Play MPE is thrilled to be wrapping up its first ever Caster Emerge contest! Since February, ten incredible finalists have been competing for the grand prize: a full year of free music promotion with Caster and radio tracking with MTR. The competition has been fierce, and the talent on display has been nothing short of inspiring.
The artists have been evaluated on overall engagement with their releases, including metrics like downloads, spins, and streams. But it’s not just about the numbers! Our team has also taken into account the passion, dedication, and spirit each artist brings to their own promotion efforts. With the data in hand, our team is working hard to analyze and determine the official winners next week. One artist from Canada and one from the US will take home the prize and promote their new music to lists in North America. We can’t wait to unveil the lucky artists!
Our very own industry expert, Marisol, worked with each artist during the contest:
“Working with the Caster Emerge finalists has been such a rewarding experience. They’ve been hands-on and eager to learn. It’s been amazing to watch their growth throughout the process. I had the chance to meet some of them virtually and in person, which made it even more special.
It’s exciting to see stations playing their songs and to witness their joy as they start building real connections in the industry. We’ve received great feedback on how Play MPE has helped them shape their campaigns and reach the right people.
Their creativity and talent really shine through with their music and promotional materials they’ve shared. I’m so proud of everything they’ve accomplished so far—and I can’t wait to see who the winners are!”
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible talent of our finalists:
Gadfly – Shrink (Canada)
Gadfly’s “Shrink” is a relentless and raw track that crashes through the airwaves with its intense, nihilistic lyrics. A song the band has performed live for years, “Shrink” finally captured the gritty energy of their live show: fast and dirty.
Founded by Iranian artist Homa Khoshnavaz, Gadfly serves as an outlet for her frustration with the treatment of women in her country. The music is a mix of noisy psychedelia, with Homa’s fierce vocals that balance on the edge of chaos. With Nigel Young on drums and Raine Menard on bass, Gadfly is a high-energy force to be reckoned with, delivering electrifying performances across Canada.
Cigarettes – Tony Black (USA)
Tony Black delivers an irresistible collision of house rhythms, pop hooks, and hip-hop soul with “Cigarettes”, a track laced with heartbreak and bold vibes. The song captures the raw emotion of love and loss, turning pain into a rhythmic experience that you can’t help but move to.
FLASHBACKS – ORRA (Canada)
Vancouver’s own alt-pop sensation ORRA blessed the contest with their single “FLASHBACKS”, a high-energy track that blends groove-driven beats with an exploration of nostalgia’s empty allure. The song follows a character who parties night after night, chasing the fleeting highs of faded friendships, only to wake up lonely again. Despite its reflective theme, “FLASHBACKS” pulses with breakbeat drums, Nile Rodgers-inspired guitar riffs, and smooth 2000s R&B-style vocal harmonies.
ORRA has appeared at iconic Vancouver venues such as RedGate, the Cobalt Cabaret, and Green Auto. Their music has earned features in blogs like Indie Underrated and CanadianBeats, with airplay on stations like Radio Western, Kootenay Co-Op Radio, and CILU Radio in Thunder Bay. They’ve also appeared on curated playlists like “All New Indie Pop” by Indie Underrated and “The Eh! List” by Exclaim! Magazine. Their single “I Knew”, released in September 2024, has surpassed an impressive 10,000 streams.
Glo Girl – Dualidy (USA)
From the first beat, “Glo Girl” is irresistible. This track hooks listeners with its infectious groove, smooth vocals, and undeniable vibe. It’s not just a song; it’s a declaration of self-love and authenticity, set against a backdrop of silky melodies and head-bobbing rhythms.
Dualidy’s artistry is built on authenticity, vulnerability, and positive energy. For him, being a new artist in today’s world means creating a fresh narrative – one that’s revealing, hopeful, and unapologetically real. As he puts it: “You don’t know me yet, but you will.”
I Am Blessed – Desirée Dawson (Canada)
Desirée Dawson’s “I Am Blessed” is a heartfelt anthem born from a moment of clarity during a challenging period in her life. While touring the UK, Desirée found herself grappling with anxiety and depression brought on by the weight of world events. On a rare sunny morning in London, she felt a profound sense of love for the small, beautiful things in life, and it became the spark for this song.
Desirée is an award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, music therapy facilitator, and yoga teacher. Her musical journey includes a JUNO Award nomination for her album Meet You At The Light, cementing her outstanding achievements in the Canadian music industry.
Wake Up, Sunshine – W!TH (USA)
W!TH’s “Wake Up, Sunshine” is an uplifting track that weaves together dreamy vocal layers and infectious beats to send listeners on a feel-good journey. The song’s message is clear: “Brace embrace she will embrace, she knows she is not late but rather cultivating for the perfect time.”
W!TH, a future pop duo made up of Isaiah and Anthony, draws from a broad spectrum of influences to craft songs that explore new sonic landscapes. Their collaboration is a reflection of their journey together as friends, always reaching for higher truths.
Riptide – Anna Katarina (Canada)
“Riptide” by Anna Katarina is a bold rock-pop anthem that blends emotional depth with gritty, melodic power. Channeling the energy of artists like Maggie Rogers and Sheryl Crow, “Riptide” has quickly become a fan favorite on German radio and at live shows. This track marks the first single from her upcoming album, While I Was Dreaming, set for release in October 2025.
Anna Katarina’s sound is a mix of indie pop, rock, and soul. Best described as a blend of Laurel Canyon vibes with ’90s FM radio warmth. Anna’s performances have earned her slots at NXNE (Toronto), Woodstove Festival (BC), Sand & Strings (Mexico), and Your Roots Are Showing (Ireland), as well as sold-out shows with Shawn Hook and Said The Whale.
There She Was – Eloise Alterman (USA)
“There She Was” is a deeply personal track that captures Eloise Alterman’s emotional journey through the music industry. As she navigated the challenges of chasing her dreams, she struggled with the fear that her passions were slipping away. Eloise reflects on those moments and holds on to the lifelong passion that keeps her going in the song.
A self-taught pianist and guitarist, Eloise moved to Nashville at 17, armed only with her determination. Her EP Sad Bird, created with multi-GRAMMY Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, is an intimate exploration of heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery.
Crawl – Maddisun (Canada)
Maddisun’s “Crawl” is a powerhouse of raw emotion, recorded in Toronto with Ian Docherty (July Talk). The track explores the challenging struggle of love falling short of its promises, delivered with Maddisun’s soulful, soaring vocals.
Hailing from the wilderness of Cranbrook, BC, Maddisun is a fierce independent artist with a bold vision and an unwavering spirit. She brings unapologetic emotion and magnetic energy to every stage, commanding audiences like a ‘70s rock icon.
Neo God – Oblivion Boy (Canada)
Oblivion Boy’s “Neo God” is a high-octane rock anthem, combining gritty guitar riffs, heavy vocals, and hard-hitting drums. This track will get you moving from the first note, injecting a sonic pulse straight into your veins.
Oblivion Boy is the latest creation by Vancouver, BC based multi instrumentalist Joseph Baker. By blending electronic influences with a love of punk rock, he creates a sound that’s uniquely his own.
Stay tuned for the results – the anticipation is almost unbearable!
We can barely contain our excitement! The energy around this contest has been electric. We are thrilled play a part in the journey of these incredible artists. This could very well be the moment that changes everything for them, a turning point in their careers. Who are YOU rooting for? The stakes are high, and the talent is undeniable.
Want to elevate your own music and take it to the next level like our finalists? Now’s the time to act! Don’t wait for the next big moment, create it yourself. Sign up for Caster today and start promoting your music across the globe.