Equinor’s Newfound Talent Contest 2025!

Equinor, in partnership with the Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society, is proud to present the 2025 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. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY is June 20th at midnight! Fill out the form above.

In-Person Auditions: June 22 @ 1pm The Lantern, 35 Barnes Rd.

In-Person Final Concert: July 5 @ 7pm The Bella Vista, 26 Torbay Rd.

We’re so excited to listen to you all! Our funding doesnt allow us to leave St. John’s (this time!) but with across the province interest we want to open this up to the everyone. For this round of Newfound we will be accepting video auditions by June 20. With the stipulation that if you are accepted you can make the in-person concert on July 5 and potentially perform on for the festival on July 11 at your cost! We hope to hear you soon!!!

Fill out the form and send submissions to events@nlfolk.com

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. 
  • 4 people combos (this is new this year!)
  • Do not use a backing track 

As space is limited, we encourage young musicians to apply by June 20th, 2025.

Questions? Please reach out to events@nlfolk.com

Prize Details:

First Prize: 

  • Production and release of one single from Hurricane Music. This includes:
    • Project consultations & project management assistance
    • One pre production session 
    • Production of one single 
    • Mixing and and Mastering of one single
    • Publicity & marketing consultation
    • Custom press release & media blast
  • A 45-minute photo shoot with a minimum of 10 edited photos delivered in studio or on location in St. Johns (Katelyn Forward Photography)
  • 50 complete retail-ready demo packages & starter merch package (3 t-shirts, 1 hoodie, 3 mugs) (Atlantic Music)
  • An in-studio performance, interview, or recording feature on CBC’s “On the Go” (Conditions apply*)
  • Perform at the NL Folk Festival on July 11!
  • Long & McQuade gift card ($150 value)
  • 1-year MusicNL membership 
  • 1-year Youth Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society membership

Second Prize: 

  • Consultation with an artist manager (Laughing Heart Music)
  • Long & McQuade gift card ($100 value)
  • 1-year MusicNL membership 
  • 1-year Youth Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society membership

Third Prize: 

  • Long & McQuade gift card ($50 value)
  • 1-year MusicNL membership 
  • 1-year Youth Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Society membership

We thank Equinor, Hurricane Music, Long & McQuade, Katelyn Forward, Atlantic Music, and Laughing Heart Music for their support!