The New Year has only just begun, but it’s been a busy one for 18-year-old folk musician Lucas Chaisson, who will be performing as one of four finalists for the 90.3 AMP Radio Rock Star 2013 competition.
Getting underway at 7 p.m. on Jan. 19 in Mount Royal University’s (MRU) Wyckham House, the finale will boast performances by each of the competition’s finalists, as well as past winners of the annual music competition.
The 2013 victor will leave the event with a cool $200,000 to further develop their career. The other three finalists will share a $50,000 purse.
“It’s a surreal experience,” said the soft-spoken Cochrane teen. “Not a lot of people in the Calgary area get that kind of funding at one time.”
The $200,000 prize will go a long way for the acclaimed artist, who had to submit a business proposal and budget as part of the application process. If he wins, he said the bulk of money would be used for touring, traveling and marketing his latest album, Growing Pains.
This isn’t Chaisson’s first brush with the competition. He has been applying for contention for the past four years, he said. He’s even performed at the finale, but as a musician for another performer.
The application process for 90.3 AMP Radio Rock Star 2013 is fairly extensive, said Chaisson. From the total applicants, six were awarded $10,000 in career funding. The four finalists are selected from those six.
Joining Chaisson in the top four are performers Crystal Kid, Trinity Bradshaw and Sidney York.
Chaisson said he will be laying it all on the line.
“It’s a three-song set list, so it shouldn’t be too nerve-wracking,” said Chaisson. “I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s going to be fun. There will be a few surprises.”
Chaisson’s career has been on the upswing since the release of Growing Pains, his second full-length album. In November 2012, he won a Canadian Folk Music Award for Young Performer of the Year.
This was his second nomination in the category. His first came in 2010, after the release of his debut, No Loitering.
“The first time at the awards, I didn’t understand the magnitude,” said Chaisson. “This time, I didn’t know I was going to win. But I was hopeful and I thought I stood a chance.”
Everyone is welcome to see the award winner in action at the AMP Radio competition, a free all-ages event. Chaisson will be backed by Edmonton band, Scenic Route to Alaska. Fan ballots will be taken at the event, so supporters are encouraged to head to MRU to cheer on the local lyricist.
Cochranites will again be graced with Chaisson’s talents on Feb. 8, as he opens for Jeremy Fisher at the Cochrane Alliance Church. In May, Chaisson is slated to begin a Western Canadian tour.
For more information on the 90.3 AMP Radio Rock Star competition, visit amprockstar.com.
To learn more about Chaisson and his upcoming tour, check out lucaschaisson.com.
