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Shawn Desman Signs Exclusive Publishing Deal with Anthem Music, Marking a Major Comeback

Anthem Music Publishing has officially welcomed multi-platinum pop artist Shawn Desman into its roster through an exclusive songwriting agreement—further cementing the company’s commitment to fostering the careers of influential artists making a creative resurgence. The announcement arrives during a pivotal moment in Desman’s career, following a series of high-profile performances, a national radio hit, and renewed public attention.

Anthem Music Group, headquartered in Toronto with operations in Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles, is one of the world’s leading independent music companies. With a structure that includes both Anthem Music Publishing and Anthem Records, the company supports a wide range of songwriters, artists, and music creators while operating with the reach of a major and the nimbleness of an independent.

The new agreement with Desman is part of Anthem’s broader strategic alliance with Wax Records, which was first announced in November 2024. Together, the two companies are working to rethink the traditional artist development model, with a focus on long-term growth and creative integrity. Desman, signed to Wax Records, is the first major artist to emerge from this collaboration.

A statement from the company discloses that, “Shawn Desman is a force in Canadian pop music, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Anthem family,” said Jason Klein, Anthem Music Group CEO. “His creative resurgence has set the stage for an exciting new chapter, and this publishing partnership reflects our belief in his vision and artistry. We’re proud to support him as he continues to deliver bold, genre-defining music to audiences across Canada and beyond.”

Desman himself expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership: “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Anthem Music family! It’s important for me to feel the hunger, the passion and the love for music with anyone that I partner with. Jason and his team have shown me all of those things in immense quantities,” he said. “I look forward to the international opportunities that Anthem will bring forth not only as a songwriter but also as an artist. Let’s make some great music!”

The partnership’s first major release is Desman’s new single, “BODY,” a vibrant dance-pop collaboration with 2025 JUNO Award nominee Jamie Fine. The track was conceived and recorded in just two days—a creative sprint that produced a high-energy, radio-ready anthem. Released on March 21 via Wax Records, “BODY” quickly became the most added song on Canadian radio during its debut week, marking a strong return to the mainstream for Desman.

The momentum behind BODY builds on the wave Desman has been riding since 2023, when his Top 10 hit “Maniac” reignited his presence on Canadian airwaves. That success was followed by a series of sold-out shows across the country, as well as viral moments that captured the attention of fans both old and new.

A defining voice in Canadian pop, Desman first rose to prominence in the early 2000s with a string of chart-topping singles and a platinum-selling album. His accolades include a JUNO Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, multiple MMVAs, and several SOCAN Awards recognizing his work as a songwriter. His music, known for its crossover appeal and polished production, helped shape the sound of a generation and paved the way for a new era of Canadian pop artists.

His return has been met with enthusiasm from fans and industry peers alike. In 2023, he headlined the OVO All Canadian North Stars show, a moment that reintroduced his legacy to a new audience and reinforced his status as a mainstay in Canadian music.

Looking ahead, the Anthem deal positions Desman for continued creative growth, with more releases, international touring, and new collaborations on the horizon. For both artist and publisher, this partnership marks the beginning of a new phase—rooted in legacy, driven by momentum, and focused on the future.