SHANTAIA HAS BEEN CROWNED THE WINNER FOR THE 2023 BOOTS AND HEARTS EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE PRESENTED BY COORS ORIGINAL. More details to come
Today, eight semi-finalists took the stage for the Emerging Artist Showcase. At the end, it would be Shantaia and Darryl Anderson who will play for the title. Both artists will open for Travis Denning on the main stage on Sunday.
Quick Recap Of The Emerging Artist Showcase
TRUDY kicked things off with an intimate acoustic set where her vocals (and silver cowboy boots) radiated. Her first show in Ontario, and TRUDY was amazing.
Benny Douglas also played a stripped back set. He played two originals, including one we’ve not yet heard, and then serenaded the crowd with a cover of Tyler Childers’ “Lady May”.
Zach McCabe kicked things up a notch, all while rocking his Canadian tuxedo. Mixing in a cover of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” was just what the crowd ordered.
Brayden King brought the party and crowd interaction. Joining the crowd for his TikTok viral single “Livin’ The Dream”, Brayden really showed he is living the dream on that stage.
Amber Walls brought us into our Taylor Swift era by kicking off her set with a cover of “Picture To Burn”. Flying solo, she really drew in the crowd with her performance and her sweet personality.
SHANTAIA was ready to rock. From her outfit to her vocals, she gave the crowd a show to remember. Shantaia showcased her powerhouse vocals and original songs to a crowd that loved every second of it, sending her to the finals on Sunday.
Darryl Anderson polished off the showcase solo, and it was something to remember. His rich vocals and warm personality had the crowd excited. His one man show won the crowd over, and he now finds himself in the finals on Sunday.
RELATED: See this year’s lineup for the Boots and Hearts Music Festival …
About the Emerging Artist Showcase
Make sure to head to the main stage Sunday for the finals to see if Shantaia or Darryl Anderson will be
The 8 finalists have been selected for this year’s Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase, presented by Coors Original. It’s shaping up to be a great showcase and fierce competition.
This year’s finalists for the showcase will be competing for the title of Emerging Artist, and set them up to launch their careers and take them to the next level.
RELATED: See the full lineup for this year’s Boots & Hearts Music Festival …
The showcase provides a platform for emerging and independent artists to shine and connect with a large audience at the festival. This year, the artists part of the showcase are: TRUDY, Julia Vos, Amber Walls, Shantaia, Benny Douglas, Brayden King, Zach McCabe, and Darryl Anderson.
The winner of the showcase will receive:
- Single Release with Universal Music
- Performance at Boots and Hearts 2024
- Branding Session + Digital Marketing support with Front Porch Music + Marketing (That’s us!)
- Management Sessions from The Core Entertainment
Let’s get to know the artists a little more …
Meet This Year’s Artists Part of the Emerging Artist Showcase
Amber Walls
Hailing from Blackville, New Brunswick, Amber Walls has honed her country music passion and style, drawing inspiration from icons like Ashley McBryde, Taylor Swift, and HARDY.
With a style that fuses elements of new and 90s country, Walls has already made her mark in the Canadian music scene through TV appearances and performing at notable events.
She is ecstatic to make her Boots & Hearts debut and looks forward to connecting with new fans.
“When I got the email saying I was heading to Boots, I didn’t know what to do!! I have never been to the festival before, and I am so excited that this will be my first experience there! I can’t wait to hit the stage and see all the new faces!”
BENNY DOUGLAS
Influenced by artists like John Mayer and Dan + Shay, Benny Douglas brings a fresh, vibrant energy to country music.
A talented guitarist and songwriter, Douglas is elated to share his love for the genre with the Boots & Hearts audience, and he anticipates creating unforgettable memories during the event.
“I am thrilled to be performing at Boots & Hearts and excited to share my love for country music with everyone. It’s going to be a great weekend, memories will be made.”
Brayden King
With a blend of Rock n Roll and Country, Brayden King’s music promises an electrifying experience.
Hailing from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, King’s towering presence and high-energy performances leave the audience wanting more.
Get To Know Canada’s Tallest Country Artist Brayden King
He is honored to be chosen as a finalist and can’t wait to rock the stage and party with the Boots & Hearts crowd.
“I’m so stoked to be performing in the Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase! It is such an honor to be chosen as a finalist, and I can’t wait to be a part of this festival. We’re so ready to rock the stage and party with you all!”
FUN FACT: Brayden was on the latest season of American Idol and made it to the Hollywood rounds!
Darryl Anderson
Darryl Anderson’s musical journey began with his mom’s love for Elvis, which later led him to discover his passion for singing.
Known for his authentic and energetic performances, Darryl has garnered significant recognition in the country music scene.
He is thrilled to come sing for the Boots & Hearts audience and embark on new adventures.
“I’m over the moon excited to come sing for you all at Boots and Hearts. Can’t wait to make new friends and for new adventures. See you all soon.”
Julia Vos
A talented country artist from Alberta, Julia Vos grew up playing country tunes with her family band, nurturing her love for music from a young age.
Her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics have left a lasting impression on the local scene.
As a finalist in the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist showcase, she is excited to rock the crowd with her infectious positivity and boundless energy.
“There’s a lot of places ‘You Can Find Me’ this summer, but the one I’m most excited for is Boots & Hearts. Get ready for this year’s Emerging Artist showcase because boy, we’re about to rock your boots off #bootsbound”
SHANTAIA
Shantaia, a country singer-songwriter, has a profound love for music that began at a very young age.
With a series of successful releases and performances with renowned artists, she is ready to take the Boots & Hearts stage by storm, showcasing her authentic and true self.
RELATED: Get to know Shantaia! She was one of our Women in Canadian Country Spotlight artists …
We Loved Getting To Know SHANTAIA When She Joined Us On Our Podcast
“I’ve watched so many friends and incredible artists be a part of this Emerging Artist Showcase, and I’m so excited to be included in the 2023 class! We’re Boots Bound baby!”
TRUDY
Trudy, a Montreal singer-songwriter, has an impressive artistic journey, including experience in jazz singing and a successful debut country-folk album.
With her rising popularity and captivating performances, Trudy is eager to share her original songs with the Boots & Hearts audience.
“Being a part of the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase is a HUGE pinch me moment! I’m super excited to get to play some of my originals for y’all! Yeehaw”
Zach McCabe
Hailing from small-town Aylmer, Ontario, Zach McCabe brings a gritty edge to his country music style.
As a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, his music promises a compelling and memorable performance.
“Hey y’all! Zach here! I’m so excited to be back in Burl’s Creek for the Boots and Hearts emerging artist showcase! Me and the boys are ready to make some noise!”
Mark your calendars and head to Burl’s Creek on Thursday, August 10, 2023, to witness these rising stars take the Boots & Hearts stage by storm. It’s bound to be an unforgettable night of country music, camaraderie, and new beginnings. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to experience the next generation of country music talent!
RELATED: Get your tickets for this year’s Boots & Hearts Music Festival to see the showcase …
Last Year’s Emerging Artist Showcase
Last year was a fierce competition.
Some of Canada’s premiere emerging talent competed for the big prize which left Taylor-Rae and Owen Riegling as the semi-finalists to compete for the big prize.
Listen to our chat with all the finalists in last year’s showcase
At the end of the weekend, Owen ended up taking home the big prize.
RELATED: Catch the moment that Owen was crowned the winner of the 2022 Showcase …
Logan Miller
As the founder of Front Porch Music, I believe that music has the ability to connect people. I love country music, and I love the country music industry as a whole. My goal is to help music fans find new artists to fall in love with.
