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During a special tribute to iconic PEI songwriters Stompin’ Tom Connors and Gene MacLellan, PEI 2014 Inc. today launched the PEI 2014 Song Search to find an original song to embody the spirit of the PEI 2014 celebrations. The PEI 2014 theme song will be rousing, anthemic and celebratory, and will be sung for years to come.

“Prince Edward Island has no shortage of talent when it comes to songwriting as demonstrated by Stompin’ Tom, Gene MacLellan and Lennie Gallant,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Henderson who participated in the combined concert/media event. “The PEI 2014 Song Search offers the winning songwriter an opportunity to garner fantastic exposure through PEI 2014’s regional and national marketing initiatives and to leave a musical legacy for future generations.”

The PEI 2014 Song Search is open to songwriters who call the Island home, that is, who were born or currently live in PEI. Submissions will be accepted online at www.pei2014songsearch.ca until July 15, 2013. Full details about the call for submissions, recording, production and performance of the song are available in the attached backgrounder.

A judging panel consisting of music industry professionals and PEI 2014 representatives will determine the semi-finalists from all song submissions. A panel of three internationally renowned Canadian songwriters: Island native, Lennie Gallant; Our Lady Peace lead singer, Raine Maida; and Chantal Kreviazuk, will judge semi finalist entries.

"As someone who has often written about PEI on my musical journey, I am glad to be part of the search for an exciting theme song that will represent the spirit of the Island and the unique role it has played in building this great country," said Lennie Gallant, one of three PEI 2014 Song Search judges. "There is a lot of great talent on this Island and the song search is a wonderful opportunity for its musicians and writers to get excited about this coming celebration, and to showcase their stuff at the same time. I look forward to hearing what they come up with!"

The 10 semi-finalist songs will be announced by August 15 and the winning song by September 10, 2013. The winning songwriter will take home a cash prize of $7500.

PEI 2014 Inc. is also pleased to announce official media sponsors The Guardian and Journal Pioneer, and Ocean 100 and Hot 105.5, for the year-long celebration. Both media sponsors were on hand to participate in today’s exciting announcement.

In 2014, Canadians will mark the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the historic 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Confederation. PEI 2014 Inc. is facilitating the planning, promotion and implementation of the Sesquicentennial celebrations. The PEI 2014 celebrations are made possible through generous support from the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Government of Canada. The year-long and province-wide PEI 2014 program of events will honour the past, celebrate the present and plan a bold tomorrow.

Backgrounder

0PEI 2014 Song Search

PEI 2014 Inc. will commission a theme song to be used in local, regional and national marketing campaigns as well as at all PEI 2014 events. The catchy and upbeat theme song will be an integral part of the PEI 2014 celebrations. The process for finding, recording, and promoting the song will take place as follows.

Call for Submissions/Top Entry Selections

The call for song submissions is open from May 31, 2013 until July 15, 2013. The PEI 2014 Song Search is open to songwriters who call the Island home, that is, who were born or currently live in PEI. Submissions will be accepted online at www.pei2014songsearch.ca until July 15, 2013

Judging

A judging panel including music industry professionals and PEI 2014 representatives will determine the semi finalists from all song submissions.

10 semi finalist songs will be announced by August 15, 2013.

Three internationally renowned Canadian songwriters - Lennie Gallant, Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazukhave agreed to judge the semi-finalist entries.

Recording and Production of Song

One of the judges will act as producer for the song.

The winning entry will be professionally recorded within two weeks of the announcement date, September 10, 2013. Arrangements will be made for the coordination of the production, recording and post-production of the song at a location in PEI.

Distribution of song to music download websites will be ensured. (iTunes).

World Live Public Premiere of PEI 2014 Song The winning song will be performed by the winning artist/band at the PEI 2014 New Years Eve concert on December 31, 2013 in Charlottetown.

This will be part of a larger concert including a major musical act and program designed to bring in 2014 with a bang.