Boots & Hearts Announces Emerging Artist Showcase Finalists + Wild Card Vote
Boots and Hearts has always been good to up-and-coming artists in country music. And the Emerging Artist Showcase has been a big part of that. And now we know who will be taking the stage as finalists in the 2019 contest as we get ready for the festival at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds.
With the announcement, seven artists took a big step towards a huge jump in their career. There’s no denying that winners of this contest have an opportunity to do big things. Just look at past winners like Tebey, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, and more recently, Jade Eagleson as examples of the success that is out there to be had.
And to go along with those seven artists, three more are still feeling like they’ve got a shot too. And they should. The wild card entry (and your vote) matters. You only have to look back to last year when wild card vote winner Kris Barclay went on to win the Emerging Artist Showcase and has now released his first single, Loved You Like That, to country radio.
Each of the finalists will be competing in front of country fans and a panel of judges for their chance to win an awesome (and potentially life changing) grand prize. The 2019 prize package includes the opportunity to open for Kane Brown on the main stage on Sunday night, release a single with Warner Music Canada, take a trip to Nashville with flights, hotels, photoshoot, writing session, and $500 spending cash included. The winning artist will also have the chance to represent Boots and Hearts, playing events throughout 2019 and leading into the 2020 festival.
Check out the list of nominees, and don’t miss the Wild Card contestants at the bottom of the post. We’ve included their videos for you to watch, and a link you that will take you where you need to go to vote for your favourite!
UPDATE: Rebecca Rain is the Wild Card winner and joins the Emerging Artist Showcase Finals!
Good luck to all of the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase finalists. We’ll see you soon!
Emerging Artist Showcase Finalists
Amber-Jo Bowman
Hometown: Stouffville, ON
A country/folk singer-songwriter with a drive and focus on being a light in the darkness, Amber-Jo Bowman will bring her songs and stories to the stage.
Music brings her joy, and we can’t wait to see it.
Learn more about Amber-Jo Bowman
Brady Kenneth
Hometown: Niverville, MN
This small town Manitoba singer has come to country after eight years in a hard metal band, and hasn’t looked back since making the move. With two country EPs under his belt, it’s safe to say he’s picked his path now.
His varied musical background and tastes is willing to draw inspiration from names like Chris Stapleton and Eric Church, as well as Tupac and Ariana Grande if it means he can write a song that makes people want to dance and sing along.
Learn more about Brady Kenneth
Brad Saunders
Hometown: Calgary, AB via Gander, NL
The Rock-turned-Cowtown country singer is long on experience playing big time shows. Saunders has shared the stage with names like Thomas Rhett and Aaron Pritchett, and wowed crowds at the Calgary Stampede.
Last summer, his single, Play It By Beer, caught the attention of country fans, and with this chance to play for the biggest country music crowd in Ontario, he plans to do more of the same now and in the future.
Learn more about Brad Saunders
David Boyd Janes
Hometown: Toronto, ON
David Boyd Janes is a city boy with a country heart. The Toronto singer-songwriter has put three singles in the Top 100 as an indie artist, and has turned those early successes into chances to play big showcases during Canadian Country Music Week and more.
If you’re around the Toronto area, you’ve likely seen David on stage, and when you get to Boots and Hearts, you’ll see him again.
Learn more about David Boyd Janes
Dylan Burk
Hometown: Ontario via Tennessee
Fresh off the release of his first single, Looking Like That, Dylan Burk will look to keep the momentum rolling when he competes in the Emerging Artist Showcase.
The ON via TN country singer may have reversed the order that many country artists take, but direction doesn’t matter when the music comes first and is good.
Justin Tyler
Hometown: Toronto, ON
With influences including Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, and Garth Brooks, Justin Tyler is coming into his own in country music. With singles like 2000 Miles and Raise Your Cups, helping to earn him new fans and an eagerness to play, he’s on his way.
The Toronto musician started on drums, moved to the front of the stage on the microphone, and is ready for Boots and Hearts. Now it’s up to festival-goers to be ready for him.
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
Hometown: Hamilton, ON
Her first break came when she won the 2013 Hamilton Music Awards Rise to Fame Competition, and now Mackenzie Leigh Meyer is ready for more.
When Tom Wilson (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings) saw her, he exclaimed: ​ “This is really f*ckin’ good”. Producer Ken Scott (David Bowie) said, “Watch out Carrie Underwood”. And soon thousands of country music fans at Boots and Hearts will be able to have their say too.
She’s played a lot of shows in the last few years, but this one might be the biggest if it all goes according to plan.
Learn more about Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
Emerging Artist Showcase Wild Card Finalists
Dave Sampson
Hometown: Halifax/Sydney, NS
Dave’s bio says he writes folk/pop songs that show his heart on his sleeve – and we think that will fit right in at Boots and Hearts. With genre mixing on the table and honesty a big part of what we’re looking for in country, we’re all in on Dave’s chance to get to the big dance.
Rebecca Rain
UPDATE: Rebecca Rain is the Wild Card winner and joins the Emerging Artist Showcase Finals!
Hometown: Wasaga Beach, ON
In her own words, “When I sing about love, loss, heartache or longing I’m singing about the experiences that we’ve all been through together. And, when it’s time to turn up the volume and get the boots stomping a little harder, growing up as the only sister to 3 brothers sure didn’t hurt.”. We’re into it.
Warren Hargraves
Hometown: London, ON
One listen to Warren Hargraves singing Entwined makes us want more from the London, ON singer. And while he’ll be on stage, not on the back deck if he gets to Boots and Hearts, we’re 100% okay with that.
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I love the emerging artist show down show at Boots and Hearts it is so great to see the emerging artist show their talent and to know when they win it is a dream come true and they end up coming so successful. I wish them all the best of luck