The CBC Searchlight: Hunt for Canada's Best New Artist is on and Revelstoke Homecoming performer Christina Amelio is the name to remember.
A single that Amelio (known musically as Nina Amelio) co-wrote with Mark Zubek of Zedd Records in January, 2015 entitled Who Do You Think You Are? is a contender in the CBC Music Searchlight.
Amelio, who has been played on the CBC radio in the past and has a CBC artist profile page, was contacted by the CBC, who suggested she enter the popular public voting-based competition. Currently in the regional voting stages, Amelio has made it through the first round. “I've made it to the top 20 artists in the region,” Amelia explains, “If I make it through to the top vote for the region, then I will go head to head with the other regional winners.”
The new pop single is about making a stand in an abusive or bullying situation; be it mental, physical or verbal. “It's a very personal message and meaningful to me,” Amelio explains.
The song has already connected with many people, it has been shared on anti-bullying social media sites and has gained traction with CBC Radio One. It has also been re-tweeted on Twitter by CBC Radio One and Yamaha Canada.
Unsure of her timeline but hopeful to perform in Revelstoke again this summer, Amelio has nothing but fond memories of growing up in town and performing at Homecoming last summer.
“I have many friends in Revelstoke, and they've been such great supporters of me and my career,” she said. “At the beer gardens after Homecoming, the band playing pulled me onstage for a spontaneous performance. It was so much fun; a favourite set of mine even in the rain! I'd love to play in the plaza this summer.”
In addition to writing and recording new music and entering the CBC Music Searchlight competition, Amelio recently auditioned for Big Brother Canada, season 3. “I didn't make it onto the show,” Amelio laughs. “But I made it pretty far with auditions. The casting director wants me to audition next year. We'll see.”
In the meantime, Amelio will focus on her music and job as a vocal and stage instructor at Super Cat Studios. Check out her CBC artist profile page http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Nina-Amelio.