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Canada's Teen Jam - Seeking Canada's Next Teen Prodigies

Writer's picture: jaybroderickjaybroderick

Updated: Oct 18, 2024



By: Jay Broderick


Toronto, ON - Music... it makes the world go 'round... and this is quite literal! Try to imagine yourself without music in your life today. Now reflect back to your life as a teenager, and how music shaped who you are. In your "coming of age" years, music greatly influenced who you are today. In this statement, there is no debate. Can you imagine your growth without music back then? I certainly cannot! So without this continued creative expression, where will today's youth be without this outlet? It's the main driving force behind Canada's Teen Jam.


Founder Mark Higgins states "Without our musical teens being supported, the creative wall will stop!" Thus, a showcase to bring these gifted young creators' work some well deserved attention was born. With our love of highlighting local talent, it's something right up our alley here at LoudTO. What makes this even more special is that these artists have their whole lives ahead of them. Undoubtedly, some of these young musicians will catch the eyes of a producer or record label at some point in their lives, but more importantly, they are expressing themselves through music. And that is a beautiful thing!!


On October 10, we headed down to the TD Music Hall to take in the first round of the finalist showcase of this not for profit program. The venue allows for these teens to play their music with professional sound and lighting and really gives them a taste of what it's like to play in such an environment. With over 300 submissions, 6 acts were chosen to perform on this night, 3 being solo performances and 3 being a duo or bands.


THE ARTISTS


Braydon Hall performs live at Canada's Teen Jam in Toronto. Photo Credit: Jay Broderick

First up in tonight's exhibit was solo artist, an acoustic guitarist/singer named Braydon Hall. From small town Ontario, Hall performed 2 tracks. The first was an astonishing rendition of the Zach Bryan song "Something in the Orange". Immediately, this 17 year old's voice was something to behold. Playing a cover song is one thing though. Hall's talents really shone when he played one of his 3, original released singles. At the end of his very short set (as is with all of tonight's performers), Hall thanked the crowd, and wishes them hope of enjoying the rest of their evening. It shows the young songwriter's comfort being on the stage.


A 12 year old guitarist named Dominik Allen (twelve-teen as Mark Higgins jokes) was next up, and again, I'm blown away. Just him and his electric guitar, the youngster was an early phenom! And his stage presence was unreal for such a young lad. He moved all over the seemingly massive stage, and shredded 2 tracks, including the Guns N' Roses song "Anything Goes". This kid has got it going on already, and I'm certain we'll be seeing more of him at future shows. The crowd gave a huge round of applause after Allen's performance.


Other performances during the event was solo vocalist Kyah with her rendition of "Loved by You", a duo of twin sisters Ellena and Selene Li on guitar and vocals playing original songs, and last year's winner, guitar phenom Brandon Ahmet with Sam on drums just killing it, as though they were all seasoned veterans.


Presley Bollert points to the cameraman at Canada's Teen Jam. Photo Credit: Jay Broderick

Last up on the bill tonight was London, Ontario punk trio Destined for the Throne. Consisting of guitarist/singer Presley Bollert, bassist Ryan Pickering and new drummer Carter Soucie, this stripped down threesome were as raw as any band with twice as much experience. Being on the stage was also not a problem for these guys, as the band's front man Bollert congratulates all the musicians before them, and then tells the crowd "If you have ear plugs, wear them! Cuz we're loud! And if you want to dance, feel free!!" With that, the band blasts into their brand of hard music, playing 2 original tracks. Exuding all the confidence in the world, the band jumped around the stage, and definitely had the look of Rock and Roll! Bollert even points directly into my camera, never once shying away from the spotlight!


THE WINNERS


It's true, the word "winners" denotes that there are losers, but in no way should any of these young acts feel like they "lost". Being on this stage is a massive honor and a massive testament to their talents. But it is a competition. So a selection of the best solo performer and the best duo/band needed to be named. Each winner to receive $500 cash, along with mentoring for their future music careers. And the awards go to:


Solo Artist - Braydon Hall

Group/Duo - Destined for the Throne

Destined for the Throne perform live at TD Music Hall. Photo Credit: Jay Broderick

With young talent as this in our midst, the future of Canadian music looks extremely promising. Not only with the musical talent, but with the fearless ability to perform up on that stage. The courage and determination not only bodes well for them as musicians. It will take them well into adulthood. It's an area that is difficult to navigate as it is, but when you trudge through with your head held high, you've set yourself up for a pretty damned good start!


Due to the overwhelming number of entries, a second finalist show in Toronto is slated for February 2025. The organization will also travel across the country to showcase Canada's young musical prodigies. And eventually, a showdown with America's Teen Jam winners.


Stay tuned folks! The future is nigh!!


CANADA'S TEEN JAM PHOTO GALLERY









show date: October 10, 2024

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