February is a big month for Canadian cutie Shawn Desman – his fourth studio album and new movie, ‘Alive’, come out February 5 and he heads out on a cross-Canada tour starting February 7 in Montreal. All three projects intertwine – the music from the album, all of which is composed by Shawn, makes up the soundtrack of the movie and these songs will be played on tour. We caught up with Shawn to discuss his busy schedule and the people that make him say “dum da dum”.
Your movie ‘Alive’ premieres on MuchMusic February 5 at 7 p.m. Can you tell us about it?
The movie is about a girl from a small town called Fergus, Ontario who wants to move to the big city to train and become a dancer. She does that and goes through some ups and downs. I can’t give away too much because I’d give away the whole story, but that’s the gist of it. It’s about positivity, following your dreams and doing what you want.
Were you involved with the production of the movie behind the scenes?
I’m involved in everything that I do. It’s important for me to do that because at the end of the day it’s my name and my face.
After working on ‘Alive’, do you see yourself doing more movies in the future?
I would definitely love to do some more if the right roles come along. I’m all for it 100 per cent.
The movie features music off your new album, ‘Alive’. What messages do your songs send?
There are no songs about being in the club, popping bottles and girls and whatnot. The theme of the album is positivity; it’s about love and my real life experiences, such as being in the industry and going through the ups and downs.
How is ‘Alive’ different from your previous albums?
The biggest thing is the sound. Musically, it’s definitely more of a pop record and it’s more organic, meaning a lot more piano and guitar.
What is your favourite song off your new album and why?
I’d say there are two songs that I’m really proud of – “Too Young To Care”, which is the new single coming out and “Run”. I’m really proud of “Run” because I feel like it’s different musically than anything else I’ve done. “Too Young To Care” is a feel good positive song that’s really upbeat. I think it’s probably going to be one of people’s favourites.
“Dum Da Dum” is your current single and it’s blowing up the charts and airwaves. What is the song about?
It’s about when you’re meeting someone. After you meet them and you’re walking home or driving home, you find yourself singing to yourself because that person made such an impact on you and you really felt something.
What makes you say “dum da dum”?
I’ve met people in my life that have made me say “dum da dum”. Somebody that’s attractive, funny, smart, witty and can keep up with me because I’m as goofy as they come and I’m never serious.
What can fans expect to see on your new tour?
New songs off the record, some songs they may not know, the old hits, myself, my dancers, my band, tons of fun and dancing. It’s going to be a fun show. I’m really excited. It’s my first headlining tour too.
Which songs are you most excited to play on this tour?
I’m excited for people to start hearing “Too Young To Care” because I’m really excited about that song, but I love doing all of the songs because all of them are about a different point in my life.
What’s next for you after your tour?
The new single and video will be coming out and I have a dance competition that I’m running in April and May. Then I’m heading back on the road in the summer, probably doing the east coast of Canada, and recording and working with artists. I’m working with The Switch right now, who is going to be at my Mississauga show doing an acoustic set.
Thank you, Shawn! Pick up ‘Alive’ in stores and on iTunes February 5, tune into MuchMusic at 7 p.m. EST for the broadcast premiere of ‘Alive’ February 5 and catch him in a city near you starting February 7!
For more information about Shawn’s movie, look out for our coverage from his red carpet premiere in Toronto!
(Images courtesy of Universal Music Canada)