(Toronto, ON) June 3, 2024 – Celebrating its 12th anniversary, Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program, supported by the RBC Foundation, is now accepting song submissions for its 2024 edition. Renowned as a pivotal launch pad for aspiring Canadian musical artists, the program has played an instrumental role in the development of Canada’s music scene, with 65 artists supported to date. Each year, five emerging solo artists or groups are selected to receive prizes valued at over $100,000 in total. Submissions open today and will be accepted until Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST.
“RBC is committed to powering ideas that equip the next generation of creatives with skills for a thriving future,” said Mark Beckles, Vice President, Social Impact & Innovation, RBC. “The creative community makes a significant contribution to the Canadian economy and plays an important role in building vibrant, inclusive communities – that’s why we are proud to support the Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program which provides a powerful platform to amplify new talent and diverse voices in the music industry.”
With prizes now surpassing $100,000 in value, the Program offers young musicians aged 15 to 35 a gateway to the music industry, including mentorship from esteemed artists, recording time at Metalworks Studios, career development assistance, funding, and national performance opportunities. Winners from the previous year will perform at the Rivoli in Toronto during Canadian Music Week on June 5, 2024.
“Over the past twelve years, Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program has championed over 60 musicians, forging a supportive network that thrives long after their initial recognition,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “As we move forward, our focus remains on nurturing this ever-expanding family of talented artists, building new initiatives for them and contributing to the evolving story of music in Canada.”
Last year’s Grand Prize winner, Montreal-based bilingual pop singer Josh Alexander, credits this program as a career game-changer that he never could have imagined. He says, “the young Josh, who once only dreamed of recording in studios, bringing people together through music, and performing live, would be on cloud nine right now. Winning the grand prize of the Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician program has opened doors to endless opportunities and artistic exploration. From sharing the stage with my Canadian idols at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Canada’s Walk of Fame to rocking out at Festival du Voyageur and Canadian Music Week alongside my fellow program winners, each moment has felt like a dream come true. I’m deeply thankful to Canada’s Walk of Fame and RBC for the opportunities this award has presented and the confidence boost it’s given me to continue pursuing my career.”
Prizing Details
This year’s Grand Prize winner will receive a $20,000 cash prize, performance slots at key Canada’s Walk of Fame events, and a private studio session at Metalworks Studios. The runner-up will receive $10,000, and three additional artists will each be awarded $5,000.
All winners will have access to a variety of career development opportunities, including:
- A showcase at Canadian Music Week 2025 with a Festival Access Pass.
- A performance at Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in February 2025.
- 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 towards a live-off-the-floor performance video.
- A dedicated artist page on EmergingMusician.ca.
In collaboration with Metalworks Institute, a scholarship valued at $10,000 towards any full-time diploma program or online certificate course bundle is offered to aspiring musicians nationwide. Scholarship applications are accepted year-round.
Winners of the 2024 Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program will be selected by a committee of music industry professionals and announced this fall.
For details on eligibility and how to submit your application, visit EmergingMusician.ca.
