So are we all familiar with this program? It’s a show on MuchMusic that finds unsigned bands spending a week with "The Guru," Greig Nori (former Treble Charger frontman and current industry heavyweight behind bands like Sum 41, etc.) and then performing for a panel of four judges from the Canadian industry (all of whom have contributed or been featured in CM at some point). Anyhow, the band gets a made-for-TV whirlwind tour of the industry, perform a song for the judges, and are then told whether they should break up (disBAND) or if they "have what it takes" to become "platinum-selling MuchMusic artists."

The show is responsible for Stereos’ quick rise to fame, and this season, gave Street Pharmacy a push, found Abandon All Ships signed to Underground Operations/Rise Records, San Sebastia working with The Agency Group and Last Gang Management, and now These Kids Wear Crowns have signed a worldwide deal with Capitol/EMI Canada.

My question: is this show doing right by the Canadian music industry and music fans?

Just a reminder that the 15th Annual Honey Jam Artist Showcase will be taking place in Toronto, Sunday, August 15 at the MOD Club. Doors open at 7p.m for this multicultural, multi-genre, all-female showcase. Advance tickets can be picked-up at Play De Record at 357 Yonge Street for $20 or they can be purchased at the door for $25.
For more information including the artist line-up, visit www.honeyjam.com.

Arcade Fire are lighting it up.
Last weekend the Montreal indie-rockers latest offering, The Suburbs, debuted at the number one position on the British album charts. This week saw the band knock-off Eminem

The world of record deals is changing.
During the heydays, a label would sign a band, make a record and then collect revenue based on a percentage of the record sales. The band or artists would then be free to generate income from alternate revenue streams including: touring, merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements ect