AGP Executive Report

World Cup Fever (Canada): FIFA’s 2026 run is set to hit Toronto and Vancouver with 13 Canadian matches, and the buzz is already shaping travel and local plans. Music + Tech/Storytelling: Nova Scotia’s Mission_Watch, led by retired paramedic Shane Strong, is pushing cinematic alternative rock built from frontline trauma and AI-assisted production. Festival Spotlight (Ontario): NXNE returns June 10–14 with its biggest edition yet—300+ artists across 30+ Toronto venues for $49. Tour News: Charli XCX announces the North American “Music, Fashion, Film” arena tour (Toronto dates included), while Phoebe Bridgers adds extra stops including Toronto and Boston. Local Talent: Selkirk College’s Cris Cirin wins a Berklee scholarship via its Contemporary Music and Technology pathway. Global Pop: XG adds London and Paris dates to “The Core,” and demand-driven additions keep rolling for major acts.

Streaming Policy Shake-Up: Ottawa is set to direct the CRTC to roll back key Online Streaming Act demands, including foreign streamers’ funding requirements for Canadian local news and niche broadcasters. Small-Venue Big Star: Shania Twain kicked off a stripped-back London show for just 200 fans and debuted new single “Dirty Rosie,” previewing her July 24 album Little Miss Twain. Canadian Music Funding: The government also announced $600M support for Canada’s audio and audiovisual sectors, positioning culture as a policy priority amid streaming backlash. New Music Spotlight: Henry Lees released cinematic pop single “Into Your Orbit,” inspired by first love and Artemis II. Community & Pride: Toronto’s Walk with Israel drew an estimated 60,000 people, while Winnipeg’s Pride parade brought thousands despite heat warnings. World Cup Culture: North Vancouver’s Shipyards is set as a Soccer House hub, with nearby MONOVA and other walkable stops for fans. Local Talent: Henry Lees and The Beaches fan spotlight story highlight how Canadian artists connect with audiences.

World Cup Music & Culture: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, coverage spotlights the tournament’s soundtrack and star power, including Shakira’s “Waka Waka” and Nigeria’s Davido, Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr tied to official music moments. Canadian Live Music Calendar: Victoria Conservatory of Music announces a summer concert series (July 7–Aug. 22) featuring faculty and intensive-program performers, with a final spotlight on Canadian choral repertoire. Local Concert Series (Alberta): Diamond Valley’s Beneath the Arch lineup for 2026/27 is out, mixing roots, blues, bluegrass and contemporary/classical with support for young performers. Pop Spotlight: Drake’s “Janice STFU” stays at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a second week. Community Music: Winnipeg’s Serbian Days festival returns with food, music and dancing, drawing performers from multiple cultures. Tour Buzz: Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour opener has fans fixated on her ponytail “comeback.”

Pride in the Park: Thunder Pride Growing Together kicked off Pride Month at Friendship Gardens in Thunder Bay, with organizers stressing it’s a “safe space” for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, plus vendors, sponsors and performers. World Cup Music & Canada’s Role: FIFA is leaning hard into music for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Shakira and Burna Boy set to headline the opening ceremony and perform “Dai Dai,” while Canada is also part of separate opening celebrations across the three co-host countries. Local Fan Culture: Toronto’s FIFA build-up includes a June 10 Countdown Concert at Fort York and The Bentway (Bryan Adams, Nora Fatehi with DJ Sanjoy, Vegedream, AHI/Wyclef Jean), and Liberty Village is already expected to be a major watch-party hub. Community Live Music: Victoria’s James Bay hosts a Sunday Jazz Matinee with the Al Pease Quartet, and Qualicum Beach’s Eaglecrest Golf Club welcomes blues-rock band The Eclectics on June 13. Youth Music Spotlight: Bow Valley students earned top placements at the Alberta Provincial Music Festival in Edmonton, including piano and musical theatre honours.

