There are thousands of amateur artists and composers and local performers who create their own music each day. However, only a fraction of these make it big or are able to orchestrate a big release. The Launch show gives these music enthusiasts an opportunity to make their dreams come true.
After an international casting call and completion of an extensive A & R process that reviewed more than 10,000 emerging performers, 30 have been selected to participate in the new six-part, hour-long series, debuting early next year on CTV.
The Launch Cast
The Launch was put into development in January 2016 and the format is currently being readied for the release. So far, a talented group of 30 unsigned artists/acts aged 13 to 43 and representing a hugely diverse blend of genres, styles, and musical backgrounds, have been identified to receive the opportunity of a lifetime in the show’s inaugural season. You can follow The Launch show on Facebook to find out the latest about the show.
The Launch (2018)
Developed By: Lindsay Cox, Paul Franklin
Network: CTV, CTV Go
Release Date: January 10 2018, 9 PM
The Launch Contestants
Hand-picked from among more than 10,000 emerging performers, the artists were selected to be on The Launch following an international casting call and completion of an extensive A&R and review process.
Amy Bishop
Hometown: Calgary, Alta.
Musical Genre: Original bluesy pop-rock
With a voice that is a combination of smooth pavement and rough gravel, and the ability to charm listeners with her sweet tones, yet stun audiences with her ability to hit any high note, Amy’s spectacular performances to date include collaborations with Moby, April Wine, Farmer’s Daughter, and Chris Cummings.
Dream Duet Partner: I would LOVE to perform with k.d. lang, I think our voices would blend so well together!
Personal Motto: There’s always something to be thankful for.
Divine Lightbody
Twitter: @Divineluvzz
Instagram: @divineluvzz
Hometown: Brampton, Ont.
Musical Genres: R&B, soul, hip-hop, pop, and reggae.
The singer and multi-instrumentalist discovered her passion for music at a young age. The Brampton, Ont. teen was the lead in Broadway Bound’s “Grease” production in 2011.
By The Numbers: Her YouTube™ channel received more than 14,000 hits only a few months after launching.
Faiza
Instagram: @blckgrlnxtdr
Twitter: @blckgrlnxtdr
Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
Musical Genres: R&B, hip-hop
The singer/songwriter released her first EP in 2014, garnering positive buzz from Toronto’s underground music scene for her seductive vocals and 90s-reminiscent vibe, and has been booking gigs ever since.
Dream Performance Space: Madison Square Garden
James Marshall
Instagram: @marshallxjames
Hometown: Acton, Ont.
Musical Genres: Pop, blues, rock
The singer/songwriter expresses his adventurous soul through his unique blend of pop, blues, and rock-infused music, learning over the years that no matter the scale of venue in which he is playing, music is something he will always love and cherish.
Dream Musical Duo: Jimi Hendrix
LITEYEARS
Twitter: @LITEYEARSmusic
Instagram: @LITEYEARSmusic
Hometown: Toronto
Musical Genres: Pop/alternative/rock
Meet The Band: The high-energy, alt-pop group is comprised of brothers Brent and Brian Wirth, Nick Haberer, and Joey Muha.
The Band’s Sound: Meshes programmed electronic loops, ethereal keyboards, and melodic guitar counterpoint with organic instrumentation bringing a refreshing, high-energy vibe to the alternative-pop genre.
Debut EP: American Towns released in 2016, featuring debut single “Rhythm In The Stars”.
Can’t Live Without: My piano and pizza (Brent); Coffee! (Brian)
Dream Musical Venue: Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado (Nick)
Hobbies: Being a full-time bunny parent! (Joey)
Logan Staats
Twitter: @LoganStaats
Instagram: @Logan_Staats
Hometown: Ohsweken, Six Nations Of The Grand River, Ont.
Musical Genres: Folk/blues/soul
Raised in the town of Brantford, Ont., Logan Staats started writing and performing music in his early teens. His haunting and distinct voice has provided opportunities to share the stage with acts such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Keith Secola, and Mumford and Sons, to name just a few. Armed with his guitar and harmonica, the folk/blues/soul artist is determined to raise the bar for Indigenous/ mainstream crossover music.
