The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) and Amazon Music are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Breakthrough Songwriter Award, Aaron Paris (Anglophone Winner) and Fredz (Francophone Winner), who are being recognized for their outstanding songwriting achievements as emerging stars of music creation.
Aaron Paris is a 3-time Grammy-nominated producer, composer, and artist from Toronto. Having worked with major artists, including Ariana Grande, Kanye West, Drake, DJ Khaled, Russ, Kali Uchis, Roddy Ricch, NAV, Blxst, and more, Paris has built a strong international reputation as a musical composer and collaborator. As a multi-instrumentalist and string arranger, he’s dedicated to bringing the “new classical” sound into the modern music industry. He founded the group “Strings From Paris,” a collective of string players which aims to bridge classical and modern worlds, and educate the next generation. Their videos have gained millions of views on Instagram and TikTok.
“I feel extremely honoured to even be a part of this award,” said Paris. “I think it’s amazing that songwriters and producers are getting more and more recognition from the industry. A lot of people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, and a lot of the time the writers and producers, especially the smaller ones, are given the short end of the stick. I’m hopeful this is another step towards a future where producers and songwriters are treated fairly, and can make a living from their art.”
Fredz, a 22-year-old Québec artist, stands out from his contemporaries with his polymorphic approach to music. Refusing to be confined to a single style or a format, he combines introspection and creativity, writing songs that are both profound and accessible. Inspired by artists such as Orelsan and Stromae, Fredz develops a suave rap, far from cliché, and shares his vision of the world with a disarming authenticity. Working in his home studio, Fredz mixes toplines and improvisation, resulting in sensitive and creative lyrics, while remaining connected to his audience — particularly via his social networks, where he finds a faithful echo.
“I’m truly touched by this award, and deeply grateful to those who believe in me and support my work,” said Fredz. “It means the world to me. Thank you so much.”
Established in 2017, the Breakthrough Songwriter Award has bestowed the honour to songwriters who have gone on to have successful, award-winning careers, including Eli Brown, Lou-Adriane Cassidy, Mustafa, Ariane Roy, Lowell, Les Louanges, Jessie Reyez, and Charlotte Cardin.
In addition to receiving a customized development plan by Amazon Music, which will include playlisting, high-profile songwriting sessions and camps, travel support, and access to an international recording studio, Aaron Paris and Fredz will be recognized at the 2024 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sept. 28, 2024 at the iconic Massey Hall in Toronto.
“This year’s Breakthrough Songwriter Award winners showcase the incredible talent and diversity in Canadian songwriting, and are a testament to the richness of our musical landscape. Congratulations to Aaron Paris and Fredz on this well-earned achievement!” said Nick Fedor, Executive Director of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. “Songwriters are the architects of the music we love, and it’s crucial that we nurture their growth to ensure Canadian songwriting excellence thrives for years to come. Thank You to our partners at Amazon Music for sharing this vision, and helping us support and recognize the next generation of songwriting talent.”
The CSHF and Amazon Music would also like to acknowledge this year’s Breakthrough Songwriter Award finalists: Anglophone – Ali Willa Milner, Banx & Ranx, Sarcastic Sounds, and Sebastian Gaskin. Francophone – Jay Scøtt, P’tit Belliveau, Soleil Launière, Thierry Larose, and Waahli.
This year, 26 outstanding candidates were nominated for the Breakthrough Songwriter Award by two juries of esteemed music industry experts – one Anglophone and one Francophone. One winner in each category was determined after two rounds of voting. For more information on the Award please visit cshf.ca/songwriter-award/.