Republic Live, producers of the internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning music festival Boots and Hearts announce the return of their Canada-wide talent search, The Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase (EAS) presented by Coors Original at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds. Starting today, unsigned Canadian artists can now apply for the chance to win a single release with Universal Music Canada, artist strategy sessions with the newly formed RLive Management, and a performance opportunity at Boots and Hearts’ 2025 Kick-Off Party. All artist submissions must be in by Wednesday May 22 at 11:59 PM EST, for full details on EAS and to submit an application, please go to www.bootsandhearts.com/emergingartistshowcase.
Since 2012, EAS has continued to highlight some of the best talent in Canadian country music, while providing a platform for artists to be discovered in front of one of country music’s largest audiences alongside industry heavy hitters at Burl’s Creek. Past winners and participants have gone on to achieve incredible success such as multiple award nominations and wins, record-breaking streams, chart-topping singles, and more. The contest has also kick-started careers for many artists including 2023’s winner Shantaia, who will perform at this year’s Kick-Off Party on Thursday (8/8), as well as other award-winning artists like Owen Riegling (2023), Josh Ross (2017), James Barker Band (2015), Tim Hicks (2012), and more.
“It was one of the coolest experiences of my career, and still is,” says Owen Riegling. “Getting the chance to play the big stage and be surrounded by so many amazing artists was just a dream come true.”
In addition to showcasing their talents on the Boots and Hearts stage, the finalists will have the opportunity through RLive Management to engage with industry experts, fellow artists, and musicians, and gain invaluable insight into the music industry. This enhanced program aims to provide greater value, with a focus on connecting artists with the established Boots and Hearts fanbase and propelling them to new heights in their careers.
Casadie Pederson, Director of Artist Management and Development at RLive adds, “We are so excited about adding more value to the Emerging Artist Showcase this year with mentoring sessions for our finalists. The chance to perform for Boots and Hearts fans is second to none, and providing these artists with an educational component to build a foundation upon is something that continues to be important to us moving forward. Investing in Canadian talent and artists has always been at the forefront of what we do at Republic Live and we look forward to elevating and celebrating talent moving forward.”
Reigning EAS winner Shantaia says, “It was one of the most unique and incredible experiences that I have been a part of and something I will never forget.”
Visit www.bootsandhearts.com for more information about artists, tickets, RV and tent camping, and parking.
