Voting closes July 20

A Radium Hot Springs musical artist has a shot at becoming Canada’s next country music star.

Emma Kade is one of three finalists in the second annual Country Rising presented by Cottage Springs talent contest, a nation-wide competition for a recording deal with Starseed Records and the $10k grand prize.

“Country Rising exists to shine a light on the extraordinary talent this country has to offer,” said Laura Butler-Synnott, Senior Brand Manager at Cottage Springs.

“These three finalists embody everything we hoped to find: authentic voices, compelling stories, and the kind of drive that turns potential into something truly special.”

The three finalists are Emma Kade from Radium Hot Springs, Carson Janik from Tecumseh, Ont. and Paige Penney of St. John’s, Nfld.

Emma Kade is a Métis country artist from Radium Hot Springs, whose warm blend of country, pop, and folk weaves intricate storytelling with melodies that linger long after the song ends.

With a gift for emotional honesty and a deep passion for connecting with listeners, Emma writes music that feels both deeply personal and universally felt.

Carson Janik is a country artist from Tecumseh, Ontario, known for blending emotional storytelling with modern country-pop production. With a sound rooted in honesty and melody, Janik writes songs that balance vulnerability and confidence, capturing everything from heartbreak and self-reflection to carefree, windows-down moments.

Paige Penney is an award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist bringing a smoky, moody edge to modern country music. Originally from Newfoundland and now splitting time in Nashville, her sound blends raw, honest storytelling with distinctive melodies and a voice that lingers long after the song ends.

The final winner of Country Rising will receive a recording contract with Starseed Records and be enrolled in an extensive development program involving artist development sessions, songwriting workshops, and a professionally produced recording session.

They’ll also receive a $10,000 cash prize plus a professional press photography shoot and media training session with oh that’s fun! creative agency, in addition to a coveted opening performance slot on the Country Rising National Tour in 2027 (subject to confirmed live

performance opportunities at the discretion of the contest organizer).

Voting is now open, and fans are encouraged to vote for their favourite artist once a day until voting closes July 20.

Let’s give Emma some East Kootenay love and support. Vote here. It’s quick and easy.

The winner of this year’s contest will be announced later in the month.

Photo submitted

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