The 10 finalists for CBC Music’s Searchlight 2024 have been announced. After selecting Elite 50 from across the country earlier this month, the judges have narrowed down the list to the artists below.
Learn more about these 10 musicians before our industry experts reveal who will be Canada’s next breakthrough musical act on Aug. 26.
Calling all Captains, ‘Undone’ (Edmonton)
Pop-punk band Calling all Captains showcase boisterous energy on “Undone,” a rambunctious track that crackles with energy. “I will be the bigger man/ take a knee and let you win again,” sings lead vocalist Luc Gauthier. By the end of the song, the Edmonton-based group have reached catharsis.
Chloé Caroline, ’94’ (Los Angeles)
Chloé Caroline’s summery pop sound transports listeners to the beach over catchy hooks and upbeat rhythms. Her song “94” is a shimmery pop ballad with echoes of Gracie Abrams and Tate McRae about longing for a love interest: “Yeah it’d be cool if we could kiss, before we’re 94,” she sings over silky beats.
Housewife, ‘I Lied’ (Toronto)
Housewife, the indie rock project of Brighid Fry, released the edgy track “I Lied” about the stickiness of relationships on Valentine’s Day: “Always had this ability/ to make my own messes/ turn friends to exes,” she sings on the opening verse. An electric guitar rips through the chorus as she reflects on pushing her love interest away.
Jaguar Sun, ‘Don’t Stress’ (Toronto)
There’s a glimmer of hope in Jaguar Sun’s folk-tinged track “Don’t Stress”: “I think you’re right, don’t stress at all,” he sings over buzzing guitar. Marrying earnestness with a delicious melody, “Don’t Stress” invites listeners to sit back, relax and soak in life’s gentle moments.
Kam Prada, ‘Sid’s Song’ (Calgary)
Singer-songwriter Kam Prada’s sound is a mix of melodic pop and a splash of folk. On the heartfelt “Sid’s Song,” he explores how his family settled in Canada: “He didn’t even speak the language when they came as refugees/ He saved the generations and he saved our family tree.”
Madisyn Gifford, ‘For Shaughnessy’ (White Rock, B.C.)
Tender indie folk is Madisyn Gifford’s specialty, and she wrote her song “For Shaughnessy” as a sweet ode to her friend who was going through an emotional time. “I know that I can’t fix it but I’ll be damned if I don’t try/ stitch you up so pretty that you’ll only feel sunshine,” she sings, her voice radiating love and care.
Maggie Andrew, ‘About Us’ (Halifax)
Singer-songwriter Maggie Andrew’s song “About Us” features bouncy synths and an explosive chorus as she sings about a manipulative past love interest: “I wish I could take back all my time/ Wish I could erase it all,” she sings. The melancholy track was produced by Carleton Stone and Corey LeRue.
Maurice Moore, ‘memrise’ (Ottawa)
Maurice Moore blends R&B and Afrobeats for a sound that feels like a tropical breeze. On “memrise,” he turns the temperature up with sultry lyrics: “Baby, I need you to entice me/Hold you tight ’til you’re one with me, yeah.”
Nobro, ‘Where My Girls At’ (Montréal)
Nobro’s fierce punk energy shines bright on “Where My Girls At” from the group’s Polaris-shortlisted album, Set Your Pussy Free. “Where my girls at? Gonna start me a rock n’ roll band, yeah,” sings lead vocalist Kathryn McCaughey. The rumbling song tells the story of girls saving up for instruments and rocking out with friends, a powerful sentiment from the all-women band.
Omega Mighty, ‘Badgirl Workout’ (Ajax, Ont.)
Omega Mighty brings vibrance to all of her dancehall infused tracks, and her song “Badgirl Workout” is no exception. The track is the perfect pump-up song for hitting the gym or the dancefloor. Thumping percussion drives the song, with Mighty repeating “workout, workout,” over a bouncing bassline.
