Ross Reynolds, former Universal Music Canada President/Chairman, honoured with 2010 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award

Founding Director of CARAS to receive the prestigious award at
the 39^th Annual JUNO Awards in St. John's, NL

St. John's, NL (January 13, 2010) - The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is very pleased to be honouring one of its own today as it announces Ross Reynolds as the 2010 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recipient. For more than four decades, Reynolds has been a major player in the music industry, notably as a founding board member of CARAS and long-time Universal Music Canada President and Chairman.

"On behalf of the CARAS board, we are so proud to see our friend and colleague honoured in this capacity and recognized for his tremendous contributions to the Canadian music industry," said Melanie Berry, President & CEO of CARAS. "Not only has he been instrumental in helping to steer CARAS to where it is today, Ross Reynolds has wholeheartedly dedicated his career toward fostering Canadian talent on a variety of levels."

"Receiving this award is the result of me having the extraordinary good fortune of timing and being supported by wonderful people, particularly my wife, Jane," said Ross Reynolds. "Nevertheless I'm thrilled to be honoured. It's an exciting ride."

Reynolds is a respected music industry veteran who once held the position of President at GRT Records for 10 years (from the label's inception in 1969), where he signed such Canadian artists as Dan Hill, Dr. Music, Ian Thomas, Lighthouse and Moe Koffman. His resume also includes five years as Executive VP in Canada for WEA (now Warner Music Canada).

He is perhaps best known for his long and outstanding tenure as President then Chairman of Universal Music Canada (formerly MCA) for nearly two decades from 1983 to 2001, during which he oversaw the development of a Canadian roster that included soon-to-be global stars such as The Tragically Hip. Under his leadership, Universal Music Canada experienced exponential growth to achieve a market share of approximately one-third. Today it is still considered one of Canada's most influential music companies. In 2001, Reynolds moved to the position of Chairman Emeritus where he was responsible for administering Universal's multi-million dollar commitment to the support of Canadian culture, which came as a result of the Universal/Polygram merger.

Reynolds' involvement with CARAS dates back to 1975, initially as one of the organization's founding directors. Years later in 2001, he was elected by his peers to the full-time position of Chairman, and immediately made an impact by expanding the focus of the JUNO Awards and setting out to create a brand that Canadians from coast to coast could be proud of. He was instrumental in taking Canada's Music Awards show "on the road" for the first time to St. John's, NL, in addition to growing the singular celebration into a full weekend of events that showcases the successes of Canadian music. In 2006, Stephen Stohn succeeded Reynolds as Chairman of CARAS.

His experience and expertise in the music industry has him currently acting as an advisory board member for the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame; MusiCounts, Canada's music education charity associated with CARAS; in addition to serving on the board of St. Lazarus Hospice. Reynolds is also a past Chairman of the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) and has served on the boards of the Starlight Children's Foundation, Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, The Audio Visual Preservation Trust Fund, and Canada's Walk of Fame.

For more information about the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, or to download photos of Ross Reynolds, go to www.junoawards.ca.

JUNO Week takes place April 12-18, 2010, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, culminating in the live broadcast of THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS, Sunday, April 18, on CTV.

Sponsors of the 2010 JUNO Awards include FACTOR, Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage's "Canada Music Fund," with commitments from The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the City of St. John's and Radio Starmaker Fund.

Sponsors of THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS broadcast on CTV include Chevrolet, Garnier, Pepsi and Rogers.

Web Links:
Official JUNO Awards website: www.junoawards.ca
CTV's JUNO Awards website: www.junos.ctv.ca
St. John's Host Committee: www.ruckusontheedge.com
CARAS website: www.carasonline.ca
CTV website: www.ctv.ca

Grammy Nominations Include 12 Canadian Artists in the Mix

Canadian contingents will vie for 13 categories at the 52^nd Annual GRAMMY Awards

Toronto, ON (December 3, 2009) ’Äì With The 2010 JUNO Awards looming on the horizon, The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) congratulates Canada’Äôs nominees for the 52^nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Nominations were announced last night as part of the GRAMMY Awards live one-hour primetime televised concert that was hosted by LL Cool J, featuring performances by the Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell, Sugarland and Nick Jonas & The Administration.

