Did you know that Canada’s live music business (like Veld Music Festival!) is a multi-billion dollar industry? The artists and DJs aren’t just cultural icons, but they are also the country’s economic engines.
According to the Canadian Live Music Association’s Hear and Now (2023) report, the live music industry generated $10.92B in GDP through operations and tourism. This activity contributed $3.73B in tax revenue and supported 101,640 full-time jobs across the country.
Thus, soon, it will be officially the season of sun-soaked celebrations, and Canada is about to be bombarded with festivals of all kinds, from community events and film screenings to massive corporate gatherings.
Difference between a Music Festival and a Rave?
In the world of electronic music, music festivals are the mainstream and large-scale event, while rave is the subculture of the industry. Rave is rooted in the ‘underground,’ and is defined by the use of unconventional venues–think like abandoned warehouses, open fields, and even your friend’s basement (yes, host a rave now!).
Additionally, the rave scene thrives on its own unique community, strictly abiding by the PLUR philosophy (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect). This high-energy, high-PLUR vibe creates a space that feels worlds apart from the mainstream entertainment scene, all led by the “almighty source of beats”: the disc jockeys (DJs). Now you know what DJ stands for–not ‘dance jammer’ or ‘Dorothy Jones’.
Canadians dominating the global stage
For avid fans, following their favorite DJs across genres like House, Techno, and Bass is a lifestyle. While these stars dominate global stages, many don’t realize that some of the biggest names in the game are actually Canadian, namely:
Dana Vicci This Syrian-Canadian techno powerhouse, Dana Vicci is known for her uncompromising sound and her mission to push the boundaries of inclusivity. Her curated sets are a journey through otherworldly dimensions, fusing innovation with tradition to drive the genre forward.
- Festival Appearances: VELD, Hï Ibiza
Deadmau5 Hailing from Niagara Falls, deadmau5 is a progressive house titan and six-time Grammy nominee famous for his iconic mouse mask. As the mastermind behind Mau5trap, he has evolved from an underground innovator into a global leader of the “almighty source of beats.”
- Festival Appearances: VELD, Escapade, Ultra Music Festival
Loud Luxury This London, Ontario duo skyrocketed to international fame with their Diamond-certified smash hit “Body.” The JUNO Award winners continue to dominate the global dance scene with nearly 2 billion streams and high-energy vibes that define sun-soaked celebrations.
- Festival Appearances: VELD, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Tomorrowland
Rezz A JUNO-winning force from Niagara Falls, Rezz is the queen of hypnotic, “dark-hued” bass music. From sneaking into Toronto clubs as a teen to becoming a headlining titan, she has captivated a global cult following with her gritty, otherworldly soundscapes.
- Festival Appearances: VELD, Shambhala, Coachella
Zeds Dead Born and raised in Toronto, this JUNO-nominated duo pioneered the North American bass scene. From their underground roots in Toronto’s “Bassmentality” nights to founding the Deadbeats empire, they have spent a decade blending dubstep and hip-hop into a genre-defying legacy.
- Festival Appearances: Ilesoniq, Lollapalooza
Therefore, with all the support for the “Canadian products” movement, the live music industry should be no exception.
In fact, we have homegrown talents that have proven to the world that we are capable of breaking the internet, the scene, and literally even the ice (we’ve got ice all over the nation!). Just like the shows the world loves—Heated Rivalry, Schitt’s Creek, and Shoreline—let’s continue supporting these DJs, as we are all proudly Made in Canada!
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