This week in music: everything you need to know, exclusive live performances, and the best new songs.

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CBC Music – Listen Up!

Saturday, August 23, 2025

CBC Music – Listen Up!

Saturday, August 23, 2025

 

Neil Young has always been one to take a firm stance, whether for environmental or social causes, and his most recent crusade is against Meta (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) and its AI chatbots. 

On Aug. 14, Reuters published a review of Meta’s AI chatbot policy that found the program was permitted to have “sensual” conversations with children. Meta spokesperson, Andy Stone, told Reuters "the examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed."

Young’s team posted a statement saying, “Meta's use of chatbots with children is unconscionable. Mr. Young does not want a further connection with Facebook." A similar statement was posted to Young’s Instagram account.

Neil Young
 
 

The Weeknd hit that almost didn't make it on Beauty Behind the Madness

 
The Weeknd
 

It was the song that changed the trajectory of his career — can you guess which one?

 
 

Beverly Glenn-Copeland covers Marvin Gaye, and 4 more songs you need to hear this week

 
BVG SYNTH
 

Last week, Beverly Glenn-Copeland released a sparse and beautiful cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 song, What’s Going On. The questions about society and life Gaye was asking in the ‘70s still ring true, as Glenn-Copeland said in a statement: “Listen to his introspective lyrics. Dance to his soulful grooves. Get yourself alive in the hands of a master and heed his call." Check out more new music from Kaytranada, Jade LeMac, TheHonestGuy, Kyle Wildfern and Chris LaRocca.

 
 

Watch Neil Young and Chrome Hearts rock out at Budweiser Stage

 
Neil Young
 

The band gave an impassioned rendition of Ohio, a protest song that Neil Young composed for Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1970 in reaction to the Kent State massacre.

 
 

How Saya Gray crafted her eclectic debut album, Saya

 
Saya Gray
 

On the latest episode of The Ten, CBC Music’s deep dive into each album shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, host Odario Williams was joined by fellow CBC Music host Damhnait Doyle and CBC Music writer Kelsey Adams to break down Saya Gray’s monumental and innovative debut.

 
 

Catching up with Christina Smith

 
Christina Smith
 

The opera singer gushes about FKA Twigs and shares an update on her viral TikTok soundbite. 
 

 
 

Watch Raven Reid and Wiidaaseh light up the Reverie stage

 
Raven Reid
 

Cree folk singer Raven Reid and Anishinabek rapper Wiidaaseh were part of the 2024 Reverie Indigenous Music residency cohort. They shared the music they created during the residency at a showcase at the TD Allied Centre. 

 
 

Listen to music recorded in unconventional spaces and places

 
Forest running
 

Bedrooms, garages, state-of-the-art studios — these are some of the more conventional places musicians record music. But not all musicians go that route. On this episode of Frequencies, you’ll hear songs recorded in some pretty unusual spaces and places. A cave in Switzerland, a forest in northern Estonia and a garden in Tehran.

 
 

Thanks so much for joining us for this issue of Listen Up! If you loved it, feel free to let us know at listenup@cbc.ca — and use the same email if you have questions or suggestions. Please share it with your friends, family and even enemies via cbc.ca/listenup.

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