CTV Reveals First 10 Aspiring Artists Selected to Appear on CTV's New Original Music Series and International TV Format, THE LAUNCH
– Starting today, CTV announces the first 10 of 30 artists selected to participate in the new six-part hour-long series, to be unveiled over three days –
– Aspiring artists featured on THE LAUNCH represent diverse musical genres, styles, and unique hybrid sounds including Blues, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Alternative, Folk, R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Broadway, and more –
– @CTV_PR delivers a first glimpse at the initial 10 artists announced via its first of three #MeetTheArtists videos to be rolled out this week on Instagram and Twitter –
– For more on each of the 10 artists announced today, visit CTV.ca/TheLaunch –
– Each episode of THE LAUNCH takes viewers on an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to break a new artist and launch a new original song to the world –
– The inaugural edition of THE LAUNCH premieres on CTV in mid-season –
To tweet this release: bmpr.ca/2ybt8dD
TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2017 /CNW/ - With production now wrapped on the inaugural season of THE LAUNCH, CTV today unveiled the first 10 artists selected to participate in the all-new, six-part musical series slated to premiere in mid-season. Today's announcement represents the first 10 of 30 artists to be revealed over the next three days, introducing Canadians from across the country to THE LAUNCH's astonishing array of aspiring artists.
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. Vying for the chance of a lifetime – the opportunity 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-changing prospect of being catapulted from discovery to stardom in just 48 hours.
Representing wildly diverse musical tastes, styles, and genres running the gamut from Blues to Broadway, Pop to Soul, R&B to Reggae, Hip Hop, Alternative, Rock, Folk, Jazz – 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 driving force behind THE LAUNCH is disruption at every level – in reinventing the music television genre, in launching new artists, and in creating music's next big songs," said Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group. "We can't wait for audiences across the country to meet these artists and be blown away by their talent, just as our superstar mentors were week after week. We are proud to pioneer this new and unique television and music industry footprint."
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 on THE LAUNCH, available on Instagram and Twitter. Click here to view the first of three companion videos.
**Media Note** – Download artwork and access full bios for THE LAUNCH artists at BellMediaPR.ca
More information about the first 10 announced artists featured in THE LAUNCH can be found below. Full bios and photos showcasing all of the artists are available on CTV.ca's dedicated artist pages (available via links below).
| Amy Bishop Hometown: Calgary, Alta. Musical Genre: Original bluesy pop-rock With a voice that is a combination of smooth pavement and rough gravel, and the ability to charm listeners with her sweet tones, yet stun audiences with her ability to hit any high note, Amy's spectacular performances to date include collaborations with Moby, April Wine, Farmer's Daughter, and Chris Cummings. Dream Duet Partner: I would LOVE to perform with k.d. lang, I think our voices would blend so well together! Personal Motto: There's always something to be thankful for. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Amy-Bishop |
| Divine Lightbody Instagram: @divineluvzz Hometown: Brampton, Ont. Musical Genres: R&B, soul, hip-hop, pop, and reggae. The singer and multi-instrumentalist discovered her passion for music at a young age. The Brampton, Ont. teen was the lead in Broadway Bound's "Grease" production in 2011. By The Numbers: Her YouTube™ channel received more than 14,000 hits only a few months after launching. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Divine-Lightbody
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| Faiza Twitter: @blckgrlnxtdr Hometown: Toronto, Ont. Musical Genres: R&B, hip-hop The singer/songwriter released her first EP in 2014, garnering positive buzz from Toronto's underground music scene for her seductive vocals and 90s-reminiscent vibe, and has been booking gigs ever since. Dream Performance Space: Madison Square Garden Full Bio: CTV.ca/Faiza
