Annual song competition reveals fresh talent

On March 15, Durham College’s Music Business Management students hosted the 11th annual Songs Revealed competition in the Marketplace Cafeteria of the Gordon Willey building at the Oshawa campus.

Eight contestants had the opportunity to perform original music and lyrics before three industry professionals: James Linderman, owner of Harmony House Music Studio and music professor at Durham College; Will McGuirk, history of media professor at the college; and Nigel Best, local DJ and former band manager. The host of the competition, Christian Potenza, an actor well-known for his voice in the cartoon series 6teen and starring role in Moon Point entertained the audience between performances with his witty humour and charm. Performers and audience members came from across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area to take part in the event and discover new talent. 

“The best part of the show was watching the contestants perform because they were all so great,” said Monique Cluett, a student at the college. “Being in the Music Business Management program and actually helping to put this event together, I knew everything would work out well and everyone would have a great time.”

20 Amp Soundchild, a local up-and-coming alternative band that held a surprise performance at Durham College last month, headlined the event with a few of their own original songs including Lights Go Out. The songwriter’s showcase was filmed by Rogers Television and broadcast throughout Durham Region.

The event was sponsored by a number of organizations including the college’s very own RIOT Radio, the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), Push Play Studios, and the Songwriter’s Association of Canada (S.A.C).

“We really appreciate the support of our sponsors,” said Cluett. “They supplied us with cash prizes, NXNE passes, studio time, radio time, and a photo shoot.”

Songs Revealed is a component of The Reel Music Festival, a four-day music and information event organized and co-ordinated by the Music Business Management students of Durham College.