Said the Whale won $75,000 in the PEAK Performance Project contest in 2010. (Photo: Jonathan Taggart)

Applications are now being accepted for the third year of the PEAK Performance Project; a seven-year, $5.29 million contest open to up-and-coming musicians in British Columbia. The project was created by Vancouver rock radio station 100.5 The PEAK and provincial organization Music BC to develop British Columbia-based emerging artists.

Each year, 20 finalists from British Columbia receive an intensive one-week training program in the music business, including areas such as live performance, songwriting, marketing and promotion. Artists benefit from mentorships from some of the music industry’s top professionals and performers. Each artist will perform on the 100.5 The PEAK stage at the Surrey Canada Day Celebration July 1, 2011. The Top 20 will also be required to participate in a Vancouver 125 program, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Vancouver.

Of these 20 artists, five will be chosen to record professional demos to be released as part of the project, and the top three will be crowned as the PEAK Performers of the year. The top five will share $240,500 in cash for career development. The first-place winner receives $100,500; second place receives $75,000; third place, $50,000; fourth place, $10,000; fifth place, $5,000. Last year's top three winners, in descending order, were Kyprios, Said the Whale and Vince Vaccaro.

Details on the selection process, as well as more information on the project, can be found on the PEAK Performance Project website. The application deadline is April 29, 2011, and British Columbia-based emerging musicians are invited to apply now online.