Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer The Weeknd has recently hit yet another huge musical milestone, this time in regards to The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Matching Shawn Mendes, who is the most-awarded Socan member in a single year, he won five Socan Awards for his accomplishments in 2020 alone.
After performing at the Billboard Music Awards, The Weeknd won the Socan Songwriter of the Year Award, the Socan International Song Award for his major hit ‘Blinding Lights’, two Socan Pop Music Awards for ‘Blinding Lights’ and ‘Heartless’, and finally, a Socan R&B Music Award for ‘In Your Eyes’.
For the second year in a row, the 32nd annual Socan Awards were held online to honor Canada’s most successful songwriters, composers and music publishers. More than fifty award winners were announced, alongside a special performance by JJ Wilde of Eddie Schwartz’s ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’. Moreover, virtual presentations were held, featuring Socan members Drake, Lido Pimienta, Shawn Mendes, OZ, Tenille Arts and many more music creators and publishers, who embody the worldwide success of Canadian music creation.
Alongside The Weeknd, here are a few others who won Socan Special Achievement Awards:
- Eddie Schwartz won the Socan Cultural Impact Award for his amazing influence as a songwriter on the global music scene, along with his super iconic song, ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’.
- Keith Power won, for the fourth time, the Socan Screen Composer of the Year Award, the Socan Domestic Television Music Award – Fiction Programming and the Socan International Television Series Music Award for his marvelous musical contribution to beloved TV productions, like ‘Heartland’ and ‘Hawaii Five-0’.
- Frank Dukes won his fourth consecutive Socan Songwriter of The Year – Producer Award for producing several big hits, including ‘My Oh My’ by Camila Cabello feat. DaBaby and ‘Monster’ by Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber.
- Tate McRae won the Socan Breakout Songwriter Award and a SOCAN Pop Music Award, as her single ‘You Broke Me First’ became one of 2020’s biggest international hits. In addition, she earned tens of millions of streams on her debut single ‘Tear Myself Apart’, co-written with Billie Eilish and Finneas.
On the significance of this event, Socan’s interim CEO Jennifer Brown said, “In a difficult year, the incredible work of Canada’s music creators and publishers has never been more important and meaningful. 2020 reminded us of the deep connection we have with music and the huge role it plays in our mental and emotional health. We will continue to advocate for a country in which music creation is fairly valued and rewarded.”
