It’s not easy being an artist.
In the face of increasing competition, social media stars, and rising urban rent costs, young artists need all the help they can get.
And that’s where whiskey steps in. No, no, not in that way…
Since December, Jack Daniels’ Supporting Act has been making the musical wishes of creative Canadians come true.
All you need to do is record and submit a one-minute video asking Jack Daniel’s for what you need to keep music in your life at JDSupportingAct.com and they’ll make it happen. The digital initiative gives both musicians and music lovers what they need to truly kill it in their career or passion.
Case in point: Money for a tour bus, studio recording time, music lessons, a new amp or upgraded instrument, concert tickets, a chance to meet your musical idol, and even certain living expenses as artists take the time to record their next album are provided.
The project launched with a video featuring JD Ambassador Sam Roberts, who granted up-and-coming rockers Sam Cash with free studio time. Roberts also gifted a couple of music students with a new guitar and music lessons, and surprised new artist Lisa LeBlanc with a tour survival kit to tackle life on the road.
Since then, every two weeks the most engaging and creative music stories are chosen for the video short-list. If your video didn’t make the cut, it will still be posted on the video page and you can always try again next round.
Think you’ve got this in the bag?
The videos must be 60 seconds in length, clearly state what it is you’re seeking, and your request must have a maximum value of $7000 – in the spirit of Jack Daniels’ Old No. 7. The videos are voted for online and judged by a panel of professionals on the following criteria: Story (the more candid, compelling, and entertaining, the better), creativity (as in, your bedroom probably won’t make the cut), and presentation (a grainy home video won’t win over the votes).
Here are just a few of the wishes that have been granted:
Kink the Band: The all-female grunge rock band Kink won the chance to record with Steve Albini in Chicago.
Tim Popek: Popek won everything he needs to set up his online drum school, including an electronic drum set, software, and a brand new computer.
Young Running: This young band won the opportunity to tour the Rockies – Banff, Jasper, and Whistler – this winter.
Nominees for Round #4 include Stacey Kay, who is making waves with her Uptown Funk cover (60k+ views!), Indie Week winners Stone Iris, and Toronto rap artist Dynesti. You can check them out here.
If you’d like to see your video on the site and have your own musical desires fulfilled, get moving – submissions close on February 12th.
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