TORONTO — Joni Mitchell and Drake will be celebrated with special achievement honours at the 2025 SOCAN Awards. The two powerhouse songwriters from very different eras are among the creators being honoured at the awards bash for Canadian songwriters, composers and music publishers. Mitchell will receive the cultural impact award for her tender 1969 song “Both Sides, Now,” which the organization says “left an indelible mark on music and culture, inspiring generations with its timeless beauty and profound artistry.” Drake will get his fourth consecutive songwriter of the year award in the performer category, recognizing “his status as one of music’s most defining voices.” The SOCAN Awards will be held on Sept. 24 at Toronto’s Rebel concert venue, with winners in a multitude of categories announced during the event. SOCAN, which stands for the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, marks its 100th anniversary this year as a non-profit organization that manages the rights of homegrown songwriters, including their licensing fees. Among the other special achievement honourees this year are songwriting trio Lowell, bülow and Nathan Ferraro, who share the international achievement award for their work on Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Toronto producer Boi-1da will receive the global impact award for his contributions to an array of rap and R&B lyrics over his career, which includes songs by Kendrick Lamar, Eminem and Drake. Each achievement winner receives “The SOCAN,” a trophy that doubles as a musical instrument. Its five custom bronze crotales will be tuned this year with notes from “Both Sides, Now.” David Friend, The Canadian Press
