A recap of the Billboard Canada Power Players celebration at NXNE, featuring surprise appearances, emotional tributes, and honors for influential behind-the-scenes figures in Canadian music.
The most influential leaders in Canada's music industry gathered at the exclusive celebration for Billboard Canada Power Players at Toronto's Rebel on June 10, as part of NXNE.
It was a prestigious night filled with impactful and emotional remarks, heartfelt tributes, and one historic, and strange, surprise honour to close the festivities. The event brought together executives, managers, and artists from across the country to recognize those shaping the Canadian music landscape. The highlight of the evening was the unexpected appearance of Angine de Poitrine, a Quebec-based math rock duo known for their polka-dot costumes and otherworldly language.
Following a viral KEXP performance in February, the pair had skyrocketed into international fame, selling over 100,000 tickets worldwide and amassing 16 million views online. When their names were announced for the Billboard Canada Global Breakthrough Award, presented by FACTOR, the room buzzed with curiosity. True to their artistry, the two members took the stage in full black-and-white polka dot costumes as their music played, walked to the microphone, and remained silent.
After a tense pause, Khn de Poitrine reached up and touched his hat, triggering a burst of black-and-white confetti that showered the audience. Then, they exited without a word, having delivered one of the most memorable moments of the night. The evening also honored two icons of the live music industry for their decades-long devotion to Canadian artists.
The co-president of Paquin Artists Agency, a veteran talent agency, received a special award for her work in representing major acts and advocating for fair compensation. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized the importance of community over personal achievements: 'When you are surrounded by people who share your values and challenge each other to be better, you discover that leadership is less about pursuing your personal achievements and more about helping others find theirs.
' She also highlighted the ongoing work to ensure creators are fairly compensated in the age of AI. Meanwhile, Meg Symsyk, a key figure at FACTOR, was recognized for her leadership during a challenging period that included a lawsuit settlement with Scotiabank. Throughout it all, she ensured that the music funder continued and even expanded its support for Canadian artists.
The celebration continued the next day at SOUNDSTAGE with the Billboard Canada Managers to Watch event, spotlighting the behind-the-scenes heroes who elevate artists. National editor Richard Trapunski opened the ceremony by praising managers as 'the unsung heroes of the music industry.
' A surprise appearance came from Daniel Caesar, who flew straight from Thailand to honor his longtime managers, Burnett and Evans. Caesar gave each a powerful hug, leaving Evans teary-eyed, and spoke of their adventure together: 'We're in the middle of an adventure and I love it so much. If I could bottle up that feeling, I would pay every cent I have to give that feeling to the people I love.
' Burnett joked about their two-decade partnership, calling it 'each other's most successful relationship,' and gave credit to Canadian producer Boi-1da for their start. He praised Caesar's ability to captivate any audience and emphasized that the core principle of management is care. The event also named Collin, manager of Angine de Poitrine, as Manager on the Rise for his role in the band's breakthrough.
In his remarks, he said, 'I think we can be proud of the music without compromise and I hope that it will help build bridges.
' Overall, the two nights showcased the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting Canadian talent in an ever-evolving industry
Please follow us on Google to support us Billboard Canada Angine De Poitrine Daniel Caesar Music Industry Managers
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bears' Mini-Camp Day Two Recap: New Faces, Intense Coach, and Competitive PlayersA recap of day two of the Bears' mandatory mini-camp, featuring new faces on defense, a veteran offensive lineman trying to regain his footing, and a new safety making a good first impression with his head coach.
Read more »
Most Crime Guns in Canada Originated in Canada, Report ShowsThe Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) report indicates that most crime guns recovered and traced in Canada originated in Canada. The report also shows that 71% of domestically sourced long guns, 17% of smuggled handguns, 9% of domestically sourced handguns, and 2% of smuggled long guns were traced. Sixty-seven of the traced guns were 'ghost guns'. The RCMP successfully traced 6,951 firearms in 2024, with 86% of them being domestically sourced and 14% being smuggled.
Read more »
Canada Player Ratings vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina: Canada Collects First-Ever World Cup PointCyle Larin’s late goal led Canada to secure a historic result on a historic date.
Read more »
Cyle Larin Rescues Canada’s World Cup Opener, Says ‘I Score When Canada Needs Me’Late substitute Cyle Larin scored in the 78th minute and co-host Canada earned its first point in its third World Cup appearance — and first on home soil — by rallying for a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Read more »