In Canada: Music Industry’s Next Generation Unites for Billboard Canada’s First 40 Under 40 Event

Canada's music scene was abuzz with excitement as the country's next generation of industry leaders gathered for Billboard Canada's inaugural 40 Under 40 event. Held at Toronto's W hotel, the star-studded celebration marked a milestone in recognizing the talented and influential Canadians shaping the global music business.

Among the honorees were SOCAN executive director and TMU assistant professor Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews, MRG Live senior talent buyer Samantha O'Connor, and Universal Music Canada label partnerships manager Angela De Medeiros, among many others. The event was a testament to the growing significance of Canadian artists and industry professionals in the global music landscape.

The evening's keynote speaker, La Mar Taylor, a 35-year-old co-founder of culture-defining XO Records and creative director for The Weeknd, accepted the Visionary Award presented by YouTube. A globally successful artist with record-breaking tours under his belt, Taylor credited his hometown Toronto for shaping his journey, vowing to celebrate Canadian talent and push the industry's creative boundaries.

Billboard Canada's 40 Under 40 event was a much-anticipated moment, acknowledging individuals driving innovation and progress in the music sector. "There's really a lot of optimism here," said Richard Trapunski, National Editor at Billboard Canada. "Canada is producing an incredible amount of talent that's having a real impact on the global music industry."

The event also marked significant career milestones for Warner Music Canada executives Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone, who were appointed as the company's new co-general managers. The duo will oversee strategy across one of the world's top music markets.

"We're committed to strengthening the bridge between our global artists and Canadian fans," said Hummel in a statement. "We're proud to help Canadian artists leverage Warner Music's global network while building more opportunities for international talent here in Canada."

Warner Music Group continues its efforts to streamline operations and invest in music, with this leadership shift aligning with their broader strategy. The recent departure of Kristen Burke also marks an opportunity for the company to adapt and innovate.

With notable figures like La Mar Taylor and Julia Hummel at the forefront of Canadian talent, Billboard Canada's 40 Under 40 event serves as a shining example of innovative spirits driving progress in the music industry.

OMG, can you believe how far the music scene has come in Toronto? Back in my day , we had to wait for like, forever, for the likes of The Weeknd and Drake to blow up globally... but now, it's like they're born here and everyone knows it! La Mar Taylor is literally a legend, I'm so proud of our Toronto talent . And can you believe those execs are shaking things up at Warner Music Canada? Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone, for real? They're gonna make Canadian artists shine like never before . It's all good vibes, fam!

idk what's up with this 40 under 40 thing... seems like it's all about the cool kids who are making waves in the music scene . but for real, can't we just give a shoutout to all the talented artists and industry pros out there who aren't getting as much recognition? like, canada's got so much depth when it comes to music, from the 90s grunge scene to R&B and hip hop...

anywayz, it's dope to see these young leaders taking charge and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the industry. la mar taylor's story is super inspiring - going from co-founder of xo records to creative director for the weeknd... that's some next level stuff . but at the end of the day, it's not just about the big name artists... what about all the behind-the-scenes folks who are making it happen?

I'm not entirely convinced this is more than just a PR stunt to make Warner Music Canada look cool . Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone are being promoted, but what's the real strategy here? Are they just going to be figureheads while the real power players make decisions behind the scenes? Also, why was Kristen Burke's departure suddenly touted as an opportunity for innovation when we don't even have details on her role or the circumstances of her departure? Sources, anyone?

This 40 Under 40 thing is actually kinda cool, I think! Its dope to see all these talented folks getting recognized for their contributions to the music scene . I mean, La Mar Taylor's story is really inspiring - from being a Toronto kid to co-founding XO Records and working with The Weeknd... that's some real growth right there . And its awesome to see Warner Music Canada bringing in new co-general managers like Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone - they're going to help bridge the gap between global artists and Canadian fans, which is so important . Overall, I'm stoked to see more people getting celebrated for their music industry accomplishments !

I gotta say, this 40 Under 40 thing is kinda like how our politicians always make a big fuss about "leading the way" and innovating... but sometimes I wonder if they're just trying to get ahead on their own careers . Like, what's really driving innovation in Canada? Is it just some young folks trying to make a name for themselves, or is there actually a bigger plan at play?

And let's talk about this "commitment" from Warner Music Canada... sounds like they're just trying to save face after that Kristen Burke departure . I mean, if they're really "strengthening the bridge between global artists and Canadian fans", why haven't we seen more investment in local talent in the past?

