CBC Searchlight 2016 Special Edition
SHOW CASE
If you are an unsigned Canadian artist and would like to be featured in Showcase , visit www . applyforshowcase . com . Submissions are free - all you need is a Reverbnation account with a high-res photo . Selected artists will also appear on the
Canadian Musician website at www . canadianmusician . com / showcase .
Ken Kelley is a freelance writer based out of Moncton , NB . In addition to writing for various media outlets in Canada and the United States , Ken is also a founding member of Moncton rock band The Monoxides .
CBC Searchlight 2016 Special Edition
CBC recently wrapped up its latest Searchlight competition , in which they sought to uncover some of Canada ’ s best up-and-coming talent . When the dust settled , Vancouver indie-soul songstress Desirée Dawson emerged victorious , beating out upwards of 2,000 artists from all across Canada . She took home a significant prize , which included a $ 25,000 Canadian Musician Career Booster prize pack in addition to $ 20,000 in instruments from Yamaha Canada Music , a slot playing the 2016 CBC Music Festival , and more .
The Winner :
By Ken Kelley
Desirée Dawson
Born in Vancouver and raised in White Rock , BC , Desirée can lay claim to a number of successful singles that predate her Searchlight win . Her track “ All In My Head ” has racked up almost one million plays on Spotify , while another song , “ Come Alive ,” was released on Armin van Buuren ’ s Aramada Records imprint .
Dawson recently spent time in Jamaica , where she was writing songs for her upcoming debut EP .
Asked what inspired her to enter the Searchlight competition this year , Dawson said she felt it was the right time after sitting on the sidelines watching other contests pass her by .
“ It felt like time to allow the music I create to be heard by more than just a few people here and there ,” she says . “ The contest gives so much in the way of exposure , as well as emotional and financial support to up-and-coming Canadian artists . It is just so amazing .”
Dawson would probably be the first to acknowledge competition was fierce and , perhaps most importantly , diverse – much like the fabric of Canada itself .
Finalists :
Andi
In terms of musical diversity , Caledon , ON ’ s Andi is a compelling performer . Fusing a mix of R & B , jazz , pop , and electronic along with other genres , she has performed alongside renowned producer David Foster on her path to a long-running career in music . She has remained committed to serving her songs as best as she can , even if that means colouring outside of the lines . “ I want to challenge my listeners ,” she says . “ I want my music to be accessible , but also appeal to the people who want to listen a bit deeper , whether lyrically or musically .”
78 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN
Dylan Menzie
Listening to the way he goes about crafting his songs , it is easy to understand how Dylan Menzie advanced so far in the competition . A pop songwriter with the chops of established artists like Ron Sexsmith ( of whom he is an avid fan and with whom he ’ s shared the stage ), Menzie ’ s sprawling vocal range and knack for melody is sure to resonate with music fans of all ages . The musician defines success in a unique way , noting : “ I just want to be able to pay my bills and always have work coming in . To me , that ’ s success .”
Teo Milea
Teo Milea , a classical pianist , had relocated to Canada from Romania just six months prior to Searchlight ’ s launch . While his music may not be de rigeur for such competitions , he calls his involvement in Searchlight “ not just a step ; this is a huge jump for my career .” In 2013 , Milea earned the distinction of being the first pianist ever to be invited to perform at the Dortmund Opera in Germany for a ballet gala , and ever since , he ’ s been wowing audiences with his impressive chops on the keys .