Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna were cancelled due to planned attacks. Is Toronto prepared in terms of security?
A former CSIS director weighs in on whether Toronto is ready to host six shows. – Toronto Star
Céline Dion and the art of the comeback
Dion sang Hymne à l’amour, a song written and popularized by Édith Piaf. For Dion, singing Piaf was not just a patriotic decision – it was, it seemed, a defiant one. – Elio Iannacci, Globe and Mail
Drake confirms speculation about Serena Williams with song confession
Drake has released some archival footage and in one video he can be seen talking to his mother Sandi Graham in a recording studio, confirming that “Too Good” is about Williams. –Bang Showbiz
Juan Rodriguez’s Rock’n’Roll Life: A Rock Critic’s Story in His Own Words
The legendary Juan Rodriguez reports on his unprecedented career as a rock journalist in Montreal.– Montreal Gazette
Céline Dion’s team criticizes Donald Trump’s use of the “Titanic” classic at rally in Montana: “Really, THAT song?”
The playlist for the former president’s rally included Dion’s 1998 hit “My Heart Will Go On.” – Mitchell Peters, Billboard
Tragically hip documentary series “No Dress Rehearsal” premieres at TIFF
Directed by Mike, the older brother of late frontman Gord Downie, the series features previously unseen footage from the band’s 40-year career. – Rosie Long Decter, Billboard Canada
After 75 years, one of Toronto’s most important jazz venues could soon fall silent
Is help on the way? There is a $150,000 deficit in JAZZ.FM91’s current operating budget that must be addressed by August 31. Is help on the way? – Toronto Star
Hamilton bands to listen to
There is so much new talent in the city that we can’t even list them all, let alone introduce them all. First, we’d like to introduce you to three local rock bands that you should definitely check out: cute, Sundried Whales and Fast Brake. – Jamie Tennant, Hamilton City Magazine
International
Beyoncé, Charli XCX and Billie Eilish headline Barack Obama’s 2024 summer playlist
Fans are wondering why Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” didn’t make the list. – Michael Saponara, Billboard
The delicate balance of power between Spotify and Universal Music Group
Why UMG may kill Spotify’s free service. – Tim Ingham,Music business worldwide
Meta and Universal Music Group announce expanded global agreement
The multi-year agreement will further expand creative and commercial opportunities for UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group songwriters across Meta’s global network of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads and, for the first time, WhatsApp. – Source: PR Newswire
The Going Price goes to hell: A love letter to AC/DC
When I was barely in primary school, my first “favourite band” was AC/DC. 20 years later, I have fallen in love with these cheeky Australians again. – Matt Mitchell, paste
Why Tyla’s ethnic identity united South Africans behind coloured communities
Manyyoung people explore what it means to embrace a label that was born out of apartheid and has evolved into a unique culture. – Rachel Savage, The Guardian
Review of the Cambridge Folk Festival – Robert Plant inspires, Peggy Seeger inspires and Oysterband rocks
Saving Grace, the Led Zeppelin frontman’s latest band, draws on country, folk, rock and blues elements, but the weekend belongs to an American singer-songwriter. – Robin Denselow, The Guardian
