TORONTO (November 8, 2017) – Following yesterday’s announcement unveiling the first 10 artists participating in the inaugural season of THE LAUNCH, CTV today revealed the second wave of 10 artists out of the 30 selected to participate in the all-new, six-part musical series slated for broadcast in mid-season.
Hand-picked from more than 10,000 emerging performers following an international casting call and completion of an extensive A&R and review process, the aspiring artists are vying for the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to record and perform a new original song, mentored by a panel of internationally renowned music industry legends. The selected artists face the life-changing prospect of being propelled from discovery to stardom in just 48 hours. CTV will announce the remaining 10 teams tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 9).
Representing wildly diverse musical tastes, styles, and genres running the gamut from R&B to soul, Hip-Hop to Acoustic Pop, Reggae, Alt-Country, Alt-Rock, Indie Rock, EDM, Classical/Jazz, musical theatre, and more – THE LAUNCH’s emerging artists illustrate a vast array of styles and hybrids of genres both vocally and instrumentally, indicative of the platinum standard of talent taking part in the series’ inaugural season.
“The calibre of talented artists participating on THE LAUNCH is simply extraordinary,” said Randy Lennox, President, Bell Media. “Our mission – to rewrite the musical television genre and propel new songs and artists to the world as we merge broadcast television and music. We have carefully partnered with the artists being announced this week to achieve this vision.”
Supporting today’s announcement across @CTV_PR social platforms is a companion #MeetTheArtists video – a compilation introducing Canadians to today’s wave of 10 announced artists for THE LAUNCH, available on Instagram and Twitter. Click here to view today’s artist video.
**Media Note** – Download artwork and access full bios for THE LAUNCH artists at BellMediaPR.ca
More information about the 10 artists announced today and participating in THE LAUNCH is included below. Bio pages showcasing all of the artists announced thus far are also available on CTV.ca’s dedicated artist pages (available via links below).
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Basil Phoenix
Instagram: @basilphoenix SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/basilphoenix Hometown: The Pas, Manitoba Current City: Toronto Musical Genres: R&B, Hip-Hop Basil began singing and writing music after an accident at the age of 13 left her hospitalized and bedridden for months. She began writing songs to instrumental beats she found on YouTube™, recording ideas to her phone, and eventually working with a producer to create original compositions. With smooth vocals and introspective lyrics reminiscent of Lauryn Hill mixed with Sade, Basil has amassed a strong following on Instagram and has begun recording songs for the release of her debut EP. |
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Ethan Young Instagram: @Ethany0ungYouTube: Ethan YoungHometown: TorontoMusical Genres: R&B, PopEthan’s love for performance and songwriting began at a very young age. While attending Karen Kain School of the Arts, Ethan became one of the famed Mini Pop Kids, performing for sold-out audiences across Ontario. He was featured on three Mini Pop Kid albums that were sold in retail stores internationally. Ethan regularly performs for charitable events including ThreeToBe, Covenant House,Children’s Wish Foundation, and Jacob’s Ladder.Dream Musical Venue to Perform in: Air Canada CentreTop 3 Favourite Musical Artists: Whitney Houston, Adele, and Miley Cyrus.Full Bio: CTV.ca/Ethan-Young |
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Ezra Jordan Website: ezrajordan.com Facebook: @EzraJordanMusicInstagram: @ezrajordanYouTube: Ezra JordanHometown: TorontoMusical Genres: R&B, PopEzra Jordan took up piano at the age of four. A graduate of the Independent Artist Program at the Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA, Ezra blends the genres of R&B and alt-pop with his keyboard-oriented approach to songwriting to create a style that is soulful, refreshing, and authentic. At the age of 18, Ezra suffered a traumatic and life-threatening leg injury. Forced to put a hold on his classical piano training during his 18-month recovery process, he turned to singing and songwriting as a musical outlet. Back on his feet with his newly honed talents, Ezra joined Juno nominated singer-songwriter Scott Helman as his keyboard player and backup singer.Musical Bloodlines: Surrounded by music his whole life growing up with parents Marc Jordan andAmy Sky – both in the music industry.Full Bio: CTV.ca/Ezra-Jordan |
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Jaryd Stanley
Website: jarydstanley.com Facebook: @JarydStanleyMusic Instagram: @JarydStanley Twitter: @JarydStanley Hometown: Rothesay, N.B. Genre: Pop, Soul An acoustic guitar-playing singer-songwriter at heart, Jaryd Stanley mixes elements of rock, hip-hop, soul, pop, dance, and folk into his songs. Jaryd’s versatility is paramount in creating his ever-evolving sound, earning him “Fan Favourite” status for CBC’s 2017 National Searchlight song writing competition, as well as being named the 2017 Grand Prize Winner of Canada’s Walk of Fame Emerging Artists Music Mentorship Program. A small town “Maritimer” with big city dreams and boundless potential, his debut EP “sixteen ten” was released in mid-2017. Top 3 Favourite Musical Artists: Ed Sheeran. Joel Plaskett. Carole King. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Jaryd-Stanley |
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Jayd Ink
Twitter: @Jayd_Ink Instagram: @jayd_ink YouTube: Jayd Ink Hometown: Toronto Music Genre: R&B, soul, hip-hop, pop, and reggae As an independent artist, Jayd Ink has accomplished a great deal of success with her music. The R&B singer-songwriter has been releasing music since 2013, with her background in poetry allowing her to effortlessly move through a myriad of musical genres. Jayd has been headlining shows in Toronto since the release of her first EP “Invitation Only” in 2015. Capturing listeners around the world with her unique voice, Jayd has also performed in Japan alongside K.Camp, DJ Whoo Kid, and Silento, and is recognized as “Toronto Musicians to Watch in 2017” by NOW Magazine. Dream Duet: Janet Jackson Full Bio: CTV.ca/Jayd-Ink
