Press Kit

Biography

Shawny is an award-winning Canadian children's artist, Youtuber, and performer for hire.

An elementary school music teacher turned children’s musician, Shawny brings more than 20 years’ experience with kids to the table. He is so in touch with his inner child that children instantly recognize him as a big, goofy friend! Shawny strives to create a safe space where kids can be as silly, imaginative, and energetic as they wish. He also has a deep respect for children; his warm-hearted folk/pop/rock music is catchy but never condescending.

Born and raised in Montreal, Shawny played guitar and sang in a variety of bands throughout his 20s while also working as an elementary school music teacher. It wasn’t until the onset of the COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020 that he began writing and performing music specifically for children, to help his students cope. Thrilled to see the positive effect his original music had on these kids during their online music sessions, Shawny took things a step further and created his own YouTube channel, Shawny Kids Music, which currently showcases more than 70 videos and has received over a million views. The warm reception to his videos inspired Shawny to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time recording artist and live performer for kids.

A graduate of McGill University with a Bachelor of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language, Shawny cites influences as diverse as Ray Davies of The Kinks, Dolly Parton, Barenaked Ladies, Funkadelic, Talking Heads, The B-52s, Raffi, and Kermit the Frog!

Shawny’s debut album, It’s So Sunny (2023), addresses themes of kindness, acceptance, and socio-emotional learning. In 2023, Shawny’s song “The Day The Colours Went Away” from It’s So Sunny was honored in Australia as Favourite Canadian Song in the Funky Kids Radio 3rd annual Global Children’s Entertainment Awards. Shawny was then named National Artist of the Year in the Funky Kids Radio 4th Annual Global Children’s Entertainment Awards. His music has been featured on radio shows and podcasts like The Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl, The Children’s Hour, and New Zealand-based Suzy & Friends. Shawny maintains a busy schedule of performances at daycares, elementary schools, libraries, festivals, and public and private events.

Shawny's newest album Go Go Stop – Music & Movement for Kids blends full-on silliness with rich inner themes. Some songs are just for fun, like “Little Bubbles,” a catchy earworm about the joys of popping bubbles on a sunny day, and “Go Go Stop,” a fast-paced, pop-country freeze dance tune. The more profound, Sesame Street-influenced “So Different” and the joyful “Rainbow Parade” (featuring guest ensemble Strawbitty Yops) celebrate differences and inclusivity.

It will be available on all streaming platforms and for purchase on May 16th, 2025.

Music

Shawny has...

Written over 45 original songs

Professionally produced 2 albums

Available to stream

Released 7 singles

More about music

More about Go Go Stop

Videos

Shawny has been making YouTube videos since 2020.

He showcases a mix of original music videos, covers, read-alongs, movement songs, and tutorials.

Shawny has several professionally-produced videos, but also makes many by himself.

70+ videos

1,060,000+ views

4.5+ subscribers

See videos on Youtube

" 'SHAWNY' STRIVES TO EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN, AND HELP CHILDREN DISCONNECT FROM THE TIMES WHILE HAVING FUN WITH MUSIC."

"FROM WASHING HANDS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSIVITY AND KINDNESS, A MONTREAL MUSICIAN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL STRIVES TO EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN, AND HELP CHILDREN DISCONNECT DURING THESE TIMES."