Over the last two years I have been fortunate enough to receive a substantial amount of tour support funding from the Radio Starmaker Fund. During the Covid-19 pandemic, a time when traditional live shows were not possible, the RSF provided me with funding for virtual shows — a huge blessing.

Today’s music industry has many stakeholders that require compensation for their time and efforts, especially on the touring side of the business, and this reality can take a toll on artists’ bank accounts — especially those just starting out. The RSF has been my saving grace on more than one occasion, giving me the freedom to play tour dates that otherwise would have not been financially feasible.

I am lucky in the sense that I’ve been able to have success in Canada relatively early on in my career, and the USA has also begun to embrace me. But outside of North America, specifically Europe, it can be an uphill battle for Canadian artists to make their mark. Thanks to the RSF there is funding for international touring, aimed at increasing my profile beyond the borders of North America.

I often hear from musicians in the USA about how lucky we are as Canadian artists to have access to funding support like the RSF; it gives us a leg up on other countries. The RSF is truly a godsend, which helped give me peace of mind during what have otherwise been a very difficult last 24 months.

Jade Eagleson