CBC Searchlight Top 25
From 232 finalists to a skookum list of 25 the CBC Searchlight competition is entering round three! We have until May 9th to vote again, although the judges will pick the top three and the fourth is selected by popular vote. So you, like me, may be thinking "holy damn I have been voting forever when will this thing end!" Well it will end with a spectacular CBC showcase showdown with the final four.
I don't know how I feel about Searchlight, maybe because I only use my TV to play Donkey Kong Country on Super Nintendo I'm missing out on the CBC hype, or maybe I feel like it is going on forever how can I continue to care. But the thing is the grand prize is huge! "$50,000 grand prize, which includes $20,000 worth of equipment from Yamaha Canada, a performance slot at the 2016 CBCMusic.ca Festival in Toronto, and a Career Booster package from Canadian Musician magazine, including a studio session, mentorship, album production/distribution and more (valued at $25,000). Winners will also be featured on CBC Radio's q."
This would be an incredible prize for an emerging Canadian artist and in the meantime we are being introduced to so many great bands, so I guess Searchlight is pretty alright. So here they are our top 25 finalists:
Savvie
Vancouver City
'Night Eyes is the debut album for Vancouver's SAVVIE, released on Tiny Kingdom records in February 2015. Savannah Leigh Wellman (previously of Redbird) is the unstoppable force behind SAVVIE, a seductive mix of sultry, brooding rock and infectious pop hooks. Produced by Matt Rogers (The Harpoonist And The Axe Murderer), Night Eyes is a courageous, relentless debut that shines a spotlight on Wellman’s penchant for crafting sparkling, hip-swaying tunes. It’s sharp, sexy, and nuanced, with a laser-focus on irresistible melodies and big head-nodding choruses.'
Mike Edel
Vancouver Island
'Even the title, India/Seattle feels like a story on it’s own. Victoria’s Mike Edel couldn’t have named his sophomore release more poetically. Part of growing a little bit older, a little bit wiser is the awareness that comes inside growing spaces. Nearing thirty, on the exhaust of a brutal four year touring schedule, Edel settled inside these spaces to create his finest work yet. There’s a quiet here, even in the literal spaces in the record that speak loudly.'
Desirée Dawson
Greater Vancouver Area
'Desirée loves language and writing therefore writes all her own music. She draws inspiration for her music from her love of reading people and their emotions, intrigued by the web that we are all interconnected in. When asked about what music means to her, Desirée says, “I love how a group of completely different people can be united by one song. Music has the power to stir up the deepest emotions, it is therapeutic and such an effective healer. For these reasons and so many more, music is my life."'
Andrew Judah
Interior and Northern BC
'Andrew Judah is a Songwriter/Composer from British Columbia, Canada. In 2014 he released his third full length album, the dark and progressive Monster. Later that year, Andrew joined forces with drummer Zac Gauthier and bassist Jonathan Tromsness. In early 2015 they began playing shows together and honing their skills as an energetic live group. In late 2015 they received 1st place in the Music BC emerging artist program and released their first single together, "Running Home". Their latest single "Who Am I" was featured on an episode of Shadowhunters (Freeform, Netflix). They are currently recording a new record.'
Kalunga
The North
'Kalunga is not just a professional boxer in the ring but also a talented singer/songwriter. Born in Alexandria Egypt, Kalunga recalls moving a lot when he was you due to his father's job as a working musician. This Experience gave Kalunga a chance to experience a lot of different cultures and see that music is an essential part of life.'
Havelin
Edmonton and Northern Alberta
'Havelin (Alex Zaichkowski) is a 17 year old singer-songwriter and actor from St. Albert, Alberta. Born into a musical family, music has been a part of his life since early on. An avid songwriter and performer, he has been influenced by the likes of Donovan Woods, Father John Misty, and Shakey Graves. With conversational lyrics focussing on the small moments of people's lives and a strong alternative folk influence, Havelin looks to highlight the beauty of what may often be considered mundane.'
Midwest Mindset
Calgary and Southern Alberta
'Midwest Mindset is a live instrument driven hip-hop band based out of Calgary, AB. Comprised of six musicians, each with a unique skill set and talent. The crew has developed a distinct sound with a high energy stage performance perfect for nightclubs and festivals. Their live performance has landed them opening spots for artists such as Tech N9ne, ¡MAYDAY!, Hopsin, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Onyx and more. With over 60 performances, multiple tours and a successful release of their debut album '1313', Midwest Mindset is one of Western Canada's best kept secrets.'
