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Billie Eilish Joins the Race for the Song of the Summer with "Birds of a Feather"

June 18, 2024

As summer draws near, the race for the season's signature song heats up. Just when it seemed like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was poised to dominate, Billie Eilish has thrown her hat into the...

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The Decline of Pop and Club Music in the Era of Sadness

June 18, 2024

Pop and club music used to be the anthems of good times. From the infectious beats of the late '90s and early 2000s to the party-ready hits that defined the early 2010s, these genres once...

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Glass Animals Are Trapped In an Airlock on New Single and Video

June 18, 2024

“YOU BLEW ME to stardust,” Glass Animals lead singer Dave Bayley sings on the U.K. band’s latest single “Tear in Space (Airlock).” The tantalizing track swirls with synths over a pulsating beat as...

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Blackpink’s Lisa Teases New Solo Music

June 18, 2024

A couple of months ago, Blackpink’s Lisa signed a solo deal with RCA, and now it looks like she hopes to release new music soon. An Instagram Story on her official account links to pre-save links...

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Central Cee's "Band4Band": Setting Records and Redefining UK Rap

June 15, 2024

UK rapper Central Cee has made headlines with his latest single, "Band4Band," achieving the fastest-selling rap single of the year. This milestone not only cements his status as one of the most...

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Bon Jovi's Triumphant Return: Reflecting on 40 Years with “Forever”

June 15, 2024

Forty years after they ran away with our hearts and into rock history, Bon Jovi is back with a reflective new album, Forever, taking stock of all the boys from New Jersey have accomplished.

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Kaytranada: A Decade of Dancefloor Domination and Timeless Sound

June 15, 2024

A decade on from his breakthrough Boiler Room DJ set, Canadian producer Kaytranada has cemented himself as a dance music powerhouse. His work blends the worlds of underground electronic sounds and...

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Central Cee: The New Voice of British Drill

June 15, 2024

Central Cee, born Oakley Neil H.T. Caesar-Su on June 4, 1998, in Shepherd's Bush, London, has swiftly emerged as one of the most prominent voices in the UK drill scene. With his raw lyricism...

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Preparing for the 11th Dimension: Reflections and New Beginnings

June 15, 2024

Believe it or not, it’s already been a decade since the SoundCloud rap era first ignited, and we’re seeing the lasting impact of the moshpit-dwelling artists who defined the movement...

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AURORA Ponders Life, Death, and the Heart in New Album

June 15, 2024

Norwegian alt-pop sensation AURORA is set to release her highly anticipated fifth album, "What Happened To The Heart?" Following a series of successful projects—2016's "All My Demons Greeting Me....

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Tate McRae: Dancing to the Beat of Her Drum

June 7, 2024

Tate McRae, born on July 1, 2003, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has swiftly risen to fame as one of the most exciting young talents in the music industry today...

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Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter": A Bold Reinvention in Music

June 7, 2024

Beyoncé has once again proven why she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry with the release of her latest album, "Cowboy Carter."

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Why are female artists underplayed on Canadian radio?

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A new University of Ottawa study has revealed a stark disparity in the airplay of music by women, particularly racialized and trans artists, on commercial Canadian radio over the past decade. This significant underrepresentation highlights ongoing issues within the industry regarding diversity and inclusivity. Today on Commotion, principal investigator and professor Jada Watson, alongside Cree country artist Desiree Dorion, join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss the study's findings and explore potential paths forward for the industry.

Professor Jada Watson, who led the study, delves into the data that underscores the systemic inequities faced by women, especially those from marginalized communities, in gaining airplay on commercial radio. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these biases to create a more equitable musical landscape. "Our findings are a call to action for the industry to reflect on its practices and actively work towards greater representation and support for underrepresented artists," Watson asserts.

Desiree Dorion, bringing her perspective as an Indigenous artist, shares her personal experiences and the challenges she has faced in getting her music heard. She speaks to the broader implications of the study, highlighting the need for structural changes within the industry to ensure that diverse voices are not just heard but celebrated. Dorion's insights underscore the necessity of industry-wide efforts to promote inclusivity, from programming decisions to support for emerging artists from marginalized backgrounds. Together with Amil Niazi, the discussion aims to shed light on actionable steps that can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative music industry in Canada.