What inspires you musically? Culture, love, loss, desperation, and healing
Nicky MacKenzie
Twitter: @mackenzienicky1
Instagram: @nicky_mackenzie
Hometown: Salt Spring Island, B.C.
Musical genres: R&B, jazz, alternative, pop
Singing before she could even talk, Nicky plays several instruments including piano, guitar, and harp. She never hesitates to take every opportunity she can to perform, with her jazzy vocals flowing beautifully over the alternative/R&B music she strives to write and perform.
Can’t Live Without: Coffee!
The Revel Boys
Instagram: @therevelboys
Hometown: Toronto
Musical Genres: Pop
Started by brothers Tyson and Myles Erlick in 2015, The Revel Boys began as a collective of friends making beats and YouTube cover videos and has been building steam ever since. The Revel Boys current lineup also includes GTA rapper/songwriter Akiel Julien, singer/beat maker Noah Zulfikar, and singer/keyboardist Josh Lamb.
Collaborations To Date: Jocelyn Alice, Kojak, Walk Off the Earth, Commissioner Gordon and White Tiger Society, and Lionshead.
Vivian Hicks
Twitter: @vivianhicks
Instagram: @vivianhicksofficial
Hometown: Georgetown, Ont.
Musical Genres: Pop, Broadway, jazz
Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and model Vivian Hicks is truly a quintuple threat. Taking up singing and dancing at a very early age, Vivian has won numerous awards in her disciplines, including more than 11 U.S. scholarships.
Musical.ly Inclined: Vivian has made a name for herself on social media with several of her raw videos going viral on Instagram and Facebook. She has more than 1 million fans on Musical.ly, receiving re-posts and accolades from her idols including Fifth Harmony, Bruno Mars, Meghan Trainor, The Chainsmokers, and more.
Zack Lane
Instagram: @zack_lane1
Hometown: Moncton, N.B.
Musical Genres: Pop, pop-rock, folk-pop
Multiple award-winning Canadian songwriter, performer, and recording artist Zack Lane has shared the stage with artists including Jann Arden, Jeff Cook, and the iconic group Alabama, and he has garnered numerous grand prize wins at coveted vocal competitions, enthralling audiences across North America.
Can’t Live Without: Pizza!
Musical Inspiration: My family heritage, rooted in the musical and culturally-rich region of Newfoundland.
The Launch Format
Reinventing the music television series genre, The Launch debuts a new and unique format, documenting an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to break a new artist and bring a song to life. In each hour-long episode, a group of unsigned emerging artists are mentored in the creation of a new original song by a panel of internationally renowned hit makers and mentors – from discovery to stardom in just two days. The Launch show takes viewers on a fresh journey every week, unveiling new talent and new songs in each episode. Here’s Scott Borchetta talk about The Launch show.
Attend The Launch Show
Can’t wait until it rolls out on the TV screens next year? CTV is giving viewers in the Greater Toronto Area an opportunity to experience the excitement first-hand by attending a taping of The Launch. The studio is located just east of downtown Toronto, and is accessible by TTC with free parking available within a five-minute walk from the studio. Participants interested in attending a taping can visit CTV for ticket information or RSVP by emailing with subject line “The Launch Tickets”.
The Launch Show Episodes
Here’a a peek at what’s in store for you this January.
Episode 1
The artists featured in Episode 1 include (in alphabetical order):
- Havelin – the Edmonton-born artist channels his inner folk-based narrative to tell rich, meaningful stories with his music.
- Julia Tomlinson – the Indie-Pop artist from King City, Ont., has spent countless hours in studio sessions and has captivated audiences showcasing her skills at venues such as Toronto’s Mod Club and The Opera House.
- Logan Staats – the Folk/Blues/Soul artist from Ohsweken, Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ontario whose haunting and distinct voice provided him opportunities to share the stage with acts such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Keith Secola, and Mumford and Sons.
- The Revel Boys – a five-member pop music act that began as a collective of friends making beats and YouTube cover videos, who have collaborated with artists including Jocelyn Alice, Kojak, Walk Off the Earth, and more.
- Vivian Hicks – the quintuple-threat singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and model has made a name for herself on social media with more than 1 million followers on Musical.ly, garnering re-posts from musical stars including Fifth Harmony, Bruno Mars, Meghan Trainor, and more.
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