CBC is giving up-and-coming music artists the chance of a lifetime in their Searchlight contest. Searchlight is a contest designed to help choose the next great musical act in Canada. There are 24 Searchlight finalists from across Canada, and one of the finalists happens to be from Cranbrook!

Good Ol Goats is an alternate folk group composed of teenagers: Nolan Ackert (lead vocals, banjo and guitar), Angus Liedtke (guitar, dobro, banjo, harmonica and vocals), Theo Moore (standup bass and backing vocals), Angus MacDonald (mandolin, backing vocals and fiddle), Joelle Winkkel (shaker and backing vocals) and Juilian Bueckert (drums).

The lyrics and melodies the group presents are both heartfelt and spirited. The band gathers their influences from The Avett Brothers, The Head and the Heart, Mumford and Sons, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Upon first listening to the band, definite hints of Mumford and Sons lingered in their melodies, however, the band cultivates a sound all of their own which will surely leave you with chills.

On Thursday, March 7th the third round of CBC Searchlight ended where Good Ol’ Goats were chosen to represent the Radio West Region. This was obviously an amazing experience for Good Ol’ Goats which paid off as they now join the top 24 in the competition.

Best wishes go out to the young Cranbrook band as they are most definitely the youngest and newest to the music scene of the 24 competitors. Good Ol Goats will be competing with musicians who have performed at major events including the Juno’s, the Olympics and with artists who have performed in cross-country tours.

Of the top 24, 16 acts remain. These 16 acts will compete to take home the grand prize of being featured in a CBC Music video session, a paid performance at the CBC Music festival in Toronto and will also receive $20,000 worth of music equipment, courtesy of Yamaha Canada Music.

By voting for your favourite artist, you can also be entered to win $1000 in music gear. Voting ends Sunday, March 24th at 11:59 pm ET.

Let’s make sure our homegrown Good Ol’ Goats feel our love…vote now!

Photo Credits: Joel Robison Photography