It all started with eight semi-finalists, now we’re at three, which were chosen by Canadians through an online vote, and who now get to participate in a week-long SOCAN songwriter trip to Nashville, perform at a major country music festival, and attend an exclusive mentorship session in Toronto with influential people from the industry.
The final three artists for SiriusXM’s Top of the Country consists of Windsor, ON’s Kelsi Mayne, Maniwaki, QC’s Matt Lang, and Winnipeg, MB’s Tim & The Glory Boys. We were lucky enough to snag interviews with each of these talented artists.
First, we had a chat with Kelsi Mayne, and now we’re talking with Matt Lang, who has recently released a self-titled EP, check it out HERE.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am a singer-songwriter from Maniwaki, Quebec.
I released my first English, country music EP last September and since then, things couldn’t be going better. In less than a year, I signed with Jayward Artist Group and am already working on my next album.
You are in the top 3 of SiriusXM’s Top of the Country music competition, how does it feel to be competing for the top spot?
It’s honestly hard to believe sometimes, to see how great and fast things are going. I am so grateful for the support I’m getting, from streams to people buying my album, coming to my shows, and voting for me in this competition. Being in the Top 3 already gives me incredible opportunities to meet new people and introduce my music to a new market. I am so thankful.
The competition originally consisted of eight semi-finalists, what were your first thoughts when you found out you were one of the semi-finalists?
It felt like a confirmation that I’m doing what I’m supposed to. That I’m in the right place. It was a huge pat on the back to encourage me to continue.
The winner will receive a grand prize of $25,000, what would your first plan be for the winnings?
I would definitely invest in my career, but I would also want to do something nice for my family who have been supporting me since the beginning.
What’s new with you in your career? Do you have any new releases, tours or anything else in the near future?
I am currently on tour all across Quebec and have a busy summer filled with festivals. We have so many great festivals in Quebec including St-Tite and the brand new Festival New Country Brome where my good friend Tebey will also be performing. I’m also recording some new music and working on my next album. We will be releasing a first single very soon and I’m very excited for what’s to come.
If you were asked to give a newcomer some advice, what would it be?
Believe in yourself, work hard and surround yourself with people you trust and believe in your project. Teamwork is key!
Last but not least, is there anything you’d like to say to the fans who are voting for you?
Just thank you! Thank you for listening to my music and sharing with me how it makes you feel. Thank you for supporting me and making my dreams come true by doing what I love most for a living. I owe it all to the fans.