Canada’s music scene continues to shine, with emerging talent making waves across the country. Today, five outstanding musicians have been named as the winners of the 12th annual Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program. Designed to elevate aspiring Canadian artists through industry connections, mentorship, and performance opportunities, 1000 submissions poured in from every province and territory, showcasing the range and strength of Canada’s musical landscape.
Chosen by a panel of industry judges, who reviewed the originality, creativity, and talent of each submission, this year’s winners represent a dynamic blend of talent that highlights the richness of Canada’s cultural diversity. The Grand Prize winner made program history as the first musician to win with a French-language song.
The 2024 Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program recipients are:
Grand Prize Winner
Gabriel Fredette (Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec)
Gabriel Fredette made program history as the first musician to win with a French-language song. The 22-year-old bilingual folk pop artist from the suburbs of Montreal, rose to fame on the 2024 season of “La Voix” in Quebec. Known for his warm, raspy voice, he quickly gained popularity among Quebec audiences. His song, Encore une fois, is a French-language ballad that delves into themes of hope, love, and perseverance. Fredette has been releasing singles since July 2024, with his tracks gaining traction on streaming platforms across Quebec. He is set to release his first EP, Forêt Noire, in November 2024.
Second Prize Winner
Dallas (Toronto, Ontario)
An alumna of the American Musical Dramatic Academy in NYC, singer-songwriter Dallas has made waves in the pop scene with over 37 million streams and 200,000+ monthly listeners. In 2023, she became a fixture on Spotify’s editorial playlists like New Music Friday, The Scene, and It’s a Bop.
Third Prize Winners
Jackie Art (Calgary, Alberta)
Jackie Art is a black British-Canadian artist who started his journey in London before moving to Calgary. Since his debut mixtape Depth in 2020, he’s garnered nearly 200,000 YouTube views, captivating audiences with his blend of R&B, grime, and dance. Jackie’s music is an authentic expression of his identity, aiming to connect globally and make a lasting impact.
Mint Simon (Montreal, Quebec)
Mint Simon blends 80s and 90s pop with themes of love, desire, and self-acceptance. Unapologetically queer, Mint’s music has earned support from Spotify, Apple Music, MTV, and more, and has featured on TV shows like Orange Is the New Black. In 2024, they played events like POP Montreal and joined the RBC Music ‘First Up’ program.
Tiger Balme (Toronto, Ontario)
Toronto-based alt-indie band, Tiger Balme brings together the grounding forces of drums, guitar, and bass with shimmering vibraphone, harp, and soaring harmonies to create sonic spaces of tender resilience. The band, comprised of Asian-identifying women and non-binary musicians, released their debut album, the self-titled Tiger Balme, in November 2022.
