Shawn Desman is a force to be reckoned with in the music scene — he’s not just making a comeback, he’s solidifying his presence in the industry. In the past year, this Canadian pop sensation has been on fire, captivating audiences with sold-out shows nationwide. Not to mention, he recently inked a major songwriting deal with Anthem Entertainment, showing that his talent knows no bounds. Collaborating with Jamie Fine on the track “Body,” Desman has been steadily climbing the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart, currently sitting at No. 87 after five weeks. His music is also dominating the airwaves, with “Body” breaking into the top 10 on the Canada Hot AC Airplay chart.
But Desman’s journey to success hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite being a fixture in the music industry for over two decades and churning out hits like “Shook” and “Electric,” he’s faced setbacks, including being dropped by labels not once, but twice, the most recent in 2015. Reflecting on these experiences, Desman acknowledges the harsh realities of the music business, where success often comes with a multitude of fair-weather friends, only to disappear when the going gets tough.
In a twist of fate in 2022, Desman received a call from none other than Drake himself, inviting him to perform at the All Canadian North Stars concert at OVO Fest. The overwhelming support and love from the crowd that night, coupled with a heartfelt moment with Drake, sparked something within Desman and reignited his passion for music.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Desman is focused on the journey ahead, realizing the impact he has had on fans, including a certain up-and-coming artist named Drake. Their exchange served as a poignant reminder of the legacy he’s been building and the inspiration he continues to provide to younger generations.
Moving on to the broader music landscape, Francophone music is making waves on streaming platforms, with Spotify reporting a surge in French-language music consumption. Quebec, in particular, has been instrumental in driving this growth, with a significant portion of its residents engaging with French content. The numbers speak for themselves, with French music streams up by a whopping 192% since 2019, catering to a global audience of over 100 million users.
The embrace of Francophone music extends beyond borders, with Quebec’s listeners contributing significantly to the genre’s rising popularity. The province’s rich musical tapestry has not gone unnoticed, with artists like Patrick Watson achieving global success, exemplified by his track “Je te laisserai des mots” surpassing a billion streams on Spotify.
On the venue front, Hamilton, Ontario, is gearing up for a major transformation with the announcement of the renaming of the iconic arena to TD Coliseum. Under the stewardship of Oak View Group (OVG), the arena is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, with a lineup of stellar shows already scheduled, including performances by Andrea Bocelli and Brad Paisley.
The partnership between TD Bank Group and OVG signifies a new chapter for the arena, marking a significant investment in the cultural landscape of Hamilton. As the construction progresses, anticipation is high for what the future holds for TD Coliseum and the vibrant music scene it will foster.
In the ever-evolving music industry, Shawn Desman’s resilience, the rise of Francophone music, and the transformation of iconic venues like TD Coliseum in Hamilton are testaments to the enduring power of music to captivate, inspire, and unite audiences across borders. The stage is set for a renaissance in the music world, and artists like Desman and Watson are leading the way with their innovative sounds and unwavering passion for their craft.
