Alex Warren is doing something unordinary for a pop star.

On Sep. 3, organizers of P.E.I’s Sommo Festival shared that the “Ordinary” singer withdrew from the event due to “a recently booked scheduling conflict,” in a now-deleted social post.

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“With the festival being next week, as you can imagine, this leaves us in a difficult position,” they wrote. “We are working hard to complete the lineup, and you’ll be the first to know when we do.”

Warren was set to join the East Coast two-day festival from September 13-14, with headliners Hozier and Alanis Morissette, and support from Ducks Ltd., PVRIS, Alice Merton, Chiara Savasta, Michael Marcagi, Hollow Coves and more.

Later that night, the chart-topping star took to TikTok to share his perspective — and set the record straight.

“Four weeks ago, I asked for time off. I’m going through a lot of stuff, I’ve been touring all year, I have rehearsals on my birthday — so I wanted a week off. A week off where I could go see a therapist, spend time with my family and sleep in my own bed, because I haven’t been able to do that,” Warren shared.

Read more here. — Heather Taylor-Singh

Karan Aujla’s ‘P-Pop Culture’ Earns Historic Debut, Enters Billboard Canadian Albums Chart At No. 3

Karan Aujla is making Canadian history.

The Punjabi powerhouse’s new album, P-Pop Culture, debuts at No. 3 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, dated September 6.

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A bold fusion of Punjabi pop and hip-hop, P-Pop Culture is a tribute to the soil that raised Aujla and a call to the world to embrace the new wave of Punjabi artists. He balances pop melodies drenched in love and nostalgia with impactful hip-hop bars.

In Canada, the record earned 12.4 million streams, marking the highest debut for a Punjabi-language album in Canadian history — a record that surpasses Aujla’s 2023 album, Making Memories.

Aujla announced his new album, P-Pop Culture, in Montreal on July 27, releasing the album’s lead single “Gabhru!” days later. It debuted at No. 46 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, continuing his chart hot streak.

Read more on the chart feat here. — HTS

Bruce Allen Hands Presidency of His Talent Firm to Paul Haagenson

Veteran Canadian music executive Paul Haagenson has been appointed president of Bruce Allen Talent, effective Oct. 6.

The move comes as company founder Bruce Allen steps into the role of chairman, continuing his long-standing involvement with the Vancouver-based management firm.

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Haagenson previously served as president of Live Nation Canada, where he oversaw some of the country’s biggest tours and live events. Before that, he was vice president and general manager of the Western Division at House of Blues Concerts Canada. His decades of experience in the live music and talent management industries position him to steer Bruce Allen Talent into its next chapter.

Read more here. — Peony Hirwani


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