Digital space dedicated to French-language music in Quebec

On streaming platforms, Quebec music is struggling “to be heard in an ocean of mostly English-language content,” says the Société professionnelle des auteurs, compositeurs du Québec et des artistes entrepreneurs (SPACQ-AE). In an attempt to reverse this trend, the association is launching a new free online space where, in just a few clicks, the public has access to a vast selection of French-language content.

MUSIQC is not a new Spotify or YouTube Music with a Quebec twist. The digital space, which officially launches on Wednesday, is actually based on the content of these major platforms. It seeks to act as a “bridge” between them, French-language music and music lovers.

“MUSIQC’s primary mission is to promote and recommend French-language music on online music platforms so that it can finally reach its audience,” explains SPACQ-AE general manager Ariane Charbonneau in a press release.

The association recalls the most recent figures from the Observatoire de la culture et des communications (OCCQ). It indicates that, of the 10,000 most listened to songs in Quebec in 2023, five per cent of the listening was for Quebec French-language music and only two per cent  of the listening was for new Quebec French-language releases.

“With few editorial playlists and the ubiquity of algorithmic playlists, our industry and our artists are at the mercy of English-language and international algorithms,” says Charbonneau.

On the MUSIQC page, the user has access to a range of different playlists, without having to create an account. Once the list is chosen, he can start listening and will be transferred to the previously selected platform. The services presented are Apple Music, Deezer, Qobuz and Amazon Music, in addition to Spotify and YouTube Music.

The lists are not generated by artificial intelligence or algorithms. Instead, they are designed by humans, including “specialist programmers” who are journalists, artists, and festivals, among others.

One of them is MUSIQC’s spokesperson, singer-songwriter Corneille. He offers a list of nearly 40 R&B ambient tracks.

“This digital music listening initiative simplifies musical discoverability, highlights French-speaking music and artists, and promises to transform the potential of discovery into concrete listening experiences. With MUSIQC, we want to create a movement, a gathering around our music, a central place that reflects us,” the artist said in a press release.

Users can also select music by genre or artist. MUSIQC includes music from Indigenous artists as well as from countries where French is an official language. These include France, Belgium, Switzerland and several African countries.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews