TORONTO (November 9, 2017) – CTV today unveiled the third and final of round of 10 aspiring artists selected to participate in THE LAUNCH, the all-new, six-part music series slated to premiere in mid-season. Today’s announcement marks the culmination of three days of artist announcements, with 10 artists announced on Tuesday, Nov. 7 and the second group of 10 artists revealed on Wednesday, Nov. 8.
Hand-picked from among more than 10,000 emerging performers, the artists were selected to be on THE LAUNCH following an international casting call and completion of an extensive A&R and review process. Contending for the opportunity of a lifetime – to record and perform a new original song written by a world famous songwriter/ producer and mentored by a panel of internationally renowned music industry legends – the selected artists face the life-altering prospect of being rocketed from discovery to stardom in just 48 hours.
Representing a broad array of musical tastes, styles, and genres running the gamut from Soul to Folk, Indie to Pop, Rock to Blues, Jazz, Alternative, R&B, Hip-Hop – and more, THE LAUNCH’s aspiring artists illustrate wildly diverse styles and hybrids of genres both vocally and instrumentally, indicative of the next level talent taking part in the series’ inaugural season.
“Our 30 emerging artists embody the essence and spirit that we envisioned when creating THE LAUNCH: they’re ambitious, bold, and ready for the world. We can’t wait to unite these artists with audiences from coast-to-coast-to-coast and to take them along an exciting journey each week,” said Mike Cosentino, President, Content and Programming, Bell Media. “THE LAUNCH is a powerful and inspiring mid-season addition to our programming slate, and we are proud to both welcome this program to our schedule and to unlock this truly unique Canadian format internationally.”
Supporting today’s announcement across @CTV_PR social platforms is a companion #MeetTheArtists video – a compilation introducing Canadians to today’s final wave of 10 announced artists on THE LAUNCH, available on Instagram and Twitter. Click here to view the final companion video.
**Media Note** Download artwork and access full bios for THE LAUNCH artists at BellMediaPR.ca
More information about the final 10 announced artists featured in THE LAUNCH can be found below. Bio pages showcasing all of the artists are available on CTV.ca’s dedicated artist pages (available via links below).
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Chad Price
Twitter: @chadpricemusic Instagram: @chadpricemusic Hometown: London, Ont. Musical Genre: Soul, Folk, R&B Earning a reputation as an “artist to watch” while playing hundreds of shows since 2011, Chad has shared the stage with the likes of Ben Harper, The Strumbellas, Walk Off The Earth, Lights, and many more. After releasing his first album in 2012, Chad’s only aim now is to share the music he has so carefully created with the rest of the world. Dream Duet Partner: John Mayer As a kid I wanted to be: A ninja Full Bio: CTV.ca/Chad-Price
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Dylan Menzie
Twitter: @DylanMenzie Instagram: @dylan_menzie Hometown: Belle River, P.E.I. Musical Genres: Indie, Folk, Pop, Rock With a sprawling vocal range and compelling approach to composition, Dylan has made an indelible mark in the talent-rich Atlantic Canadian music market with his 2013 debut EP, “Heather Avenue”. Earning him Music PEI Award nominations and acclaim from industry influencers, the release led him to high-profile performances throughout the Maritimes, including opening slots for City and Colour and Ron Sexsmith. Dream Duet Partner: Paul McCartney Full Bio: CTV.ca/Dylan-Menzie
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Elequen
Twitter: @Elequen Instagram: @Elequen Hometown: Forest, Ont. Musical Genres: R&B, Pop The exuberant singer-songwriter began her career in entertainment as a model. Her passion for performing arts garnered her modeling campaigns and acting roles for the London 2012 Olympic Games, Canada’s Wonderland, IMAX, and even landing her on a billboard. Throughout, she was writing catchy melodies and emotive lyrics, teaching herself to record demos, and performing for audiences of more than 4,000 people. Music Video in 10 Words: Classy but sexy, and fun! Good Luck Charm: My pinky ring. I put it on in 2014 as a commitment to my career in entertainment. I had no idea at the time that it was what engineers do, haha! Full Bio: CTV/ca/Elequen
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Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine
Instagram: @ewxjf Hometown: Perth, Ont. (Elijah); Ottawa, Ont. (Jamie) Musical Genres: Pop, Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B The “x” in their name is pronounced “and”, but it could also be said to represent the multiplying effect the two artists have on one another. When instrumentalist/composer Elijah and lyricist/vocalist Jamie put their passions together, the possibilities are endless. Feeling as though they complete each other creatively, Jamie admits to being the more emotional of the two, and is well aware of how Elijah’s focus provides the counterbalance needed to stay on course. Hobby: Sleeping (Elijah) Good Luck Charm: Probably Elijah...don’t tell him I said that, though. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Elijah-Woods-X-Jamie-Fine
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Grace Bakker
