Republic Live, producers of the internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning music festival Boots and Hearts announce the return of their infamous Canada-wide talent search, The Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase presented by Coors Original. Since 2012, this contest has launched many up-and-coming musicians onto the Canadian Country music scene and continues to highlight the best talent this country has while simultaneously providing a platform for artists to be discovered in front country music’s largest audience alongside industry heavy hitters. Starting today, new and unsigned Canadian artists are encouraged to apply for the chance at winning a single release with Universal Music Canada, a performance opportunity at Boots and Hearts 2024, management sessions from The CORE Entertainment, branding sessions and digital marketing support from Front Porch Music and more. All submissions must be in by Tuesday, June 13, for full details on the Emerging Artist Showcase click here.
“Year after year we see incredible talent shine at the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artists Showcase, and as a company committed to sharing country music from Canada to the world, this is an event we’re so proud to be part of,” says Amanda Kingsland, Country Music A&R Director, Universal Music Canada. “I’m looking forward to sitting in the judge’s chair watching exceptional up-and-coming country artists shine on one of Canada’s biggest stages!”
Previous emerging artist showcase participants have gone on to achieve incredible success within the country music scene including multiple award wins, record-breaking streams, chart-topping singles, and more. The contest has kick-started many careers including 2022 winner Owen Riegling, The Reklaws (2013), Jade Eagleson (2017), James Barker Band (2015), and this year’s Thursday night headliner, Tim Hicks (2012).
“Winning the 2022 Emerging Artist Showcase was life-changing for me,” says 2022 winner Owen Riegling, who will also be playing this year’s Thursday night kick-off party. “In the last year, I’ve achieved my dream of writing and recording in Nashville, landed a record deal and am on the verge of releasing new music, and later this summer I get to perform at Boots and Hearts. Making music is what I love doing most, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had as a result of this festival.”
“Boots & Hearts is always special for us to play – it was one of the first big festivals I got to play as an emerging artist, and I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity so early on in my career,” says Tim Hicks. “Since making my Boots debut, the festival has continued to be such an incredible supporter as my career has grown, so as you can imagine, I’m SO fired up to be headlining the kick-off party stage 10 years later! I can’t wait to see everyone August 10!”
With over a decade of #BootsLife under its belt, the four-day, multi-stage Boots and Hearts Music Festival is Canada’s largest camping music festival, known for featuring top artists from around the world and earning multiple awards for their premiere event experiences, including five Canadian Country Music Association Awards, in addition to international recognition from the Academy of Country Music and nomination for Festival of the Year. This year, Boots and Hearts celebrates the best in live entertainment with a one-of-a-kind line-up blending Country Music with the addition of Rock for fans to enjoy the ultimate festival experience.
Visit www.bootsandhearts.com for more information about artists, tickets, RV and tent camping, and parking.