SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR PROJECT WILD ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
June 14, 2021
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM JUNE 14 – JULY 14, 2021
June 14, 2021 (Edmonton, AB) – Project WILD returns for its final, and highly anticipated year of kick-starting the careers of 12 emerging Albertan artists. Alberta Music and WILD 953 partner up once again to deliver the program after a year long hiatus due to the pandemic.
Submissions open today, and run until Wednesday, July 14 at 12:00pm MT.
Back for its final year, Project WILD is an artist development program designed to educate, promote, develop and launch the careers of Alberta’s emerging country and roots artists. Following a jury deliberation of the entries, the Top 12 finalists of the program will be selected based on musicianship, vocal performance, songwriting ability and live performance. Although the program will look different this year, participating Albertan artists will each receive a $5,000 development grant and participate in Project WILD’s career changing music industry boot camp – an intense one-week workshop to hone their skills in performance, songwriting, marketing, media strategy, music business, music accounting, tour strategy and social media.
“Alberta Music is thrilled to be working with WILD 95.3 again to assist in advancing the careers of local artists and providing a space for mentorship, collaboration, and learning. The $4.9 million dollar investment has made such an immense impact on our industry over the years and we are so thankful to the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group for bringing this project to Alberta.” says Carly Klassen, Executive Director of Alberta Music.
Jonathan Best, Program Director at WILD 95.3 says “2020 was without a doubt a challenging year for everyone. As we start to turn the corner on a difficult time, WILD 95.3 is so excited to be launching applications for Project WILD 2021. We look forward to working with Alberta Music and with the Top 12 artists throughout the program!”
The program encourages participants to expand on their creativity, ideas, and strengths by completing a series of criteria and challenges, followed by a public showcase and vote to win a place in the coveted Top 3. The top prize winner will be awarded $100,953, and second and third place will be awarded $75,000 and $50,000. Project WILD 2019 saw Mariel Buckley take home the grand prize, followed by Mariya Stokes in 2nd place, and Blake Reid Band in 3rd place.
Administered by Alberta Music and funded through WILD 953, Project WILD, is part of a seven-year, $4.9 million program, designed to kick-start the international music careers of 3 emerging Alberta artists annually, and give a boost to all Top 12 finalists selected by industry jury. The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group is committed to newly emerging Canadian musical artists through CRTC Canadian Content Development programming.
Artists can visit the official Project WILD website to review eligibility regulations and submit their applications. The Top 12 Artist selection will be announced on Sunday, August 29 live on-air with WILD 953.
ABOUT ALBERTA MUSIC
The Alberta Music Industry Association is a non-profit, service-based association dedicated to helping professionals in the music industry to succeed in their careers. Alberta Music’s mission is to build, connect and inspire a dynamic Alberta music industry, through consultations, programs, advice, workshops. Alberta Music engages in external advocacy work, working with other organizations and government, for advocacy and partnerships. For more information, please visit albertamusic.org.
ABOUT WILD 953
CKWD-FM is a Canadian radio station broadcasting at 95.3 FM in Calgary, Alberta owned by Jim Pattison Group. The station broadcasts a country music format branded as Wild 95.3. For more information, please visit wild953.com.
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