The Next Big Thing - Meet Our Finalists!
We'd like you to get the chance to get to know our 3 finalists of our search for The Next Big Thing in Saskatchewan Country Music!
Here are the details of our contest:
Emerging country acts have been selected to perform live for a chance to take their careers to the next level, and win a custom-tailored prize package valued at more than $20,000!
$5,000 cash plus options including
- a professional single released to radio
- showcasing for music industry professionals
- hands-on career guidance, and
- an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2009 CCMAs in Vancouver!
Artists are required to perform original (or previously unreleased) material live for a panel of music industry professionals.
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Amy Nelson
Prior to pursuing a career in performing, Amy earned a degree in Music Education at the University of Regina. She has been taking private music lessons for many years and continues to train regularly with a professional vocal coach in Edmonton. All of this hard work is paying off, as she was nominated for both "Female Vocalist of the Year" and the "All Star Band- Keys" award at the 2009 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards.
Amy's self-titled debut CD was released in April 2009. She had received funding from SaskMusic to record a 3 song EP. After the recording process began, Amy decided to turn it into a 6 song CD of original, radio quality songs with full production. Produced by Brad Prosko of B-rad Studio, the songs feature talented musicians such as Murray Pulver (Doc Walker), Travis Switzer (Deric Ruttan), and Jayson Brinkworth (Aaron Pritchett).
For more about Amy, check out her website
Listen to one of Amy's songs: "Everytime I Wear These Boots"
Listen to Amy's interview with Paul O'neil
Alex Runions
With an album under his belt and a couple of songs on the radio waves, Alex Runions is ready to take the country world by storm, or perhaps more like a nice spring drizzle. Alex has been working hard for the last five years on an album that he feels is his best work to date - possibly because it's his only work to date and he has nothing to compare it to. What he does know is that he has managed to capture a songwriting formula that is unique to the country music world. Some heartfelt lyrics and a catchy hook, and presto - you have yourself a country song. Multiply that by ten and you have yourself a full-length country album. Good thing Alex is a Finance major at the University of Regina or he could never have figured out that math.
From humble beginnings, growing up in the small town of Kipling, Saskatchewan, Alex has had a number of accomplishments over the past few years such as showcasing at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards in 2006 and playing at the Songwriters Café this year at the awards, an appearance at Craven and a slot opening up for Brad Johner at a number of shows. Alex will be touring across Saskatchewan this summer to promote his debut album.
For more on Alex, check out his website
Check out one of his songs: "Hillbilly Kind of Girl"
Listen to his interview with Paul O'neil
WYATT
WYATT...this is Rock Country.
Ride along the gritty edge of rock to the heart of country and you'll find yourself moving to the sounds of WYATT in Rock Country. WYATT, an original 4-piece band from Saskatoon, drives the sound of progressive country bands like Emerson Drive and Doc Walker and grounds it with the depth and groove of Tom Petty. Imagine old school southern rock combined with the rich, vocal flavours of Bon Jovi, The Eagles and Rascal Flatts.....this is Rock Country. Together, singer-guitarists Scott Patrick and Daniel Fortier, drummer Bray Hudson and bassist Cam Ewart have a sound and a commanding on-stage chemistry that instantly converts audiences to fans.
WYATT is now hard at work, writing and recording in preparation for a fall 2009 album release. Working with Nashville-based writer/producer Noah Gordon (Jason Blaine, Emerson Drive) and Grammy-nominated engineer T.W. Cargile of BIG Studios, the band has recorded some of its strongest work to date. According to singer/guitarist Scott Patrick, "We are really excited with the way the new record is shaping up. Working with Noah as a producer to help refine and shape our sound has been an incredible experience, but working with him as a songwriter has really allowed us to grow as artists." Adds singer/guitarist Daniel Fortier, "The reaction from fans and industry alike to the new songs has been unbelievable. We have such incredibly loyal fans from all walks of life. It makes all the work to date so much more rewarding." According to bassist Cam Ewart, "One of the things we are able to do with this band is 'convert' fans who don't traditionally listen to country music. We are always getting feedback from audiences who weren't fans of country music until they came out to a WYATT show or heard our songs on the radio."
So strap on your boots, hang on to your hat, and let WYATT welcome you to ROCK COUNTRY!
For more on WYATT, check out their website
Listen to one of their songs: "Next To You"
