Canada's music landscape has taken a dramatic turn in 2025, with Morgan Wallen and Alex Warren dominating both album and song charts. The Luminate Year-End Music Report reveals that total album consumption hit 116.6 million, a 4.1% increase from the previous year. Canadian listeners are increasingly buying physical albums, such as vinyl records, which saw a 3% rise in sales.
Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem" was the top-selling album, while Alex Warren's "Ordinary" took the crown for most popular song across Canada. Taylor Swift's "The Life Of A Showgirl" and HUNTR/X's "Kpop Demon Hunters" cast also made significant appearances on the chart.
On the other hand, Canadian music non-profit and granting body FACTOR Canada is facing a major setback in its efforts to recover stolen funds. In July 2024, nearly $10 million was allegedly taken from the organization's account, but it appears that some individuals have managed to evade justice. An arrest warrant for business owner James Campagna has been issued, with the court stating that he has fled jurisdiction and is now living in Qatar.
Another major development in the Canadian music industry is the growing concern over Live Nation's dominance of the live music market. The Consumers Council of Canada has filed an application to challenge the merged company's anti-competitive practices, seeking substantial compensation for consumers, artists, and venues. If successful, this could lead to a significant shift in the way the entertainment industry operates.
As the Canadian music landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these developments impact fans and industry professionals alike. With growing concerns over artist control and consumer rights, it's clear that the music business is ripe for change.
Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem" was the top-selling album, while Alex Warren's "Ordinary" took the crown for most popular song across Canada. Taylor Swift's "The Life Of A Showgirl" and HUNTR/X's "Kpop Demon Hunters" cast also made significant appearances on the chart.
On the other hand, Canadian music non-profit and granting body FACTOR Canada is facing a major setback in its efforts to recover stolen funds. In July 2024, nearly $10 million was allegedly taken from the organization's account, but it appears that some individuals have managed to evade justice. An arrest warrant for business owner James Campagna has been issued, with the court stating that he has fled jurisdiction and is now living in Qatar.
Another major development in the Canadian music industry is the growing concern over Live Nation's dominance of the live music market. The Consumers Council of Canada has filed an application to challenge the merged company's anti-competitive practices, seeking substantial compensation for consumers, artists, and venues. If successful, this could lead to a significant shift in the way the entertainment industry operates.
As the Canadian music landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these developments impact fans and industry professionals alike. With growing concerns over artist control and consumer rights, it's clear that the music business is ripe for change.
like $10 million can't even be recovered from some dodgy business owner James Campagna who's living in Qatar? what even is the point of having laws if they're not being enforced?! 
and meanwhile Morgan Wallen is breaking records with his album "I'm the Problem" 
I get it, he's talented and all but can't we focus on fixing our broken system instead of just celebrating success? 
. His music just resonates with so many Canadians, you know? But what's really concerning me is the whole Live Nation thing... like, shouldn't they be supporting artists and venues instead of just making a ton of money off them 
. I mean, $10 million is just crazy! You'd think someone would be held accountable for this. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out and if change actually happens 
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. I feel bad for them and all the artists who are affected by this whole situation. It's crazy to think that people can just take funds from a non-profit org without anyone knowing 
I'm loving the new vibes in the Canadian music scene right now! It's awesome to see Morgan Wallen and Alex Warren killing the charts 
. Vinyl records are back, baby! 
But, on a more serious note, what's going on with FACTOR Canada? $10 million gone missing is some major drama 
And Live Nation's dominance of the live music market? Yeah, that's not cool at all 
. We need more competition and transparency in our entertainment industry. Artists deserve fair pay and creators deserve to keep their work in control. Let's make some noise for change! 
how this could impact the whole industry
it's a shame when funds go missing, especially for an org that supports artists 
... they're supposed to be a non-profit org helping other artists, not getting scammed themselves. And Live Nation's dominance? it feels like a total imbalance to me... as a fan, I want to go see my favorite band live without having some huge corporation making all the decisions 
. And can we talk about Live Nation's dominance in the live music market? It's time for some change, y'know? Artists and venues deserve better 
. Can't wait to see what the future holds for Canadian music