Streams also increased 280% worldwide, averaging 43% annual growth, Spotify reports. Listeners in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway and Sweden are driving international growth.
At this year’s Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA), the inaugural Francophone Artist of the Year accolade was awarded to Salebarbes.
Nominees Francis Degrandpré, Fred Dionne, Sara Dufour, Vince Lemire and Salebarbes have seen an average 80%+ increase in worldwide streams of their music on Spotify throughout the past year.
Leading in highest per-capita streaming for French-Canadian country artists are users in Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, with strong support in Ontario and the territories.
“At the heart of Canada's country music story is discovery – and Quebec is a big part of that. By mixing tradition with a fresh, modern sound, French-Canadian artists aren't just joining the genre, they're playing a key role in bolstering its transformation around the world,” says Elizabeth Phipps, artist and labels partnership lead at Spotify Canada.
“Their growth domestically and internationally really shows the power of the artists themselves, and it highlights how Spotify can help homegrown talent connect with fans everywhere."
This isn’t the first time Spotify has promoted the growth of French music in Canada..
In June, the streamer released their Loud and Clear report, which highlights French as one of the top-performing languages on the platform, with Quebec artists like Charlotte Cardin and Patrick Watson at the forefront.
Zooming out, Spotify says Canadian country artists account for 54% of streams across the country, and are experiencing a 35% increase in five years, averaging 8% annually. The highest per-capita streaming for nationwide country artists includes Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia.
Outside of the country, growth markets include Australia, Norway, the U.S., New Zealand and Ireland.
“We're thrilled that streaming is playing a key role in helping Canadian artists export their music and connect with new fans globally,” says Phipps.
Check out the full report here.
