Play MPE is proud to be nearing the finale of our first ever Caster Emerge contest! Launched in February, this initiative spotlighted ten remarkable independent artists vying for the grand prize: one full year of free music promotion through Caster and radio tracking with MTR. With talent in abundance, the competition has been nothing short of inspiring.
Throughout the contest, artists have been assessed based on performance analytics such as spins, downloads, and streams. But we didn’t stop at the numbers. Our team also considered each artist’s work ethic, creativity, and commitment to pushing their music forward. Now, with all the insights gathered, we’re preparing to announce our winners—one from the U.S. and one from Canada—very soon. These artists will have the chance to share their upcoming releases with targeted radio and media lists across North America.
Marisol, one of our industry experts, mentored each of the contestants during the program:
“Watching the Caster Emerge artists grow has been incredible. Each of them brought a unique energy, and they’ve all been eager to learn and improve. It’s been an honour to be part of their journey. The feedback we’ve received from stations and music professionals has been so encouraging.”
Let’s give a shoutout to the finalists who made this journey unforgettable:
Gadfly – “Shrink”
This Vancouver trio channels post-punk chaos and psych-rock noise into something fearless. Fronted by Homa Khoshnavaz, Gadfly uses their music to challenge social injustices while keeping things loud and raw. “Shrink” is a longtime live staple that finally got the proper studio treatment.
ORRA – “FLASHBACKS”
Hailing from Vancouver, ORRA’s take on alt-pop brings nostalgic themes to life with breakbeat rhythms and 2000s R&B flair. The track reflects on fleeting friendships and the hollowness of nightlife, layered over shimmering guitar lines and infectious grooves. With strong blog coverage and playlist placements, ORRA is quickly on the rise.
Desirée Dawson – “I Am Blessed”
A JUNO-nominated artist and music therapy facilitator, Desirée delivers a soulful reminder to cherish life’s small joys—even during challenging times. “I Am Blessed” came from a moment of quiet clarity while touring in the UK, and has since resonated deeply with listeners across Canada and beyond.
Anna Katarina – “Riptide”
With “Riptide,” Anna delivers a potent mix of rock-pop and Laurel Canyon soul. The single, which has made waves overseas in Germany, is the lead-off from her upcoming album. Her blend of grit and warmth has earned her festival slots and sold-out shows alongside major Canadian acts.
Maddisun – “Crawl”
Recorded in Toronto, “Crawl” is a raw and powerful release from Cranbrook’s Maddisun. With soaring vocals and an emotional undercurrent, she lays bare the complexity of love that falls short of its promises. A true DIY artist, Maddisun’s stage presence and authenticity set her apart.
Oblivion Boy – “Neo God”
Joseph Baker, the brain behind Oblivion Boy, blends punk rock with electronic grit. “Neo God” is a high-voltage track that grabs hold from the first riff. It’s unapologetic, and exactly the kind of sonic rebellion that makes you pay attention.
Tony Black – “Cigarettes”
Tony Black’s “Cigarettes” delivers a mesmerizing blend of house, pop, and hip-hop soul. Wrapped in smooth production and raw lyricism, the track channels heartbreak into something irresistibly rhythmic. With its emotional edge and undeniable groove, it’s the kind of song that stays with you long after the last note. A fresh voice in the genre-bending space, Tony turns vulnerability into a danceable experience.
Dualidy – “Glo Girl”
From the first beat, “Glo Girl” exudes confidence, radiance, and feel-good vibes. With silky vocals and an infectious groove, Dualidy’s anthem is all about embracing authenticity and shining unapologetically. His music is rooted in emotional honesty, capturing what it means to be real in today’s fast-moving world. “You don’t know me yet, but you will,” he promises—and this track makes that feel like a guarantee.
W!TH – “Wake Up, Sunshine”
“Wake Up, Sunshine” by W!TH is a sonic boost of positivity, blending dreamy layers with upbeat rhythms to deliver an uplifting message. The duo, made up by friends Isaiah and Anthony, crafts music that’s both heartfelt and forward-thinking, drawing listeners into their shimmering world of future pop. Their message? You’re not late, you’re right on time. And with a sound this polished, W!TH is perfectly timed for what’s next.
Eloise Alterman – “There She Was”
“There She Was” is Eloise Alterman’s emotional deep-dive into the highs and lows of pursuing a music career. A powerful ode to persistence, this track unpacks feelings of loss and rediscovery, balancing vulnerability with quiet strength. Having moved to Nashville at 17 to chase her dream, Eloise has transformed her journey into a collection of poignant, reflective songs—including her Sad Bird EP, produced by GRAMMY-winning Dave Cobb.
The time is nearly here!
We’re just days away from revealing which Canadian finalist will take home the top honour—and we’re already bursting with pride. Each of these artists brought heart, hustle, and incredible music to the table.
Feeling inspired? Join the next wave of independent artists using Caster to get their music to the right audiences. Sign up today and take your next release to the global stage.