MusiCounts has seen first-hand the essential role young people play in both upholding the legacy of and breathing new life into the Canadian music industry. The MusiCounts Accelerate Scholarship creates opportunities for 4-6 young people every year through a $5,000 financial contribution and an intensive mentorship and networking experience to ensure the next generation of industry professionals can accelerate their careers. We chatted with Cassidy Taylor, one of the brilliant 2019 MusiCounts Accelerate Scholarship recipients, to learn more about the lasting impact her experience has had on her journey navigating the Canadian music industry as a young artist.

Tell us a little bit about how you are, as a person and an artist.

I’m a singer-songwriter and pop artist from a small community in northern Ontario called Haliburton. As a kid, I remember thinking it would be the coolest thing in the world to be able to pick up a guitar and just play one of my own songs, so I started learning on my dad's old acoustic guitar he kept around the house. Growing up surrounded by wildlife all the time had definitely made an impact on my art and my writing. Playing guitar gave me the means to perform solo and ever since then, I’ve been performing all around my hometown and the city.

When you received the MusiCounts Accelerate Scholarship back in 2019, where were you in your creative career?

When I received the MusiCounts Accelerate Scholarship back in 2019, I was still in college working towards finding a team to help me bring my songs to life in the studio. I’ve written songs ever since I can remember but never had a chance to record them. Financially, it was tough being a full-time student, having no time for a job and all of these things to pay for to be able to do what I loved, and the MusiCounts Accelerate Scholarship helped me do that. It helped me gain some valuable experiences I would’ve otherwise not been able to.

How did the mentorship component of the MusiCounts Accelerate Scholarship support you as a young artist?

The mentorship part of the scholarship was an amazing experience. Not only meeting industry professionals but also networking and building relationships with my fellow scholarship recipients, some of whom I still keep in touch with today. Getting to speak with some of the mentors and experience first-hand what they do was so insightful. Without this opportunity it would have been very difficult to make these same connections.

What was the most memorable moment from your mentorship experience?

There are so many moments I still remember and think about. Whether they were musicians or publicists or the CEO of a company, everyone we met had such a love and passion for what they did. Meeting Matt Webb, someone who is doing what I aspire to and getting to show him my music was incredible and probably the most memorable moment for me.

What was it like performing at the Chair’s Reception during JUNO Week 2022, in front of the biggest names in the Canadian music business?

I could not be more thankful to have had an experience like this. Getting to show those people one of my songs was a rare opportunity, though I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I’d be. After being away from the stage for so long during the pandemic, I’ve started to see performing in a new light. I don’t take one second for granted and I would perform the same way if it was for my family in our living room or for a room full of industry professionals. Their love for music is the same as mine and I’m grateful to have been able to share that.

Were you able to connect with any industry people following your performance?

Definitely! I made some great connections, found them on social media later on and I plan on nurturing and keeping those connections close.

What’s next for Cassidy Taylor?

I’m beyond excited to be releasing more music soon - including an EP. I’ve also been working towards making my live show something truly unique for my audience. On July 20th I’m opening for Avery Raquel at the Supermarket in Toronto where you can come see me playing with a band for the first time in a long time.

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