Random music news for Friday, July 31, 2020

First day of a vacation staycation. That garden shed doesn’t want to seem to clean itself. But the music news never rests. Here’s what’s going on for July 31, 2020.

1. Coronavirus update 1: Here’s the latest on what’s happening with Canadian music venues during the pandemic.
2. Coronavirus update 2: Lollapalooza goes virtual this weekend.
3. Coronavirus update 3: Over a million people paid to participate in a virtual EDM event.
4. Coronavirus update 4: Hockey play-by-play is now…different.
5. There is something very strange about the signatures on Kanye’s petition to appear on the presidential ballot in New Jersey.
6. Spotify says that it hosts 1.5 million podcast episodes, 50% of which were launched in 2020.
7. Australia has a way to prevent songs from becoming political anthems.
8. Did Tay-Tay steal the artwork for her Folklore album?
9. Some US senators are increasing pressure to have TikTok banned.
10. Elton John pays a LOT for air conditioning.
11. Remembering SARSstock, 17 years ago today.
12. Radio programming is undergoing a re-think. Here’s why.
13. Want some information on how to have a career in music in Canada? Bob D’Eith has a new audiobook.
14. Still having trouble convincing your boss that podcasting and social media is worth it? Watch this.
15. People are now trolling music writers for saying things they don’t like.