Melody Lau: A Voice for Canadian Music and Cultural Storytelling
We’ve followed Melody Lau’s career as a defining force in Canadian music journalism, blending sharp analysis with a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. Her work at CBC Music, Exclaim!, and National Post reveals a journalist deeply invested in the evolution of Canada’s cultural identity through music.
Career Trajectory: From Freelance Passion to Institutional Influence
- Early Beginnings (2010–2015): Lau started as a freelance blogger, contributing to Exclaim! and Pitchfork while studying journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her early pieces focused on indie artists like Emilie & Ogden and Young Galaxy.
- Bell Media Era (2015–2018): As an online writer for MUCH, she bridged mainstream and niche audiences, profiling acts like Chvrches and Sky.
- CBC Music Leadership (2018–Present): Transitioning to producer and lead writer, Lau spearheaded projects like the 2000s Canadian boy band retrospective and Asian-Canadian artist features.
Defining Works: Three Articles That Shaped Her Legacy
- Emilie & Ogden on Obvious Comparisons and Unexpected Influences This 2015 Exclaim! piece showcases Lau’s ability to dissect artistic identity. When Emilie Kahn’s harp-driven folk project drew Swift comparisons, Lau explored the tension between marketability and authenticity through interviews and genre analysis. The article became a touchstone for discussions about gendered perceptions of instrumentation in indie music.
- Michael Bublé to Host 2025 Juno Awards in Vancouver Lau’s CBC Music coverage of the Junos blends ceremony history with cultural critique. Her 2025 preview analyzed Bublé’s role in rebranding the awards for younger audiences while maintaining ties to Canada’s entertainment legacy. The piece included rare archival insights from Rogers Arena staff.
- Nine things we learned at Osheaga For National Post, Lau transformed festival reporting into a cultural study. Her 2023 Osheaga recap highlighted Quebec’s unique position in global music trends, using crowd behavior analysis and backstage interviews with Feist and local stage crews.
Pitching Insights: Aligning with Lau’s Editorial Vision
1. Spotlight Canadian Music Innovation
Lau prioritizes artists redefining Canada’s cultural narrative, like her 2024 CBC Music feature on Indigenous electronic duo Halluci Nation. Pitches should emphasize unique fusions of tradition and modernity, particularly from Quebec, Prairie, and Coastal regions.
2. Historical Context Matters
Her Juno Awards retrospective demonstrates how she frames current events through historical lenses. Effective pitches might connect emerging artists to legacy acts or revisit overlooked moments in Canadian music history.
3. Advocate for Representation
The 2023 Asian-Canadian artist roundtable illustrates Lau’s commitment to diversity. Stories about systemic barriers, intersectional identities, or genre-breaking POC artists align with her beat.
Awards and Industry Recognition
“Jurors like Lau shape Canada’s musical conscience through their selections.” — Polaris Music Prize Committee
- Polaris Music Prize Juror (2014–Present): Lau’s decade-long tenure reflects her trusted ear for artistic merit. She championed 2023 winner Prayer Break by Zoon, spotlighting Indigenous psychedelic rock.
- Prism Prize Juror: Her video analysis expertise helped elevate directors like Celia Kaye, whose work on Jessie Reyez’s “Gatekeeper” won the 2022 grand prize.
