An Orillia musician is hoping the second time’s a charm as he vies for the CBC Searchlight prize. He can't do it without your help.
Zain Campbell, 23, didn’t make it past the first round in last year’s competition, but he’s counting on his song, 1 on 1, to take him further this time.
While there is no cash prize, the winner will receive an invaluable experience that includes a trip to the Juno Awards, workshops, a performance at the CBC Music Festival in Toronto and five days of recording at Studio Bell in Calgary.
“It would do a lot for me as a musician,” Campbell said. “I’m hungry to learn. I want to be a better artist than I already am.”
When Campbell began making music, rap was his style. That has changed in recent years and he now describes it as a fusion of R&B, soul and hip hop.
“My style has grown a lot,” he said. “I realized you need to know a lot more about the industry and music theory. That’s why I’m so determined (to win Searchlight). I’ve been doing this since I was 12 years old, just doing my music and trying to promote it.”
He has already been recognized by his home town. In 2018, he won an Orillia and District Arts Council award in the Community and the Arts category for his music and his efforts to create the Valis Sound Studio in memory of his friend and fellow musician, Nelson Bell, who died at 16 years old in a car crash.
In 2017, he won the second annual Chuck Panozzo Youth Legacy Award for inspiring youth through his music.
Winning Searchlight would be a victory not only for himself, Campbell said.
“It would be great to get more attention for Orillia, not just me,” he said.
His hometown pride stems, in part, from his days as a rapper.
“In rap, it’s very prominent to rep where you’re from,” he said. “I want to rep my town. I see the talent and the overall positivity in Orillia.”
Round 1 of voting for Searchlight began Tuesday and runs until Feb. 13 at 2:59 p.m.
Round 2, when people will vote on the top 100, will open Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. and close Feb. 25 at 2:59 p.m.
In Round 3, the judges will vote on the top 10 on Feb. 27
The grand-prize winner will be announced March 5.
To vote for Campbell, click here, go to 'Artist Entries,' search 'Zain Campbell' in the search bar and look for his song, 1 on 1. People can cast their votes once per day.
