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Shawn Mendes to Perform Live on YTV’s The Zone

YTV is thrilled to announce that singer and songwriting sensation Shawn Mendes will be performing a concert that will air live on The Zone, to cap off the channel’s most amazing March Break ever. Shawn will be performing on stage at the Pickering Town Centre, in the singer’s hometown of Pickering, Ontario on Friday, March 20.

Beginning at 4 p.m., The Zone will broadcast live hits with Carlos and then from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., The Zone will give viewers VIP access to a live performance from Shawn with songs from his upcoming album, Handwritten (Universal Music Canada), before it’s official release in April. Included in the half-hour special, fans will be treated to a candid, on-stage interview with Shawn and Carlos, in which they will be able to tweet questions to #YTVMendesArmy.

Fans who go to HMV’s Pickering Town Centre location to pre-order Handwritten on the day of the live performance, March 20, 2015, will receive a free wristband to meet Shawn in person later that day. Wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis to 300 fans. For more details visit HMV Canada’s Facebook page.

Not going to SXSW? You can still watch it all online

SXSW has launched SXSW On, a free, on-demand streaming network that features dynamic original programming along with live and archival performances, interviews and talks from the SXSW Music, Film and Interactive conference. SXSW On will be available on Roku players in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Republic of Ireland, as well as Roku TV models in the U.S. – the first streaming players and smart TVs to feature the SXSW On streaming channel.

The network’s custom-designed Roku channel, along with its platform on sxsw.com and YouTube, will give millions of viewers worldwide access to content that embraces the look, feel and spirit of SXSW.

“Roku is one of the leading streaming platforms and we’re incredibly excited to bring SXSW into living rooms of Roku customers around the world,” said SXSW Director of Technology Scott Wilcox. “Having a dedicated network of original programming through the lens of SXSW is a leap forward for our organization and promises a bright future as a provider in the media landscape.”

SXSW On programming will feature several new series highlighting the best in original music, independent films, emerging technologies, cuisine and gaming culture. In addition to the live stream of the 2015 event, viewers will be able to access content from previous keynote speakers, panels and musical performances.

“The SXSW On channel provides Roku customers with a unique entertainment experience they can’t find on any other streaming platform,” said Ed Lee, vice president of content at Roku. “For the first time, people from around the world will be able to view the excitement and entertainment of SXSW live without buying a plane ticket to Austin. We’re thrilled to be the first streaming platform to deliver SXSW On content to our customers and know that they’ll love watching the amazing live performances from the comfort of home.”

SXSW On will feature:

SXSW Live
SXSW Live brings the 2015 event straight to your living room with performances, interviews, and panel sessions from artists, filmmakers, digital creatives and other industry heavyweights.

The Road
Grab your guitar and bring gas money, we’re going on The Road.

Ever wonder what happens off stage? The Road presents viewers with a behind the scenes look at the day-to-day challenges and adventures of touring musicians.

The Nom Nom
Follow your appetite with The Nom Nom.

Our favorite artists share their top local eateries and explore delicious offerings from culinary masters. Follow up­-and-coming restaurants curated by award-winning chefs across the country.

SXSW On is made possible through SXSW’s Technology Partner Brightcove and the Roku streaming channel developer Float Left Interactive.

To access SXSW On, install the SXSW channel on Roku players or Roku TV models from the Roku Channel Store, or go to sxsw.com/on.

Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk!” + Ed Sheeran’s “Loud” Hold #1 and #2 down for 8th straight week

While Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk!” holds down the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for the 10th week, Ed Sheeran’s “Loud” ranks at its #2 peak on the Hot 100 for an 8th time, all behind “Funk.” How rare is it for two songs to hold at #1 and #2 for at least eight straight weeks, specifically with the latter never reaching the top of the charts? Here’s an updated look at the longest placements:

10 weeks
No. 1: “Lose Yourself,” Eminem / No. 2: “Work It,” Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, 2002-03

9 weeks
No. 1: “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix),” Los Del Rio / No. 2: “I Love You Always Forever,” Donna Lewis, 1996
No. 1: “Physical,” Olivia Newton-John / No. 2: “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” Foreigner, 1981-82

8 weeks
No. 1: “Uptown Funk!” / No. 2: “Thinking Out Loud,” 2015
No. 1: “Smooth,” Santana feat. Rob Thomas / No. 2: “Back at One,” Brian McKnight, 1999-2000
No. 1: “The Boy Is Mine,” Brandy & Monica / No. 2: “You’re Still the One,” Shania Twain, 1998

7 weeks
No. 1: “Candle in the Wind 1997″/”Something About the Way You Look Tonight,” Elton John / No. 2: “You Make Me Wanna…,” Usher, 1997
No. 1: “All for You,” Janet Jackson / No. 2: “Survivor,” Destiny’s Child, 2001
No. 1: “Let Me Love You,” Mario / No. 2: “1, 2 Step,” Ciara, 2005
No. 1: “One More Night,” Maroon 5 / No. 2: “Gangnam Style,” PSY, 2012

Via Billboard

Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk!” Hits Record-Making Status

From Billboard:

Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk!,” featuring Bruno Mars, hits hallowed ground atop the Billboard Hot 100: It reigns for a 10th week, joining the exclusive club of leaders that have reigned for double-digit weeks.

“Funk!,” released on RCA Records, becomes just the 29th No. 1 in Hot 100 history to lead for at least 10 weeks. If 29 seems like a high number, that’s out of 1,041 leaders dating to the chart’s Aug. 4, 1958, debut. In other words, only 3 percent of all Hot 100 No. 1s, now including “Funk,” have logged rules of 10 weeks or more.

Some at-ten-tion-getting trivia: The first song to lead for at least 10 weeks? Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life,” for 10 frames in 1977. The last before “Funk”? Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” which led for 10 weeks last year and went on to become the Hot 100’s No. 1 song of 2014. The song with the most weeks at the summit: Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day,” which ruled for 16 weeks in 1995-96.

Canadian Arts/Media Job Posts For March 11, 2015

OLG has an opening for a Social Media Specialist responsible for executing OLG’s enterprise wide social media strategy.

Tourism Abbotsford is looking to hire a Marketing and Social Media Assistant supporting the goals of our organization through helping to develop engaging sales and marketing tactics.

Art For Everyday in Toronto has an opening for a Marketing co-ordinator (Social Media activity).

CTVNews.ca is looking for an experienced news writer to work weekend and evening shifts on a fill-in basis. This person will work with our digital team to help update the website on local and national news assignments. Duties could include monitoring wires, posting stories to the website and assisting with social media.

Bell Media in Montreal has an opening for a Video Journalist.

Canada AM in Toronto has a rare opportunity for a Story Producer, generating interesting, original, current story ideas and angles that keep Canada AM ahead of the news.

Plantscape in Windsor, ON is hiring a Marketing co-ordinator (Social Media / Marketing / Office Staff) who is ready to start immediately.

Nextopia, based in Toronto, is the #1 global provider of eCommerce site search and navigation solutions, and are currently looking for a Marketing Manager to join their team.

Holt Renfrew is looking to define the luxury lifestyle shopping experience with the hiring of a new Coordinator, Online Marketing responsible for coordinating, supporting and executing digital marketing strategies and activities with the goal of increasing revenue and traffic to all Holt Renfrew digital channels.

ZTR in London, ON has an opening for a Marketing Communications Specialist ready to start now.

Four Seasons Hotel in Whistler has a great opportunity for a Director of Marketing responsible for leading the development, implementation and execution of the resort’s strategic revenue generation plan that maximizes its path to profit.

Luxury Retreats in Montreal is looking for a Social Media Communications Coordinator.