Instagram: @gracebakker Twitter: @gracebakker Musical Genres: Indie Inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse, City and Colour, and Matt Maeson, Grace’s voice offers sounds from many different places. Beginning singing at a very young age, Grace is also self-taught on guitar. With fresh ideas, mature songs, and past inspirations for her newer music, Grace is ready to show the music industry something real and exciting, and to use her life experiences and unique look to inspire others to be who they truly want to be. Hobbies: Photography and poetry Favourite Sport: Basketball or Javelin Full Bio: CTV.ca/Grace-Bakker
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Havelin
Twitter: @HavelinOfficial Instagram: @havelinofficial Hometown: Edmonton Musical Genre: Folk Under the pseudonym of Havelin, Edmonton’s Alex Zaichkowski strives to tell a story with his music. Channeling his inner folk writer, Havelin takes cues from the early influences of Dan Mangan, Tom Waits, and Father John Misty. His words are straight from the heart and his music is kept simple, honest, and cuts right to the core. Can’t Live Without: Tea, good conversation, good food. Artist You Want to Open For? Shakey Graves Full Bio: CTV.ca/Havelin
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Julia Tomlinson
Twitter: ??JuliaTofficial Hometown: King City, Ont. Musical Genres: Indie, Pop Spending countless hours in studio sessions, Julia's ambition, creativity, and positive attitude has brought along life-changing opportunities and helped her grow both personally and as an incredible independent artist. Captivating audiences with her vocal range and musical variety, Julia has showcased these skills at venues such as Toronto’s Mod Club, The Opera House, and a multitude of private events. Nickname: JUJU Favourite Sport: Soccer Full Bio: CTV.ca/Julia-Tomlinson
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Sariyah Hines
Instagram: @SariyahSoulMusic Twitter: @SariyahSings Musical Genres: Soul Calm, quiet, shy, funny, and reserved are all adjectives that best describe 15-year-old Sariyah…until she starts to sing! The 2015 Youth Grand Champion of CNE's Rising Star, and a multi-medalist for Team Canada at the 2016 World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, Sariyah has been moving audiences with her mature and soulful vocals since the age of seven. With performances at Toronto’s Opera House, Danforth Music Hall, Yonge-Dundas Square, Hugh's Room, the Hard Rock Café, the Rose Theatre, and the CNE already under her belt, Sariyah demonstrates the value of hard work and determination. Hobbies: singing, drawing, writing Three Strengths: Honest, resourceful, loyal Full Bio: CTV.ca/Sariyah-Hines
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The Static Shift
Twitter: @TheStaticShift Instagram: @thestaticshift Hometown: Calgary Musical Genres: Rock, Blues, Alternative Bursting onto the local Calgary scene at the ages of 14, The Static Shift were the youngest band to ever headline the Blues Can. Now with more than 130 live performances under their belt and multiple award wins, The Static Shift has shared the stage with Trooper, Colin James, The Sheepdogs, and more. Meet The Band: Mitchell Brady (guitar/lead vocals), Keone Friesen (bass/harmonica/background vocals), and Isaiah Stonehouse (drums/background vocals) Music Video in 10 Words: Playing instruments, underwater, with some sharks (Isaiah) Good Luck Charm: Bellbottoms Dream Performance Venue: The Royal Albert Hall in London Full Bio: CTV.ca/The-Static-Shift
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Victoria Azevedo
Instagram: @victoriaaazevedo Musical Genres: Pop, R&B Beginning her singing career at the age of 10, Victoria made a name for herself after winning several local singing contests. Inspired by the contest wins and fueled by her passion for the stage, she worked with one of Canada’s top vocal coaches, Elaine Overholt, to further hone her already impressive vocal range. As a member of acclaimed singing group Mini Pop Kids, Victoria recorded three albums and conducted a nationwide tour, selling out stadiums across Canada. Can’t Live Without: Music, my phone, family, friends, and shopping Dream Performance Partner: Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Demi Lovato Full Bio: CTV.ca/Victoria-Azevedo
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The artists announced today join the previously announced artists to complete the group of 30 participating in the inaugural season of CTV’s THE LAUNCH. In alphabetical order, the artists are: Amy Bishop, Basil Phoenix, Chad Price, Divine Lightbody, Dylan Menzie, Elequen, Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, Ethan Young, Ezra Jordan, Faiza, Grace Bakker, Havelin, James Marshall, Jaryd Stanley, Jayd Ink, JP Maurice, Julia Tomlinson, LITEYEARS, Logan Staats, Nicky MacKenzie, Noelle Maracle, Poesy, Raymond Salgado, Sariyah Hines, Sons of Daughters, The Revel Boys, The Static Shift, Victoria Azevedo, Vivian Hicks, and Zack Lane.
A staggering roster of musical A-listers join THE LAUNCH co-creator and world-renowned music mogul Scott Borchetta in the series’ inaugural season to amplify the experience for the 30 selected artists with invaluable industry guidance and mentorship. Superstar mentors include Shania Twain, Fergie, Boy George, Alessia Cara, Nikki Sixx, Julia Michaels, and Jennifer Nettles.
In addition, award-winning producers/songwriters cast alongside Borchetta in the breakout season of THE LAUNCH include OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, busbee (P!nk, Shakira, Blake Shelton), Dann Huff (producer behind more than 50 #1 hit records ), Ian Kirkpatrick (behind multi-platinum hit songs from Jason Derulo and Selena Gomez), and Canada’s own Stephan Moccio, the music mastermind behind massive, inescapable hits like the quintuple-platinum “Wrecking Ball”.
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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