The Finals show of Big Dog 92-7’s “The Next Big Thing” country talent competition was held last night at The Pump Roadhouse in Regina, with Amy Nelson and Alex Runions of Regina and WYATT of Saskatoon aiming to convince an esteemed panel of music industry judges that they should be named “The Next Big Thing”. Following impressive performances from all three artists, WYATT was declared the winner. The group, consisting of Scott Patrick, Daniel Fortier, Bray Hudson and Cam Ewart, is hard at work on a new album, and recently released single “Next To You” to Canadian country radio. Maintaining a busy tour schedule, they will next be performing throughout the Calgary Stampede.
The Next Big Thing started out with a pool of nearly 40 submissions from all across Saskatchewan, which was narrowed down to nine Semi-Finalists invited to perform in three live shows. Amy, Alex and WYATT each won their Semi-Final show to move forward to the Finals.
A large audience was on hand to enjoy the performances. Four national music industry professionals formed the judging panel: Mike Shannon, a 24-year broadcast veteran and General Manager of Astral Media’s Big Dog 92-7 FM; Randy Stark, former Vice President of Marketing and Promotion for Warner Music Canada, Past President of the Canadian Country Music Association, and current manager of Canadian artists including Jason Blaine and Diane Chase; Steve Coady, Vice President of Radio Promotion for Warner Music Canada, and Marketing Chair for the JUNO Awards; and Nick Meinema, talent agent for The Agency Group Toronto, representing a roster of artists including Doc Walker, Amanda Wilkinson, Aaron Lines and Shane Yellowbird, and CMA nominee for “Agent of the Year” 2009.
WYATT receives a custom-tailored prize package worth over $20,000, including $5000 cash. The group will meet with SaskMusic, producers of the event, to choose from options such as studio time; releasing a single to national country radio; hiring a publicist; album manufacturing; professional photographs; website redesign; an all-expenses paid trip to the 2009 CCMAs; and more. The prize is designed to make a true and lasting impact on their career.
Big Dog 92-7 and SaskMusic congratulate the other six semi-finalists who performed on May 31, June 7 and June 14: J.J. Voss, Samara Yung, Darlene Tuleta, Kelsey Fitch, Blake Berglund and Tim Toutant. Thank you to The Pump, our venue sponsor. 50% of ticket proceeds from all shows went to the Big Dog Kids’ Fund.
For more information on WYATT, please visit www.wyattmusic.com.
Regina’s True Country Big Dog 92-7 launched on February 20, 2008, and is owned and operated by Astral Media Radio, which operates 82 radio stations across Canada. SaskMusic is a member-based, non-profit corporation that stimulates the growth and development of the Saskatchewan music industry through leadership, promotion, training, advocacy and partnership.
