Announcing the Shine FM Cross Canada Talent Search

In our continuing pursuit of our mandate to assist in the development of new Christian artists Touch Canada Broadcasting (2006) Inc. along with it’s radio stations 105.9 Shine FM and AM 930 The Light in Edmonton, 96.3 Shine FM in Grande Prairie and 88.9 Shine FM in Calgary announces the Shine FM Cross Canada Christian Talent Search.

We will broadcast on all stations the opportunity for everyone who meets the contest guidelines to apply for entry into the competition. This includes all types of Christian singers and songwriters and the campaign will lead up to GMA Canada Week October 24-26, 2007 where the artists that registered would compete in different categories and be judged by a panel of individuals from the Christian Music Industry. To learn more about GMA Canada visit here, the competition guidelines PDF can be viewed here and the application form, which is part of the conference form, is available here.

This campaign is tentatively set to air July 30 to October 23, 2007. In addition the Shine FM Cross Canada Talent Search will have exposure on Vision TV/Christian Channel across Canada on satellite television via our own spots and on The Miracle Channel in Lethbridge Alberta. In addition we will have sponsorship exposure on all print media including the GMA booklet which will continue to be distributed after the contest is over.

Winners of the competition have the opportunity to win one of the following GMA Canada prizes:

Grand Prize - Estes Park passes for both the song-writer and performer winners of the 2007 GMA Canada Week competitions. This is a "by" or short-circuit directly into the semi-final round. The significance of this is that with this pass they are able to play in front of the judges and talent scouts from the major players in the US. This is very valuable as far as artists who are trying to break into the US scene, as a pass to the conference is simply still being one of the masses, whereas this pass to the semi-finals is similar to entering the American Idol at the top 20 level, where the press/industry actually starts to take notice of you.

Individual Prize – Breakforth Canada: GMA Canada will be supplying the artists for the Breakforth stage. This is more of an opportunity for acoustic singer/songwriters, as they are looking for artists who aren't hard-rock 120 decibel bands. Some artists, who are already making their careers work up here, may see this as more practical for their ministry than the Estes Park prize, if they are not concerned about major labels etc... Arlen Salte will be on-site to help with this selection. This stage is done together with Shine FM.

Individual Prize - Slyngshot/Avante development deal: Leroy from Slyngshot along with Marshal Zacharias, will together be looking for that unique pop- marketable artist who will work with both of their companies in developing a demo recording (1-3 songs) and will work with them in helping them set up their career plan. Marshal, depending on the artist, may sign them to a further deal, but either way, they would receive a demo recording to help launch their careers.

Individual Prize – Axe Music total band package. Axe Music has agreed to provide as many instruments and sound equipment available to them through brand name suppliers to outfit a whole band or music group. This would give current and future music groups the opportunity to have high end, quality instruments and sound gear to further enhance their careers.

I would like to thank everyone who has worked on making this promotion become a reality and we are excitedly looking forward to a great talent search and competition this year. Don’t forget to tell all your friends and family about their chance to be the next Canadian Christian music sensation.

Cameron Harris
Director of Promotions
Touch Canada Broadcasting (2006) Inc