Next Big Thing: Three Canadian artists who could see Juno glory next year

The weekly Next Big Thing column highlights what’s bubbling under the surface in entertainment with a look at rising stars in the world of music, as well as standout TV shows, movies and web series that would be a shame to overlook.

Heading into Sunday’s Juno Awards telecast, we consider the next generation of Canadian performers who could wind up with nominations at the 2017 ceremony.

DRAKE’S HOMETOWN HEROES

Even if you haven’t heard of Majid Jordan, you may have already sampled their music.

The Toronto-based R&B duo are the masterminds behind Drake’s track “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” which became one of his biggest hits in 2013.

Now Majid Jordan is building their name as a standalone act.

The pair formed after singer Majid Al Maskati and producer Jordan Ullman met as students at the University of Toronto.

Drake stumbled upon their early work online and asked them to collaborate with him.

Drake has backed their self-titled debut album on his OVO Sound record label.

Majid Jordan’s album is packed with low-key songs spurred by infectious hooks. One of the standouts is the opening track, “Learn From Each Other.”

Watch the music video for “Learn From Each Other” on YouTube: http://bit.ly/21WBs8i

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COUNTRY GIRL RIFFING

Singer Meghan Patrick topped Spotify Canada’s viral chart last month with her pop-infused country party anthem “Bow Chicka Wow Wow.”

The song, Patrick’s first single from her forthcoming debut album, is laying the groundwork for a promising career — but this isn’t her first time at the rodeo.

Patrick, who was born and raised in Bowmanville, Ont., broke into the music industry as lead singer of indie roots trio the Stone Sparrows.

“Bow Chicka Wow Wow” was co-written by Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger, who also worked on other tracks set to appear on her album.

Watch the music video for “Bow Chicka Wow Wow” on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1ZQHW9h

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FALL RIVER PRINCE

An Elvis impersonator’s son is behind some of the East Coast’s most promising new sounds.

Singer Jon Bryant says the musical influences his father shared with him ranged from the hits of “the King” to traditional southern gospel songs.

Bryant says his experiences in the scenic suburbs of Fall River, N.S., also inspired his style that he calls “dream-folk music.”

Watch the music video for “Light,” taken from his third album “Twenty Something”, on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1Y3ZCwH

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