Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program Seeks Next Wave of Canadian Talent

Thirteen and Thriving: New partnership with Stingray brings national exposure to emerging artists – including a dedicated Canada’s Walk of Fame music channel launching this fall.

Submissions Are Now Open!

(Toronto, ON) June 2, 2025 – Now in its 13th year, the Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program is once again inviting emerging Canadian artists to apply for one of the country’s most respected music mentorship opportunities. A proven springboard for rising talent, the program has supported more than 65 artists since its inception, offering national exposure, career development and a meaningful path forward for the next generation of Canadian musicians.

Submissions for the 2025 edition are now open through to Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Five solo artists or groups between the ages of 15 and 35 will be selected to receive career-defining prizes and development experiences valued at over $100,000, including industry mentorship, studio time, national media opportunities, and more. For details, visit EmergingMusician.ca.

This year also marks an exciting new chapter in the program’s evolution, with the launch of national media partnership with Stingray, one of Canada’s leading music and media companies. Through this collaboration, winners and alumni will gain invaluable exposure across Stingray’s TV, streaming, digital, and radio platforms – including the debut of a dedicated Canada’s Walk of Fame music channel across Stingray’s platforms launching in October 2025.

“The Emerging Musician Program continues to grow in reach, impact, and heart – raising the bar for how we support rising Canadian talent,” said Griffin Sokal, Director of Marketing and Lead of the Emerging Musician Program at Canada’s Walk of Fame. “With Stingray joining RBC as a key partner, we’re amplifying our artists and alumni nationwide – from live stages to streaming platforms — giving them the visibility, mentorship, and confidence to move their careers forward.”

“At RBC, we believe in equipping the next generation of creatives with skills for a thriving future,” said Gayle Corcoran, Senior Director, Social Impact, RBC. “The creative community plays an important role in building vibrant communities and strong economies and that’s why we are proud to support the Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program to provide mentorship and exposure opportunities that elevate emerging voices in the music industry.”


“At Stingray, we’re passionate about supporting homegrown talent and helping Canadian artists connect with wider audiences,” said David Purdy, Chief Revenue Officer, Stingray. “Through this partnership with Canada’s Walk of Fame and RBC, we’re proud to shine a national spotlight on emerging musicians and contribute to a cultural legacy that celebrates the full spectrum of Canadian sound.”

Last year’s Grand Prize winner, Gabriel Fredette, a francophone folk-pop artist from Quebec, credits the program with helping him break new ground in his career.

“Winning this program has been truly life-changing,” said Fredette. “I’m honoured not only to have been selected but also to be the first francophone singer from Quebec to receive this award. It means a lot to show that French-language music has a place across Canada. The program gave me opportunities to grow, collaborate with incredibly talented artists, and to reach audiences far beyond my home province. If you’re an emerging artist, I strongly encourage you to apply. It’s easy to do, and it might just change your life.”

PRIZING DETAILS

This year’s Grand Prize winner will receive:

• $20,000 cash prize
• A private studio session at Metalworks Studios
• Performance opportunities at major Canada’s Walk of Fame events

The Second Prize winner will receive $10,000, and three additional third prize winners will each receive $5,000.

All five winners will also receive:

• New: Exposure on the dedicated Canada’s Walk of Fame music channel launching in the fall on Stingray
• A showcase slot at Departure Festival 2026 (formerly Canadian Music Week)
• A performance at Festival du Voyageur 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba
• A creative workshop and mentorship panel at Toronto’s Arthaus
• A group mentorship session with a Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee, Allan Slaight Music Impact Honouree or Established Artist
• $2,000 towards a live-off-the-floor video
• A personalized artist page on EmergingMusician.ca

In collaboration with Metalworks Institute, one aspiring artist will also receive a $10,000 scholarship toward any full-time diploma program or online certificate bundle. Applications for the scholarship are accepted year-round.

Winners of the 2025 RBC Emerging Musician Program, in partnership with Stingray, will be selected by a jury of music industry professionals and announced in fall 2025.

For complete rules, eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit EmergingMusician.ca.

Social Media

Instagram: @emerging.musician
@CWOFame #CanadaThrives #EMP2025

About Canada’s Walk of Fame

Canada’s Walk of Fame is an award-winning national not-for-profit charitable organization that inspires Canadians by proudly shining a light on the journeys of Canada’s most extraordinary achievers. Canada’s Walk of Fame recognizes the significant impact of Canadian accomplishments and provides the foremost national platform to celebrate achievement in the fields of Arts & Entertainment, Sports & Athletics, Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy, Humanitarianism, and Science, Technology & Innovation. Current honours and programs include the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, RBC Emerging Musician Program, Future Storytellers, the Community Hero and National Hero Programs, the Hometown Stars initiative, including charitable donations to our Inductees’ causes, and the nationally televised broadcast designated by the CRTC as a program of national interest. Canada’s Walk of Fame has over 230 inductions to date, with stars having a permanent place of tribute on the streets of Toronto’s Entertainment District. For a complete list of Inductees and Honourees along with more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame, visit: www.canadaswalkoffame.com

Canada’s Walk of Fame was established in 1998 by founders Bill Ballard, Dusty Cohl and Peter Soumalias, with Dianne Schwalm and in partnership with Gary Slaight.

Canada’s Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2025 Partners: Seeing Red, Cineplex Entertainment, The Slaight Family Foundation, RBC, Air Canada, MLSE, NBCUniversal, VIA Rail Canada, Next Magazine, The Printing House, and Stingray.

Canada’s Walk of Fame is a registered charity. Charitable Registration Number 889896924RR0001.



About Stingray

Stingray (TSX: RAY.A; RAY.B), a global music, media, and technology company, is an industry leader in TV broadcasting, streaming, radio, business services, and advertising. Stingray provides an array of music, digital, and advertising services to enterprise brands worldwide, including audio and video channels, 97 radio stations, subscription video-on-demand content, FAST channels, karaoke products and music apps, and in-car and on-board infotainment content. Stingray Business, a division of Stingray, provides commercial solutions in music, in-store advertising solutions, digital signage, and AI-driven consumer insights and feedback. Stingray Advertising is North America’s largest retail audio advertising network, delivering digital audio messaging to more than 30,000 major retail locations. Stingray has close to 1,000 employees worldwide and reaches 540 million consumers in 160 countries. For more information, visit www.stingray.com     

Media Contact:

Adrienne Kakoullis, Rise PR |416-450-6637 | akakoullis@risepr.ca