Canadian country music has officially crowned its latest emerging artist. Kris Barclay competed at the Emerging Artist Showcase at the 2018 Boots & Hearts Music Festival, and was awarded the title of official Emerging Artist on Sunday August 12th, 2018.
On Thursday August 9, 2018, Kris was one of the 7 featured emerging artists at the Boots & Hearts Music Festival. He competed against 6 other talented artists: Brad James, Dustin Bird, Julia Vos, Cory James Mitchell Band, Nate Hall, and Karli June. Each artist took to the stage to perform three songs for the audience, but more importantly the panel of judges. This year’s judges were Stan Dunfield (Owner of Republic Live), Steve Coady (Vice President of Warner Music Canada), and the original Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Tebey. Read more about the Emerging Artist Showcase by checking out our recap.
From the Showcase on Thursday, 2 finalists were selected. The first being Kris Barclay, and the second being Cory James Mitchell Band. These two artists played on the main stage on Sunday to compete one last time for the grand prize. Both artists played so well and proved why they were chosen as the two finalists. In the end, Kris Barclay came out on top and was crowned as the 2018 Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist.
By winning the Emerging Artist Showcase, Kris Barclay has won an amazing prize that will be sure to push his career forward. He won a single release with Warner Music Canada, an all expenses paid trip to Nashville for a professional writing session, a photoshoot, and the opportunity to perform at Boots & Hearts sponsored events throughout the year.
The Emerging Artist Showcase at Boots & Hearts has helped launch successful careers with some of Canada’s top talent. Tebey was the original emerging artist back in 2012. James Barker Band won the contest a couple years ago, and they have been one of the most successful Canadian country group in a long time! Last year’s winner Jade Eagleson has had a great year, and even played at the Coor’s Banquet Kick-Off Party at this year’s festival.
It’s going to be an exciting year ahead of Kris Barclay, and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead for this incredibly talented Canadian country artist. Congrats Kris!
Images of the 2018 Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Winner Kris Barclay
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
