We all know which Canadian songs are overplayed (ahem, Nickelback), but how are our home-grown musicians doing abroad? Well, according to SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers in Canada), Carly Rae Jepsen, Bryan Adams and Magic! were getting airplay and international tour ticket sales across the globe in 2014.
With international revenues from Canadian-created music exceeding $55-million in 2014, the performing rights organization confirmed that it was another record-breaking year for Canadian-made music performed outside of the country, topping the previous high set in 2013 (SOCAN). “The popularity of the work of Canada’s songwriters and composers continues to rise worldwide,” said SOCAN International Relations Vice President Catharine Saxberg in a press release. “Last year’s increase in international revenue is proof that our music creators resonate around the globe, and that SOCAN is doing even better at the complicated job of tracking international use of music, while expanding our capabilities by attracting top talent and building valuable partnerships with our music rights counterparts worldwide.”
The United States is by far the country where Canadian-created music is played most, with 36% of the international share. After the U.S., the countries generating the highest international earnings for SOCAN-member created music include:
– France, second, generating $6.7-million in royalties for Canadian music creators.
– The United Kingdom, which continues to be a hotbed for Canadian musicians. Collections totaling $5.4-million last year, followed by Brazil ($3.7-million) and Germany ($3.3-million).
– The largest percentage increase on any foreign country is in Brazil, where royalties for SOCAN members are up 36 percent. Revenue generated from Australia continues to increase, with an annual growth rate of nearly eight percent.
Drake, The Guess Who, Tom Cochrane, Leonard Cohen, and Alannah Myles also enjoyed success abroad.
(And, according to The Canadian Press, Nickelback’s popularity outside of Canada is nothing to balk at, especially in Brazil, where their tunes “Far Away,” “How You Remind Me” and “Photograph” occupied Nos. 4 through 6 on the chart, while “Someday” was eighth and their “Savin’ Me” rounded out the South American country’s Top 10.)
Photo: Macguyver/WENN.com