Bayshore HealthCare is one of the country’s leading providers of home and community health care services and a Canadian-owned company. They are seeking an Online Marketing & Social Media Specialist who will be responsible for planning, implementing and optimizing online marketing campaigns, in addition to managing the organization’s social media presence over multiple platforms.

S.I. System’s valued client is looking for 5 social media guru’s for a six month contract in the national capital region.

Soap Stories in Concord, ON, an international retail corporation specializing in skincare boutique stores is seeking a social media and public relations coordinator.

Founded in 1985, the Lannick Group of Companies has grown into the premier professional recruitment and staffing firm in the Greater Toronto Area. Their client is looking for a Social Media Co-ordinator to join their team for a contract opportunity.

For over 20 years, Down Under in Mississauga, ON has served the Greater Toronto Area offering the best values in fine quality Egyptian cotton sheets and duvet covers, premium Hutterite white goose down duvets and pillows and brand name mattresses. They’re looking for a Social Media Marketing Assistant.

Hootsuite in Vancouver, BC is hiring for a Social Media Coach to join their fast paced, results driven team.

Bell Media in Toronto is hiring a Social Media/Marketing Coordinator, PayTV & Digital. This position is responsible for the development and daily execution of the social media strategy for The Movie Network, HBO Canada and CraveTV.

IATA in Montreal has an opening for someone reporting to the Assistant Manager, Marketing, IATA Consulting. The incumbent will assist the Consulting team in developing and coordinating social media, digital and marketing initiatives as well as taking part in business development activities for airports, airlines, governments and civil aviation organizations.

Rebel.com has an opening for a Digital Marketing Specialist to nurture and engage Rebel’s customers through email marketing and social media channels.

Real Sports Bar & Grill at the Air Canada Centre is looking for a Social Media Coordinator to be the part time digital brand leader of the Real Sports brand. This position requires a savvy restaurant & retail mind that can be the voice of their team in the digital spaces growing their brand and most importantly their business.

Adecco’s Vancouver client is looking for a Social Media Expert to support their growing company and “join the pack”. The Social Media Expert role requires great organization, attention to detail, creativity and ability to perform well, working independently (remotely) and in collaboration with our team.

Options Consulting Solutions is seeking a Social Media Administrator Intern who will participate in the social media marketing campaigns.

Have you recently graduated from a Marketing Diploma or Degree? You have some experience, although you are looking for a great job to challenge you? Corporate Images in Surrey, BC is currently experiencing considerable growth and they need you as part of the team! They are currently looking for a creative, self-motivated, and innovative Social Media Marketing Coordinator for a new position within the company.

Watch Kanye West and John Legend Perform Gold Digger in 2003

A few months before The College Dropout was released, and a full two years before Late Registration received universal acclaim, Kanye West performed an early version of “Gold Digger” for an audience at the 2nd Annual Dynamic Producer Conference. There’s no Ray Charles sample and Jamie Foxx, but there is John Legend doing the song with him.

Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase Announced

Today Republic Live, organizers of the Boots and Hearts Music Festival, announced their annual Emerging Artist Showcase, presented by SiriusXM Canada.  All emerging Canadian country artists (excluding Quebec) 12 years of age and older are encouraged to upload a video performance for a chance to participate as one of 8 finalists in the competition which takes place at Boots and Hearts August 6 – 9th, 2015 at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds.  Last year just under 250 artists submitted to perform as part of the showcase and previous contestants include Tim Hicks, 2012, Tebey, 2012 winner, The Reklaws, winner, 2013 and Trinity Bradshaw, winner, 2014.   The 2015 winner will go on to perform on the Main Stage at Boots and Hearts 2015 on Sunday, August 9th, before Thomas Rhett and win a release with Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company.  The competition is now open at www.bootsandhearts.com/showcase and will run until April 1st, at 11:59 pm EST.

