Whatever Happened To NAFTA
You remember NAFTA, don't you? The North American Free Trade Act...
What it didn't include was the music and entertainment industry. Sure,
the US has lots of success in Canada when it comes to artists scoring
big but the reverse isn't true. I don't think Bryan Adams, Celine Dion,
Shania Twain or (to a lesser extent) k.d. lang count as a big border
crossing.
Even during the 60's and 70's there weren't that many border crossing
artists who made a niche on the US scene. Paul Anka, Neil Young, Joni
Mitchell and The Guess Who come to mind; with Bachman-Turner Overdrive
and Anne Murray rounding out the list.
Not a big list, huh? So what's wrong with the record companies. Too scared
too promote those Canadian bands and artists in the States? Not enough
funds available? Not enough confidence in your stars?
Whatever the problem is...Get over it already!! Why should we be constantly
subjected to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera when we could be listening
to Jann Arden and Amanda Marshall? Why do we have to put up with 'N Sync
and the Backstreet Boys instead of soulDecision and McMaster & James?
And let's not forget The Matthew Good Band, The Moffatts, Chantal Kreviazuk,
Blue Rodeo, Wide Mouth Mason or Amy Sky.
Living on the border is great. I listen to more Canadian music than I do the
bilge that US radio is churning out. Interested in Canadian music but live
too far away...go online and check out some of the better Canadian radio
stations.
canEHdian.com and
negron.com offer up a list of stations to whet your appetite and give
you a good mix. So, happy listening.
- Richard Blaine
* Richard Blaine's views and opinions do not necessarily
reflect the views and opinions of the staff at Twin-Music.