A “huge” amount, in his own words. Made on TikTok, the song “I’ll Leave You Words” by Quebecer Patrick Watson has become the first francophone song to surpass one billion plays on Spotify, the streaming platform announced Tuesday.
“There’s something dizzying about this,” Canadian singer-songwriter Patrick Watson commented on Facebook on Wednesday. “It’s a huge number, almost impossible to understand.” “I grew up in Montreal adn I am extremely proud that a French song broke the language barrier,” Patrick Watson continued.
The Quebec artist thus places himself ahead of other Francophone artists with global influence, such as the Belgian Stromae or the Franco-Malian Aya Nakamura. Patrick Watson,represented by the Montreal independent label Secret city Records,composed this song almost 15 years ago,for the film “Mothers and Daughters” starring Catherine Deneuve released in 2009.
The piano and vocal song saw renewed interest in 2019 on YouTube in a video that combines the melody with archival footage. The melancholic anthem was later used to accompany scenes of everyday life in tens of thousands of videos on TikTok during the Covid-19 pandemic,with users adding melodrama to snippets of their daily lives.
Celebrities such as Justin Bieber also helped make the song popular among a wide audience. “The modern pop song is now the soundtrack to people’s home movies,” Watson told Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper in 2022,speaking of its viral popularity. “The modern hit is the song that makes your daily life more fascinating and romantic” on social networks, he added.
“Vi lascerò le parole” was the most listened to French-language song in the world in the last twelve months on Spotify, the platform announced in September, surpassing titles such as “Parso on danse” by Stromae. Patrick Watson’s music has been used in the popular American series “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Walking dead”, and he and his eponymous band won the prestigious Canadian Polaris Music Prize in 2007.
What impact does Patrick Watson’s achievement have on the global perception of francophone music?
Interview with Music Expert on Patrick Watson’s Historic Milestone
Editor (Time.news): We’re thrilled to discuss the remarkable achievement of Patrick Watson, whose song “I’ll leave You Words” has become the first francophone song to exceed one billion streams on spotify. What does this milestone signify for the artist and the francophone music scene?
Expert: This is a groundbreaking moment, not just for Patrick Watson but for francophone music as a whole.It highlights the growing global recognition of French music and breaks the stereotype that non-English songs can’t achieve mainstream success. watson’s achievement signals a shift in the music industry where language barriers are fading, allowing diverse talent to reach wider audiences.
Editor: Watson himself described the figure as “almost unfeasible to understand.” How significant is this achievement in terms of the music industry, especially with the rise of platforms like TikTok?
Expert: Absolutely, platforms like TikTok play a crucial role in this evolution. Patrick’s song gained renewed interest partly due to its use in countless TikTok videos during the pandemic. In the digital age, a single song can go viral overnight, bridging cultures and languages. The music industry has seen this pattern repeated, wherein older songs find new life, engaging audiences who might typically overlook francophone content. It underlines the importance of viral marketing in today’s music landscape.
Editor: In what ways does Watson’s success compare to other global francophone artists like Stromae and Aya Nakamura?
Expert: patrick Watson’s success is remarkable, particularly as he achieved this with a song linked to a film from 2009. while Stromae and Aya Nakamura are both influential figures, Watson’s accomplishment demonstrates that a strong narrative and emotional connection can elevate a track long after its initial release. His ability to resonate with listeners through a melancholic yet relatable anthem is indicative of a trend where emotionally evocative music captures attention.
Editor: The song was composed nearly 15 years ago.What does this say about timelessness in music and its ability to resonate across generations?
Expert: This achievement emphasizes that timelessness can truly redefine how we understand ‘hit’ songs. A well-composed piece can surround itself with relevant narratives and emotions, enabling it to connect with new audiences years after its release. Watson’s song, paired with the visual storytelling found on social media platforms, has showcased how music can remain relevant and poignant across different eras.
editor: Watson mentioned that modern hits are often the soundtrack to people’s everyday lives. how should emerging artists leverage this trend?
Expert: Emerging artists should focus on crafting songs that evoke emotions tied to daily experiences, as those are the soundtracks people want to share. Thay should also embrace digital platforms for promotion. Collaborating with influencers on TikTok or Instagram can create a viral effect, amplifying their music to audiences who may not have discovered it otherwise. Engagement on social media is key in today’s music landscape.
Editor: Lastly, what practical advice would you give to autonomous artists trying to break into this more globalized music scene?
Expert: Authenticity is crucial—artists should communicate their unique stories and emotions through their music. Building a strong online presence through social media platforms cannot be overstated. Additionally, networking with other artists and leveraging collaborative opportunities can open doors. staying adaptable to emerging trends, like embracing TikTok’s influence, can substantially boost their visibility and engagement.
Editor: Thank you for your insights.It’s encouraging to see how the music industry continues to evolve, and we look forward to watching more francophone artists break through globally.
Expert: Thank you for having me! Let’s continue to support these talented artists as they redefine the music landscape.