It’s no secret that making it as an indie artist is a hard grind. Poorly-attended opening slots, hardly any pay, and sharing a van with too many people are all more than familiar than those on the come-up.

Occasionally, though, the best musicians catch a break.

For the third year in a row, Jim Beam has partnered with the Canadian Music Week (CMW) Indies to give a leg up to an act that’s ready for a bigger stage. Last night marked the turn of Vancouver—one of 10 cities across Canada to host a local showcase—to spotlight the best of B.C. artists.

The Jim Beam “Make History” Talent Search has been in full swing since November 1, when applications opened for online submissions. The B.C. entrants were whittled down to the five top acts, which performed at the Roxy on March 14 in front of a panel of three music industry judges. Only one was selected to represent the province in the next stage of the competition: the chance to perform at Canadian Music Week 2019 in Toronto.

The selection of acts chosen to wow the crowd was diverse by every measure.

First to take the stage was Ms Panik: a Haida Gwaii-born loop-pedal aficionado, and powerful MC. Beginning her set by playing a First Nations drum and proclaiming that she liked to start off her act “a little weird”, the performer next settled into her unique brand of hypnotic rhythms, looped guitar riffs, and wholesome rap. Soulful acoustic melodies let her showcase her rich vocal range and smart use of technology, cutting a charismatic figure in all-black on the stage.

Next was Kamloops-based Madison Olds, an artist that is no stranger to local press. With songs featured on CBC radio and CTV, CMT Chevy Top 20, and the Kamloops 2018 B.C. Winter Games, Olds has already begun to see success with her particular variety of pop. Olds played her tracks with a country twist, strumming a white acoustic guitar behind the mic. Backed by her family at the showcase—her dad took on bass duties while her brother manned the drum kit—she covered a range of tracks in her 15 minute slot, controlling the ebb and flow of the energy for the crowd.

Country artist Melissa Livingstone was next to take to the stage. Armed only with an acoustic guitar (and, for one track, mandolin), she enthralled the crowd with her flawless vocals and country twang, singing story-driven lyrics peppered with relatability. Livingstone chose to add two covers to her set—Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”—both of which highlighted her ability to make a track unique.

Vancouver Island’s Sterling proved hard rock is alive and well, filling its 15 minute set with a raw wall of sound. Virtuoso guitarist Mike Sudar gave a masterclass in soloing, while bassist Cary Cooper and drummer Keith Newman held a tight rhythm line. Singer and guitarist Tammy-Lou Nieman called the shots as band leader, moving the crowd from one high-energy track to the next.

Last to perform was Dark Stone, capping off the night with a high-octane quarter-hour of blues-infused metal. Charismatic frontman Matt Mintenko owned the stage with his guttural vocals, while his brother, guitarist Jason Mintenko, shredded through power chords and solos. Drummer Stefan Grabowski never dropped a beat despite playing at double-time tempos with razor sharp double kicks.

After a period of deliberation, the judged decided to name Madison Olds as the regional winner for B.C., and send her on to the next round of the competition. Olds will receive an invite to perform at the 2019 Canadian Music Week festival, and has been automatically entered to compete against the nine other regional victors across the country for a shot to perform at the Indies Awards. In addition, she’ll have the chance to record her own single at Metalworks Studios: an outfit recognized as Canada’s recording studio of the year 17 times at the CMW Industry Awards.

Follow Kate Wilson on Twitter @KateWilsonSays