Québecor launches new music streaming service to expose Québec talent

By Emmanuel Legrand

Québec media and telecom company Québecor has launched a new on demand music streaming service, QUBMusique, described as "the first streaming platform designed and produced in Québec." 

  Available via iOSand Android apps, as well as on qubmusique.ca, the service offers some 50 million tracks but is dedicated mostly to the exposure of local talent. The focus on French-speaking Canadian artists was welcomed by ADISQ, the trade body representing Québec music companies. 

  “For several years now, Quebecers have had access to more than 50 million songs on foreign platforms where our musical content often struggles to stand out. QUB Musique offers a different offer to Quebecers: a music service that will highlight our musical wealth and the creativity of our artists. It’s a lasting commitment that’s made today and it’s great news for local music," said Solange Drouin, vice-president of public affairs and executive director of ADISQ.

A showcase for local talent

  QUB Music will broadcast ADISQ's chart PalmarèsADISQ and will also feature playlist made by local artists.

Pierre Karl Péladeau

  "Faced with large international streaming platforms, Quebecor wanted to offer Quebecers a local product which offers an unparalleled showcase for local talent and does its part to improve artist and music rights holders' remuneration," explained Quebecor President and Chief Executive Officer Pierre Karl Péladeau. "In this time of crisis, supporting our local artists is more important than ever, and what better way is there to do that than listening to local music? This is why we decided to move up the launch of QUB musique, so that audiences could discover and enjoy the richness of the Quebec repertoire!"

  QUB Musique will be accessible for free until the end of July 31, 2020, after which users will be charged CA$11.99 per month. Through a partnership with Vidéotron, clients to the telecom company's mobile service will be able to access the service for CA$4.99 a month.

A true ally of Québec music

  The company claimed that "more money will be paid to artists and rights holders by QUB musique than by other streaming services." 

  "We are betting that Quebecers are ready to do their part so that players in the music industry are better paid," said Mathieu Turbide, Quebecor Vice-President Digital Content. "As for us, we are committed to continuing to invest and work to make QUB musique a true ally of Quebec music."