’ÄúCanadian artists are achieving a level of success like never before and are continually being honoured around the world on the merit of their talents, performances and recordings,’Äù said Melanie Berry, President & CEO of CARAS. ’ÄúOn behalf of CARAS, congratulations to all the 2010 GRAMMY nominees.’Äù

The following Canadians garnered a total of 13 GRAMMY Award nominations.
2010 Canadian nominees include:

BEAST
DAVID FOSTER (five-time JUNO Award winner)
DRAKE
DIANA KRALL (eight-time JUNO Award winner)
MELANIE FIONA
MICHAEL BUBLˆâ (six-time JUNO Award winner)
MICHAEL J. FOX
NATALIE MACMASTER (JUNO Award winner)
NEIL YOUNG (five-time JUNO Award winner)
NICKELBACK (12-time JUNO Award winner)
NORTHERN CREE
SANDRA OH

Seven additional GRAMMY Award category nominations have a Canadian connection including Seal’Äôs album, If You Don’Äôt Know Me By Now, nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, was produced by DAVID FOSTER; Canadian DANIEL LANOIS for his work with U2 on their album No Line On The Horizon and their nominations for Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals; and GORDIE SAMPSON credited in the production category of Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, for Leslie Mendelson’Äôs Swan Feathers.

For a complete list of this year’Äôs Canadian GRAMMY nominees and nominated categories, as well as Canadian connections to the 52^nd Annual GRAMMY Awards, go to The JUNO Awards website at www.junoawards.ca.

The 52^nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 31, 2010, at 8 p.m. (EST).

An impressive list of Canadian artists have joined the ranks of GRAMMY Award winners over the years, including JUNO Award-winning music icons such as Alanis Morissette, Anne Murray, Bryan Adams, Diana Krall, Michael Bublˆ©, Nelly Furtado, Oscar Peterson, Shania Twain and Sarah McLachlan.

Canada’Äôs Music Awards, The 2010 JUNO Awards, will be presenting its nominee announcements in early March, to take place in Toronto, ON. For more information about The JUNO Awards, go to www.junoawards.ca. Tune into CTV on April 18^th, 2010, for The JUNO Awards broadcast from St. John’Äôs Newfoundland and Labrador!

About CARAS:
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L’Äôacadˆ©mie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l’Äôenregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through vehicles such as The JUNO Awards. For more information on the 39^th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’Äô (CARAS) please visit our websites at www.junoawards.ca and www.carasonline.ca.

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences & Music Education Charity of Canada announces 2009-2010 officers and Board of Directors

Toronto, ON - The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the Music Education Charity of Canada (MusiCounts) announced today its 2009-2010 Officers, Board of Directors and incoming Chair following its Annual General Meeting.

CARAS and MusiCounts announced the appointment of Ed Robinson as Chair to the Board of Directors. With a long and distinguished career in the Canadian television industry, including many years of association with the JUNO Awards at both CTV and CBC, Robinson brings to CARAS a wealth of knowledge and experience. Robinson recently retired from CTV where he was the Executive Vice-President for Programming, as well as President and General Manager of The Comedy Network and SPACE: The Imagination Station. His career in entertainment began at CBC Television in 1980 as Deputy Creative Head for their Arts, Music, Science and Variety Department.

"This is a real honour," said Robinson. "I have incredible respect for CARAS and the great work it does on behalf of our music industry. CARAS plays a critical role in not only promoting Canadian music around the world but also by helping foster new talent from coast to coast. I'm looking forward to learning all aspects of the music industry during my tenure as Chair."

In a related announcement, Melanie Berry, President, has been promoted to the title of President & CEO of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the Music Education Charity of Canada (MusiCounts).