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| James Marshall Instagram: @marshallxjames Hometown: Acton, Ont. Musical Genres: Pop, blues, rock The singer/songwriter expresses his adventurous soul through his unique blend of pop, blues, and rock-infused music, learning over the years that no matter the scale of venue in which he is playing, music is something he will always love and cherish. Dream Musical Duo: Jimi Hendrix Full Bio: CTV.ca/James-Marshall
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| LITEYEARS Instagram: @LITEYEARSmusic Hometown: Toronto Musical Genres: Pop/alternative/rock Meet The Band: The high-energy, alt-pop group is comprised of brothers Brent and Brian Wirth, Nick Haberer, and Joey Muha. The Band's Sound: Meshes programmed electronic loops, ethereal keyboards, and melodic guitar counterpoint with organic instrumentation bringing a refreshing, high-energy vibe to the alternative-pop genre. Debut EP: American Towns released in 2016, featuring debut single "Rhythm In The Stars". Can't Live Without: My piano and pizza (Brent); Coffee! (Brian) Dream Musical Venue: Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado (Nick) Hobbies: Being a full-time bunny parent! (Joey) Full Bio: CTV.ca/LITEYEARS
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| Logan Staats Twitter: @LoganStaats Instagram: @Logan_Staats Hometown: Ohsweken, Six Nations Of The Grand River, Ont. Musical Genres: Folk/blues/soul Raised in the town of Brantford, Ont., Logan Staats started writing and performing music in his early teens. His haunting and distinct voice has provided opportunities to share the stage with acts such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Keith Secola, and Mumford and Sons, to name just a few. Armed with his guitar and harmonica, the folk/blues/soul artist is determined to raise the bar for Indigenous/ mainstream crossover music. What inspires you musically? Culture, love, loss, desperation, and healing Full Bio: CTV.ca/Logan-Staats
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| Nicky MacKenzie Instagram: @nicky_mackenzie Hometown: Salt Spring Island, B.C. Musical genres: R&B, jazz, alternative, pop Singing before she could even talk, Nicky plays several instruments including piano, guitar, and harp. She never hesitates to take every opportunity she can to perform, with her jazzy vocals flowing beautifully over the alternative/R&B music she strives to write and perform. Can't Live Without: Coffee! Full Bio: CTV.ca/Nicky-Mackenzie
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| The Revel Boys Instagram: @therevelboys Hometown: Toronto Musical Genres: Pop Started by brothers Tyson and Myles Erlick in 2015, The Revel Boys began as a collective of friends making beats and YouTube cover videos and has been building steam ever since. The Revel Boys current lineup also includes GTA rapper/songwriter Akiel Julien, singer/beat maker Noah Zulfikar, and singer/keyboardist Josh Lamb. Collaborations To Date: Jocelyn Alice, Kojak, Walk Off the Earth, Commissioner Gordon and White Tiger Society, and Lionshead. Full Bio: CTV.ca/The-Revel-Boys
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| Vivian Hicks Twitter: @vivianhicks Instagram: @vivianhicksofficial Hometown: Georgetown, Ont. Musical Genres: Pop, Broadway, jazz Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and model Vivian Hicks is truly a quintuple threat. Taking up singing and dancing at a very early age, Vivian has won numerous awards in her disciplines, including more than 11 U.S. scholarships. Musical.ly Inclined: Vivian has made a name for herself on social media with several of her raw videos going viral on Instagram and Facebook. She has more than 1 million fans on Musical.ly, receiving re-posts and accolades from her idols including Fifth Harmony, Bruno Mars, Meghan Trainor, The Chainsmokers, and more. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Vivian-Hicks
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| Zack Lane Hometown: Moncton, N.B. Musical Genres: Pop, pop-rock, folk-pop Multiple award-winning Canadian songwriter, performer, and recording artist Zack Lane has shared the stage with artists including Jann Arden, Jeff Cook, and the iconic group Alabama, and he has garnered numerous grand prize wins at coveted vocal competitions, enthralling audiences across North America. Can't Live Without: Pizza! Musical Inspiration: My family heritage, rooted in the musical and culturally-rich region of Newfoundland. Full Bio: CTV.ca/Zack-Lane
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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 of Mötley Crüe, 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".
