Meet five rising Canadian artists as Canada’s Walk of Fame announces the recipients of the 11th annual RBC Emerging Musician Program, with Montreal’s bilingual pop singer Josh Alexander taking the grand prize.
Top Row L-R: Josh Alexander of Montreal, QC, Grand Prize Winner; Talltale of Toronto, ON, Second Prize Winner.
Bottom Row L-R Third Prize Finalists: J3M of Toronto, ON, Murphy of Leduc, AB, Rachel Cousins of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, NL.
Editor’s note: Download images and bios of all recipients and Josh Alexander’s submission below.
(Toronto, ON) October 2, 2023 – Canada’s music scene of home-grown, chart-topping superstars is the greatest in the world, and the country’s up-and-coming musical artists, who are working tirelessly toward their next big break, are incredibly strong. Today, five gifted emerging musicians are announced as the recipients of the 11th annual Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program, designed to elevate aspiring Canadian musical artists by providing invaluable industry connections, mentorship, opportunities and exposure. This year’s talented recipients amazed the selection committee with beautiful lyrics, impressive vocal control and range, and musical arrangement.
The 2023 Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program recipients are:
- Grand Prize Winner: pop musician Josh Alexander of Montreal, Quebec
- Second Prize Winner: electro-pop artist Talltale of Toronto, Ontario
- Third Prize: genre-bending singer/songwriter J3M of Toronto, Ontario
- Third Prize: pop singer Murphy of Leduc, Alberta
- Third Prize: pop artist Rachel Cousins of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
This year’s Grand Prize Winner is Montreal-based bilingual pop singer, Josh Alexander, a young and multi-talented artist who has been making his way in the music industry. Both a songwriter and performer, passionate about the cinematic pop universe, he develops his musical writing in English. Born to an American mother and Salvadoran father, he is the eldest of five children. Hailing from Quebec City, Josh has already gained recognition during the presentation of the 5th season of “La Voix,” as he progressed to the duels stage.
He was later named the iHeart Radio Future Star in February 2020 not long after releasing his single “Level Up Vf” His most recent involvement in a film soundtrack is even more significant, as two of his compositions “Fly Away” and “Jusqu’à toi” are featured on the soundtrack of the film “Butterfly Tale/La Légende du Papillon,” alongside various artists like Patrice Michaud, Cœur de Pirate, La Zarra, Johnny Orlando and Shawn Mendes. The film will be released in Canadian theatres on October 13 and will subsequently be released in the United States. Not stopping there, he also contributed three songs to Jeanick Fournier’s latest album, the winner of Canada’s Got Talent in 2022.
French singer Zaz was introduced to Josh’s work and was so impressed with this young artist that she offered him the opening segment of her tour in Quebec beginning in October 2023. This golden opportunity will allow the public to discover the breadth of Josh’s talent and is a logical continuation of everything that was already set in motion in the fall of 2022 when his debut EP “Forevermore” and his single “Hurricane” reached the 36th position on the ADISQ radio chart, with over 500,000 listens. Josh Alexander’s musical journey is also gaining momentum on the international stage. Learn more about Josh Alexander.
“I’ve just received the incredible news that I am the Grand Prize winner of this year’s RBC Emerging Musician Program. It’s almost surreal – the first thought that crossed my mind when I received that call. Being selected as this year’s winner fills me with immense pride and serves as a powerful reminder of all the love and effort I’ve poured into my music up to this point,” says Josh Alexander. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at RBC, as well as the partners and judges at Canada’s Walk of Fame, for not only listening to my music but also connecting with the message behind it. With the prize money, I have ambitious plans to reinvest in my music career, with all the hope in the world that my melodies will touch the hearts of people around the globe.”
As the Grand Prize winner, Josh Alexander receives a cash prize of $20,000, performances at Canada’s Walk of Fame events, including the Canada’s Walk of Fame 25th Anniversary Celebration in Toronto in December 2023, and private studio recording time at the renowned Metalworks Studios. Second Prize winner, Toronto’s Talltale receives a $10,000 cash prize, while the three Finalists each receive $5,000.
Plus, all five recipients will gain access to valuable career enrichment opportunities such as:
- Group mentorship sessions with a Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee or Allan Slaight Music Impact Honouree
- A dedicated artist page on the Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program website
- $2,000 to support the filming of a live-off-the-floor performance video
- Career development mentorship sessions with A&R executives, a music lawyer and an experienced music industry agent
- A showcase at the 2024 Canadian Music Week, plus a Festival Access Pass
- Participation in Toronto’s ArtHaus creative workshop
- A performance at Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, MB in February 2024
Emerging Canadian musicians are also invited to apply for the annual Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Musician / Metalworks Institute Scholarship, with submissions now open. One recipient will receive up to $10,000 toward tuition of any full-time campus, online or hybrid program or certificate course at Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production. The Institute offers a range of programs specializing in music performance, audio engineering, electronic music, live event and concert production, stage lighting and video, music business, music mixing and mastering, and more.
Quotes
“Equally as important as celebrating the incredible achievements and contributions of remarkable Canadians to our cultural and social fabric, is providing a platform to nurture and support the next generation of talent. That’s why for over a decade, the Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program has served as a launch pad to guide rising stars poised to break through to the next level of their careers. Through important industry connections and mentorship, exposure and workshops with music and entertainment leaders, the program provides the tools and resources to help Canada’s rising stars take their career to the next level.”
Jeffrey Latimer, CEO, Canada’s Walk of Fame
“RBC is strongly committed to empowering our country’s emerging creatives to fulfil their dreams,” said Mark Beckles, Vice-President, Social Impact and Innovation, RBC. “We’re so proud to continue providing a powerful platform through the RBC Emerging Musician Program to help amplify new talent and diverse perspectives.”
Mark Beckles, Vice-President, Social Impact & Innovation, RBC
“Congratulations to Josh Alexander, the Grand Prize Winner, and all the outstanding finalists. As we celebrate their achievements, we get a glimpse into the promising future of the Canadian Music Industry. The Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Musician Program plays a vital role in nurturing emerging Canadian musical talents by providing crucial industry connections, mentorship, and opportunities.”
Gil Moore of Triumph / Founder & CEO of Metalworks Group
