• MusiCounts and RBC announce 30 participants for the 2026 RBCxMusic First Up Program, a national professional development initiative supporting emerging Canadian artists, music producers and managers across six provinces.
• The program offers a comprehensive suite of career-building resources, including virtual workshops, 1:1 mentorship with industry leaders, paid performance opportunities and in-person collaboration – making it one of Canada's most expansive non-academic development programs for early-career music professionals.
• Now in its sixth year and expanded in collaboration with MusiCounts since 2024, the RBCxMusic First Up Program has supported more than 250 Canadian music professionals to date.

Toronto, ON - MusiCounts, Canada’s leading music education charity, and RBC, are pleased to announce the 30 participants for the 2026 RBCxMusic First Up Program, powered by MusiCounts.

Canada’s creative sector is rich in world-class musical talent – yet many emerging artists lack the networks, mentorship, and industry knowledge to turn that talent into a sustainable career. Building clear and supported pathways into the industry is essential to help change that. This year’s First Up cohort brings together the next wave of artists, producers, and managers across Canada to take part in a transformational, professional development experience. The program will help equip participants with the skills, connections, and industry insights needed to fuel fulfilling and sustainable careers in music. Featuring a months-long virtual workshop series, 1:1 mentorship sessions with industry leaders, potential paid performance opportunities, and in-person learning & collaboration, this immersive opportunity is among the most comprehensive, non-academic development programs for young music professionals in Canada.

"Every artist deserves a real shot – and that's exactly what the RBCxMusic First Up Program aims to provide," said Andrea Barrack, Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Impact, RBC. "Watching these talented young professionals develop, collaborate, and step into their potential reminds me why this work matters. It's about real people building real careers and bringing their unique voices to Canada's vibrant music scene. We're so proud to celebrate this year's cohort."

The RBCxMusic First Up Program was established in 2020 to help advance early-career artists, with direct support from the music industry. Since partnering with MusiCounts in 2024, the program has expanded in scope, making space for more roles in the music industry, like music producers, managers, and other creative professions. The program has supported more than 250 artists and music professionals of various cultures, genres, and sounds, shaping a promising next generation of Canadian talent.

Notable achievements from RBCxMusic First Up alumni include: Aphrose’s JUNO Award nomination and GRAMMY win as an album contributor; Fox Revett’s features and playlist additions on platforms like SiriusXM; and Tya and JACE Carillo spotlighted on MTV. Participating in the program has proven to be a necessary stepping stone in launching these artists’ bright, emerging careers forward.

“MusiCounts takes pride in empowering the future of the Canadian music industry, especially through the RBCxMusic First Up program,” said Kristy Fletcher, COO of CARAS and President of MusiCounts. “By providing workshops, mentorship sessions, performance opportunities, and in-person learning, many talented artists and music professionals are being equipped with the proper tools and resources needed to support their early careers. Congratulations to this year’s participants!”

For more information on the RBCxMusic First Up Program, please visit musicounts.ca/firstup. To follow along on Instagram, check out @RBCxMusic and @MusiCounts.

2026 Participants - RBCxMusic First Up Program, powered by MusiCounts:

Alberta:

Carly Bishoff - Manager, Edmonton

Jess Arcand - Manager, High River

Kaiya Gamble - Artist, Calgary

Luc Gaffwood - Artist, St. Albert

Tomi Lumiere - Artist, Edmonton

British Columbia:

Kate Yahn - Artist, Vancouver

Lila Gray - Artist, Vancouver

Newfoundland & Labrador:

Darcy Scott - Artist, Conception Bay South

Nova Scotia:

Burry - Artist, Halifax

DeeDee Austin - Artist, Windsor

Yung St4k - Artist, Halifax

Ontario:

Aidan White - Manager, Scarborough

Benita - Artist, Toronto

Danial Sheibani - Manager, Richmond Hill

DAPHNE - Artist, Vaughan

Elizabeth Royall - Artist, Rockland

Ethan Surman - Artist, Toronto

Feura - Artist, Toronto

Ian Marc - Artist, Toronto

Laila - Artist, Toronto

Leah Holtom - Artist, Toronto

Leila Dey - Artist, Toronto

Mighloe - Artist, Toronto

Sainty - Artist, Mississauga

Skip Waiters - Artist, Brampton

Supaveen - Artist, Toronto

Quebec:

Cyani - Artist, Montreal

Gabriella Olivo - Artist, Montreal

Museums - Artist, Montreal

Renon - Artist, Montreal