ArtistsCAN “LEAN ON ME”
Available Everywhere Now
Canadian artists come together in support of the Canadian Red Cross AND COVID-19 RELIEF
High res art & photos here
Over two dozen singerS including
Avril Lavigne, Bad Child, Bryan Adams, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Command Sisters, Dan Kanter , Desiire, Donovan Woods, Fefe Dobson, Geddy Lee, Jann Arden, Johnny Orlando, Josh Ramsay, Jules Halpern, Justin Bieber, Marie-Mai, Michael Bublé, Olivia Lunny, Ryland James, Sarah McLachlan, Scott Helman, Serena Ryder, Shawn Hook, TIKA, The Tenors,
Tyler Shaw, Walk Off The Earth
VIDEO PREMIERED ON TONIGHT’S HISTORIC BROADCAST OF
STRONGER TOGETHER, TOUS ENSEMBLE
(April 26, 2020) – Tonight, the collective artist initiative, ArtistsCAN, releases the Canadian virtual ensemble performance of the treasured Bill Withers classic “Lean On Me,” in support of the Canadian Red Cross and their COVID-19 efforts. Sung by more than two dozen of Canada’s biggest international stars, homegrown favourites, and brightest newcomers, the single and video are now available on all digital retail platforms. Watch the video or stream the song here.
Conceptualized by JUNO Award nominated musicians Tyler Shaw and Fefe Dobson, the two gathered other artists, producers and talent to cover the track from their homes, and completed the song in three short weeks with over 25 artists featured (for the full list of artists please see below). Produced by Jon Levine (Céline Dion, Alessia Cara, Avril Lavigne), mixed by Jason Dufour (July Talk, Lights, The Trews) and musical contribution by Dan Kanter (Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, bülow).
The accompanying video for the single kicked off the charitable endeavor with the premiere of the song on this evening’s historic national, multi-broadcaster event Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble. Produced by The Young Astronauts, the video not only features contributed homemade footage of each vocalist but also boasts 50+ Canadians helping spread the message of support and unity.
“When I heard of Bill Withers’ passing, I was listening to all his legendary music, and I really dove into the lyrics of ‘Lean On Me,’ a song I’ve heard hundreds of times, but now in this current climate, the lyrics seem more profound than ever. I wanted to cover it; I wanted to help. I called Fefe, we called more people, and more people. And in a really short time we had this incredible song, with a message I think people need to hear right now, all while raising money for something every single one of us is affected by,” said Tyler Shaw.
All proceeds of the ArtistsCAN single are donated to the Canadian Red Cross to help fight COVID-19 in Canada. Canadians can contribute to the initiative by simply streaming the song, viewing the official music video, or downloading the single. To make a monetary contribution just text LEANONME to 20222 (standard text messaging rates apply) or go to www.redcross.ca/leanonme.
“ArtistsCAN is true artist-to-artist connection. We’ve come together to help how we can. We know there a lot of people who are struggling, who have lost their jobs, who can’t financially contribute. So this is a way to help because by just streaming the song, or watching the video, the proceeds go directly to the Canadian Red Cross to help fight this virus,” said Fefe Dobson.
ArtistsCAN is (in alphabetical order by first letter):
Avril Lavigne
Bad Child
Bryan Adams
Buffy Sainte-Marie
Command Sisters
Dan Kanter
Desiire
Donovan Woods
Fefe Dobson
Geddy Lee
Jann Arden
Johnny Orlando
Josh Ramsay
Jules Halpern
Justin Bieber
Marie-Mai
Michael Bublé
Olivia Lunny
Ryland James
Sarah McLachlan
Scott Helman
Serena Ryder
Shawn Hook
TIKA
The Tenors
Tyler Shaw
Walk Off The Earth
Produced by Jon Levine (Céline Dion, Alessia Cara, Avril Lavigne)
Mixed by Jason Dufour (July Talk, Lights, The Trews)
Music contribution by Dan Kanter (Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, bülow)
Video produced by The Young Astronauts
About ArtistsCAN
ArtistsCAN is a collective artist initiative raising funds for COVID-19 relief in Canada. Created by artists Tyler Shaw and Fefe Dobson, the pair gathered other musicians from across Canada to cover a song, with all proceeds from the single “Lean On Me” going directly the Canadian Red Cross. The goal for ArtistsCAN is to connect the artist community with charitable organizations to further help their cause through the arts. Founded by musical ambassadors Tyler Shaw, Fefe Dobson and Dan Kanter, the endeavor was created in April 2020.
#ArtistsCAN
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Editor’s notes:
“Lean On Me” Embed Codes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=athd5_CW_z0
Embed: <iframe id=”player” width=”640″ height=”390″ src=”https://embed.vevo.com?isrc=CA9EQ2000001&partnerId=346c2586-d3f8-4b75-ba0d-398fdb6e4c08&partnerAdCode=” allowfullscreen=”true”></iframe>
High res photos and single art: HERE
Artist on Lyrics
Some-times in our lives we all have pain we all have sorrow - Justin Bieber
But, if we are wise we know that there’s al-ways tomorrow – Michael Bublé
Lean on me when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend I’ll help you carry on –
Bryan Adams / Michael Bublé / Justin Bieber
For it won’t be long ‘til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on – Fefe Dobson / Justin Bieber
Please swallow your pride if I have things you need to borrow – Avril Lavigne / Tyler Shaw
For no one can fill those of your needs that you won’t let show – Sarah McLachlan / Tyler Shaw
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand – Tyler Shaw
We all need somebody to lean on – The Tenors / Command Sisters
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand – Serena Ryder
We all need somebody to lean on – The Tenors/ Serena Ryder
Lean on me when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend – Geddy Lee/ Bieber ad libs / Jules Halpern
I’ll help you carry on for it won’t be long – Geddy Lee / Jann Arden / Walk off the Earth / Olivia Lunny
Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on – Sarah McLachlan / Walk off the Earth
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand – Ryland James / Bad Child / Scott Helman
We all need somebody to lean on – Josh Ramsay /Bad Child / Scott Helman
On a tous les mêmes problèmes Pour qu’on se comprenne – Marie-Mai
We all need somebody to lean on – Bryan Adams / Donovan Woods
Ya – Scott Helman
If there is a load you have to bear – Avril Lavigne
That you can’t carry – Serena Ryder
I’m right up the road I’ll share your load – Shawn Hook
If you just call me (call me) – Tyler Shaw
Ad Libs in Order:
Shawn Hook, Jules Halpern, Johnny Orlando. Serena Ryder, Desiire, Marie-Mai , TIKA, Tyler Shaw, Bryan Adams, Ryland James, TIKA, Marie-Mai, Scott Helman, Serena Ryder, Avril Lavigne, Desiire
For more information, please contact:
Samantha Taus
Manager, National Media Relations
Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.