Hi, fellow music fans!

We’ve been talking about the new Lilith Fair documentary for a while now, but festival founder Sarah McLachlan was in the news for a different reason this week: in true Lilith Fair spirit, she cancelled the performances at the film’s U.S. premiere “in support of free speech.”

The singer shared the statement during an increasing boycott against Disney, which owns the company that distributes McLachlan’s documentary, after Jimmy Kimmel's suspension. Since then, Kimmel has been (somewhat) reinstated, and McLachlan performed one of her new songs, Better Broken, on his show.

Another Canadian icon ruled the news in the latter half of the week: Anne Murray will get an evening of tributes at the Opry House on Oct. 27, with performances by musicians including k.d. lang, Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride. Murray, who turned 80 this summer, will also take part.
 

The history of Lilith Fair in 5 songs

In 1997, Lilith Fair made history with its all-women lineup that included Sheryl Crow, Indigo Girls, Tracy Chapman and more. It was a celebration of women artists in an industry largely run by men, and we sat down with Sarah McLachlan to break down the history of Lilith Fair in five songs.

How Jeremy Dutcher balanced 'beauty and horror' on their 1st feature film score

When Mi'kmaq filmmaker Bretten Hannam asked Polaris- and Juno-winning Wolastoqiyik composer Jeremy Dutcher to create the score for his latest movie, Sk+te'kmujue'katik (At the Place of Ghosts), Dutcher found it was meaningful "to have somebody trust you enough to put your sounds around [their] world."

Have you heard of recession pop?

When the economy is tanking and people just want to dance their problems away, this is the type of music that takes over the charts.

How to listen to CBC Music's ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl Come Toward the Fire special

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC Music will present ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (Come Toward the Fire) for the fourth consecutive year, featuring performances from folk singer-songwriter Wyatt C. Louis, folk-pop singer Fontine, alt-rock band Ombiigizi and powwow and round dance drum and singing group Northern Cree. 

Lorde brings her Ultrasound tour to Toronto

The New Zealand pop star released her fourth album, Virgin, earlier this year, featuring song-of-the-summer contender What Was That, and CBC Music happily went to her Toronto show.

Lou Val's earwormy bop, and 4 more songs you need to hear this week

On the head-bopping track Love Language, co-produced by Soran and Samant, Lou Val asks, "If love is what I found, shouldn't I give her all that I'm bound to have?" Despite the emotional conundrum described in the lyrics, the production on Love Language is brimming with levity and joy, with the bright synths, jammy piano and vibrant drums providing a compelling contrast to Lou Val's existential pondering — and it’s one of this week’s must-hear tracks.

Did you know? We have a new playlist for our weekly column of songs you need to hear, and it has some bonus tracks on it.

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.