2024 Equinor’s Newfound Talent Contest!

Apply Here!

Equinor, in partnership with the Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society, is proud to present the 2024 Newfound Talent Contest.

Here in this province, we’re fortunate to have a doryload of incredible young performers who are keeping the folk flame burning bright. The Newfound Talent Contest gives these rising young stars a chance to shine by giving them a space to showcase their skills, and a shot at winning some fantastic prizes to help them develop their music careers. 

This year, we will be traveling across the province to host auditions in various communities. The winner in each community will be invited to perform in the Finale at the Majestic Theatre in St. John’s on June 22, 2024.

ARE YOU THE NEXT YOUNG STAR?

Details: If you…

  • Are aged 19 and under 
  • Ready to perform two tunes for a fine, supportive crowd including members of the public, local musicians and industry professionals. 
  • Are a singles or duo only (no bands)
  • Do not use a backing track
  • Up for grabs is over $6,000 in prizes (including professional industry development) to help participants fine tune their songwriting, performance and business skills. 
  • The first-place winner also gets to perform at the 47th Annual NL Folk Festival, gaining exposure as they share the stage with some of the world’s best folk artists. (See below for a complete list of prizes.) 

As space is limited, we encourage young musicians to apply by June 5th, 2024.

Questions? Please reach out to Rosemary Lawton: youth.programming@nlfolk.com

Prize Details

First Prize: 

  • Choice of either branding (electronic press kit (PDF), jewel case, logo) OR website (theme customized one-pager) (DC Design House) 
  • Pre-production/recording of a 2-song demo (Clare Follett)
  • Mixing & mastering of a 2-song demo (Clare Follett)
  • 50 complete retail-ready demo packages & starter merch package (3 t-shirts, 1 hoodie, 3 mugs) (Atlantic Music)
  • Consultation with an artist manager (Laughing Heart Music)
  • An in-studio performance, interview, or recording feature on CBC’s “On the Go” (Conditions apply*)
  • A 45-minute photo shoot with a minimum of 10 edited photos delivered in studio or on location in St. Johns (Katelyn Forward Photography)
  • Perform at the NL Folk Festival 
  • Long & McQuade gift card ($150 value)
  • 1-year MusicNL membership 
  • 1-year Youth Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society membership
  • Performance on the Broadside

Second Prize: 

  • An in-studio performance, interview, or recording feature on CBC’s “On the Go” (Conditions apply*)
  • Long & McQuade gift card ($100 value)
  • 1-year MusicNL membership
  • 1-year Youth Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society membership
  • Performance on the Broadside 

Third Prize: 

  • An in-studio performance, interview, or recording feature on CBC’s “On the Go” (Conditions apply*)
  • Long & McQuade gift card ($50 value)
  • 1-year MusicNL membership 
  • 1-year Youth Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society membership
  • Performance on the Broadside

We thank Equinor, CBC, DC Design House, Clare Follett, Atlantic Music, Laughing Heart Music, and Long & McQuade for their support!


*CBC reserves the right to NOT broadcast.