TORONTO — Fiery R&B singer Jessie Reyez, whose potent songs include one about sexual abuse in the music industry, has tied with Arcade Fire for the most nominations at this year’s Juno Awards. Rock favourites Arcade Fire grabbed best group, single, album and alternative album nominations, while other leading Juno contenders include late Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie, the Arkells, Ruth B and Hedley, who have three nominations apiece. The single “Gatekeeper” recounts the singer’s experience as a young artist being pressured into sex by a powerful music industry player who promises her fame. During Tuesday’s announcement, Junos president Allan Reid acknowledged criticism that the Canadian music industry suffers from a shortfall in female representation. Junos organizers also plan to create a scholarship to help encourage young women to enter music production and engineering fields.

Source: National Post February 06, 2018 17:00 UTC