"Ed is a perfect fit as Chair of the Board," said Berry. "This position requires someone who will take an active, hands-on role while blazing a trail for CARAS in the coming years. Ed's exemplary leadership skills and passion for the music industry will ensure that we continue to steer this organization towards a bright future."

CARAS and MusiCounts gratefully acknowledges the commitment of its Board members who continue to proactively impact Canada's music industry and bring forth their expertise, insights and leadership to the organizations.

The Complete List of the 2009-2010 CARAS and MusiCounts Officers and Board of Directors:

Chair: Ed Robinson: CARAS & MusiCounts Chair
1st Vice-President: Steve Kane: President, Warner Music Canada
2nd Vice-President: Randy Lennox: President & CEO, Universal Music Canada
Secretary/Treasurer: Humphrey Kadaner: President, HMV Canada
Melanie Berry: President & CEO, CARAS & MusiCounts
Bruce Allen: President, Bruce Allen Talent
Vivian Barclay: General Manager, Warner Chappell Music Canada Ltd.
Deane Cameron: President, EMI Music Canada
Shane Carter: Co-President, SONY Music Entertainment Canada Inc.
Vinny Cinquemani: President, SL Feldman & Associates
Rob Farina: Executive Vice President, Content for Astral Media Radio
Paul Haagenson: President, Canada, West, Live Nation
Ralph James: President, The Agency Group Canada
Aideen O'Brien: President, Mighty Craic
Julien Paquin: President ’Äì Agency Division, Paquin Entertainment Group
Ed Robertson: Artist, Barenaked Ladies
Patti-Anne Tarlton: VP Live Entertainment, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
Chris Taylor: Owner & Founder, Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa
Louis Thomas: President & CEO, Sonic Entertainment Group

About CARAS

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through vehicles such as The JUNO Awards. For more information on the 39th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit our websites at www.junoawards.ca and www.carasonline.ca.

About MusiCounts

MusiCounts, the music education charity of Canada associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, is helping to keep music alive in schools across Canada. MusiCounts continues to inspire young Canadians through its mandate to ensure that every student has the opportunity to receive quality music education, develop their talent and build self-esteem. MusiCounts provides grants, fosters music programs and awards scholarships. Since the Program's establishment in 1997, over $3 million has been donated impacting close to 200,000 students, their schools and communities from coast to coast. MusiCounts has also honoured four extraordinary music teachers through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. MusiCounts is supported by various initiatives such as the JUNO Award nominee compilation CD; annual contributions by CTVglobemedia; EMI Music Canada Inc.; Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.; Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada Ltd.; as well as Songwriters' Circle sponsored by CMPA and SOCAN; Juno Cup sponsored by The Keg Steakhouse and Bar; and individual and corporate contributions, including Astral Media, Rogers Broadcasting Limited and SIRIUS Canada Inc. For more information, please visit: www.musicounts.ca

Submission Calls for 2010 JUNO Awards begin October 1, 2009

2010 JUNO AWARDS LAUNCHES 39th SEASON

CARAS continues to refine voting criteria’Ä® and introduces enhanced submission process

Toronto, ON - The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced today that submissions for the 2010 JUNO Awards will open on Thursday, October 1, 2009. Submission processes have been improved since last year, making it easier for Canadian artists to submit work for consideration in advance of the 39th edition of Canada's Music Awards. The 2010 JUNO Awards week will be held in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, April 12-18, 2010.

CARAS is strengthening its partnership with YANGAROO for the 2010 awards by enhancing the submission process. Using YANGAROO's patented Digital Media Distribution System (DMDS), the process has been streamlined for ease of use with a new look and new features. It will enable users to add high-resolution photos, a digital booklet and three suggested listening tracks for judges to preview in the artist's biography page. The changes will provide judges with more information to assist them during the voting process.

Music will still be distributed electronically to judges and members during the voting period only. Members will be able to stream music online, while judges will be able to securely download music to their portable music devices.

