Lethbridge’s own Shaela Miller has been named the final winner of Project WILD, an Alberta country and roots music contest.
Miller will now receive the grand prize of $100,953, as well as an invitation to an in-person boot camp along with the other 12 semi-finalists. The competition saw artists complete challenges based around the various skills involved in being a professional musician, including performance and song writing, and also marketing and business strategy.
From a pool of 12 who gave live performances in February, Miller was one of three finalists who performed in a sold-out showcase at the King Eddy, alongside Kyle McKearney from Airdrie and Strathmore’s Drew Gregory. Past winners include Mariel Buckley, The Prairie States and Tanya Ryan.
While the competition mainly focuses on contemporary country music, Miller’s music leans more towards traditional roots, inspired by artists such as Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline. The competition was funded by Alberta Music and the WILD 953 Calgary radio station from which it is named.
This year was the fifth and final edition of Project WILD, with the competition beginning in 2016. Song writing and music contests like this, often promoted through flyer printing and online outreach, can provide major opportunities to up-and-coming artists.
Miller was named the winner of Project WILD on March 27. The artists also recently released the single Tidal Wave, off her album Big Hair Small City.