Canadian Music Spotlight: Rush’s Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee talk about reigniting their creative spark and what it feels like to reconnect as friends and bandmates. Streaming Costs: A Canadian outlet reports the CRTC is raising the levy on online streaming services from 5% to 15%, pushing up the price of watching and listening. World Cup Soundtrack (Canada tie-in): FIFA’s “Dai Dai” opening-ceremony plan puts Shakira and Burna Boy front and centre, with Canada hosting match screenings and fan events across the country. Local Culture & Music Events: YMCA’s Multicultural Celebration in Grey Bruce brings live music, drumming, dance and food to Moreau Park in Thornbury. Community Music: Stratford Festival’s Meighen Forum lineup includes Pride Week programming and a moving, bus-based theatre experience.

World Cup Music Drop: FIFA’s official 2026 album lands with 45 artists across genres and continents, including Shakira, Burna Boy, Tyla, Jessie Reyez and 21 Savage, built for global pop, Latin, hip-hop and afrobeats fans. Canadian Live Scene: Vancouver’s new Freedom Mobile Arch opens as a major summer venue, with FIFA Fan Festival dates starting June 11 and PNE concerts resuming afterward. Tour News: Hawksley Workman adds an Oct. 30 Knox Hall show in Sudbury. Concert Watch: Phoebe Bridgers announces “The Lost Tour,” kicking off Sept. 15 in Indianapolis with North American dates before Europe. Local Festivals: Simcoe Street’s Outdoor Art Market returns with 90 artists lining the road. Music + Anime: SiM releases “FREEZE ME UP,” the opening theme for BLACK TORCH, and tees a North American tour this fall. Industry Tension: Musicians’ groups sue over alleged AI licensing practices by major labels. The Guess Who: Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman reunite as The Guess Who for the first time in 23+ years on their Takin’ It Back Tour.

World Cup Music in Canada: FIFA says Shakira and Burna Boy will debut “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 World Cup song, at the Mexico City opening ceremony June 11, with a star-studded lineup also tied to the tournament’s official album. Toronto Concert Spotlight: Pizza Nova is now the Official Pizza of Rogers Stadium, launching with Bruno Mars performances and setting up a summer of major touring acts at the GTA’s newest outdoor venue. Fall Tour Watch (Canada dates): Phoebe Bridgers announces The Lost Tour, including stops in Toronto and other North American cities, with tickets and presales rolling out in mid-June. Local Fundraising with Music: Sudbury’s Whiskey & Ivory pairs Zac Brown Band and Billy Joel hits for a June 26 show benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society. Community Culture: Saskatchewan marks Filipino Heritage Month with provincewide events highlighting Filipino music, dance and contributions. Montreal Summer Eats + Live Sound: Les Premiers Vendredis returns with 40+ food trucks, free admission and rotating global themes plus live DJs.

Canadian Music & Film: Shania Twain’s life story is officially headed to the big screen, with Sony Pictures developing a biopic titled Shania; Deadline reports Leah McKendrick will write and direct, and Twain is attached as a producer. Pride & Local Culture: Surrey Pride is back at Central City Plaza on June 20 (noon–6 p.m.), featuring drag, DJ sets, and performers including Music City Showcase artists. World Cup Meets Music: FIFA has unveiled its official World Cup 2026 album lineup, with Tyla joining via her collaboration with Future on “Game Time,” plus major global names across the tracklist. Music History Spotlight: A story on Neil Young’s Like a Hurricane revisits how the classic was written on a newspaper in a car during a 1975 jam session. Live Music Picks: Prism will headline Whitecourt’s Party in the Park on June 20, bringing classic Canadian rock and pop to Festival Park. Streaming Tax Update: Canada is walking back parts of its controversial streaming tax plan after concerns about higher costs for Canadians.

