CRTC launches free database of Canadian music

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has launched a new database to help people discover more homegrown music. The CRTC Canadian Music Selections Database is a free downloadable resource intended to make it easier for broadcasters, artists and the public to identify Canadian music, according to the commission.

The initial launch of the database includes a large selection of popular Canadian songs from artists including Three Days Grace, Shania Twain, Blue Rodeo, the Tragically Hip, Feist, Rush and Alexisonfire. Additional French, Indigenous and third-language music is to be added to the database regularly.

According to a Canada.ca news release, it is the first time the information will all be available in one place, combining data previously spread across several industry sources. The CRTC is encouraging user feedback to help improve the database and ensure it continues to meet the needs of broadcasters, artists and the public.

A Canadian song is determined by the MAPL system, with a Canadian record meeting two of the listed requirements. CanCon regulations were originally implemented at terrestrial radio in 1971, requiring 30 percent of a station's rotation to qualify as Canadian. Scott Shortliffe, CRTC's vice president of broadcasting, told Billboard Canada that Canadian artists play an important role in telling stories and showcasing culture.