It's all about who gets left behind or ahead, right? The music industry is like our economy - it's all about supply and demand, and sometimes you gotta ask yourself if some folks are getting a little too comfortable on their thrones .

I think it's dope that they're recognizing all these youngins' who are killin' the game in the music scene . Like, La Mar Taylor is a total boss for co-foundin' XO Records and creatin' a vibe that's globally recognized . And Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone are straight fire for leadin' Warner Music Canada . It's all about supportin' the talent and helpin' them level up, you know?

Wow interesting that Warner Music Canada is making these big moves with new co-general managers Julia and Madelaine! They're all about strengthening ties between global artists and Canadian fans, which is totally on point

OMG like I was literally dying waiting for this list to come out!!! 35 is still so young lol La Mar Taylor is like my ultimate hero XO Records and The Weeknd are everything to me!! I love how he's giving shoutouts to his hometown Toronto, we need more of that Canadian pride . And omg Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone getting those co-general manager spots? Warner Music Canada is on fire ! I'm so hyped for these women to bring that global network to the table for our fave artists

IT'S SO COOL TO SEE CANADA GETTING THE RECOGNITION IT DESERVES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY! THE FACT THAT BILLBOARD CANADA IS HONORING THESE TALENTED YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IS A BIG DEAL, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT ALL THE GLOBAL SUCCESSFUL ARTISTS COMING FROM CANADA LIKE THE WEEKND!

THE WAY WARNER MUSIC CANADA IS COMMITTED TO HELPING CANADIAN ARTISTS LEVERAGE THEIR GLOBAL NETWORK AND BUILD OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL TALENT IS REALLY IMPRESSIVE! IT'S ALL ABOUT SPREADING THE LOVE FOR CANADIAN MUSIC AND GIVING THESE YOUNG STARS A CHANCE TO SHINE!

I'M LOVING THE ATMOSPHERE OF THIS EVENT, WITH ALL THE BIG NAMES COMING TOGETHER AND CELEBRATING INNOVATION IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY! IT'S GOING TO BE EXCITING TO SEE HOW THESE CAREER PATHS UNFOLD FOR LA MAR TAYLOR AND JULIA HUMMEL

The 40 Under 40 event is definitely a great way to recognize the talented Canadians making waves in the global music scene ! I think it's awesome that La Mar Taylor, being a successful artist and co-founder of XO Records, is pushing for more Canadian talent to be celebrated. It's all about giving back to his hometown and spreading the love for Canadian artists everywhere .

The fact that Warner Music Canada has appointed Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone as co-general managers is a huge step forward ! They're going to play a crucial role in strengthening the bridge between global artists and Canadian fans, which will definitely lead to more opportunities for international talent in Canada. I'm excited to see what they come up with next .

One thing that's really striking about this event is the sense of optimism surrounding it ! Richard Trapunski from Billboard Canada mentioned that there's a lot of excitement and innovation happening in the Canadian music scene, which is definitely true. The future looks bright for Canadian talent, and I'm here for it

im lovin this move by billboard canada to give some props to canadian artists who are killin it globally like la mar taylor and julia hummel, they're reppin canada on the world stage! and its dope to see socan exec dr charlie wall-andrews on that list too, hes doin some awesome work for canadian creators also gotta say, its time we started recognizing more women in leadership roles in music, like angela de medeiros at universal music canada

I'm literally so hyped about this!!! Like, can we talk for a sec?! Billboards 40 under 40 is more than just an event it's a movement! It's a testament to how far Canadian artists have come and how they're taking over the global music scene. I mean, XO Records co-founder La Mar Taylor is killing the game and his hometown Toronto is literally where he got his start. And let's not forget about Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone being appointed as Warner Music Canada's new co-general managers, it's like the industry is finally recognizing Canadian talent for what it is: TALENTED

I love how they're talking about celebrating Canadian artists and pushing the industry's creative boundaries. Like, we need more of that kind of energy! It's not just about the music anymore, it's about building a community and giving back to where we came from. I'm so here for this and can't wait to see what the future holds for these talented individuals

OMG u guys! I'm literally so hyped for this Canada's music scene is on fire rn! The fact that they're recognizing all these talented Canadians who are making waves globally is super inspiring And can we talk about La Mar Taylor? That guy is a total boss He's killing it with XO Records and pushing the boundaries of creativity. I love how he's giving back to his hometown and celebrating Canadian talent It's so cool to see all these young leaders taking over the music industry and making it their own And Warner Music Canada's new co-general managers, Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone? Total game changers They're gonna bring some serious heat to the table and help Canadian artists shine even brighter. Can't wait to see what they do next!