“As one of the pillars of Boots and Hearts, we are so pleased to continue to partner with Sirius XM Canada to be able to provide a platform for up and coming Canadian talent with the Emerging Artist Showcase,” said Shannon McNevan, Executive Director, Republic Live.  “Some of our previous contestants have gone on to great careers in country music, and many have been booked to perform not just at our festival, but on tour supporting a number of international artists.  Since our very first year, we’ve seen some amazing talent come through this showcase and we are fortunate to have partners like Sirius XM Canada that prioritize the development of homegrown talent and can provide them with a forum like satellite radio to be discovered by fans. This is an amazing opportunity for any artist to hone their craft in working with a label like Universal Music Canada to develop and release a single, and to perform at Canada’s largest country music festival will give them an experience they will never forget.”

The Emerging Artist Showcase will take place at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, August 6th – 9th, at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds.   Entries are open to bands and solo artists with prizing that includes a performance on Sunday August 9th on the main stage at Boots and Hearts 2015 prior to Thomas Rhett,  a single release in Canada through Universal Music Canada, and an opportunity to perform on the Main Stage at Boots and Hearts 2016.  Full competition details are available at www.bootsandhearts.com/showcase

Boots and Hearts is an annual country music festival event run by Republic Live, and will take place at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, in Oro-Medonte Ontario August 6 – 9 in 2015. This year’s headliners include Brad Paisley, Eric Church and Florida Georgia Line as well as artists Justin Moore, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Dallas Smith, Chad Brownlee, High Valley, Frankie Ballard, David Nail, Maddie & Tae, Canaan Smith, Kira Isabella, The Stellas with Lennon and Maisy, Mackenzie Porter, Dylan Scott, Small Town Pistols, Wes Mack, Trinity Bradshaw, The Lovelocks, Leah Daniels, Ty Baynton, Kaitlin Kozell, Them Dang Rattlers, Genevieve Fisher, Melissa Payne, Jesse Labelle, Kate Suhr, and Abby Stewart.  Boots and Hearts recently won the CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) Festival of the Year Award and continues to receive accolades from Canadian Music Week.  All tickets and camping offerings are currently available at www.bootsandhearts.com.

Rdio Becomes an Official Music Sponsor of the 2015 JUNO Awards

Today, The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts Sciences (CARAS) and Rdio (www.rdio.com) one of the world’s largest licensed music services, announced that it is an Official Music Sponsor of the 2015 JUNO Awards, celebrating the best in Canadian music. Rdio will be providing listeners with a rich content hub of curated stations and playlists to accompany this year’s JUNO Award nominees and winners. Additionally, some of Canada’s top artists such as Hedley (Dave Rosin), LIGHTS, Sam Roberts and Dallas Green of You+Me will be providing playlists specially curated for Rdio.

Rdio is also fully integrated into the official 2015 JUNO Awards App music experience. iOS and Android users who download the JUNO Awards app can preview songs from nominated artists and connect directly to Rdio to experience full tracks.

Inside of Rdio, listeners can experience a rich variety of exclusive JUNO-related programming. Follow the JUNO Awards account and listen to over 35 curated playlists related to award categories. A special ‘JUNO Radio Station’ category houses thematic stations around the evening’s most anticipated prizes.

Specific JUNO stations highlighting this year’s awards include:

Specific JUNO playlists highlighting some of this year’s JUNO Award nominees and performers include:

  • Single of the Year: The biggest hits from some of Canada’s hottest artists, which include Drake, Kiesza and MAGIC!
  • International Album of the Year: From Katy Perry to Sam Smith, listen to an international collection of albums that Canadians couldn’t stop listening to.
  • Artist of the Year: Celebrates some of Canada’s most shining musical stars, including The Weeknd, deadmau5 and Bryan Adams.
  • Breakthrough Artist of the Year: From Shawn Mendes to Mac DeMarco, this award honors artists who have made their mark over the year.

Fans can access the 2015 JUNO Award stations at www.rdio.com or directly from the JUNO Awards website at www.junoawards.ca. Follow @RdioCA for news on the ground during JUNO Week March 9-15. After The 2015 JUNO Awards Broadcast airs on Sunday, March 15, Rdio will also feature winner stations and exclusive Rdio content.