Shania Twain Biopic: Sony Pictures is developing “Shania,” a feature on the country-pop icon’s rise from Windsor, Ont., with Leah McKendrick directing and Twain producing. World Cup Music (Canada connection): Boi-1da’s Canada Soccer soundtrack album “What If It All Goes Right?” drops Friday, featuring Nelly Furtado and Tragically Hip members alongside a wide Canadian roster. FIFA World Cup Album Spotlight: FIFA’s official 2026 World Cup album lineup includes Canadian singer Nelly Furtado (with Major Lazer and Davido on “No Place Like Home”). Toronto Culture & Sport: Toronto will host six World Cup matches, including Canada’s first-ever home game on June 12. Local Live Music: Windsor, Ont. rock band Stone Luck headlines a June 6 show at The Boardwalk in Orangevale, Calif., with Babylon Gypsies and Madman Locomotive. Industry/Media: Bell Media unveils its 2026/27 English original slate (62 titles) plus a broader push across CTV and Crave. Community & Music: Earthworks Audio becomes Musora’s official microphone partner, supporting its online music education brands.

Canadian Music Policy: Canada announced a $600M yearly investment to stabilize and support music and audio-visual media as the Online Streaming Act debate heats up, responding to CRTC plans that could triple base contributions from big foreign streamers and large Canadian broadcasters. World Cup Soundtrack: FIFA unveiled the full Official FIFA World Cup 2026 album lineup, featuring Canadian-hosting nations in the mix and major artists including Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Shakira, Major Lazer, Nelly Furtado, Future, Tyla, Stormzy, Jessie Reyez, and more. Local World Cup Culture: Edmonton’s ICE District will host free World Cup watch parties for 97 matches, with Team Canada games included, plus food trucks, DJ sets, and family programming. New Canadian Release: Molly Johnson announced her album Talk To Me (June 26, Universal Music Canada), blending jazz/soul/R&B/pop with collaborations from Haviah Mighty, Jim Cuddy, and producer CUBE. Live Music Calendar: Ontario’s 2026 concert slate is already stacking, with ticketing and streaming options highlighted for fans planning ahead.

World Cup Music: FIFA has confirmed Davido as a headline for the June 10 Countdown Concert at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, with Diplo’s Major Lazer also on the bill, and performances linked live with Toronto and Mexico City. New Canadian Releases: Citizen have shared “Halcyon Blues,” the title track from their upcoming sixth album (Aug. 7), with a Toronto stop at Danforth Music Hall Theatre on Aug. 25. Quebec Music on TikTok: MusiquePlus is relaunching on TikTok starting June 11, bringing back the Francophone music brand with a new VJ/creator roster. Local Festival Buzz: Taste of Little Italy returns to Toronto’s College Street (June 12–14) with free admission, live DJs, and World Cup watch parties. Canadian Live Music: Home County Music & Art Festival in Victoria Park (July 24–25) unveils headliners The Halluci Nation and The Rural Alberta Advantage, plus Valdy. Music Education Wins: MusicFest Canada’s Nationals saw multiple Simcoe County District School Board ensembles bring home medals and awards.

School Music Wins: Simcoe County District School Board students swept MusicFest Canada’s The Nationals, with Bear Creek and Innisdale collecting multiple ensemble medals and choral honours. Tragedy at a Festival: Families in Fergus and Cambridge are asking for help after hit-and-run incidents involving people leaving Meadows Music Festival events, with police seeking witnesses and dashcam/CCTV footage. Canadian Rock Spotlight: Triumph drummer/co-vocalist Gil Moore talks the band’s Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded 50th anniversary reunion tour. New Local Venue: Cambridge’s The Vill and The Village Social open as an intimate music-and-events space in Hespeler Village. Major Canadian Music Moment: The Guess Who’s restored lineup with Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman continues its tour, including a Toronto Scotiabank Arena stop. Techno in B.C.: Anyma’s ÆDEN lands in West Vancouver for the inaugural Soulrise Music Festival, with a full lineup of electronic acts. Global Pop News: Celine Dion adds 10 more Paris dates after overwhelming ticket demand. Community Pride: Pride celebrations kick off across Ontario, with multiple events planned beyond Toronto.

