Samsung Canada and Collective Arts Announce the Three Winners of Samsung True North Tunes
Samsung Canada and Collective Arts Announce the Three Winners of Samsung True North Tunes
The national artist-development program names its inaugural grand finale winners, connecting three emerging Canadian artists with industry mentorship, live stages and creative production opportunities designed to move their careers forward
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Canada, in partnership with Collective Arts, today named the three inaugural grand finale winners of Samsung True North Tunes along with three curator picks, marking a new chapter for a national artist-development program that attracted over 2,000 artist submissions from across the country.
The three winners were recognized as Fan Favourites selected based on votes across social media and the Samsung True North Tunes website. Apart from the grand finale winners, three additional artists who participated in the Samsung True North Tunes contest were selected by the program’s curators based on their Distinctive Sound, Marketability, Collaboration Potential and Growth Potential as they continue their music journey.
Grand Finale Samsung True North Tunes Winners:
- Josh Moore – Vancouver, BC
- Ryan Van Lee – Haliburton, ON
- Angelique Dancel – Toronto, ON
Curator Picks:
- YASSiN & Sean Terrio – Toronto, ON
- Kaiya Gamble – Calgary, AB
- Hibana – Montreal, QC
Turning Discovery into Real Career Opportunities
For the three grand finale winners and the curator picks, being selected is not the end of the journey, it unlocks the next stage. Samsung True North Tunes is designed to turn national discovery into real career opportunities by connecting emerging artists with the industry relationships, live stages, creative experiences and audiences that can help them build momentum beyond the program.
Each grand finale winner will receive individualized support based on where they are in their career, including:
- Custom Collective Arts Collaboration: A limited-edition Collective Arts craft beverage featuring original artwork created in collaboration with each artist and renowned artist Tiffany Chin for being a go-to gig poster artist in the industry. Approx 100,000 artist-branded cans will go to market.
- Analogue Studio Recording & Video Session: A 25–minute live performance recorded straight to tape on mid-’70s analogue equipment at Lacquer Channel Mastering with a master engineer.
- 1-on-1 Executive Mentorship: Tailored multi-session mentorship matching each winner with established Canadian music veterans across A&R, 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
- Live Performance Pathways: Direct opportunities to perform on stages across Canada through Collective Arts venues and partner showcase networks, including the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
- Samsung Tech & National Reach: The three grand finale winners will receive a Samsung 65" The Frame TV and Sound Tower Outdoor Speaker, alongside paid media amplification, a custom vinyl and a True North Tunes trophy
*Curated Picks will receive: studio recording time, executive mentorship, and their own Collective Arts custom beer cans.
“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.”
“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.”
The Next Stage for the Three Grand Finale Winners and Curator Picks
To celebrate the winners, Samsung Canada and Collective Arts will host an exclusive showcase on November 21, 2026, at the Collective Arts venue in Toronto.
The evening will feature live performances, the official unveiling of their custom-designed Collective Arts beverage cans, and an industry mixer bringing together mentors and music partners.
Building on its inaugural year, Samsung True North Tunes is expected to return in 2027, continuing to create opportunities for emerging Canadian artists to connect with new audiences, industry relationships and experiences that can help move their careers forward.
Canadians can meet the three grand finale winners and curator picks, discover their music and follow what comes next in 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, tablets, and digital appliances. For more information, visit samsung.com/ca.
About Collective Arts
Collective Arts is a lifestyle beverage company founded on the belief that creativity should be part of everyday life. Since 2013, the brand has supported and featured thousands of artists and musicians from around the world, using its platform to bring art, music, and culture into everything it creates.