Johnny Don't
Saskatchewan
'Often described as one of Saskatchewan’s greatest up-and-coming acts, Johnny Don’t is a group with an extraordinary talent for blending various musical styles of rock, pop, funk, jazz, and R&B. Together, Mike Colli, Graham Templeman, Dave Postnikoff, Jesse Dawson and Sauvelum Mclean have created a musical repertoire that keeps their crowds thoroughly entertained. With their well crafted sense for lyric and infectious melodies, it is very easy to find a Johnny Don’t song stuck in your head.'
Kenzie Jane
Manitoba
'Coming from a musical family, Kenzie Jane has developed a unique style of original music, mixing sounds of RnB, Jazz, and Folk. She enjoys writing, and playing piano and guitar. She started performing around age 6 singing harmonies for her parents at various events. Since then she has played in talent contests, performed and recorded with Grammy nominated artist Fresh IE, and spent a few years in a rap crew. Currently Kenzie is working on the release of her EP Love Me From Scratch, performing at various venues around Winnipeg and spends her summers busking at The Forks.'
Teo Milea
Toronto City
'Winner of '2015 Classical Album of the Year' category on SoloPiano.com Radio US with his latest release 'Open Minds', applauded and acclaimed on international scenes for his piano compositions, Toronto-based Romanian pianist Teo Milea brings to the audience a creation that successfully combines the specific of two worlds: the classical and the new one, of the 21th century. Teo Milea is the first pianist to perform at NATO Headquarters in Brussels and also, the first pianist to perform his own work on the stage of the International Ballet Gala in Dortmund. Music is a cure for the soul!'
Tafari Anthony
Toronto City
'Tafari Anthony is a Canadian singer/songwriter who has enjoyed national success performing with the Arts Club in Vancouver, Stage West in Calgary and Toronto, and providing backing vocals for solo artist and lead vocalist of The Philosopher Kings Jarvis Church. Tafari's undeniable talent as a solo artist was recently recognized by Canada's Walk of Fame. Tafari's command over songwriting moves beyond storytelling and reaches into the very soul of universal human experience. His powerful voice carries a compassion and quiet strength that the The Toronto Star said, "captures the right mixture of power and pathos".'
Andi
The Greater Toronto Area
'Andi is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and recording artist. Her musical style draws from many different genres; often blending modern sounds of pop, electronic, alternative, and rock influences with elements of RnB, jazz, and soul. This eclectic mix makes for energetic, diverse soundscapes and catchy choruses that hit with a wall of sound. Her music is often coined as progressive or alternative pop, but Andi refuses to put a label on her sound and is open to an evolving sense of musical identity and collaboration. She is passionately involved in the creation of all visuals associated with her music.'
Cat Clyde
Kitchener-Waterloo
'Cat Clyde, is a brand new artist out of Stratford, Ontario. A fresh take on the classic sounds of yesteryear; breathing new life into the velvety vocal, tack-piano, slide-guitar-style that can instantly walk you through the swinging doors of a packed saloon.'
Stegall
Windsor and London
'WE ARE SISTERS. WE ARE MUSICMAKERS AND SONGWRITERS. WE SHRED, FREAK OUT, DANCE, AND SPEAK OUT. WE EXPLORE WHAT IT MEANS TO ENGAGE. TO BE WOMEN. TO BE POWERHOUSES. TO FEEL THINGS. TO BE CITIZENS AND WANDERERS. OF PHYSICAL WORLDS AND IMAGINED ONES. WE ARE DOWN WITH MELODY. WE ARE DOWN WITH NOISE. WE ARE *so* DOWN WITH GROOVE. WE ARE AMBITIOUS. WE ARE FUNNY. OUR MUSIC NOT SO MUCH. WE ARE POLITE CANADIANS . OUR MUSIC NOT SO MUCH [I.E. THE WORLD]. WE LIKE CLEAN LINES AND DIRTY WORDS. IRONY AND QUIRK. ARTFUL COMMUNICATION AND SHARP, BLACK OUTFITS.'
Oh Geronimo
Hamilton
'Oh Geronimo is a project that provides an escape from the daily rigours of adult life. In order to fully express ourselves, we ignore all of the distractions and freefall into the moment. Although Oh Geronimo was created about 3 years ago, the project truly came to fruition in August 2015 with a line-up change and the release of a 7-inch record. After touring the East Coast of Canada, from Toronto to Newfoundland and back, we released our debut full-length album, 'Sleep Rhythms', in March 2016. Oh Geronimo is excited to explore the many roads yet travelled.'
Jesse Slack
Central Ontario
'Jesse Slack is a young country recording artist and songwriter who is making quite the name for himself in the music industry. At 24 years old he is already gaining attention with his upcoming single release, live shows, and songwriter credits. Jesse has a modern edge to his country sound and maintains a high energy experience at every show.'
