Canadian Musicians Weigh in on Federal Election as Neil Young Endorses Mark Carney
As the Canadian federal election draws near, musicians from across the country are making their voices heard. Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young has publicly endorsed Mark Carney, a move that has garnered significant attention in the music industry. According to a report by Billboard, Young expressed his support for Carney in an open letter published on his official website.
In the letter, Young praised Carney, stating, "Without a doubt, you’ve got the chops to get it done. And man, you have got the guts to take it on." This endorsement comes as over 150 artists have signed an open letter expressing their opposition to Pierre Poilievre, a prominent politician. The letter, which has gained significant traction, highlights the concerns of Canadian musicians regarding the country’s future.
The music industry is abuzz with reaction to Young’s endorsement, with many artists and fans taking to social media to share their thoughts. As reported by Billboard, Daryl Hannah, Young’s partner, claimed that the musician’s citizenship process was hindered by "every trick in the book." Hannah stated, "He’s been living in America and paying taxes here since he was in his 20s."
YouTube Celebrates 20th Anniversary
This week, YouTube marked its 20th anniversary, a milestone that has sparked reflection on the platform’s impact on the cultural landscape. According to an article by JK Nestruck and Samantha Edwards in the Globe & Mail, YouTube has revolutionized the way we consume music and media. As the platform continues to evolve, it remains a vital part of the music industry, with many artists relying on it to share their work with fans.
Deadmau5 Apologizes for Coachella Performance
In other news, electronic music artist deadmau5 has apologized for his drunken performance at Coachella. As reported by Billboard, deadmau5 took to social media to express his regret, stating, "I don’t remember a thing." The incident occurred during a b2b set with Zhu on the Quasar Stage during the second weekend of the festival.
New Pornographers’ Drummer Arrested
The New Pornographers have severed ties with their drummer, Joe Seiders, after he was arrested for possession of child pornography. According to an article by Gil Kaufman in Billboard, the group "immediately" distanced themselves from Seiders, who joined the band in 2014.
International Music News
In international music news, Kendrick Lamar and SZA kicked off their Grand National Tour in Minneapolis, with the duo delivering a high-energy performance. As reported by Joe Lynch in Billboard, the show was a sold-out event, with fans singing along to hits like "Old Town Road" and "Damn."
Meanwhile, AI-generated music is on the rise, with Deezer reporting that 20,000 bot-created tracks are now uploaded daily to the platform. According to Music Business Worldwide, this figure represents a significant increase from January.
The 2025 Latin Grammys to Return to Las Vegas
The Latin Grammys are set to return to Las Vegas for the 15th time, with the 26th annual award show taking place on November 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. As reported by Maria Sherman in The Associated Press, the three-hour telecast will be broadcast live on Univision, with nominations to be announced on September 17.
As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that Canadian musicians are making their voices heard in the lead-up to the federal election. With Neil Young’s endorsement of Mark Carney and over 150 artists expressing opposition to Pierre Poilievre, the music industry is set to play a significant role in shaping the country’s future.
