Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Musician Program 2020
Now in its eighth year, Canada’s Walk of Fame is accepting submissions for its RBC Emerging Musician Program from July 13th to August 23rd and Metalworks Studios is pleased to be a prizing sponsor.
(Toronto, ON) July 13, 2020 – Canada’s Walk of Fame announces the launch of its eighth annual RBC Emerging Musician Program, one of Canada’s most successful programs supporting aspiring Canadian musical artists, aged 15 to 35. Valued at more than $100,000, the program provides up-and-coming musicians with opportunities to take their careers to the next level, including private studio time at the prestigious Metalworks Studios, a showcase opportunity at Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Manitoba, introductions to established and renowned artists, access to music industry influencers, exposure to audiences and media, as well as artist development and funding. Submissions will be accepted today through to Sunday, August 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
New to the competition prize this year, winners and finalists will receive three more opportunities to elevate their career, including passes to Canadian Music Week, a creative workshop at Toronto’s ArtHaus, and the chance to perform a showcase in 2021 at an entertainment venue in Toronto with flights and accommodations covered by Canada’s Walk of Fame. All applicants to the Emerging Musician Program, past and present, are also eligible to apply for a $10,000 tuition scholarship to Metalworks Institute.
“The RBC Emerging Musician Program continues to have a profound impact on songwriters and musicians across Canada,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO, Canada’s Walk of Fame. “The submissions increased by 80% in 2019, and we are hoping to see that number increase even further in 2020 with the addition of more performance and mentorship opportunities as we add partnerships with both Canadian Music Week and ArtHaus. COVID has greatly affected everyone in 2020 and in the midst of all this, we are excited for this program to remain an extraordinary creative outlet for young people looking to advance their musical careers. We’re looking forward to meeting and working with the winners.”
Since its inception in 2013, the RBC Emerging Musician Program has ignited the careers of its Grand Prize Winners, including last year’s recipient BAYLA, who spoke of the opportunities the program has offered to her. “The RBC Emerging Musician Program opened so many doors for me to connect with the music industry’s movers and shakers, learn from some of the best in the business and reach nearly 1 million Canadians through media exposure. Legendary artist Andy Kim also invited me to perform at his Christmas Concert in Montreal with other Canadian icons such as Tom Cochrane, Ron Sexsmith and Chris Hadfield. What an unforgettable experience! The impact of winning last year’s Grand Prize on my journey as an emerging artist in Canada has been huge. I’m forever grateful for this opportunity.”
“At RBC, our commitment to the arts includes helping artists bridge the gap from ‘emerging’ to ‘established’,” said Valerie Chort, Vice-President, Corporate Citizenship, RBC. “Because of the significant impacts of COVID-19, these artists now need our help more than ever. We are proud to continue our support of the RBC Emerging Musician Program, helping more emerging Canadian musicians pursue their bold ambitions during these uncertain times.”
PRIZING DETAILS
The Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash prize of $20,000, artwork design for a single or album, and private studio recording time at Metalworks Studios. The Second Prize Winner will receive $6000. Three Third Prize Winners will each receive $4000.
All winners will have a public performance opportunity at Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Manitoba and at an entertainment venue in Toronto, participation at a creative workshop at ArtHaus in Toronto and participation in private career development mentorship sessions with A&R professionals, a music agent and an established artist.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
“Metalworks Studios is honoured to partner with Canada’s Walk of Fame by supporting the RBC Emerging Musician Program. As a founding partner, we have witnessed the exponential growth of an amazing and diverse group of very talented applicants year after year. We look forward to another great year in 2020 celebrating Canada’s best emerging talent, and hosting the winner in our studios at Metalworks!” says Gil Moore, CEO of Metalworks Studios Group.
“Given that ArtHaus is a multi-purpose creative working space where artists and industry professionals can collaborate and connect, it made perfect sense to partner with RBC and Canada’s Walk of Fame on the Emerging Musician Program. Building community is what we specialize in, so this project, and helping young artists develop and grow, is very near and dear to our hearts. We look forward to this year’s program and many years of supporting the talent that emerges from it,” says Sandy Pandya of Pandyamonium Management and founder of ArtHaus.
“It is crucial, now more than ever, to support our Canadian artists from across the country. Festival du Voyageur is thrilled to be hosting Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program,” says Darrel Nadeau, Executive director of Festival du Voyageur.
Visit www.canadaswalkoffame.com for details on eligibility and submission requirements.
The winners will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of music industry experts and will be announced in the fall.
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Web Link www.canadaswalkoffame.com
About Canada’s Walk of Fame
Canada’s Walk of Fame is a national platform that celebrates Canadian achievement at the highest level in many fields, fueling our sense of Canadian pride and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps. Canada’s Walk of Fame is the foremost honour for cultural, entrepreneurial, athletic, philanthropic and science/technology excellence in Canada. Current programs include the RBC Emerging Musician Program, Canada’s Walk of Fame Hometown Stars, presented by Cineplex, the Community Hero Program (Presented by MLSE and Scotiabank) and the nationally televised broadcast designated by the CRTC as a program of national interest. Canada’s Walk of Fame has over 190 inductions to date, with stars having a permanent place of tribute on the streets of Toronto’s Entertainment District. For a complete list of Inductees along with more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame visit: www.canadaswalkoffame.com
Canada’s Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2020 Partners: Bell Media, Cineplex Entertainment, Slaight Communications, RBC, WestJet, Federated Capital, Postmedia, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, MolsonCoors, The Printing House, and its Friends of Canada’s Walk of Fame, MLSE and Scotiabank.
Canada’s Walk Of Fame Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Walter Schneider, President & Co-Founder, RE/MAX INTEGRA / RE/MAX Europe, includes: Nick Di Donato, President & CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group; Tom Anselmi, President Business Operations and COO of The Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club and Ice District; Randy Lennox, President, Bell Media; Amanda Lang, Anchor, BNN Bloomberg; Dan McGrath, Chief Operating Officer, Cineplex Entertainment; Lewis Rusen, Vice Chairman, Korn Ferry; Ron Suter, Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal Television & New Media Distribution Canada; Cathy Honor, Senior Vice President and Head, Global Call Centres and Omni Channel Engagement, RBC Royal Bank; Thor Richardson, Linda Mantia and Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson, City of Toronto.
Canada’s Walk of Fame is a registered charity. Charitable Registration Number 889896924RR0001.
Canada’s Walk of Fame was established in 1998 by founders Bill Ballard, Dusty Cohl and Peter Soumalias, with Dianne Schwalm and in partnership with Gary Slaight.