Who is Patrick Watson?
Patrick Watson is a talented Canadian singer-songwriter who has made significant contributions to the indie music scene since the release of his debut album, ‘Waterproof9’, in 2001. With a unique sound that blends elements of folk, pop, and classical music, he has captivated audiences with his emotive performances.
Is he any good?
Watson has gained recognition as the frontman of the Patrick Watson band, which earned the prestigious Polaris Music Prize for their second album, ‘Close to Paradise’, released in 2006. Over the years, he has continued to produce music, with their seventh album, ‘Better in the Shade’, debuting in 2022, showcasing his evolving artistry and commitment to his craft.
Why are we talking about an early noughties musician?
At 45 years old, Watson has recently found himself back in the limelight, primarily due to his hauntingly beautiful 2010 track ‘Je te laisserai des mots’ (translated as ‘I will leave notes for you’). This delicate, piano-driven ballad was originally composed for the film Mères et Filles, directed by Julie Lopes-Curval. Although the 2009 film, known in English as Hidden Diary and featuring the iconic Catherine Deneuve, didn’t gain massive attention at its release, Watson’s poignant song has since experienced a remarkable resurgence, going viral in recent years.
How did it go viral?
The viral journey of ‘Je te laisserai des mots’ began in 2019 when it was featured in a nostalgic YouTube compilation. Since then, it has garnered further attention on TikTok, where users have shared snippets of the song, leading to its increased popularity. Notably, even music stars like Justin Bieber have helped catapult the track into the spotlight.
TikTok is at it again?
The phenomenon often referred to as the “TikTok effect” has played a crucial role in Watson’s resurgence. Thanks to the platform’s unique way of sharing music, ‘Je te laisserai des mots’ has achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming the first French-language song to surpass a billion streams on Spotify. This achievement marks a significant moment in music history, as this gentle piano piece from a relatively obscure Quebecois artist has become one of the most streamed French-language songs ever.
Who has Watson overtaken?
Before Watson’s viral success, the title of the most streamed French artist belonged to the French-Malian pop sensation Aya Nakamura. She was not only the most listened-to French artist globally but also the only woman to make it into the top 20 best-selling albums in France for 2023.
How has Watson reacted?
In response to the astonishing news of his song’s success, Watson took to social media to express his gratitude and amazement. He stated, “It’s an incredible thing to try to imagine what a billion actually means. It’s an enormous number that’s difficult to comprehend.” He emphasized the significance of his song being in French, sharing, “To make it more incredible, the song is in French. I grew up in Montreal and I’m incredibly proud that a French song has crossed these boundaries. I spoke French since I was young. It’s an incredible language, it has an incredible musical history and I feel very humbled to be a part of it.”
So, is Watson a Canadian hero now?
In many ways, yes, especially for the French-speaking Quebecois community. Patrick Watson has joined the ranks of a select group of Canadian artists who have crossed the threshold of over a billion streams for a single song. This illustrious group includes notable names like Justin Bieber, Daniel Caesar, The Weeknd, Nelly Furtado, Drake, Tate McRae, Alessia Cara, and Shawn Mendes. Chapeau, l’artiste!