Canadian Tour Buzz: Mastodon are back with “Your Ghost Again” and a fall North American run with Deafheaven and Alcest, including stops in Montreal (Sept. 27) and Toronto (Sept. 28). New Album Rollout: Death Cab for Cutie share “Stone Over Water” ahead of I Built You A Tower (June 5) and continue their North American tour this summer. Canadian Live-Scene Spotlight: CORTIS announce their first North American tour, kicking off Aug. 4 in Toronto, with tickets via COER presale June 9. Festival Watch: DESIFEST returns for its 20th anniversary with a free two-day, all-Canadian lineup at Sankofa Square (June 19–20). Indie/Alt Picks: NPR’s New Music Friday highlights new releases including Boards of Canada’s Inferno and Iceage’s For Love of Grace the Hereafter. Tech + Music: RVezy marks 10 years with a Canada-wide promo ($100 off delivery bookings through June 15).

World Cup Soundtrack Buzz: Fans are already latching onto unofficial team songs and chants ahead of the 2026 tournament, with standout tracks like Jordan’s “Hina Jeena” and Morocco’s “Achkid” pointing to how football culture turns into music culture. Big Pop Crossover: Taylor Swift confirms she wrote an original Toy Story 5 song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” due June 5. Canadian Live Music Calendar: White Rock’s free Concerts at the Pier returns for its 10th anniversary with Barra MacNeils (June 25), Faber Driver (July 9), Doug and the Slugs (July 23) and Spoons (Aug 27). Canada Day at Canada Place: The Strumbellas headline the July 1 celebration with live music, cultural programming and a citizenship ceremony. K-pop Tour News: Cortis announces its first international tour, including Canadian and U.S. dates after Lollapalooza Chicago. Rock Throwback: Sum 41 announces a 25th anniversary reissue of All Killer No Filler (July 24) with unreleased live tracks. Festival Spotlight: Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival returns July 17-18 with an all-Canadian lineup featuring The Tea Party, Paul Langlois, ODDS, Hawksley Workman and The Wolves.

Canadian Music & Culture: Céline Dion adds 10 more Paris shows to her comeback residency, with a TV drama about her early life (“Growing Up Dion”) also in the works. Chart Watch: Drake keeps stacking global records—his new era pushes him past Taylor Swift for the most Billboard Global 200 top 10s, while “Janice STFU” starts at No. 1. Canadian Spotlight: A Montreal student from the DRC says she was blocked from returning due to Ebola-related travel restrictions, despite submitting paperwork to qualify. Live Music & Tours: A$AP Rocky extends his European run into October, and Gracie Abrams announces a huge 64-date “Look at My Life” tour across North America, Canada, the UK and Europe. Industry/Tech: Canada-based payout platform Trolley expands instant global payments with Thunes, aiming to help creators and businesses pay worldwide faster. Local Scene: Nanaimo council debates options to limit construction noise, especially evenings and weekends. World Cup + Music Events: Vancouver’s FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park and Granville Island’s watch party plan bring live music and big-screen viewing to the tournament crowd.

Canadian Screen Awards: “Heated Rivalry” made history at the Canadian Screen Awards, landing a record 16 wins, including audience choice, best drama series, and best lead performer for Hudson Williams. More Canadian TV wins: CBC/Netflix’s “North of North” took best comedy series and best lead performer for Anna Lambe, while “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” won best motion picture. Live music & community: Kelowna’s Creative Aging Festival returns June 13–19 with workshops, performances, and a June 17 mural unveiling at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. New Canadian releases: Veteran blues artist Danny Marks drops “Back to the Blues,” a 13-track collection reflecting on decades in the genre. Classical spotlight: Canadian cellist Leland Ko placed third at the Queen Elisabeth Competition, with Kim Tae-yeon winning second prize. Global music buzz: Burna Boy and Shakira are finishing “Dai Dai,” the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem.