For the sixth consecutive year, the SOCAN Foundation has revealed the winners of its annual award for young Canadian songwriters aged 21 and under, sponsored by SiriusXM Canada. Five young creators, hailing from various regions of the country, with diverse styles and influences, have each received a $5,000 prize in recognition of their exceptional talent and artistic potential. Five other songwriters have also been selected by the jury for the “Ones to Watch” category, accompanied by a $1,000 prize, honoring the quality of their work, and encouraging them to continue on this path.
“Each edition of the Young Canadian Songwriters Competition gives us the opportunity to discover promising artists with remarkable talent. This year, the quality of the applications is exceptional and bodes well for bright careers ahead,” said Rob Keen, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and CCD at SiriusXM Canada. “We’re honored to support these emerging artists and accompany them in this crucial stage of their musical journey.”
The winners of the Young Canadian Songwriter Awards, sponsored by SiriusXM Canada, are:
Custie, for “ONE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN”
Custie is an emerging alternative pop artist from London, Ontario. His distinct style explores pop music at the intersection of folk, R&B, and alternative. Custie credits his knack for musical exploration to influences such as Frank Ocean, Prince, King Krule, The Beach Boys, and D’Angelo. Over the past six years, Custie has developed his musicality and songwriting while releasing short albums and performing live. In 2021, he earned the Youth Award at the Forest City London Music Awards, for winning the “High School Battle of the Bands” competition. At 21, Custie continues to hone his songwriting, production, and performances, while pushing musical boundaries and expanding his local recognition.
DAPHNE, for “Movies”
DAPHNE, an indie pop artist based in Toronto, captivates with colorful melodies and expressive lyrics that urge listeners to crank up the volume and roll down their windows. Her debut single, “Consequences,” received an honorable mention at the 2023 edition of the Young Canadian Songwriters Competition. In the same year, she scored original music for the BBC teen drama Boarders. DAPHNE has performed at renowned venues like the TD Stage at Massey Hall, The Drake Underground, Supermarket, and Bond Street Event Centre. Songwriting is her therapy, a way to transform internal struggles into upbeat jams. Her music inspires both her and her fans to approach life with a light heart.
Kateryna Grace, for “Then I Left”
Kateryna Grace is a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with Ukrainian roots. Her musical journey began early when she discovered her passion for singing and piano, which naturally progressed into an interest in guitar. Kateryna has impressed crowds at various events, such as the Saskatchewan Music Awards, Taste of Saskatchewan, TeleMiracle, Canada Day Saskatoon, and Folkfest Saskatoon. She’s also performed solo concerts and appeared on several radio shows. Through her music and introspective songs, she seeks to create meaningful connections with her listeners, and enjoys knowing that her audience can relate to and identify with her lyrics. Her songs address themes such as social issues, women’s empowerment, as well as universal love and acceptance.
Maude Sonier, for “La neige”
With her warm voice, authentic presence, and outstanding charisma, singer-songwriter Maude Sonier is making her way in the Francophone and Acadian music scenes. Hailing from Miramichi, New Brunswick, she sings passionately and enthusiastically about her eventful twenties, and tells stories of love and friendship. Her experience as a finalist at the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet and the Festival International de la chanson de Granby has allowed her to gain multiple stage experiences throughout New Brunswick and Canada, from Saskatchewan to Newfoundland and Labrador. In March 2024, Maude released her first EP, Demi-tour.
Miss McLeod, for “No Drama”
Singer-songwriter, performer, and accomplished producer Miss McLeod showcases her full talent in her latest album titled Sugar Khane, which drew a packed house at its release party. This album stands out, as every track was fully created — written, produced, arranged, and composed — by Miss McLeod herself. Her recent release, “No Drama,” also includes a music video that she produced and edited. Her talent has taken her to prestigious stages such as the Apollo in Harlem, RBC Blues Fest, TD Place, and many other renowned venues.
Congratulations also to LostsOfficial for “I’ll Be There;” Felix Quastel for “Blue In The Night”; Freeze The Fall for “Masquerade”; Isabelle Samson for “The Notebook”; and Mehr Saini for “Wanting you”; who are all winners in the “Ones to Watch” category.
The jury, composed of music industry experts and recognized songwriters such as Calamine, Carleton Stone, Laurent Bourque, Maddie Jay, and Terez Goulet, meticulously reviewed the numerous submissions. The diversity of the musical styles presented was particularly remarkable.
The dates for registration for the 2025 SOCAN Foundation competitions will be announced on the Foundation website in early 2025.