5 Super Famous Canadian Singers Who Got Their Start On YouTube
In this day and age, it's pretty much impossible to find someone who doesn't know at least one person that has dreams of being a musician. Whether they're posting raps on Soundcloud, producing beats for other artists, or recording covers on YouTube, people are always finding the craziest ways to get noticed. Here are five Canadian singers who started out on YouTube.
Surprisingly enough, some of our countries most talented artists got their start from posting covers of their favourite songs online, so don't count out those wannabe rappers from your hometown just yet - they just might get as big as The Weeknd.
Justin Bieber
Isn't it crazy to think that it's already been 12 years since Justin Bieber released the first video of him singing on YouTube? Back in 2007, the now world-famous popstar posted a cover of So Sick by Ne-Yo. He was discovered shortly after by talent manager Scooter Braun, who he's worked with ever since.
Carly Rae Jepsen
If we're being technical, Carly Rae Jepsen rose to fame here in Canada after competing on Canadian Idol and placing third. However, it wasn't until Justin Bieber found her song Call Me Maybe, became obsessed with it, and then made a YouTube video lip-syncing to it with a bunch of his friends that the singer really gained momentum. Shortly after, she was signed with Braun as well, based on Bieber's suggestion.
Shawn Mendes
Not so long ago in 2012, Shawn Mendes was filming song covers and entering them into contests. He quickly gathered a massive fan base between his YouTube and Vine accounts. Mendes eventually opened for Austin Mahone and Taylor Swift and is now headlining tours of his own around the world.
Alessia Cara
When Alessia Cara first started posting videos to YouTube, she was still in high school and kept the whole thing pretty lowkey. Eventually, the daughter of the founder of EP Entertainment came across one of her videos, and the rest is history. Cara spent her senior year recording EPs and her debut album. She is now on tour with Shawn Mendes.
The Weeknd
When The Weeknd first started putting out music eight years ago, everyone wondered who the person behind the sensual lyrics with the soulful voice was. The singer self-released his first mixtape, House of Balloons, and the rest is history.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick up that instrument and start recording something on YouTube now!