Local alternative-rock radio station Live 88.5 has hosted the Big Money Shot competition for the last seven years. According to its website, the station and its owner have poured over $3 million into the competition that seeks to launch the next great artists.
On paper, this sounds extraordinary. A multi-part battle of the bands highlights local talent, gives the band some access to high quality recordings, and gets bands exposure in Ottawa and potentially across the nation.
Bands that have won this competition have generally been successful, but only Hollerado has toured extensively outside of Ontario.
The competition should instead focus on building an organic community—one that serves not only the artists of today but gives resources for the bands, audio engineers, and producers of tomorrow.
If Live 88.5 and its parent company Newcap Radio are serious about launching Ottawa artists and having them gain national exposure, they need to refocus.
The nature of the competition does not foster a community around the bands. It doesn’t help them set up tour schedules or teach them how to balance playing music with part time jobs, school, and family.
Instead of helping to create a sustainable music atmosphere in Ottawa, the station brings in big name producers, doing a disservice to the talented studios and audio engineers working with local bands and all independent musicians in Ottawa.
