Samsung Canada and Collective Arts Announce Three Winners of Samsung True North Tunes
Samsung Canada, in partnership with Collective Arts, today announced the three inaugural grand finale winners of Samsung True North Tunes, alongside three curator picks selected from a talented group of emerging Canadian artists. The milestone marks a new chapter for the national artist-development program, which received more than 2,000 submissions from musicians across the country.
The three grand finale winners were selected as Fan Favourites, based on votes cast through social media and the Samsung True North Tunes website. In addition, three participating artists were chosen by the program’s curators based on four key criteria: Distinctive Sound, Marketability, Collaboration Potential and Growth Potential.
Meet the Samsung True North Tunes Grand Finale Winners
The inaugural grand finale winners are:
- Josh Moore – Vancouver, BC
- Ryan Van Lee – Haliburton, ON
- Angelique Dancel – Toronto, ON
The program’s three curator picks are:
- YASSiN & Sean Terrio – Toronto, ON
- Kaiya Gamble – Calgary, AB
- Hibana – Montreal, QC
Together, the six selected artists represent a diverse range of emerging Canadian musical talent and will gain access to opportunities designed to help them build meaningful connections, expand their audiences and advance their careers.
Turning Discovery Into Career Opportunities
For the grand finale winners and curator picks, being selected is only the beginning. Samsung True North Tunes is designed to transform national discovery into tangible career opportunities by connecting emerging artists with industry relationships, live performance opportunities, creative experiences and new audiences.
Rather than simply recognizing artists through a competition, the program is focused on providing practical resources and connections that can help musicians continue building momentum after the program concludes.
Each grand finale winner will receive individualized support tailored to their stage of development, including creative collaborations, recording opportunities, mentorship, live performance pathways and national exposure.
Creative Collaborations with Collective Arts
As part of their prize package, each grand finale winner will collaborate with Collective Arts on a limited-edition craft beverage featuring original artwork created in collaboration with the artist and renowned artist Tiffany Chin, recognized as a go-to gig poster artist in the industry.
Approximately 100,000 artist-branded cans will be brought to market, giving the selected musicians an opportunity to extend their creative identities beyond music and connect with audiences through a highly visible physical product.
Professional Recording and Video Experience
Each grand finale winner will also receive an Analogue Studio Recording & Video Session, featuring a 25-minute live performance recorded directly to tape using mid-1970s analogue equipment at Lacquer Channel Mastering, working with a master engineer.
The experience will provide the artists with professionally produced performance content while giving them the opportunity to work within an authentic analogue recording environment.
One-on-One Mentorship from Music Industry Veterans
Understanding that developing a sustainable music career involves more than creating music, Samsung True North Tunes will connect each grand finale winner with experienced Canadian music professionals through tailored, multi-session executive mentorship.
Mentorship will span areas including A&R, artist management, radio, publishing and festival curation. Participating industry partners include Craig Northey, Shannon Burns, Imani Walker, Adam Bentley, Cristina Fernandes, Kyle Fisher, Jen Cymek, Brendan McCarney, Patrick Bateman and Aubrey Winfield.
The goal is to give emerging artists access to experienced perspectives, industry knowledge and relationships that can help them navigate the business side of their careers.
Creating New Live Performance Pathways
Live performance will also play an important role in the artists’ development. The three grand finale winners will receive direct opportunities to perform on stages across Canada through Collective Arts venues and partner showcase networks, including the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
These opportunities are designed to help artists gain valuable stage experience while introducing their music to audiences beyond their existing fan bases.
Samsung Technology and National Exposure
The three grand finale winners will also receive a Samsung 65″ The Frame TV and Sound Tower Outdoor Speaker, along with paid media amplification, a custom vinyl and a True North Tunes trophy.
The combination of Samsung technology and media support is intended to give the artists additional visibility while celebrating their achievements as part of the inaugural Samsung True North Tunes program.
Curator picks will also receive meaningful career-development opportunities, including studio recording time, executive mentorship and their own Collective Arts custom beer cans.
Supporting the Next Wave of Canadian Music
“The depth of talent and passion we’ve seen throughout Samsung True North Tunes is inspiring,” said Tafari Jilany, Head of Corporate Marketing, Samsung Canada. “Our three grand finale winners and curator picks represent the next wave of Canadian music. Through Samsung technology and a national platform, we are proud to give these artists the exposure and tools they need to reach new audiences and take their careers to the next level.”
For Collective Arts, the program reflects the importance of creating connections between artists and the broader creative and music ecosystem.
“Building a career as an emerging artist today is about much more than just making good music, it’s about finding your circle and navigating a complex industry,” said Toni Shelton, VP Brand & Strategy at Collective Arts. “Samsung True North Tunes serves as a bridge between talented musicians and the broader ecosystem around them. By putting these artists on stages, introducing them to key industry networks, and pairing them with experienced mentors, we’re creating a conduit for meaningful relationships that will continue to support them long after the program wraps.”
Celebrating the Artists in Toronto
To celebrate the inaugural winners and curator picks, Samsung Canada and Collective Arts will host an exclusive showcase on November 21, 2026, at the Collective Arts venue in Toronto.
The event will feature live performances from the selected artists, the official unveiling of their custom-designed Collective Arts beverage cans and an industry mixer bringing together mentors, music professionals and program partners.
The showcase will provide an opportunity for the artists to celebrate their achievements while connecting directly with members of Canada’s broader music and creative communities.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Following its inaugural year, Samsung True North Tunes is expected to return in 2027, continuing its mission to create meaningful opportunities for emerging Canadian musicians.
Through national exposure, mentorship, creative collaborations, live performance opportunities and industry connections, the program aims to help more Canadian artists reach new audiences and take important steps forward in their careers.
Canadians can meet the three grand finale winners and curator picks, discover their music and follow their True North Tunes journey at truenorthtunesmusic.ca.
About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.
Samsung Electronics Canada inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices,
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