AP Dhillon’s new major label deal is off to a good start.
The Punjabi-Canadian artist’s first single on Republic Records, released “in alliance with” Universal Music Canada, has debuted at No. 53 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100.
“Old Money” is a catchy and replayable mix song with lyrics that translate to something reminiscent of post-breakthrough Drake: “Every girl wants to know how I’m doing / ever since they realized my worth.”
But what elevates the song into full blockbuster is its music video, which reunites two major movie stars for a cinematic homage to the ’90s action films from India that Dhillon grew up watching. Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt star in the video alongside Dhillon and his longtime collaborator Shinda Kahlon in an epic and bloody short film complete with car-chases and gunfights (it ends with the message, “Say no to violence”).
Dhillon isn’t the only star from India making moves on the Canadian Hot 100. “Big Dawgs” from Hanumankind and Kalmi moves into the top 10 this week, hitting No. 9 at the same time it also hits No. 9 on the Global 200 and No. 8 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart. Punjabi-Canadian artist Karan Aujla‘s debut Bollywood soundtrack single “Tauba Tauba” also holds on the Canadian Hot 100 at No. 81. The Punjabi Wave is in full force.
Head here for a full breakdown of this week’s Canadian Hot 100. – Richard Trapunski
Charlotte Cardin, Jully Black and More to Perform at Billboard Canada Women in Music 2024
Billboard Canada Women in Music is loading up with talent for the Sept. 7 celebration in Toronto.
Guest of honour Alanis Morissette will appear at the event alongside other stars including Jessie Reyez, and they’ll be joined by some big live performances.
Montreal singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin will take a rare break from her world tour during a breakthrough year with charting hits from “Confetti” to “99 Nights” and performances at the NBA All-Star game and for Justin Trudeau and Joe Biden.
Jully Black is planning a special cover for the event. The celebrated R&B/soul artist, who has collaborated with artists like Nas and Kardinal Offisshall, has been repping Canada for decades, and is now being embraced by new generations of fans.
Breakout pop singer LU KALA will accept her Rising Star award at the ceremony, and she’ll also grace the stage for a performance of her empowering pop hits. Acclaimed Toronto hip-hop artist Haviah Mighty will co-host the Billboard Canada Women in Music event and also bring the energy in a performance of her own.
A pair of fast-rising singers will also get a spotlight. Juno-winning Montreal artist Rêve has hit the Billboard charts a number of times with her infectious dance-pop hits, and was also named Billboard’s Dance Artist of the Month. Soulful Plains Cree and Salish singer Tia Wood released her first single, “Dirt Roads,” just two months ago, but already has a dedicated audience of fans who’ve been following her on her popular TikTok account.
Tickets to attend Billboard Canada Women in Music are available for purchase here.
Former Just For Laughs Executive Christine Melko Ross Joins Live Entertainment Company Outback Presents
A former executive at Just For Laughs is taking her expertise to another major live entertainment promoter.
Christine Melko Ross will be the new senior vp of global operations at Nashville-based Outback Presents, taking charge of expanding the company’s Canadian footprint.
Melko Ross was with Just for Laughs (JFL) for 23 years, before the Montreal comedy company filed for creditor protection earlier this year to avoid bankruptcy and laid off the majority of its staff. At JFL, Melko Ross helped launch the Toronto edition of the Just for Laughs festival, built up the company’s touring division, and was integral to its flagship Montreal festival’s operations.
In Canada, Outback isn’t as high-profile as a comedy brand, but the company placed No. 6 on Billboard‘s year-end Box Score promoters list for 2023 and is handling upcoming tours from comedians like Shane Gillis, Bill Burr and Jim Gaffigan.
Melko Ross tells Billboard Canada she’s excited to help Outback grow its presence in Canada, and not just in major markets like Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
“Canadians love to laugh so we want to make sure that they’re entertained from coast to coast,” she says. “There’s lots of opportunity to do things in smaller places.” She highlights cities like Victoria and Regina and emphasizes that the Maritimes are often overlooked by touring acts.
“They’re great audiences — Halifax has five universities in it. That’s a growing market.”
It’s a tricky time for the live performance industry. Many festivals and venues, JFL amongst them, are facing existential threats from a combination of factors: lost revenue during the pandemic, rising overhead costs, and audiences that are slow to get back in their seats.
But Melko Ross says comedy fans have been coming to shows in droves.
“I think it’s gonna continue growing,” she adds. “I do think that that’s one area of the arts that has been very strong.”
JFL itself was revived in a smaller form this summer when Quebec comedy company ComediHa! acquired its assets. The new owner put on a renamed edition of the festival featuring Dane Cook and Bassem Youssef.
“It’s a brand that many of us hold dear to our heart, so hopefully the spirit of that remains,” Melko Ross says of JFL. – Rosie Long Decter
