Shawn Desman Signs Exclusive Songwriting Deal with Anthem Music Publishing

After a recent return to the Canadian charts, Shawn Desman has more celebrating to do.

Known for Y2K hits like “Electric” and “Shook,” the multi-platinum artist has signed a lucrative songwriting deal with Anthem Publishing, one of the world’s leading independent publishing companies. It marks a continued creative collaboration with Wax Records, which started last year to remove barriers between artists, songwriters and producers.

Desman made the announcement on Saturday, June 14, at an intimate Billboard Canada Live unplugged performance and Q&A during NXNE.

“I felt it was the right move because they have been supportive, and really believe in what I’m doing,” he shared in conversation with Billboard Canada’s National Editor, Richard Trapunski. “[CEO] Jason [Klein] has come to every show and said, ‘I want to be in the Shawn Desman business.’ What I love about the partnership is that they want to help you get your music out into the world.”

After stepping away from the spotlight over a decade ago, Desman has had an unexpected return to Canada’s music zeitgeist after headlining Drake’s OVO All Canadian North Stars in 2022. That same year, the Juno-winning pop artist signed to Wax Records, quickly followed by his Top 10 radio hit "Maniac" and a series of sold-out nationwide shows.

The first release under this new partnership is Desman's latest single, "BODY," a dynamic dance-pop track featuring Jamie Fine. Since its release on March 21, "BODY" has moved up the Canadian radio charts, peaking at No. 91 on the Hot 100, and is poised to break into the Top 10 on the Canada CHR/Top 40. During its release week, the hit became the most added song on Canadian radio.

"Shawn Desman is a force in Canadian pop music, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Anthem family,” says Klein, Anthem Music Group CEO and a recent Billboard Canada Power Player alongside CFO Sal Fazzari. “His creative resurgence has set the stage for an exciting new chapter, and this publishing partnership reflects our belief in his vision and artistry. We’re proud to support him as he continues to deliver bold, genre-defining music to audiences across Canada and beyond."

Boasting a cross-Canada joint tour with Fine slated for the fall, this publishing deal propels him into the next phase of his decades-spanning career, with more music releases, international touring and high-profile collaborations on the horizon. The partnership will allow Desman to travel globally to work with songwriters and create unique opportunities to make music with other artists.

"I look forward to the international opportunities that Anthem will bring forth, not only as a songwriter but also as an artist," says Desman.

Stay tuned to Billboard Canada for more from Shawn Desman coming soon.