While saucy saxophone is encouraged, it's not a requirement.
So long as you’re an artist making music that grooves and captures a smooth feeling, local radio station Wave 98.3 – Vancouver’s Coolest Vibe – encourages you to apply to its Smooth Grooves of Summer contest.
In search of new music that matches the heartbeat and groove of the region, The Wave will be hosting an afternoon concert at The Shipyards in North Vancouver on Saturday, July 29. Four musical acts will be selected to perform a 45-minute set each.
Each selected act will receive a $2,500 prize, as well as a fully produced performance video and a mastered song from Blue Frog Studios – a production package valued at $3,000. Each act will also get follow-up promotion on air at Wave 98.3 FM.
The adult contemporary radio station plays smooth instrumentals, R&B and Motown – but also extends to smooth-flavoured classics like Baker Street, Al Stewart and Randy Bachman, explains promotion and marketing director Phil Evans. Local artists in the general style include hornmeister Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, Surrey vocalist Cat Levan and Victoria pianist Michael Kaeshammer.
“But we’re casting a wide net within all these styles to find the up-and-comers and those who should be recognized for their craft,” he said. “And yes, we all enjoy a saucy sax.”
The contest is an opportunity to support emerging musicians in B.C. who’ve never had airplay on commercial radio before, said Doug Kirk, owner of Durham Radio Inc. and Wave 98.3.
“As a radio station that values community, Wave 98.3 is thrilled to be able to celebrate some of the incredible musicians who reflect the heartbeat of our city,” he said.
The radio station said it is committed to promoting inclusivity in the music industry and radio landscape.
“Wave 98.3 is looking forward to hearing submissions from a diverse range of local emerging musicians including women, Black, Indigenous, and other artists of colour within the vibrant music community of Vancouver,” reads a statement.
To enter the contest, applicants can fill out a form on the radio station’s website.
