Media Release: Top Six Finalists Announced for the 2014 CCMA Discovery Program

The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA^®) has revealed the top six finalists for the 2014 CCMA Discovery Program. Now in its second year, this national initiative was created to educate and support Canadian country music artists in their pursuit of a career in the music industry.

“Once again, we received submissions for the CCMA Discovery Program from across the country,” said Don Green, CCMA President; “which means country music is alive and strong in all parts of Canada.” Over 180 applications were received, up 27% from last year. “We’re thrilled with the response to the program, which we have meticulously built as an invaluable experience for Canadian country music artists wishing to excel their careers.”

The 2014 CCMA Discovery Program finalists will be flown to Toronto for the CCMA Music Industry Discovery Week, running May 25 – 30. During this week, the finalists will learn, in-depth, about the music business and artist development through industry-led information sessions and seminars, culminating with a private, industry-only showcase. The finalists will also be paired with an established Canadian country artist for a mentorship program which will take place during the summer months; a notably busy booking time for artists as they make their way to various festivals, events and showcases.

At the 2014 Country Music Week, taking place in Edmonton, Alberta from September 4 – 7, the finalists will perform at a public CCMA Discovery Showcase. An industry-led jury will select the winner of the 2014 CCMA Discovery Award as part of the event.

The winner of the 2014 CCMA Discovery Award will receive music video funding (courtesy of CMT), an Epiphone DR-500MCE guitar (courtesy of Gibson), cash prizing (courtesy of Galaxie), other industry-related prizing, and new this year – a performance spot on the 2015 CMA MusicFest Global Artist Party showcase in Nashville.

The CCMA is pleased to announce the top six finalists for the 2014 CCMA Discovery Program:

David James (Hometown: Winnipeg, MB)

Known best for his powerful, smooth vocals, and a unique blend of country rock, David James pairs his electrifying voice with an unrelenting pursuit of making each performance better than the last. David’s unique delivery and memorable musical stylings have been generating him acclaim from coast to coast.
FACEBOOK: davidjamesmusic/ TWITTER: @real_davidjames/davidjamesmusic.ca

Emily Reid (Hometown: Victoria, BC)

Emily Reid is a fresh-faced, country-folk artist with a sound rooted in her west coast upbringing, meshed with the soul and polish of Nashville. Components of Emily’s performances have drawn comparisons to several well-known artists; including Kacey Musgrave’s writing, Emmy Lou Harris’ soul and Dolly Parton’s stamina.
FACBOOK: emilyreidmusic / TWITTER: @EmilyReidMusic/emilyreid.net

Jordan McIntosh (Hometown: Carleton Place, ON)

Jordan McIntosh has been singing since he was 8 years-old. Jordan’s talent and ability was first discovered on YouTube; and he’s been very active in developing his music career ever since. Now 18, Jordan recently released a single, “That Girl”.
FACEBOOK: JordanMcIntosh/ TWITTER: @JordanMcIntosh/jordanmcintosh.ca

The Lovelocks (Hometown: Toronto, ON)

Soaring vocals, sweet harmonies and sultry strings – this is The Lovelocks (MDM Recordings Inc./Universal Music Canada), a female, alt-country duo comprised of Ali Raney and Zoe Neuman. A band to watch, their 2014 self-titled debut EP release hit #2 on the iTunes country charts on the day of its release.
FACEBOOK: Thelovelocks/ TWITTER: @Heylovelocks/thelovelocksband.com

Nicole Scott (Hometown: Tottenham, ON)

Whether it's singing along with Toby Keith on his new single “Drinks After Work”, or performing across North America, Nicole Scott has been busy putting her voice on the map. The power of Nicole's voice paired with her songwriting skills make this young Canadian the future of country music.
FACEBOOK: nicole.scott.music/ TWITTER: @Nscottxo/nicolescott.com

Tanya Ryan (Hometown: Okotoks, AB)

Tanya Ryan is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and bass player currently residing in Okotoks, Alberta. Tanya has received several titles from competitions throughout Alberta and was showcased on CMT Canada's "Big in a Small Town”. She has opened for talented Canadian artists including: Aaron Lines, High Valley, Dallas Smith and Duane Steele.
FACEBOOK: tanyaryanmusic / TWITTER: @tanyaryanmusic/tanyaryan.ca

Look for updates on the 2014 CCMA Discovery Program and its finalists via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For an all-new interactive webpage dedicated to the CCMA Discovery Program, hosted by CMT, click here.