CARAS has, again, secured the services of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to be the official ballot accountants for the 2010 JUNO Awards.

Important Dates to Remember
’Ä¢ Submissions for the 2010 JUNO Awards open October 1, 2009
’Ä¢ Early-Bird deadline (to receive discounted submission rates) is October 22, 2009 before 5:00 p.m. (EST)
’Ä¢ Final submission deadline for all categories except International & Album of the Year is November 13, 2009
’Ä¢ Final submission deadline for International & Album of the Year is January 11, 2010

Eligibility’Ä®2010 eligibility applies to works released during the period between September 1, 2008 to November 13, 2009. For a complete list of JUNO Awards categories, eligibility rules, voting criteria and submission forms, go to www.junoawards.ca

Voting Criteria Changes
COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR’Ä®Country Recording of the Year is now a FULL album category. Single track submissions will no longer be accepted in this category.
VOCAL JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR & MUSIC DVD OF THE YEAR’Ä®The winners of these categories were previously determined by CARAS member votes. Winners will now be determined by the selected jurors for each category. The juries will remain the same for both rounds of voting, round one will determine the nominees and round two decides the winner.
ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR & POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR’Ä®The top five nominees in each category were previously voted on by a selected jury and the winners were determined by CARAS member votes. Nominees in each category will now be determined based on 50% sales and 50% jury vote. The winners will be determined by member vote.
CD/DVD ARTWORK OF THE YEAR’Ä®CD/DVD Artwork of the Year has been renamed to "Recording Package of the Year."’Ä®This new title will be more inclusive of vinyls and any other album packaging artwork

Voting: Only current CARAS members as of December 1, 2009 will receive the Single of the Year, Group of the Year and Artist of the Year voting ballots. For other member-voted categories, only current members as of February 1, 2010 will receive voting ballots. Members registered after this date will not be eligible to vote for the 2010 JUNO Awards.

About CARAS:’Ä®
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through television vehicles such as The JUNO Awards. For more information on the 39th Annual JUNO Awards, visit The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' (CARAS) website at www.junoawards.ca.

THE CANADIAN ACADEMY OF RECORDING ARTS AND SCIENCES ANNOUNCES STAFF PROMOTIONS

TORONTO ’Äì Melanie Berry, President of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), is pleased to announce a new hire and a number of internal staff promotions.

Jill Primeau is returning to CARAS as Senior Manager, Business Development. She will manage and oversee all future Host City bids beginning with 2011 and will also be responsible for site management and logistics for the 2010 JUNO Awards Week. Primeau previously worked at CARAS for three years and is excited to rejoin the team.

Jane Tattersall joins the company as Senior Manager, Strategic Marketing and Sponsorship. She brings with her strong expertise in Marketing and New Media. In addition to consulting on web strategy and social media integration, Tattersall is the former Director of Marketing for MySpace Canada and has years of experience working within the music industry including EMI Music Canada, Jive/Zomba Records and BMG. She is no stranger to CARAS, having formerly served as the Chair of the Alternative Music Committee and a JUNO Awards judge.

Meghan McCabe has been promoted to Senior Communications Coordinator. She will continue to be responsible for working with the Public Relations firm and overseeing photography, website management, merchandise and hotels for CARAS and the JUNO Awards.

Denise Rayner has taken over the position of Executive Assistant to the President, Melanie Berry. In addition to her responsibilities as EA, Rayner also has more than 20 years experience in office management and will be handling the coordination of various special projects.

Josh McIntyre has been hired as Project and Membership Coordinator. In addition to his Membership responsibilities, he will work directly with the Senior Manager of Business Development and with the Vice President of Events and Special Programming on various projects. McIntyre started with CARAS as an Intern and has now accepted a full-time position.

About CARAS

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through vehicles such as The JUNO Awards. For more information on The 39th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit our websites at www.carasonline.ca and www.junoawards.ca.