Quebec culture was significantly influenced by MusiquePlus long before social media algorithms curated our music preferences. If you recall the iconic glass studio at Ste-Catherine and Bleury in Montreal, the enthusiastic crowds of fans, the charismatic VJs on your TV screen, and the music videos that dictated your CD playlist, get ready for a wave of nostalgia. The once-beloved TV channel is making a comeback in collaboration with TikTok, aiming to reinvent itself as a new kind of influencer exclusively on the app.
In a recent video announcement, MusiquePlus expressed, “New generation, same DNA,” signaling a return to the spotlight with a fresh approach. This move mirrors MuchMusic’s successful integration with TikTok in 2021, amassing over five million followers on the platform. The channel’s revival will feature a new cohort of VJs and creators dedicated to showcasing music, culture, and entertainment, with a focus on amplifying Quebec’s creative voices.
The French-language music channel, originally launched in 1986, played a pivotal role in propelling local emerging artists to fame. Notable Quebec stars like Véronique Cloutier, Geneviève Borne, Anne-Marie Withenshaw, Claude Rajotte, and Sonia Benezra kickstarted their careers on MusiquePlus. The channel also made history by broadcasting the debut of Celine Dion’s first English language album, “Unison,” in 1990. Despite being replaced by another channel in 2019, MusiquePlus remains a cherished part of Quebec’s cultural memory.
Maxime Rémillard, president of Remstar Media, one of the entities behind the relaunch, emphasized the significance of reviving MusiquePlus to empower local talent and culture. TikTok’s role in this revival aligns with its growing influence in the music industry, serving as a vital platform for artists to showcase and promote their work.
Production for MusiquePlus’s revival is in collaboration with Quebec-based companies Attraction, Motion Entertainment, and Remstar, with a focus on incorporating elements reminiscent of the channel’s past glory. The new generation of VJs, aged 20 to 35, will be unveiled upon the page’s launch on June 11. These VJs, already active on social media platforms like TikTok, are poised to infuse the brand with a fresh perspective while honoring its legacy.