Today's announcement will be followed up tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 8) with the release of 10 additional artists selected to participate on THE LAUNCH. In addition, viewers are invited to catch interviews with some of the series' participating artists today and over the next three days across Bell Media properties.
THE LAUNCH was put into development in January 2016. The series was co-developed by and is produced by 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).
THE LAUNCH is executive produced by Scott Borchetta, Randy Lennox and John Brunton; Lindsay Cox and Paul Franklin are Showrunners and Executive Producers; 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.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Twitter:
@TheLaunchCTV
@BellMediaPR
@bigmachine
@CTV_PR
@CTV_Television
@insightprod
@iHeartRadioCA
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/CTV
www.facebook.com/TheLaunchCTV
iHeartRadio Canada
Instagram:
@TheLaunchCTV
@CTV_PR
@ctv_television
iHeartRadioCA
Website:
www.ctv.ca/TheLaunch
About Big Machine Label Group
Led by Founder, President and CEO Scott Borchetta, the Big Machine Label Group encompasses Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records, Nash Icon Records and publishing company Big Machine Music as well as its own digital radio station, Big Machine Radio. BMLG artists include superstars Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert, Hank Williams Jr., Ronnie Dunn, Cheap Trick and Jennifer Nettles; chart-topping acts Justin Moore, Eli Young Band, Brett Young, Aaron Lewis, THE VOICE winner Danielle Bradbery; up-and-comers Midland, Carly Pearce, Delta Rae, The Cadillac Three, Drake White, Tucker Beathard, and Tara Thompson. BMLG also helms soundtracks for the hit TV show NASHVILLE. BMLG artists have received multiple GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, AMA, CMT, Teen Choice, MTV, Billboard, People's Choice, and Brit Awards. Big Machine is the first-ever American label to align with terrestrial radio for performance royalty rights for its artists and is an industry leader in fighting for artist, songwriter, publisher and record company rights. Visit BigMachineLabelGroup.com for more information.
About Eureka
Eureka is a next-generation production company combining the expertise, credibility and key relationships traditionally found within large multi-national production companies with the energy and nimbleness of a startup. Launched in January 2016, Eureka has offices in Los Angeles and Sydney and produces both unscripted and scripted programs. Within less than a year of opening Eureka has over sixty hours of programming commissioned in 2017 with more series to be announced soon.
About Insight Production Company, Ltd.
Insight Productions, known for its award-winning ratings juggernauts, is Canada's most established content producer. Headed by CEO John Brunton & COO Barbara Bowlby, Insight is an industry leader in the development, financing, and production of hit programming, both scripted and unscripted. THE TRAGICALLY HIP: A NATIONAL CELEBRATION; THE JUNO AWARDS; CANADA'S WALK OF FAME; BIG BROTHER CANADA; HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD; and THE AMAZING RACE CANADA – the most watched Canadian series on record – were collectively nominated for 31 Canadian Screen Awards in 2017 taking home 14 statues. Year after year, THE AMAZING RACE CANADA wins the Golden Screen, the CSA for the highest-rated reality program in Canada. Other productions include: CANADIAN IDOL; BATTLE OF THE BLADES; NEVER EVER DO THIS AT HOME; INTERVENTION; TOP CHEF CANADA; READY OR NOT; FALCON BEACH; and A CHRISTMAS FURY. Recently, Insight produced THE TRAGICALLY HIP: A NATIONAL CELEBRATION, a live concert special watched by one in three Canadians. Insight Productions was founded in 1979 and has since created thousands of hours of groundbreaking and multiplatform content for the global market in every genre. In 2015, Insight received the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television's inaugural Icon Award in recognition of its 35th anniversary. For more information visit www.insighttv.com.
About CTV
CTV is Canada's #1 private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV has been Canada's most-watched television network for the past 16 years in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and Out-of-Home. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network's website at CTV.ca.
SOURCE CTV
Natalie Cole, THE LAUNCH Unit Publicist, [email protected] or 416.580.7741; Matthew Almeida, CTV, [email protected] or 416.384.2629; Patricia Garcia, CTV, [email protected] or 416.384.2645
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