The Unison Fund is proud to introduce the Courage in Unison Award, a prestigious new honour dedicated to recognizing individuals, groups, or organizations that inspire and drive positive change within the Canadian music community. This annual award celebrates courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable, united, and thriving music industry through voluntary and benevolent efforts.
The Courage in Unison Award highlights those who lead by example, creating initiatives that benefit the broader community while fostering a sense of purpose and unity across Canada’s musical landscape.
The name of this award pays homage to The Tragically Hip’s iconic song “Courage (for Hugh MacLennan),” reflecting the profound spirit of authenticity, bravery, and purpose that the award embodies. Courage means staying true to oneself and speaking from the heart, and this award honours those who live and lead with such principles, inspiring others to do the same.
As an annual highlight of Unison’s beloved Holiday Schmoozefest, the Courage in Unison Award ensures that the values of compassion, courage, and community remain central to the Canadian music industry’s legacy.
“We are incredibly proud to introduce the Courage in Unison Award, a tribute to the individuals and organizations who lead with courage and compassion in our music community. This year, it’s an honour to present this award to The Tragically Hip, whose generosity and unwavering support for The Unison Fund have made a lasting impact. Their dedication to fostering a stronger, more united music industry is exactly what this award stands for. We hope the Courage in Unison Award inspires others to continue uplifting and empowering our Canadian music community.” – Amanda Power, Executive Director, The Unison Fund
This inaugural year, the Courage in Unison Award will be presented to The Tragically Hip, a band whose legacy of generosity and leadership perfectly exemplifies the award’s mission. Their unwavering support for The Unison Fund has positively impacted countless artists and music professionals, setting a benchmark for benevolent leadership within the industry.
The Tragically Hip’s tireless dedication serves as an inspiring reminder of the difference that courage and compassion can make in uniting and uplifting the music community.
“Musicians are the impetus, the reason that this business exists…managers, agents, promoters, and record companies exist for and because of the musicians. While musicians and their crew, generate content and a whole vast industry around themselves, they are perpetually vulnerable – the last to get paid, often just surviving on their earnings and pouring any rare savings into the next project. Changes in the economic landscape, such as a rise in the price of gas or insurance, a health issue, or the chaos wrought by the pandemic can have truly catastrophic consequences for those living on the slimmest of margins.” shared the members of The Tragically Hip “Unison has been there for musicians in need, and there is much need. The helping hand they provide should not go unnoticed or ever be taken for granted. The work done by the folks at Unison is of immeasurable value. We, The Hip, have been very fortunate in an all too often difficult industry, and as such, we are proud and honoured to be of service to Unison and to be the recipient of the “Courage” award.”
