Fanshawe alumni, New Friends, win $100,000 national contest

The band that got its start in Fanshawe’s music industry arts (MIA) program recently won a contest worth $100,000. New Friends entered Slaight Music’s “It’s Your Shot” contest back in January.

“We were sent a link from one of the professors at the school and just kind of put in a submission, not really thinking anything of it,” says keyboard player, Ayden Miller. “As the months went on, we found out we got into the top 25, then the top 10, top five. We got a call from Slaight that we had won. It was really exciting.”

The alternative rock band formed in 2018 when they met as classmates. The band consists of Stefan Boulineau (lead singer), Conrad Galecki (bass, drums, backup singer), Cole Wilson (guitar), and Miller.

“It’s been a kind of overwhelming experience the last couple of days because honestly, we’ve been working so hard with the band for the last two years,” says Miller. “Throughout this pandemic, it feels like we’ve been working every day towards our goals. To find out that someone is interested in investing in your dreams is really cool.”

All of New Friends’ songs have been mixed by MIA program coordinator, Dan Brodbeck.

“When I heard their first song, ‘Purple Candy’, I loved it so much I offered to mix the song for free,” says Brodbeck. “This award is the result of the band’s talent, hard work, and support from our MIA crew. I’m beaming with pride for what they’ve accomplished and the opportunities in front of them.”

The prize for the “It’s Your Shot” contest includes recording six original songs, worldwide distribution of a multiplatform digital EP release, promotion and marketing support (including the development of an official website), and live performance opportunities in 2021 and beyond.

“I think we’re pretty self-sustainable almost in a way, but to have people to work with and build a team around, it’s going to be huge,” says Miller. “I think it can definitely help us market our music better and hopefully get us out to a larger audience.

The band played at London Music Hall’s Rum Runners venue on Nov. 19 alongside ‘Lost in Japan’, another MIA band. They performed songs from their latest EP, Lovestruck, which was released on Nov. 12. New Friends says the EP brings a lot of energy.

Miller says Fanshawe’s MIA program played a key part.

“It was such an amazing program. They prepared us for everything. I think if we hadn’t gone through the program and learned what we did, we definitely wouldn’t be as prepared as we are now for things coming up in our careers. And obviously, we wouldn’t have met. It was a very special two years.”

They graduated from MIA in the spring of 2020 and say they are still super close with their former colleagues.