Quebec culture was significantly influenced by MusiquePlus long before social media platforms began recommending music. The iconic glass studio at the intersection of Ste-Catherine and Bleury in Montreal, with its enthusiastic fans, vibrant video jockeys (VJs) on TV screens, and trending music videos that determined what songs ended up in your CD player, is a nostalgic memory for many.
In an exciting development, MusiquePlus is making a comeback as a revamped influencer platform, thanks to a collaboration with TikTok. The channel, known for its tagline “New generation, same DNA,” announced its return in a video shared on TikTok.
Following in the footsteps of its counterpart MuchMusic, which successfully transitioned to TikTok in 2021 and amassed over five million followers, MusiquePlus aims to spotlight Quebec’s creative talents by introducing a new generation of VJs and creators who will focus on promoting music, culture, and entertainment.
Originally launched in 1986, MusiquePlus served as a launchpad for emerging local artists, propelling stars like Véronique Cloutier, Geneviève Borne, and Claude Rajotte to fame. The channel also played a pivotal role in the English-language debut of Celine Dion’s album “Unison” in 1990. Despite being replaced by another channel in 2019, MusiquePlus remains a cherished part of Quebec’s cultural history.
Maxime Rémillard, president of Remstar Media, one of the companies behind the relaunch, expressed enthusiasm about reviving MusiquePlus and providing a platform for local talent and culture to thrive once again.
The decision to relaunch MusiquePlus on TikTok aligns with the app’s growing influence in the music industry. Canadian artists like Tate McRae and bbno$ found success through viral TikTok moments, with their songs garnering widespread attention and accolades. While TikTok has proven to be a powerful promotional tool for artists, some have raised concerns about the industry’s increasing reliance on the platform for music promotion.
The revival of MusiquePlus is a collaborative effort involving Quebec-based production company Attraction, Motion Entertainment, and Remstar. The new VJs, aged between 20 and 35, will be unveiled upon the page’s launch on June 11. These VJs, who are well-versed in social media and TikTok’s style, aim to blend the nostalgia of MusiquePlus with fresh perspectives that resonate with today’s audience.
Through this relaunch, MusiquePlus seeks to honor its past while embracing the creativity and interests of a new generation of viewers.