Liberty
Ottawa
'The members of Liberty are made up of Zachary Martin (Lead vocals,Guitar), Alex Pharoah (Vocals, Guitar), Stephen Adubofuor (Drums), Chris Spencer (Bass), and Clayton Connell (Keys). Zach, Alex and Stephen all met in college while studying music together and connected straight away though their similar tastes and spirit. Having caught on to the vision of Zach's writing endeavors, Alex and Stephen brought in their friends Chris and Clayton, and like a band of brothers, they began allowing these musical ideas to become a reality. Now, they pursue every opportunity to create together and share that love with others.'
Ambush
Ottawa
'Ambush has been delivering their own brand of country music and performing over 150 shows a year since 1993. This trio is a group of performers who share a combination of talent, experience, enthusiasm who chose to persue music as their full-time career. Ambush has been recognized by the Canadian Music industry with multiple nominations by CCMA, including: Independent Group or Duo of the Year & Group or Duo of the Year & Video of the Year. The song, "Rollin' Like a Wagon Wheel" is a tribute to their great friend Brenda Wallace who they lost to cancer. www.getambushed.com'
Blackwood Sinners
Northern Ontario
'Blackwood Sinners are a hard rock band based out of Sudbury, Ontario. Their passion bleeds through as they combine a mix of driving guitar riffs, thunderous bass, pounding drums and melodic vocals to encompass a sound all their own. Setting out to prove that rock and roll is not dead. The band have been working hard creating and are nearing completion of their debut album "Against the Grain" due for release spring 2016.'
Isabelle Young
Montreal
'Isabelle Young is a Montreal based singer/songwriter who grew up surrounded by a musical family, pulling influences from her aunt Karen Young and her cousin Coral Egan. After completing her jazz performance studies in college, she began composing her own music. Young’s luxurious yet vulnerable sound is dictated by her honest lyrics and striking vocal clarity. Her debut EP Sirens includes six original compositions. Isabelle is currently a contestant on TVA's fourth season of La Voix, on Pierre Lapointe's team.'
Whisky Legs
Quebec
'Based in the heart of the St-Roch district of Quebec City, Whisky Legs emerges from this wild universe with vintage sounds and a contemporary sensibility. Released September 18th 2015, their first full length album, Basement Confessions, captures a rebel spirit melding powerful and evocative vocals with pulsating rock and a lashing of deep soulful grooves. The band finds inspiration in the sounds of the 60’s and 70‘s as well as modern acts such as Alabama Shakes, The Black Keys, Amy Winehouse, Gary Clark Jr., and Tedeschi Trucks Band.'
Tyler Hache
New Brunswick
'Tyler is a 20 year old singer songwriter from Moncton NB. He recently released his debut full length album Silent, producer Chris Kirby. Tyler frequently travels throughout the Maritime Provinces and has performed as a supporting act for such bands as Hey Rosetta and Tim Chaisson. During Tyler’s NFLD ECMW Showcase, CBC featured Tyler as one of five new artists to watch for. Tyler also showcased his talents at the 2015 Music NB festival in which he was nominated for SOCAN Song of The Year and Emerging Artist of The Year.'
Dylan Menzie
Prince Edward Island
'What most need a band to achieve, Dylan Menzie’s got you covered with his sprawling vocal range and striking mix of familiar yet sophisticated musical lines and adept guitar skills. Hailing from PEI, Menzie has been compared to Joel Plaskett and was highly praised by Canadian singer-songwriter, Ron Sexmith, when he opened for Sexsmith in 2014. His debut album earned multiple Music PEI award nominations and showcase opportunities including, East Coast Music Week and Folk Music Ontario. His follow up album, produced by ECMA and Canadian Folk Music award-winning producer Daniel Ledwell, will be released May 2016.'
Port Cities
Cape Breton
'Stellar songs, dynamic vocals and superior musicianship marks the emergence of Port Cities onto the Canadian music scene. An exciting new group from the east coast, Port Cities brings together the award-winning talents of Carleton Stone, Breagh Mackinnon, and Dylan Guthro. The band is set to release their debut album this spring, produced by their mentor and friend, Grammy winner Gordie Sampson (Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rhymes, Rascal Flatts).'
Gary & Whit
Newfoundland and Labrador
'Gary & Whit are a duo in every sense of the word. Comprised of husband and wife, Gary and Whitney French, they are the perfect blend with their romantic harmonies and candid lyrics. Gary is also known for his work as a solo artist while Whitney is a visual artist. With Gary on acoustic guitar/vocals and Whitney on vocals, they marry each of their passions to become Gary & Whit. Taking cues from the folk and inspirational genres, this singer-songwriter duo creates honest songs that inspire. Gary & Whit are based in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador.'