2017 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artists Showcase Preview
Over the years we’ve seen some amazing acts come through the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. Artists that have become household names like Tebey, Tim Hicks and The James Barker Band as well as some of our favourites including Johnson Crook, Birds of Bellwoods, Runaway Angel, The Reklaws, Trinity Bradshaw, Jesse Gold and last year’s winner, Vanessa Marie Carter.
This year’s crop of emerging artists are super talented and we’re sure this is going to be a close one! We’re pleased to introduce you to the Boots and Hearts 2017 Emerging Artists.
Amanda Sadler – Cross My Heart
This Kingston based singer songwriter has already been making waves in Canadian country music and performed at the CCMA Country Music Week “Diamonds in the Rough” Showcase. Amanda is classically trained in both piano and vocals and has been performing since the age of five. She’s recently returned from a writing stint in Nashville where she was working on new music with Patricia Conroy and Dave”Dwave” Thomson.
Jade Eagleson – I Don’t Drink
Jade Eagleson, if that isn’t the best country music name I’ve heard this year, I don’t know what is? But Jade will need more than a great name to win this year’s Emerging Artist Showcase. He comes armed with plenty of experience, the 23-year-old has been playing since he was 13, he’s recorded in Nashville and the singer songwriter has enough support to have won himself a spot in this competition!
Jason Kirkness – Whiskey Kiss
Jason isn’t new to us, we’ve been following his career for some time now. This small town, Manitoba born singer songwriter, released a new album, A Beautiful Disaster in May and the single Whiskey Kiss has a classic country sound that makes you want to sing along. With stage smarts that come from opening up for Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, The Roadhammers, George Canyon, Jake Owen, and Kip Moore, we’re thinking Jason might have a slight advantage in this race.
Kalsey Kulyk – More Time
Kalsey describes her style as country with a little pop and rock thrown in for good measure and that sounds great to us. She was born in the small town of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan and with the support of her family, she’s been performing since the young age of 4 in talent and on tv shows. Kalsey lists her early influences as Shania Twain, Allison Krause, The Dixie Chicks and we love her crystal clear voice and relatable lyrics.
Kentucky Rails – Wallet
Kentucky Rails are a five-piece band that have “the look” and their entry song is fun and energetic. Wallet is their first single and we’re looking forward to seeing these boys perform live. Kentucky Rails are Justin deGraaf on bass and vocals, Ryan Pellicciotta on guitar and vocals, Zach McCabe on guitar and lead vocals, Dave Kirby on guitar and Matt Soliveri on drums.
“KR symbolizes the struggle to win. When you’re on the rails in the Derby, the odds are stacked against you. But we all love an underdog story… Right?”
Marco Sylver – Summer Life
Marco Sylver’s entry is also his current single. Summer Life highlights all the good things about summer including top down days, friends, no worries and fun. With a bluegrass background, Marco has been working hard to make a name for himself in Canadian country music. A current resident of Calgary he’s had the opportunity to open for Travis Tritt and the Charlie Daniels Band and we’re sure he’ll be bringing his A game to the Boots and Hearts Stage.
Josh Ross – Don’t Ever Let Go
Burlington singer songwriter Josh Ross started performing at a very young age and added songwriting to his repertoire in high school. He lists Dallas Smith, Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldridge, Florida Georgia Line, Tim Hicks, Jason Aldean as influences and we feel like we can hear a little bit of each of them when Josh sings. He’s young, talented and not too hard to look at, we’ll be looking to see how he connects with the crowd and the judges.
The Redhill Valleys – Either Or
The Redhill Valleys are Danielle Beaudin on guitar and vocals, Tim Allard on drums, guitar and vocals and Chelsea McWilliams on bass and vocals. The three-piece out of Hamilton have a folk feeling with amazing harmonies. Their video is warm and beautiful. We’re looking forward to seeing them live.
Best of luck to all of the entrants, we’ll see you at Boots!
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Toronto Music Blogger
