Charlie James and Mikaila Cooper round out the four local roots and country artists who will compete for more than $225,000 in cash and prizes in Alberta competition.
We’re a wild bunch.
Which is why four local bands and artists have been named to the 12 finalists who will compete in the Alberta-wide Project Wild 2017 competition.
On Sunday at The Palomino, Calgarians Brad Saunders, Charlie James, Mikaila Cooper and Nice Horse were named among the dozen lucky provincial roots and country acts, who will compete in the career-making contest sponsored by local C&W radio station Wild 953 and administered by Alberta Music.
Originally called the Peak Performance Project, when the station was alt rock outlet The Peak, the competition is part of a “seven year, $4.9 million program, designed to kick-start the international music careers of three emerging Alberta artists annually, and give a boost to all Top 12 finalists selected by industry jury.”
It will feature each of the acts competing over the course of the next five months on a number of different challenges, that will see the three winners walk away with: $100,953 for first place, $75,000 for runner-up, $50,000 for third spot. Each of the 12 will also receive a $5,000 development award.
Unlike many competitions, the program is designed to help acts reach that next level in their careers, by educating, promoting and developing those who have already shown the talent, ability and drive.
Here’s the complete list of Top 12 finalists for this year’s Project Wild:
Andrea Nixon (Edmonton)
Brad Saunders (Calgary)
Charlie James (Calgary)
Dustin Farr (Olds)
Karac Hendriks (Sherwood Park)
Lucas Chaisson (Edmonton)
Lucette (Edmonton)
Mark Times (Parkland County)
Mikaila Cooper (Calgary)
Nice Horse (Calgary)
Ryan Langlois (Red Deer)
Tanya Ryan (Okotoks)
All 12 will perform at a showcase in Calgary on June 25 at Knoxvilles.
Winners of last year’s inaugural Project Wild were Edmonton’s The Dungarees in first place, southern Alta’s Sykamore in second, and E-Town’s Ken Stead at No. 3.
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