Toronto, ON - MusiCounts, Canada’s leading music education charity, and RBC, are delighted to reveal the 30 participants selected for the 2025 RBCxMusic First Up Program, powered by MusiCounts.

This year’s cohort of emerging artists and music professionals from across the country will take part in a transformative professional development experience, designed to nurture the next generation of music professionals in Canada. The program features a months-long virtual workshop series, 1:1 mentorship sessions with industry leaders, paid performance opportunities, and in-person learning and collaboration in Toronto. Through this immersive experience, participants can gain the skills, connections, and industry insights necessary to build the foundation for fulfilling and sustainable careers in music.

"We’re proud to celebrate the rising talent of Canada’s next generation of musicians through the selection of this year’s RBCxMusic First Up Program artists,” says Gayle Corcoran, Senior Director, Social Impact, RBC. “This collaboration demonstrates RBC’s commitment to helping equip young people with the tools they need to progress in their careers and support their continued growth and the vibrant future of the music industry.”

Established in 2020, the RBCxMusic First Up Program was created to support emerging recording artists in refining their craft and advancing their careers. In 2024, the program expanded its scope through a partnership with MusiCounts, broadening its focus to include music producers, artist managers, and other creative professionals.

Previous program participants have achieved significant milestones, including JUNO Award nominations (Aphrose), and have had their music featured on major platforms such as Apple Music (Fox Revett), GymTV, and MTV. These accomplishments underscore the program's impact in propelling emerging talent forward.

“This new cohort of RBCxMusic First Up artists and professionals represents the future of the Canadian music industry,” said Kristy Fletcher, COO of CARAS and President of MusiCounts. “Through hands-on career training, mentorship, and performance opportunities, this program helps turn nascent talent into industry readiness. We’re already seeing the tangible impact it has — artists are building sustainable careers, and emerging professionals are becoming the next leaders behind the scenes.”

For more information on the RBCxMusic First Up Program, please visit musicounts.ca/firstup.

2025 Participants - RBCxMusic First Up Program, powered by MusiCounts:

Alberta:

Cameron Birchill – Manager, Edmonton

Jess L’Heureux – Manager, Calgary

Riwo Egor – Artist, Edmonton

British Columbia:

Antonio Larosa – Artist, Burnaby

Lowkita – Artist, Vancouver

TYA – Artist, Lions Bay

Nova Scotia:

aRENYE – Artist, Halifax

Sadie Skinner – Artist, Halifax

Ontario:

Ben Heffernan – Producer, London

Estyr – Artist, Toronto

Elyssa Plaza – Artist, Scarborough

Seyblu - Artist, Toronto

Isabella Colmenares – Manager, Toronto

Jennarie – Artist, Toronto

Lucy Ellis – Artist, Toronto

Lyle Kam – Artist, Toronto

Malia Rogers – Artist, Ottawa

QUIETLOVE – Artist, Toronto

Sara Kae – Artist, Thunder Bay

SB – Manager, Etobicoke

seantommy – Artist, Toronto

Spitty – Artist, Caledon

VYMVN – Artist, Toronto

Waryaa – Artist, Toronto

Quebec:

Annabel Oreste – Artist, Montreal

Apacalda - Artist, Montreal

Liya Bombardier – Artist, Bromont

Maze (Marion St-Germain) – Artist, Montreal

ORLANE – Artist, Montreal

Trudy Simoneau – Artist, Laval