SiriusXM's search for the next big name in country music returns
SiriusXM and the CCMA announce the second annual Top of the Country competition
Registration opens today
TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2019 /CNW/ - SiriusXM Canada, the country's leading audio entertainment company, today announced the return of SiriusXM Top of the Country in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA). This nationwide search for Canada's next big country music star provides emerging artists with a national platform, performance opportunities at some of Canada's biggest country music events, SOCAN songwriting camps, and valuable industry mentorship to help propel their careers to the next level – not to mention a chance to compete for one of the biggest music prizes in Canada - $25,000 cash.
Canadian country solo artists and groups can register for SiriusXM Top of the Country starting January 14 at 10 am ET until 12 pm ET on February 1 at topcountry.siriusxm.ca.
"The 2018 inaugural SiriusXM Top of the Country competition was an immense success," said Jeff Leake, Director, Music Programming, SiriusXM Canada. "We discovered and supported many talented musicians including Andrew Hyatt, our first grand prize winner. We're excited to provide nationwide exposure, development opportunities, mentorship and valuable industry connections to a new group of artists again this year."
"We're so proud of the success of Top of the Country and our first winner, Andrew Hyatt. I loved feeling the buzz of the fans throughout our finale, and when we announced Andrew as winner in CCMA Fan Village," said Tracy Martin, President of the CCMA. "This program hits all of our benchmarks in our commitment to the development of new artists – good luck to this year's participants. We're looking forward to year two of Top Of The Country and our partnership with SiriusXM."
Following registration, eight semi-finalists will be chosen by a jury of industry experts to record professional, original tracks and in-studio videos for the Canada-wide online vote, taking place later this spring. Once voting is complete, the top three acts will emerge as Top Country finalists, receiving a stage spot at one of Canada's largest country music festivals. Finalists will also attend a SOCAN songwriting camp in Nashville and an exclusive mentorship session in Toronto with major country artists and industry professionals.
The grand prize winner will be chosen live during the CCMA's Country Music Week, being held this year in Calgary, AB from September 5-8. Finalists will battle it out on stage at the SiriusXM CCMA Top of the Country Finale, airing live on SiriusXM Canada, with industry professionals deciding the winner of the $25,000, plus attendance at an international SOCAN songwriting camp.
SiriusXM Top of the Country in partnership with the CCMA is part of SiriusXM's ongoing tradition of promoting and elevating the best emerging Canadian music. SiriusXM continues to offer a leading platform for Canadian artists through its significant financial contributions and North American-wide reach of over 35 million subscribers.
About SiriusXM Canada
Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc., operating as SiriusXM Canada, is the country's leading entertainment company. SiriusXM creates and offers commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; and exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company and on smartphones and other connected devices as well as online at siriusxm.ca.
Join SiriusXM Canada on Facebook at facebook.com/siriusxmcanada, on Twitter at @siriusxmcanada, on Instagram at @siriusxmcanada and on YouTube at youtube.com/siriusxmcanada.
SiriusXM radios and accessories are available from retailers nationwide and online at SiriusXM. In addition, SiriusXM Music for Business provides commercial-free music to a variety of businesses. SiriusXM is also a leading provider of connected vehicles services, giving customers access to a suite of safety, security, and convenience services including automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.
SiriusXM Canada has been designated one of Canada's Best Managed Companies nine years in a row and is currently a Platinum Club Member.
About the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA)
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Sponsors of Country Music Week and the 2019 CCMA Awards Show include FACTOR, Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage's "Canada Music Fund", Radio Starmaker, the Government of Alberta, The City of Calgary and Tourism Calgary.
SOURCE Sirius XM Canada Holdings Inc.
Media Contacts: Meagan Dolmage, KWT Global, [email protected], 647-490-6614; Andrea McLoughlin, KWT Global, [email protected], 647-490-6602
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