Get ready for Searchlight 2018, our hunt for Canada’s next undiscovered talent

Searchlight has returned for 2018! The competition is CBC Music’s long-running annual hunt for Canada’s next undiscovered talent. Is that you? It could be, if you have a great original song.(CBC Music)

Looking back on the good old Horseshoe Tavern

But the Horseshoe still stands, pumping out live music, just as it has for pretty much all of its long history. The Skydiggers and Lowest of the Low recently played the club’s 70th anniversary shows. The Sadies played New Year’s Eve. Lee Ann Womack is coming in a couple of weeks.(The Hamilton Spectator)

Rapper Cadence Weapon on his musical journey and current state of hip-hop in Canada

After a five year hiatus, Edmonton rapper Cadence Weapon returns with his self-titled follow up to his Polaris-prize nominated album Hope In Dirty City. The former Edmonton poet laureate drew on his time growing up in his hometown of Edmonton, and more recently, chasing his music dreams in Montreal and Toronto to create his most autobiographical work to date. It’s an album fueled by personal reflection, and notable contributions from Drake producer FrancisGotHeat and Polaris award-winning musician Kaytranada.(CBC q)

Documentary Premiere On Peterborough’s Music Scene February 3rd At Market Hall

The long awaited documentary The Radius Project on how Peterborough’s music scene has created so many international stars is having its world premiere at the Market Hall in early February.(PTBO Canada)

Indie Week Early Bird Special Ends January 23, 2018

Now in its 15th year, Indie Week Canada (IWCAN) is one of Canada’s top emerging artist festivals hosting 300+ artists, 25+ venues in 6 days. Indie Week puts industry and artists together, acts have made connections and have built new business furthering their career. Along with artist showcases, Indie Week hosts the Indie101 Music + Tech Conference with industry leaders and over 80 speakers – artists have the opportunity to participate in mentorship, classroom and 1-on-1 sessions along with the regular industry panels. Indie Week is a great launch pad for artists wanting to enter into the North American and Canadian markets and make the connections that can help take your band to the next level.(Cashbox Canada)

Drake gets LeBron James to help kick off his new Toronto restaurant

Party on Tuesday night at Pick 6ix, one night before the official opening, draws NBA megastars James and Dwyane Wade and several of Drake’s musical collaborators.(The Star)

And Finally