Controversial cancon CONTEST KING!
“CanCon”, short for “Canadian Content” was an initiative undertaken in the 1970s by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to ensure Canadian Radio and TV stations supported Canadian content.
By the 1980s, there were a range of CanCon requirements depending on the radio band (AM or FM) and music programming format. AM Radio required 30% of the music broadcast in a day be Canadian. A number of radio-driven song contests were set up to identify and promote new upcoming Canadian talent.
By the late 80’s/early 90’s, these contests had become a gateway for emerging artists. I was such an artist. Whether Country Music, Pop or Rock, I'd submit an entry, and more times than not was rewarded, either as winner, or at least finalist, and then be featured on their promotional cassette/compact disc.
romeo, where for art thou?
In one contest, I had won the latest gizmo in music production technology, a Yamaha QX-3 Midi Sequencer. I dove in with both feet and caused quite a stir when I then competed live, solo, with programmed backing tracks. The result (as they say) spoke for themselves, and I was awarded with yet another bundle of studio time along with Bill Henderson (of Chilliwack fame) producing. The resulting recordings led to my next two contest wins.
Still chasing that Pop Music rainbow…
More – Romeo (1988)
CFOX Vancouver Seeds 4
Music & Lyrics by Bruce Coughlan
Bruce Coughlan – vocals, programming
Produced by Bill Henderson
Engineered by Dave Slagter at Inside Track Studios
Noone – Romeo (1989)
CFMI Home Grown Volume 3
Music & Lyrics by Bruce Coughlan
Bruce Coughlan – lead vocals
Produced by Bill Henderson
Engineered by Dave Slagter at Inside Track Studios
a new musical fronteer
Then one day, I woke up with the nostalgic sounds of Doo-Wop Music ringing through my brain. It seamed so soulful and timeless in nature. It seemed authentic, so I hired a drummer and bassist, went into a studio and recorded two songs. These two simple songs faired very well in the CANCON contests of the day, and changed the entire direction of my musical career.
When the Time Comes - The Hightops (1989)
CKXY Vancouver Kicks 2
Music & Lyrics by Bruce Coughlan
Bruce Coughlan – lead & backing vocals, classical guitar
Chris Nordquist – drums
Rene Worst – double bass
Lou Iannone – backing vocals
Engineered by Lou Iannone
Gotham City Recorders
Mastered at Little Mountain Sound
Produced by Bruce Coughlan