Andrew deWaard – The Conversation

The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) has launched a lawsuit against an AI music generation platform. Singer-songwriter Allison Russell performs in honour of Joni Mitchell at the 2025 SOCAN awards in Toronto, on Sept. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

September 15, 2026

AI music lawsuits raise questions about American companies and Canadian arts

Brian Fauteux, University of Alberta; Andrew deWaard, University of California, San Diego, and Brianne Selman, University of Winnipeg

A recent survey of working musicians in Canada points to a growing discontent about AI in music, and points to how we could gain a music industry that allows Canadian music to flourish.

Tobi accepts the Juno Award for Rap Album/EP of the Year during the Juno Awards in Edmonton on March 13, 2023. Tobi is among the many Juno-nominated and Juno-recognized artists who have received grants partly funded by Canadian radio profits. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey

March 14, 2023

Junos 2023 reminds us how Canadian content regulations and funding supports music across the country

Brian Fauteux, University of Alberta; Andrew deWaard, University of California, San Diego, and Brianne Selman, University of Winnipeg

Here’s how radio Canadian content policy started, and how Canadian legislation, C-11, could contribute to supporting and growing home-grown music in the digital era.

Neil Young isn’t the first artist to speak out about musicians’ relationships with large streaming servies. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Invision - Amy Harris

February 21, 2022

Artists’ Spotify criticisms point to larger ways musicians lose with streaming — here’s 3 changes to help in Canada

Brian Fauteux, University of Alberta; Andrew deWaard, University of California, San Diego, and Brianne Selman, University of Winnipeg

A Spotify boycott wouldn’t fix the working conditions of most musicians. Fostering a more equitable, community-based music culture requires changing how we listen to music and support its production.

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