Caraquet Celebrates 21st Song Addicts Finalists with Album Launch

Acadian Music Scene Thrives Thanks to ‘Accros de la Chanson’ Competition

Caraquet, NB – For over a decade, Joey Robin-Haché has been a driving force behind ‘Accros de la Chanson’ (Song Addicts), a pivotal musical competition nurturing emerging talent in Acadia. the competition, recently honored with the “Black Curtain – Éric-Mathieu Doucet” award, is lauded for its profound impact on the region’s musical landscape.

Antoine Chiasson, president of the Fédération des jeunes francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick (FJFNB), presented the award alongside Robin-Haché, recognizing the competition’s sustained commitment to fostering young musicians.Robin-Haché emphasizes his dedication stems from a deep love for the stage and a desire to empower the next generation of Acadian artists. “Seeing the importance it had with young peopel, thread by needle, was crucial,” he stated. “‘Accros’ is a pillar of training and influence for musical emergence in Acadia, equipping artists for future success.”

The competition fills a void Robin-Haché himself experienced as a teenager. He believes a platform like ‘Accros de la Chanson’ could have accelerated his own musical journey.

“To see the results it achieves with young people, we may not realize it, but ‘Accros de la Chanson’ likely contributes to over 80% of musical emergence in Acadia,” Robin-Haché asserts.

The competition’s success is evidenced by the flourishing careers of numerous artists who have passed through its ranks, including the group Mass, Maude Sonier, Maxime boudreau, and Sam Newman of the Pineapple group.

The enduring Legacy of Youth Music Competitions

‘Accros de la Chanson’ exemplifies the vital role youth-focused music competitions play in regional cultural advancement. these platforms aren’t simply about discovering the next star; they’re about building a enduring ecosystem for artistic growth. they provide invaluable opportunities for young musicians to hone their skills, gain performance experience, network with industry professionals, and receive constructive feedback.

the competition’s emphasis on training and equipping artists for long-term careers distinguishes it from purely talent-scouting events. This holistic approach ensures that emerging musicians are not onyl artistically gifted but also prepared for the practical realities of navigating the music industry.

As Acadia continues to cultivate its vibrant musical identity, ‘Accros de la Chanson’ stands as a testament to the power of community investment in the arts and the enduring impact of nurturing young talent. The award serves as a powerful reminder of the competition’s importance and its continued commitment to shaping the future of Acadian music.

How does the release of the 2025 album contribute to the preservation of *Song Addicts*’ legacy?

A Milestone for New Brunswick Music

Caraquet, New Brunswick, is buzzing with excitement as it celebrates the 21st anniversary of the Song Addicts music competition and the launch of an album featuring its finalists. This annual event, a cornerstone of the Acadian music scene, has consistently unearthed incredible talent and provided a vital platform for emerging artists. The album release marks a important milestone, preserving the legacy of Song Addicts and showcasing the diverse musical landscape of the region. This year’s celebration isn’t just a party; it’s a testament to two decades of fostering musical creativity in Eastern Canada.

The History of Song Addicts: A Local Legacy

Founded in 2004, Song Addicts quickly became a beloved tradition in Caraquet. Initially conceived as a local karaoke competition, it evolved into a full-fledged songwriting and performance contest.

Hear’s a timeline of key moments:

2004: The inaugural Song Addicts competition is held, attracting local singers and songwriters.

2008: The competition expands to include artists from across New Brunswick.

2012: Introduction of professional music industry judges to provide mentorship and feedback.

2017: Song Addicts partners with local recording studios to offer finalists professional recording opportunities.

2024: The 20th anniversary is celebrated with a special concert featuring past winners.

2025: The release of the first compilation album featuring finalists from across the 21 years.

The competition’s success is rooted in its commitment to supporting original music and providing a supportive habitat for artists to hone their craft. It’s a breeding ground for Acadian music,New Brunswick artists,and Canadian songwriters.

The 2025 Album: A Collection of Rising Stars

The newly released album is a vibrant collection of songs representing the breadth of talent discovered through Song Addicts over the years.Featuring a diverse range of genres – from folk and pop to rock and traditional Acadian music – the album offers something for every listener.

Key features of the album include:

Genre Diversity: Showcasing the eclectic range of musical styles nurtured by the competition.

Professional Production: All tracks were professionally recorded and mixed,ensuring high audio quality.

artist spotlight: Each artist receives a dedicated profile in the album booklet, detailing their journey and musical influences.

Digital availability: The album is available on all major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music) and in physical format at local retailers.

The album serves as a powerful promotional tool for the artists involved, increasing their visibility and opening doors to new opportunities. It’s a fantastic resource for discovering emerging musicians and New Brunswick music.

Impact on the Caraquet Community & Local Economy

Song Addicts isn’t just about the music; it’s a significant economic driver for Caraquet. The annual competition and album launch attract visitors from across the province and beyond, boosting local businesses and tourism.

Here’s how:

Increased Tourism: Events associated with Song Addicts fill local hotels,restaurants,and shops.

Local Employment: The competition creates temporary employment opportunities for event staff, sound engineers, and marketing professionals.

cultural Enrichment: Song Addicts enhances Caraquet’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.

Community Pride: The event fosters a strong sense of community pride and celebrates the region’s artistic heritage.

The competition’s success demonstrates the power of music to revitalize communities and drive economic growth. It’s a prime example of cultural tourism and community development in action.

Supporting the Artists: Where to Find Their Music

Beyond the album, fans can support the Song Addicts finalists in several ways:

Streaming Platforms: Follow the artists on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services.

Social Media: Connect with the artists on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Live Performances: Attend their concerts and shows in and around Caraquet.

Website & Merch: Visit the official Song Addicts website (if available) for artist profiles, tour dates, and merchandise.

Local Radio: Request their songs on local radio stations.

By actively engaging with their music and supporting their careers, fans can help these talented artists reach their full potential. This is a great way to support autonomous artists and the New Brunswick music industry.

Future of Song Addicts: Looking Ahead

Organizers are already planning for the 22nd edition of Song Addicts, with exciting new initiatives in the works. These include:

Expanded Workshops: Offering more