The 2019 JUNO Awards and JUNO Week have once again been designated Licensed To Play with SOCAN, standing up with host city London, Ontario, for fair and legal music licensing for music creators and publishers.

After confirming that more than 20 live music venues – where more than 100 acts will play in the JUNO Week festival – are licensed with SOCAN, JUNO Week was given a special Licensed To Play designation.

The City of London has already stood up, and continues to do so, for fair remuneration for songwriters, composers, and music publishers: All of its city-owned recreational facilities – including community halls, swimming pools, arenas, and other recreational services – are licensed with SOCAN.

“London has a vibrant and diverse music community that supports national partners and industry. Having JUNO Fest venues Licensed to Play through SOCAN demonstrates the dedication of London’s music scene to fully support live music,” said Cory Crossman, Music Industry Development Officer, Culture Office, City of London.

“The Licensed To Play designation is a badge of honour that shows that the JUNOs, and London, are committed to being an ethical and legal part of the Canadian music ecosystem,” said SOCAN CEO Eric Baptiste. “Music rights and fair licensing are a partnership, and it’s gratifying to see that the JUNOs, the JUNO Week venues, and the City of London share SOCAN’s commitment to do what’s right for those who create and publish music.”

Licensed To Play is a long-term program that encourages businesses to show that music is an instrumental aspect of the customer experience. Collectively, music licensing provides a major part of songwriters’, composers’, and music publishers’ livelihoods through royalties. It’s a vital aspect of Canada’s music ecosystem.

This is the third time that JUNO Week has been declared officially Licensed To Play by SOCAN. Canadian Music Week, the City of Hamilton, the East Coast Music Awards, BreakOut West, and M for Montréal have also received the special designation since the Licensed To Play program launched in 2014.