Navigating the constantly evolving music industry as an emerging artist can be a challenge. Standing out in a digital world requires a mix of skill, strategy, and sometimes even a bit of luck.

While the internet provides many opportunities, it’s also hard to break through the noise. Virtual stages are one of the most effective ways for you to get heard. But getting eyeballs on live streams has become an art form in itself. That’s why initiatives like First Up with RBCxMusic are integral—a program that gives emerging artists across Canada a larger platform and unique chance to connect with new fans nationwide.

Performances may define an artist, yet navigating the right-brain business side is just as important. Providing a platform for exposure, financial support, and mentorship opportunities with renowned international artists like Ali Gatie, Tenille Arts, and DVSN makes First Up with RBCxMusic incredibly valuable. And new program additions like their partnership with The Remix Project ensures equal opportunities for all with workshops featuring high-profile music industry leaders.

For its second round this year, First Up with RBCxMusic selected 27 applicants and nine Round 1 alumni from various backgrounds and genres to participate. Keeping tabs on the vibrant virtual performances taking place across Canada, we pulled aside a few participants to discuss their music, motivations, and future goals.

NOA

Age: 24
Sign: Scorpio
Shower Song: “Love on Top” by Beyoncé

NOA writes immaculate R&B-tinged pop songs full of fire and emotion. Following her studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, she’s already got much to celebrate, including an appearance on CTV’s The Launch in 2019 and more than 2 million streams on Spotify. “I just want to make people feel less alone,” she tells us. “That’s why I do music. I want my fans and listeners to know I’m here for them.”

Born into a musical family, her happy melodies paired with raw and vulnerable lyrics have helped cultivate an already healthy fanbase, but NOA is just getting started with plans to release her debut EP in 2021. 

What is the secret to a good live stream? 

I shot my last virtual performance at my friend’s studio in midtown Toronto and we had a lot of fun shooting it. We did three songs and the response was really cool. I hope my live streams can make people feel a little closer together and give them a moment to clear their heads and escape into the world of music.

Why is First Up with RBCxMusic important to you as an emerging artist? 

It’s great to be a part of a program that helps up-and-coming artists and gives them mentorship and networking opportunities. It’s also amazing because it comes at a time when artists need support more than ever, especially the ones who rely on performing live.

Check out NOA’s performance for First Up with RBCxMusic on her IGTV.

Nixxon

Age: 30
Sign: Cancer
Shower Song: “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins

Music has always been a part of Nixxon’s life. His parents were both musicians and raised him on a healthy diet of Whitney Houston, Sade, and Amy Winehouse. So it’s safe to say the Toronto rapper was born to follow his current path as a lyricist who knows how to work smooth elements of R&B and forward-thinking pop into his creations. 

His latest single, “Tomb Touch,” highlights his razor-sharp delivery and his penchant for head bobbing beats, putting him on the map as a rising voice in rap music beyond his Toronto home base. Opening for Sean Kingston and selling out venues around the city has been part of his trajectory as a rising talent and 2021 is coming in strong with more singles in the queue.

What is the secret to a good live stream? 

Lighting and testing the audio on whatever device you’re using to record will always be the key to your success. 

Why is First Up with RBCxMusic important to you as an emerging artist? 

It gives artists an opportunity to showcase their talents on a new platform that is also backed by successful artists. Especially during COVID, artists obviously can’t book live venues, so we have to find other ways to continue doing what we love.

Check out Nixxon’s performance for First Up with RBCxMusic on his IGTV.

Marylou Villegas

Age: 22
Sign: Cancer
Shower Song: “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

It all started with a YouTube channel at the age of 12 for Marylou Villegas so she could share her songs with her grandmother back home in the Philippines. “I didn’t expect it to become what it is today,” she confesses. “I was just this little shy girl who wanted to sing and be like Tori Kelly and all those people on the internet.” Over time, her sugar-coated voice generated a momentum that couldn’t be ignored, so she taught herself how to play guitar and eventually self-produced her 2018 debut, Voice Memos, an R&B acoustic album recorded at home in her bedroom using her iPhone. 

As a First Up with RBCxMusic alumni, Villegas had the opportunity of learning first-hand from songwriter Jessie Reyez during Round 1. Reyez gave her a glimpse of her career trajectory, as someone who came from a similar beginning. “As an emerging artist, it’s so hard because you’re surrounded by so much talent that it’s easy to doubt your abilities,” Villegas says. “But I have learned to realize that I have my own capabilities and I’ve been given my own gifts.”

What is the secret to a good live stream? 

When it comes to live stream performances, I think success comes from one’s ability to just be themselves. Cameras can get intimidating but they capture and document one’s growth as an artist, and to me, that’s the best part. My advice would be to try and make yourself as comfortable as possible. Whether that be finding a space that is familiar to you, wearing something you feel confident in or even having someone in the room that makes you feel more at home. When your audience can sense your ease and confidence, they are then able to groove along with you from the convenience of their own screens.

Why is First Up with RBCxMusic important to emerging artists? 

In a time when all the stages are closed and gigs have been cancelled, RBC has provided a platform for emerging artists to share their talent on a virtual stage. Artists are put in a space to network with other artists and follow people who they never would have discovered otherwise. It was such an awesome experience. They give you creative freedom to present yourself and your music to the world. I’m excited to be returning in Round 2 as alumni.

Check out Marylou’s Round 1 performance for First Up with RBCxMusic on her IGTV and stay tuned for her Round 2 performance on Saturday, December 19 at 7 p.m. EST.

Follow the RBCxMusic Instagram page for more information on First Up with RBCxMusic, including exclusive content and details on upcoming performances.