BKonthescene

Interviews By Jesse Read &Photography By Wayne Baggs

On September 24, 2024, the 34th SOCAN Awards honoured the outstanding achievements of Canada’s most accomplished songwriters, composers and music publishers over the past 2 years. The SOCAN Awards returned The Song & Score Week in Toronto – a week-long program of celebration and education for emerging and established music creators and publishers.

The 2024 SOCAN Special Achievement Winners:

Arkells – Amongst Canada’s most celebrated rock bands, Arkells have captivated audiences with their infectious energy, and socially conscious lyrics. Their commitment to crafting music that resonates with listeners has earned them a place in the hearts of fans around the world. In recognition of their outstanding impact on the Canadian music landscape, Arkells will be celebrated with the SOCAN National Achievement Award.

K’naan – “Wavin’ Flag” became an anthem for freedom that spanned the entire planet. With special releases from Brazil to Japan, Mongolia to Haiti, and Nigeria to Sri Lanka, it has touched billions of people around the world and resonates as profoundly today as it did when K’naan first wrote it 15 years ago. For its global and lasting impact, K’naan will be presented with the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award.

Tobias Jesso Jr. – Grammy-winning songwriter, Tobias Jesso Jr. has written hits for global superstars including Adele, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Shawn Mendes and most recently Dua Lipa (“Houdini”), and Daniel Caesar (“Always”). Jesso Jr. took the world by storm in 2023 and for his contributions, he will be receiving the SOCAN International Achievement Award.

Keith Power – 2024 saw Power add six-time SOCAN Screen Composer of the Year to his long list of accolades. The multifaceted composer has created the scores for some of the most successful network television series including Magnum P.I., Heartland and The Way Home.

Drake – His impact on modern music is unparalleled, as he continues to set trends and reshape the boundaries of rap, R&B, and pop music. His unmistakable influence on the music industry and songwriting prowess have earned him the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year – Performer Award.

Lauren Spencer Smith – Spencer Smith has emerged as a powerful new voice in Canadian music after achieving global notoriety for the hit “Fingers Crossed.” While the song gained traction on TikTok, she has earned critical acclaim and continues to captivate audiences with her raw, honest songwriting. Spencer Smith will be honoured with the SOCAN Breakout Songwriter Award.

Caleb and Brian Chan – Rising stars in the industry, the Chan brothers are captivating audiences by blending traditional orchestration with modern sounds. Their extraordinary talent and fresh perspectives have earned them this year’s SOCAN Breakout Composer Award.

The 2024 SOCAN Awards featured live performances by Jade Eagleson, LU KALA, Nemahsis,   Noeline Hofmann, Sebastian Gaskin, Strings From Paris, and special performance of K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag”.