“Canada is one of our most important markets, so we’re thrilled to be an Official Sponsor for the most celebrated music awards in the country,” said Scott Bagby, President of International at Rdio. “These Rdio stations and playlists allow all Canadians to explore this year’s exceptional nominees beyond the actual awards show and experience Canada’s rich music culture in a new way.”

“From vinyl and 8-track to compact disc and downloads, the JUNOS have been there. This year, we are proud to be working with leading music streaming service Rdio,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards & MusiCounts. “Together, we aim to promote and foster discovery of the incredible artists our nation produces.”

Visit the 2015 JUNO Awards on Rdio here and tune in to the show on CTV on Sunday, March 15, broadcast live from Hamilton, Ontario. To listen to all of Rdio’s 2015 JUNO Award stations, both before and after the show, visit www.rdio.ca

Shad Joins Q on CBC Radio As Permanent Host

Q, CBC Radio One’s award-winning daily arts, culture and entertainment program, will have a fresh feel and a unique voice starting April 20th when it welcomes Shad (Shadrach Kabango) as the new permanent host. Shad will take over the host chair, working closely with the producers of Q to bring listeners the intelligent conversations around arts and entertainment they’ve come to expect from the popular program.

“Shad will bring a unique, thought-provoking voice to Q that we are confident will resonate with Canadians,” said Cindy Witten, interim executive director, Radio and Audio for English Services. “He is an extremely bright and accomplished artist with a broad range of interests and passions. I think the audience will be completely charmed by him.”

“Joining the Q team is an honour. My mission in music has always been to make a unique and positive contribution to culture and to people’s lives,” said Shad. “This is an exciting opportunity to pursue that same mission in a new way, alongside a brilliant, passionate team.”

Critically acclaimed Juno Award-winning rapper Shad is regarded for his humour, honesty and intelligence. Born in Kenya to Rwandan parents and relocated to Canada shortly after, he was raised in London, Ontario. The 32-year-old holds a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Simon Fraser University. His music has critics incorporating him into the dialogue among the well-regarded emcees in North America and has garnered him nods from the Juno Awards and Polaris Music Prize. With his new role at CBC’s Q, Shad can now add host to his resume.

Q is ranked as one of the more popular arts, culture and entertainment radio shows in Canada, with this season pulling in a larger average audience than last year. On CBC Radio One, Q is heard twice every weekday reaching 2.1 million listeners weekly across Canada.

Q airs weekdays on CBC Radio One at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. (10:30 NT), on Sirius XM at 10 a.m., 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. (ET) each day. In the U.S., Q is broadcast in 165 cities through PRI and reaches a weekly audience of just over 1 million people. Q TV, which features weekly highlights from the program, can be seen on CBC-TV on Sundays at 3 p.m. and Thursday nights at 1 a.m. All interviews and performances are also available for viewing on Q’s Youtube channel.

CEO of ASCAP on the need to reform how songwriters are paid

“Songwriters are the unsung heroes behind American music. Every song you hear comes from the heart and mind of a songwriter. Songwriters create the notes and lyrics on the page. This is the copyright in the musical composition that any artist can record. Unlike recording artists, however, most songwriters are not famous and they do not make money by touring and selling merchandise. Many songwriters do not have salaries, benefits and other reliable sources of income. They rely on public performance royalties to earn a living, feed their families and pay the rent.

“There have been seismic changes in the music landscape. People no longer buy the music they love, they stream it. Streaming services offer more choice and more consumer control. As a result, they require access to a massive variety of songs in order to provide users with an optimally tailored content experience. This means that the use of music has increased exponentially, but the payments have not followed. For a songwriter, this is a terrifying trend.”

– Elizabeth Matthews. CEO, ASCAP, on the need to reform the ASCAP consent decree that governs how songwriters are paid.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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