Alexander "Al" Mair — co-founder of influential Canadian indie label Attic Records — has died at 82 after a battle with cancer.
This summer, Mair was appointed to the Order of Canada as a Companion Member for his work in the Canadian music industry, and this past Tuesday (November 22), Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell awarded him the medal in his room at Sunnybrook Hospital.
Born in Toronto, Mair founded Attic Records in 1974 alongside Tom Williams, driven by the belief that Canadians "could do anything as well as Americans, if not better." The label was responsible for developing acts like Anvil, Teenage Head, Lee Aaron, the Nylons and many more.
Mair was a serious advocate for Canadian artists throughout his career, acting as a board member for the Canadian Association of Publishers, Authors and Composers and pushing for the passage of Canadian content (otherwise known as CanCon) regulations for domestic broadcasters. In addition to his work with Attic Records, Mair also managed Gordon Lightfoot's business affairs from 1968-1976.
Attic Records remained independent until 1999, when it merged with TMP (The Music Publisher) and Oasis Entertainment Distribution to become the Song Corporation. Attic Records continued briefly as a subsidiary of TSC before the company ceased functions in 2001. Attic's Canadian catalogue and masters are currently owned by Unidisc Music.
See some tributes to Mair below.
This summer, Mair was appointed to the Order of Canada as a Companion Member for his work in the Canadian music industry, and this past Tuesday (November 22), Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell awarded him the medal in his room at Sunnybrook Hospital.
Born in Toronto, Mair founded Attic Records in 1974 alongside Tom Williams, driven by the belief that Canadians "could do anything as well as Americans, if not better." The label was responsible for developing acts like Anvil, Teenage Head, Lee Aaron, the Nylons and many more.
Mair was a serious advocate for Canadian artists throughout his career, acting as a board member for the Canadian Association of Publishers, Authors and Composers and pushing for the passage of Canadian content (otherwise known as CanCon) regulations for domestic broadcasters. In addition to his work with Attic Records, Mair also managed Gordon Lightfoot's business affairs from 1968-1976.
Attic Records remained independent until 1999, when it merged with TMP (The Music Publisher) and Oasis Entertainment Distribution to become the Song Corporation. Attic Records continued briefly as a subsidiary of TSC before the company ceased functions in 2001. Attic's Canadian catalogue and masters are currently owned by Unidisc Music.
See some tributes to Mair below.
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We are saddened to learn of the passing of Alexander Mair, co-founder of Canada’s Attic Records and good friend of SOCAN. His contribution to the Canadian music business will be remembered fondly by many.
The music community has suffered a great loss. Our thoughts are with Alexander Mair's family and friends - and there are so many!
The music industry has lost a titan today. Alexander Mair was a true pioneer, mentor & leader. His indelible impact on the CDN indie landscape & CIMA (CIRPA) as an organization will never be forgotten. CIMA would like to extend our sincere condolences to the entire Mair family.
