headlines with his remarkable achievement of drumming through Tool’s entire discography without breaks, earning him a nomination for Drum Performance of the Year. The week also saw Drake reveling in his lyrical prowess, proclaiming himself “one of the most profound writers of our time,” while on the piracy front, an activist group is under investigation for allegedly scraping Spotify’s music library, accessing a staggering 86 million audio files.
In a significant cultural acknowledgment, France has recognized electronic music as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage, underlining the genre’s impact on the nation’s artistic identity. Taylor Swift also shared personal insights during her Eras Tour, revealing that her mother played a role in the romance between Travis Kelce and Sabrina Carpenter.
As the industry continues to evolve, insights from influential figures like Barack Obama, who named artists like BLACKPINK and Drake among his favorite songs of the year, remind us of the ever-changing musical landscape.