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JP Maurice Twitter: @jpthemauriceInstagram: @jpthemauriceFacebook: @MauriceYouTube: JP MauriceHometown: VancouverMusical Genres: Pop/rock/alt-countryAfter touring Canada and Europe, a loss in the family caused JP to focus on channeling his emotions into his music. The tragedy resulted in his “Girls” EP, which sweeps from cinematic pop-noir into slinky neo-soul, all tied together with JP’s powerfully emotive vocals. Challenges haven’t stopped JP Maurice – if anything, they have made him stronger.Dream Musical Venue to Perform in: Coachella, or main stage of the Sasquatch! Music FestivalFull Bio: CTV.ca/JP-Maurice |
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Noelle Maracle
Twitter: @noellemaracle Instagram: @noellemaracle Facebook: @noellemaraclemusic YouTube: Noelle Maracle Hometown: Tyendinaga, Ont. Musical Genres: R&B, soul, acoustic pop, EDM, all with jazz influence When Noelle Maracle was eight years old, her brothers convinced her to audition for the television show KARAOKE STAR JR., an experience that helped her realize how much she enjoyed performing. Later that year, Noelle won YTV's "Virtual Next Star" singing contest and presented Justin Bieber with his first Platinum Award in Toronto. To date, Noelle has had the honour of singing at the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, Andrea Menard's TV Christmas special, and being backed up by an amazing children's choir at "Reach for the Rainbow". Noelle also wrote the ballad song for Dance for Kindness 2016. Her YouTube™ channel currently has 27 million views and over 92,000 subscribers. Dream Musical Venue to Perform in: Carnegie Hall, with an amazing piano player and jazz band. Dream Duet: Daniel Caesar Full Bio: CTV.ca/Noelle-Maracle
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Poesy Website: poesyofficial.comFacebook: @poesyofficialInstagram: @poesyofficialYouTube: POESYHometown: Ancaster, Ont.Musical Genres: Alternative rock/indie rockAfter being inspired to write her first song at the age of nine, Poesy is now fully immersed in the alternative indie world of music. With her named derived from an archaic word for poetry, and a callback to her time as an English and Creative Writing major at Western University, Poesy finds inspiration in literature, 1970s rock, thrift stores, and bus rides, to create the narratives present in her own songwriting. Poesy’s infatuation with all types of art is behind the short story she wrote to accompany each track on her debut EP, “The Spotless Mind”. With her piano skills in her pocket, she dabbles with anything she can get her hands on – guitar, ukulele, you name it – in order to make her cathartic style of music.Musical Influences: Freddie Mercury, Katy Perry, Florence Welch, Kurt Cobain, and Stevie Nicks.Dream Musical Venue to Perform in: Wembley StadiumFull Bio: CTV.ca/Poesy |
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Raymond Salgado Instagram: @raymondsalgadoofficialTwitter: @raysalgadomusicYouTube: Raymond SalgadoHometown: Nanaimo, B.C.Current City: Lantzville, B.C.Music genres: Pop/R&B, classical, musical theatreRaymond Salgado’s love of music came at a very early age, inspired by a large Filipino community that loves to sing, dance, and perform. A veteran of competitions, festivals and concerts, Raymond has been the representative for Provincial Performing Arts of B.C. for the last six years and recently won the Senior Classical at Provincials 2016. For the last nine years, Raymond has been a student of voice lessons at Andrea Bertram Studio. He has combined those skills with his passion for musical theatre, with roles in musicals such as Benny in the production of Rent, Donkey in the musical Shrek, and Valjean in Les Misérables.Top 3 Favourite Musical Artists: Mariah Carey, Sam Smith, Shawn MendesNicknames: Slaymond, Baemond, Ray-Ray, Ray BaeFull Bio: CTV.ca/Raymond-Salgado |
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Sons of Daughters Twitter: @sonsofdaughtersInstagram: @sonsofdaughtersYouTube: Sons of DaughtersHometown: VancouverCurrent City: NashvilleMeet The Band: Chrystal Leigh and Jimmy Thow The Band’s Sound: CountrySince their move to Nashville, Sons of Daughters have collaborated with numerous Grammy®-nominated songwriters, helping them to expand their musical repertoire. They have recorded a six-track debut EP entitled "Pick your Poison”, which was created with legendary Grammy®-nominated Producer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith); and Juno-nominated, CCMA winner, Writer and Producer Jeff Johnson (Wes Mack, Dallas Smith). The duo is committed to carving their own unique sound in the modern country scene through captivating vocal harmonies, swampy guitar riffs, and catchy lyrics.Dream Duet: The Rolling Stones because I’m in love with Keith Richards (Chrystal Leigh)Favourite Personal Performance to Date: Playing for AC/DC at a private dinner party (Jimmy Thow)Full Bio: CTV.ca/Sons-of-Daughters |
THE LAUNCH was put into development in January 2016. The series was co-developed by and is executive produced by Randy Lennox and Bell Media in association with Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, Paul Franklin of Eureka (MASTERCHEF, THE BIGGEST LOSER), in partnership with John Brunton and Lindsay Cox of Insight Productions (THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, CANADIAN IDOL, THE JUNO AWARDS). Executive Producers for Bell Media are Robin Johnston and Corrie Coe, who is also Senior Vice-President, Original Programming, Bell Media. Pat DiVittorio is Vice-President, CTV and Specialty Programming, Mike Cosentino is President, Content and Programming, Bell Media. Randy Lennox is President, Bell Media.
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