From FYI Music News. June 8, 2023.
“Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program is now accepting song submissions for its 2023 edition.
Supported by the RBC Foundation through RBC Emerging Artists, the launch pad has become well renowned for supporting aspiring Canadian musical artists for the past 11 years. Five emerging solo artists or groups are selected for the program each year, receiving prizes valued at more than $100,000. Song submissions are open until the end of the day, Sunday, July 16.
“This partnership with Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program and the RBC Foundation provides a powerful platform to amplify new talent and diverse voices in the music industry,” said Mark Beckles, Vice-President Social Impact & Innovation, RBC. “I personally can’t wait to listen to the 2023 musicians and celebrate their contributions to the industry and our lives!”
In addition to cash prizes, the program develops acts between the ages of 15 and 35 easy access to the business side of the music industry with introductions to established artists, mentorship sessions, studio recording time, artist development, funding, and national performance opportunities. Last year’s winners will perform at a special showcase at Canadian Music Week tomorrow, June 9.
“Since 2013, more than 60 musical artists have benefited from the Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program and have seen a significant rise in their careers, including multiple Juno Award nominations, Billboard Top 100 ranking and critical acclaim,” Walk of Fame CEO Jeffrey Latimer said in announcing this year’s launch. “Their successes set the bar high, making this program one to watch for the pulse on Canada’s future musical superstars (and) this year, as Canada’s Walk of Fame celebrates its 25th anniversary, we reflect on a quarter century celebrating great Canadian achievers, and look ahead at the next 25 years through the lens of the aspiring musicians championed through this program. The future looks bright.”
Last year’s Grand Prize recipient, Winnipeg-based blind music producer and recording artist, Mattmac, originally of Garden Hill First Nation had this to say: “Winning this award has opened doors in the music industry that aren’t accessible from a small reserve in northern Manitoba. It has given me opportunities that far beyond exceeded my expectations and that took me to the next level of my career. Thanks to Canada’s Walk of Fame and RBC for believing in me. I’m so grateful.”
This year’s Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash prize of $20,000, performance opportunities at Canada’s Walk of Fame events, including the 2023 Canada’s Walk of Fame Silver Anniversary Gala, and private studio recording time at Metalworks Studios. The Second Prize Winner’s cash prize is $10,000; three Third Prize Winners will receive $5,000.
The winners will all have access to a variety of career development opportunities, including:
- A showcase opportunity at Canadian Music Week 2024 along with a Festival Access Pass
- A performance at Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in February 2024
- Participation in a creative / mentorship session at Toronto’s ArtHaus
- A mentorship session with a Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee or Allan Slaight Music Impact Honouree
- $2,000 of financial support for a live-off-the-floor performance video
- A dedicated artist page on EmergingMusician.ca, the official website for Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program
In partnership with the Program, Metalworks Institute is offering a scholarship for all emerging musicians across Canada. The scholarship provides a selected recipient with a $10,000 tuition scholarship towards any full-time diploma program or online certificate course bundle at Metalworks Institute of Sound & Music Production. Applications are open year-round here.
Winners of the 2023 Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of music industry experts and will be announced in the fall.”
